*Third book in Linger series*
endure | inˈd(y)o͝or, enˈd(y)o͝or |
verb
1. suffer (something painful or difficult) patiently, just as I knew I would have to how to do on my own, and he would too . . .
. . . but the thought of the two of us enduring...
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***can we pls just take a moment to appreciate sophia being an absolute icon lol k thx***
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"I'd just like to make a toast to my mate, Dan!" Roger exclaimed, holding up his coffee cup. "I know I already said this place is amazing but that was before I had the croissants!" He lifted up a half-eaten croissant in his other hand. "And now I just have to say this place is incredible!! Here's to many more years of success for Dan so we can have many more croissants!" He let out a laugh and we all joined him.
"This is just coffee, but--" Roger shrugged before lifting his coffee cup in the air-- "cheers to the man who makes the best coffee in the world!!" He grinned at Daniel. "To Dan!"
"To Dan!!" everyone chorused, holding up their coffee cups and pastries in the air.
The bakery erupted into a loud round of applause as everyone clapped for Daniel, and I joined in.
A small smile grew on Daniel's face as he looked around at his adoring customers. He waved to them and mouthed a polite 'thank you'. Their applause only grew louder causing the smile on his face to grow.
His smile matched those of the customers as they walked up to him with enthusiasm and shook his hand. And as I watched the way his brown eyes twinkled as he spoke with them, a warmth blossomed in my heart.
And this time, I didn't try to ignore it.
This was his dream.
And as much as I tried to deny it, watching him in front of me finally achieve all he worked so hard for filled me with a happiness words couldn't describe.
A smile tugged tirelessly on his lips as he thanked the customers for coming and they nodded back just as eagerly, complimenting his baking skills. His smile grew even bigger, causing his eyes to crinkle in the most adorable way. I had to force myself to look away.
Without even meaning to, my gaze drifted to the back of the bakery where Claire was.
Mrs. Hayden sat across from her at the table now, clapping along with everyone, beaming with pride as she smiled fondly at her son.
Across from her, Claire clapped as well. However, an expression of boredom combined with annoyance accompanied her applause and she didn't bother to hide it. She simply gave three claps before folding her arms in front of her, looking over at Daniel and giving him an unamused look.
A blush now tinted Daniel's cheeks as he nodded at the crowd with a shy smile. His gaze drifted over toward his mother before noticing Claire's expression and his smile dropped.
"Now, let's go taste some of that cheesecake! I've heard it's incredible too!" Roger exclaimed with a laugh as the applause winded down.
"Oh, it's excellent!" my dad told him with a nod, still savoring his own slice.
