Straight from the heart

Straight From the Heart Part 3

 Savanah

It's three in the afternoon and I'm finally able to take a break. Today has been more than I could've dreamed of. The line-up at the store started at eight this morning and by the time we opened at nine, there must've been twenty people waiting in line. It's been a sea of people ever since. Though, my mind keeps flashing back to the stunningly beautiful man that came in this morning. He had light brown wavy hair with a curl falling in his eyes, which were a beautiful milk chocolate brown and a smile that would brighten any woman's day. When I handed him his pie and tarts I swear I saw a flash of desire in his eyes, or maybe that's just wishful thinking. I'm not what you would call a desirable woman. I've always been a bit curvy but over the years my curves have become more pronounced. I've always liked my blue eyes and my long black hair has very few greys so far in it, thankfully.

I get up off the stool and start preparing more pie dough. My friend Prue is helping me out today so that I wasn't overwhelmed, but if it stays this busy I'm going to need to hire someone fast. That's fine by me, it's a good problem to have. I shake my head in still not quite believing how well the opening has gone. As I knead the dough, I find my thoughts keep wandering back to that man that bought the tarts and pie and I hope that he'll be back again soon. A small smile creeps on my face and I can't remember the last time I've been this happy. I can't wait until Sunday, my kids are all coming home for family dinner so they can all come and see the bakery. Well, that and my fabulous homemade shrimp and grits, they're favorite. I think I might even make my gumbo as well. I haven't had all three of my kid's homes at the same time in what feels like forever.

I finally finish all the pies and tarts for the following day. I look at the clock and see it's already eight. It's been two hours since Prue locked up and said goodbye for the day. I look around the now quiet shop and smile with satisfaction. I'm really quite proud of myself. My former husband always said that I would fail if I tried to open a bakery, but here I am, living my dream.

Once I'm home I kick off my shoes, my feet sighing in relief as they hit the cool marble that lines my entryway. I head up the plush carpeted stairs and into my bathroom. I start filling the huge soaker tub and add some lavender-scented bubble baths. Immediately, the scent hits my nostrils and I can already feel myself relaxing. I let my clothes fall to the floor and slip into the tub allowing the bubbles and scent to surround me. I lean my head on the curve of the porcelain tub and close my eyes, as I let out a sigh of relief. Wiggling my aching toes, I let the hot water works its magic on my muscles.

The ringing of the phone startles me and I realize I must've dozed off for a few minutes. I hastily get out of the tub, wrapping the huge, fluffy, bath towel around me, I rush into the bedroom and grab the cordless phone.

It's my oldest daughter Scarlet, "Hey mom! How was the first day at the bakery?" she asks me with excitement in her voice.

Smiling into the phone I tell her, "It was busy from the moment we opened, until the moment we closed. It seems like Pies and Tarts Straight from the Heart is a smashing success if day one is any indication. We even ran out of items so I made even more for tomorrow."

Laughter fills my ears, as my daughter says, "You sound so surprised. Everyone knows how great your pies are. I'm sure as soon as word got out you were going to open a bakery, people were all ready to come and buy your treats! I'm hoping you'll still have a pie for us to have Sunday night for dessert. I know that everyone loves your peach pie but I've had a craving for your pecan pie if you can spare one."

"Of course. Anything for you. Maybe I'll bring one of each home. Lord knows your brother eats like he's got a hollow leg to fill," I tell her, sharing in her laughter. We chat for a few more minutes before a yawn escapes from me and Scarlet lets me go. I head to the cherry wood sleigh bed and pull back the goose-down duvet comforter and the sheets. I slide into bed and pull the covers up to my chin, the warmth of the blanket surrounding me with the warmth of a hug.