WE SHOULD STOP NOW

PART 21 - THE FAIR

JOANIE

"Oh my goodness, he's now got over 200,000 followers. Isn't that insane?" I laugh as I hold up my phone for Caleb to see.

Caleb puts down the x3 boxes, stacked high of my cupcakes that he's unloading from the boot of his car onto my stall table and takes my phone grinning before handing it back to me.

"Who's a good boy Bruce. You're Mr Popular huh?" He says as he bends down to give our big bear of a dog a big cuddle which results in Bruce wagging his tail madly and giving out one of his big throaty grumbles.

For years my sister Phoebe has been managing Sammy's financial accounts and advertising for his Carpentry Company and his business is seriously booming. Phoebe was across all their sleek websites and social media pages, something I'd never really thought about doing for my own bakery until recently.

After my catch up with my sister, she came up with this idea to get Bruce his own social media page called the 'Bakers Dog'. I kind of thought it was a bit silly at first, but my god, people actually come into my store now to visit Bruce and nine times out of ten they'll even stay for a cake or a coffee.

The social media page even helped me land this stall slot that I've been desperate to nail down ever since I opened up my bakery. If today goes well, it could really help me to bring in more money instead of me breaking almost even most months. My bakery means everything to me, but long term I know if I can't start earning more income, I'll end up going bust.

"Hey beautiful, what's this flavour I'm eating? It tastes kinda strange." Caleb says with a mouthful of cupcake. I peer up from my phone where I'd been looking at some funny photos of Bruce and nearly gag when I spot what Caleb's eating.

"No, that's one of the doggy ones...they've got bone marrow in!" I stifle a laugh.

"Fuck," Caleb splutters, spitting out the cake just as some potential customers walk past looking disgusted. "No, they're really good I swear!" He cocks a grin at them, but the couple walk off not amused.

"You're gonna put me out of business." I giggle.

"Yes, but thanks to that cake, I'll now have a luscious mane of hair like Bruce." He smirks back, flicking his hair playfully. "Come, give me a kiss." Caleb says mischievously as he attempts to grab me but I run around the table.

"There's no fucking way I'm kissing you till you brush your teeth." I squeal.

"Come on, one big smooch." Caleb laughs and grabs me around the waist and pulls my back to his chest pinning me into him. I slap my hand over my mouth. "Don't you fucking dare." I say muffled through my hand.

Caleb laughs before pulling away. "OK, OK."

I watch him as he heads back to his car as he fishes out a small bag before closing the boot and coming back to my stall just as I start to unpack the displays.

"Here, I got you this." He smiles as he pulls out a big grey winter hat with a big furry bobble and pulls it on my head. "It's gonna get cold today, snow is coming tonight. You gonna be OK out here all day?" Caleb asks as he flicks my hair over my shoulders.

"You got me a hat?" I beam.

"Yeah, gotta keep my girl warm." He smiles. "I'm sorry I can't stick around to help today but Coach wants me to help out with that game..."

"I know, I know. I told you a million times that it's fine." I say honestly. I'm happy his coaching is working out well for him, especially if he can land a full time job doing what he loves.

"Cool, well I'll be back later to help you pack up." He smirks, before lunging forward and kissing me on the lips. I push him back disgusted, cleaning off my mouth with the back of my hand.