Life In The Big Apple

how can we help

Stef's: POV
Lena just got done telling me about the girl
Who was camped out in the alley behind the bakery
Her name was Lacey and she was only fourteen
I know Lena felt bad for the young girl. But we have already a lot going on, with planning the wedding
And the kids. Our schedules are pretty full at the moment
We need to talk to the girl and see if she has any family
Lena had an morning doctor's appointment so she took Ariana and Frankie to school early. I might have to meet
This person, to make sure she's not a con artist
Apparently she has been living on the street for a whole year, l can't imagine what she's been through. I'm in the car on my way to Tasty treats. I pulled up to the bakery
We're l see Chris Emory and Asia, all standing outside
They were all in their uniforms. I see a girl who was walking towards, this must be the girl Lena was talking
Good morning Ms. Stef Chris said, good morning everyone, how's everyone doing this morning
I said. is Ms. Lena coming in today, l turned around to see the young teenage five feet away from me. I'm sorry honey she won't be in today but she told me all about you
I'm Stef by the way. I said to her, hi I'm Lacey
I wanna to thanked her for the food she bought me the other day, Lacey States. Why don't you come inside the bakery and l can you some breakfast, Stef offered
I want to intrude on your business Lacey says to
Sweetheart your not intruding. Now let me introduce you to the Crew, she walks over to us, this Chris Emory and Asia. Everybody this is Lacey. everyone, hey they all say
I disabled the alarm, and we head into the bakery
Stef turns on all the lights, the staff goes to the back
And gets clock in. While me and Lacey have a seat at the table, do you have anybody that you need to call
Stef asks Lacey, I have an aunt who lives in San Diego California and my grandparents live in Charlotte NC
I've been living on the street for the past year in a half
The place uptown let's me and shower. They give me fresh clothes to wear, it's basically a safe house for teenagers
Who wanna come in and hang out. Lacey tells me
I hand her my phone, I'll give you some privacy
I'm gonna go get us some chocolate chip croissants
Stef responds. Lacey nods her head, my heart goes out to that poor young girl, Chris is at his station and Emory just went over to the cashier. Asia's wiping the tables off
I went to Lacey and I some chocolate chip croissants
From behind the counter, Emory comes over to me and whispers something in my ear. About Lacey coming home with her after work, Emory we don't even know anything about this girl. She could be dangerous or something
Stef says to Emory, evidently Ms. Lena think so
Because she was out back talking to her yesterday
She tried to offered her food. But Lacey refused
Emory informs me, l put the croissants in the microwave
I went over to the refrigerator and got out the milk
Then pours some in a cup. And put it back in the fridge
I take the plate out of the microwave, and walked over back over to the table we're Lacey was sitting
I sat the saucer down. Did you make your phone call
Stef inquiries, yes I spoke with my aunt Amanda
She's taking the first flight out tomorrow morning
She'll be here around lunch time. Where am I gonna sleep at tonight, Lacey asks me as she takes a bite of the chocolate chip croissant. Well Emory said you can stay the night with her till morning, Stef replies. Thank you l really appreciate your help. Lacey says to me, you are very welcome. These are really good Lacey Stated
I'll make sure to let Lena know you enjoyed them
Stef replied with a smile on her face, Lacey was very much guarded. She avoided eye contact with me,