Sugar Rush ✔️

Epilogue

Violet

"I'm freaking out right now!" I explained, while also trying to keep my voice down. I frantically fanned my face to calm down.

Today is the grand opening of my bakery and I'm so fucking nervous. All of these doubts have been swarming my mind for the last week.

What if no one shows up?
What if my store is unsuccessful? I mean it's not like I don't have competition, there's a couple other bakeries on this side of town that do just fine.

"Calm down and stop with the doubts. There are dozens of people outside in the cold, ready for the grand reveal of this amazing bakery. This isn't something you should be stressing over, everyone out there is eager to taste what you have cooking up in here." Aria said while holding my shaking hands.

"There's people outside?" I couldn't help but ask. I know we did a lot of promoting the last couple weeks leading up to this day, but my stress and self doubt has been hindering me lately.

"Yes, between you, my family, your family, and Kostas's family spreading the word, this grand opening is a big deal. Also, why are you panicking so bad, your bakery already has hundreds of followers on your social media page. I'm pretty sure you hit 1000 on Instagram already." She said and she's right.

"I know, I think my worries come from me doing well today and then nothing tomorrow, you know? I just want to make sure people think it's worth it to come back here." I told her honestly.

Yes this opening day has been getting a lot of attraction over the last couple weeks, I even have news casters outside ready to film it.

I just really don't want to be a one hit wonder. I know my recipes are good because I spent months testing them and gaining feedback from family. I just hope the customers think the same.

"I highly doubt that will happen. Just calm down and get ready for all of the positive reviews you're gonna get because we both know your shit taste 100 times better than your competitors. Let's be real." She said, making me laugh.

"Well, I won't deny that." I told her and she smiled.

"I think I'm calm now. Where Kostas?" I asked.

"Downstairs giving your employees a rundown of what's gonna happen today." She said.
I couldn't help but laugh, he doesn't even work here, but I'm sure my employees are soaking everything he's saying up.

"You can always count on him to keep things in order." I said.

I took one last look around my office before heading down the stairs. During the construction, I also had an elevator added, for accessibility purposes.

I'm still in shock at how well everything turned out. I know I was here along every step of the way, but seeing it completed it so surreal. It's everything I hoped for and more.

As we walked down the stairs, I saw my new hires waiting for me. I thought opening day would take a little longer, but surprisingly everything happened a lot earlier than expected.

The construction and renovations were finished about 2 weeks early, which meant I could start putting out job listings, and thanks to the promotions everyone was doing, I received many applications. Within a week I was able to hire people and began training. Now everyone is ready for opening day.

It's truly a beautiful thing.

Upon reaching the last step, I began walking to where everyone stood. My heels clicking with every step I take. Both of our families and Aria's family is here to witness this moment with me. Everyone is so excited for me, especially my parents and Aria's parents since they known how long I've been dreaming about this moment.

I'm pretty dressed up today, only because of the occasion. It's a stark contrast to what I'll typically be wearing.

I had on a pink blazer dress and nude colored heels. My hair was pulled back into a low coily ponytail.

"Ready?" Kostas asked. I nodded. It was 8:55 and we'll be opening at 9 today.

He helped me put on my coat and we all made our way to the door and as I opened it, people started clapping. Wow.
Newscasters were ready with their cameras and people were taking pictures. I didn't think people would make such a big deal out of this but either way I'm very happy with this outcome. This type of publicity is very good.

Aria wasn't lying when she said there were dozens of people here. Looking at all these faces only made me more nervous. I hope I don't twist my words up.

I welcomed everyone and talked a little about the bakery before I finally went to cut the rope that devided us from them.

"I'm sure you all are tired of standing in the cold, so lets get started." I said and one of my employees, Darius, handed me a ridiculously large pair of scissors. I cut the rope and people clapped and the photographers took multiple pictures along the way. Darius and Ivy, another one of my new hires, opened the door and let everyone in.

"Welcome to Sugar Rush!" I exclaimed as everyone walked in.

I had some of my employees inside giving out free samples, which is another way I plan on getting returning customers.

30 minutes later, multiple people crowded the shop, each enjoying the samples they received, so much that they either bought actual desserts that we had to offer, or they made orders. So many people showed up, that the line stretched outside.

We received multiple orders for assorted desserts or cakes. Christmas is coming up in a couple weeks, which is why I decided to make today opening day. The holiday season puts everyone in the spending money type of mood and it really worked out in our favor.

I greeted multiple guests and asked for their feedback and its been nothing but positive reviews so far. Today is a day I've always dreamed about, but never saw coming. I couldn't be happier.

"This turn out is very good, as expected. Also, I ordered 3 dessert platters for the Christmas party we're hosting." Kostas said. He came up to me while snacking on a frosted Santa shaped sugar cookie. His sweet tooth never fails to amaze me.
I moved in with him last month, which wasn't the most ideal considering how much I had going on with the bakery at that time. I was going to move in after opening day, but something in me just said, fuck it.

"You know I would've made those anyway right?" I questioned him.

"Yes, but this way you get paid and you get help from your wonderful employees." He said with a smile.

"We're all so proud of you baby!" My mom walked up to me and gave me a soul crushing hug.
"Thanks mama." I manage to get out.
"Everything turned out amazing and it looks even better with customers inside." My dad said as he looked around.
"Yes I have to thank the architect for that." I said with a smile. 
"Eh." He waved me off.

"I guess since we're up and running, we can start the wedding planning." I told Kostas. His brows raised.
"Are you sure?" He asked and I nodded my head.
"Yeah, I was serious about what I said on Halloween." I told him.
"Well, we can start looking for wedding planners soon." He said an hugged me.

Afterwards, I began walking around and greeting guests again. Starting up conversations with them and assisting the ones who just walked in.

It's safe to say that I will have a lot of returning customers.

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THE END

Thank you so much for reading book! This is the fastest I've ever managed to finish a story.
I published this book in may and all the positive comments I received makes me so happy.
I wanted this book to be done before the end of August because I am starting nursing school soon and I didn't want this story to go on hold.
Something else I was worried about was this book feeling rushed. I hope the ending didn't feel too rushed to you.
The point of this epilogue was to show their lives months after their engagement.

Thanks again to all you readers who made it to the end.