Black Roses

VISIT

It's been a year since Sarai called off her engagement and wedding. She stuck to her word and stayed away from Alex, blocking him completely out of her life. Ms. Millie allowed Sarai to stay in the upstairs apartment of the flower shop until she got her own place.

After she attended her grandmother's funeral the family's attorney reached out to her. He told Sarai there were a few discrepancies in her grandmother's last Will and Testament and she was entitled to a large sum of money.

Apparently, the paper Sarai signed for her mother was for her grandmother's home, not her savings or insurance money.

Within six months she had her own home and opened up her bakery, Sweethearts. It was a local favorite and out-of-towner hot spot.

The bell chimed as the door opened, causing Sarai to look in that direction. Alex walked in, looking around. She stayed calm and professional.

"Welcome to Sweethearts. How can I help you?"

"Hi, Sarai. Cute little shop you have here."

He still was a very good looking man but Sarai knew better.

"Thank you. What can I get you?"

Alex walked towards the glass enclosure full of delicious cupcakes, muffins, fresh baked cookies and other sweets.

"Your heart but I'll take four of the blueberry muffins for now."

Sarai tried to ignore some of what he said while fulfilling the latter part of his request.

"I've missed you, Sarai and I've never stopped thinking about you."

She ignored his words, bagging the small box of muffins then gave him his total.

"Wow, you're still as beautiful as ever."

"Will that be all, Sir?"

She continued to ignore his words but he could see it affected her.

"Yes, for now."

A couple of customers came into the bakery and Alex gave Sarai a 100 dollar bill.

"Keep the change."

He winked at her then left out the door and finally Sarai allowed herself to relax.

***

I can't believe Alex came to the bakery. I guess I couldn't avoid him for too long.

For the next few weeks, I was getting orders once or twice a month for his company. I tried not to complain because they were big orders and I made a decent amount of money from them.

But that Friday, Gabrielle came in to pick up the order. Was I happy to see her? No. But I can still be professional.

"Hello, how can I help you?"

"Hello, Sarai. I'm here to pick up my order."

Of course she says my name making things personal. I gave a nod and grabbed her basket of treats.

"Oh, I wasn't expecting it to be that big. Do you mind bringing it to the car for me?"

It took everything in me not to roll my eyes. I called out to my baking partner to let her know to watch the front.

Carrying the basket outside, I followed Gabrielle to her car, trying to find a reason why she couldn't carry this herself. Then I saw Alex in the driver's seat.

"Look, honey...do you see how big this basket is?"

The entire time he stared at me while she talked. He got out of the car, opened the backseat door then he grabbed the basket out of my hands. His hands caressed mine and I tensed up.

"Thank you, Sarai." He stared into my eyes.

"You're welcome."

I immediately turned to walk away as I heard Gabrielle fuss at him.

Later that night, I laid in my bed with Alex on my mind. I've not dated anyone since I left him. Some nights I do get lonely and miss his touch but being so close to love yet so far away made me afraid to date anyone new.

As I drifted off to sleep my phone buzzed. I was going to ignore it but it was my baking partner so I answered.

"Hey, Jessica...what's up?" I yawned.

"Sarai! The bakery is on fire!"

"What?!" I jumped out of bed.

"Everything is ruined!"

Her cries made me fear the worst and I sped my way to the bakery. When I pulled up all I could do was cry. She was right...everything was ruined.

I filed a report with the police department, unable to take my eyes off what was once my dream. They said they'll investigate the cause and contact me. And informed me to reach out to my insurance company.

Can't you do anything right!

My mother's words kept replaying in my head as I drove off from what used to be my pride and joy that's now burned to nothing.

I kept driving in a daze, not ready to go home. Then I realized I was far out of town. I saw a bar and decided I wanted a drink.

"Tucker's Sports Bar....never been here before."

I wanted to drink and wallow in my sorrows. There were a few cars in the parking lot which was great. I walked inside and went immediately to the bar. An ice cold beer was placed in front of me and I sipped myself to another bottle.

I'll just reach out to my insurance company, file a claim and build an even better bakery.

My optimistic mindset started planning the rebuilding of my bakery and that's when I heard the sound of motorcycles outside.