Prologue

24.9K 406 45
                                    

"Hello, welcome to Frosting and Flair

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.

"Hello, welcome to Frosting and Flair. How may I assist you today?" Yulia asked, her voice warm and inviting as she scanned the woman on the other side of the counter. The woman was dressed impeccably in tailored pants and a blouse that seemed made for her. Yulia took a deep breath as she looked into the woman's eyes, which were partly hidden behind dark-framed glasses. The woman was studying the menu intently, holding up the small line of customers behind her.

Yulia's heart raced slightly as she observed the woman's beautiful emerald eyes and perfectly sculpted face, sprinkled with freckles. Her hair was tied into a neat red bun, adorned with a pen. The combination made her look both sophisticated and approachable, a striking figure that seemed out of place in the small town bakery.

The bakery itself was a cozy haven, a small but charming establishment that Yulia had poured her heart into. The walls were painted in soft shades of pink and brown, creating a whimsical, almost magical feel. Light pink curtains framed the windows, allowing just enough sunlight to filter through, casting a warm glow over the space. Small flower pots adorned each table, their vibrant blooms adding a touch of natural beauty to the scene. The flowers were real, tended to with care by Yulia herself. She believed that real flowers added a sense of life and freshness to the bakery, something that artificial ones could never replicate.

The shelves behind the counter were lined with an array of delectable treats. Cupcakes with perfectly swirled frosting, delicate pastries, and intricately decorated cakes all sat on display, tempting anyone who walked through the door. The scent of freshly baked goods filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of coffee brewing in the background. It was a comforting scent, one that Yulia hoped made her customers feel at home.

"I would like two red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, two peach and passion fruit pavlovas, and two lemon mousse cups," the woman finally said. Her voice was calm and measured, a stark contrast to Yulia's racing thoughts. Yulia nodded, entering the order into the aging cashier computer. She made a mental note, once again, of how desperately the machine needed replacing. Another malfunction would slow down the already sluggish business, and she couldn't afford that.

"That will be $10.50," Yulia said, her voice barely above a whisper. The redheaded woman handed her a twenty-dollar bill with a graceful ease that made Yulia's own movements feel clumsy in comparison. Yulia placed the money in the register, her fingers trembling slightly as she retrieved the change and printed the receipt.

"You can keep the change," the woman said with a small smile, prompting Yulia to murmur a soft thank you. She quickly sanitized her hands and put on plastic gloves, her actions methodical and precise. As she did, the woman stepped aside to look around the bakery.

The pink and brown walls gave the bakery a whimsical, almost magical feel, as if stepping into a giant gift box. Light pink curtains framed the windows, and small flower pots adorned the tables, adding a touch of natural beauty. The woman's eyes lingered on the flowers, wondering if they were real or just another part of the carefully crafted ambiance. Her gaze then shifted to Yulia, the small brunette who owned the bakery. Yulia's plain brown eyes and dry, pouty lips were a stark contrast to the vibrant surroundings. She kept biting her lower lip, a nervous habit that betrayed her anxiety.

YuliaWhere stories live. Discover now