The Baker

Chapter 48

It was amazing having Ben around all the time. Him and Cassie got to do things like any normal couple, despite the occasional flash of a lightbulb when they went out. They went shopping together, they took long walks in the Heath every night, they would go out and have drinks after Cassie came home from work. It was perfect. 

Ben actually got so bored from being home alone when she was at work, that he volunteered to help around the bakery. So, when he wasn't in meetings with his agent about possible movie roles and what-not, fans could see him sweeping the floors or selling pastries at Cutie Cakes. Sometimes, he would be back in the kitchen with Cassie, helping her bake. 

Ever since the article came out, the shop has been a sensation! People from all over the world came to try her baked goods. At one point, it got so busy that Ben had called his parents and some of his friends to come and help out. 

They couldn't close until around eight because there were so many people still waiting in line. 

After that day was over, Cassie had passed out on the couch in the bakery from complete and total exhaustion. Ben watched her with a smile on his face and a beer in his hand. His parents were still around, making sure everything was stocked up and clean. Adam and Kate were there, as was Mark, James, Martin, and Amanda. 

Once everything had officially calmed down, they all sat in the bakery's sitting area. Ben sat next to Cassie and carefully lifted her sleeping form on to his lap. She stirred a bit, but curled up to him and buried her face in his neck. He smiled and kissed her head. 

They all talked quietly amongst themselves and drank whatever beverages were left. Ben saved Cassie a beer for when she woke up, if she woke up. Right now, she was out cold. 

"You snatched up a good one, Ben," Amanda told him in a hushed tone. Everyone agreed. Wanda piped up, saying, "Now, we're just waiting for your engagement announcement." Ben turned crimson red and put his lips on Cassie's head, refusing to comment. He didn't need them talking about that when she could be listening. 

Everyone continued to talk, until there was a sudden knock on the door. They all looked at each other with confused expressions. "I'll tell them fuck off," Martin offered. He got up and walked the few feet to the door. 

"No one can see us in here, right?" James asked. Ben shook his head and told him, "Half the lights are off, there aren't any windows in this area, so I don't know how anyone could see us." Mark offered his opinion, saying, "Fans that might have been camping out, maybe?"

"Yeah, but they would have come sooner, I'm sure," Adam said. Just then, Martin came back and said, "Um, Ben, there's a girl here and she says she knows Cass. Her name is...Jess? I think."

Ben furrowed his eyebrows. Why would Jess be here? I thought she mended things with her parents and moved back to California. What the hell is she doing here now? 

Sighing, he moved Cassie back on to the couch without waking her and made his way to the door. He immediately saw her through the glass. It was Jess alright. Great, it's only been six months since she slapped the bejesus out of Cassie, so what does she want?

Ben watched Jess light up with hope, but also flush with fear, as he opened the door. "What?" He sharply asked. Jess looked a little brought back by his tone, but cleared her throat and told him, "I'm here to see Cass." 

"Why?" He barely let her finish her sentence. "Because," she explained, "I want to apologize. Look, I have had a lot to think about these past several months. What I did was wrong and--." Ben rolled his eyes and interrupted her, saying, "Oh, save it! Personally, I don't give a shit what you have to say. You hurt her in the worst way and I will never forgive you for that, even if she does."