Echoes of Love

Chapter Twelve

EMILY'S POV

I woke up with a smile on my face, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. I couldn't stop thinking about Leon and our walk last night. The way he made me feel, the way he smiled at me, the way he walked me home.

As I got out of bed, my phone caught my eye. Leon's goodnight text was still on the screen, and I felt a flutter in my chest. "Sweet dreams, beautiful." I loved the way he made me feel.

I started my morning routine, my mind wandering to Leon. What was he doing today? Was he thinking about me too?

As I dressed and did my hair, I felt a sense of nervousness. I couldn't remember the last time I'd felt this way about someone. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

I glanced at my watch, feeling a sense of wonder about what the day might bring.

I finished getting ready, taking a little extra time to style my hair and apply some light makeup. I curled my hair into loose waves, feeling the softness of my locks as I ran my fingers through them. I applied a light layer of mascara, bringing out the brightness of my green eyes. I added a touch of blush to my cheeks, giving my complexion a healthy glow.

As I dressed, I chose a yellow sundress with white flowers, feeling the warmth of the sunshine in the vibrant color. I slipped on a pair of sandals, the soft leather conforming to my feet. I felt carefree and feminine, ready to take on the day.

I finished my look with a simple silver necklace, the delicate chain sparkling in the morning light. I felt confident and beautiful, like I could conquer anything.

I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of satisfaction with my reflection. I was ready for whatever the day might bring.

I arrived at the bakery, greeted by the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods and the warm smile of my coworker and best friend , Sarah.

"Hey, Emily! Looking lovely today!" Sarah said, as she expertly piped icing onto a tray of cupcakes.

I smiled, feeling a sense of belonging in the cozy bakery. "Thanks, Sarah! Just trying to brighten up the day."

I tied on my apron and began prepping for the morning rush, my hands moving efficiently as I arranged pastries in the display case. The bakery was a flurry of activity, with Mrs. Dupont expertly juggling phone orders and customer requests.

As the doors opened, a steady stream of customers poured in, seeking their morning fix of caffeine and sugar. I worked tirelessly, taking orders and operating the register with ease.

Despite the chaos, my mind wandered back to Leon. I wondered what he was doing today, if he was thinking about me too. I felt a flutter in my chest, and quickly pushed the thought aside, focusing on the task at hand.

The morning flew by in a whirlwind of activity, with the bakery finally slowing down around mid-morning. I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of accomplishment as I surveyed the tidy bakery. Maybe today would be a good day after all.

As the morning rush subsided, I found myself with a rare moment of quiet. Mrs. DuPont was in the back, prepping for a catering order, and Sarah was on her break. I took a deep breath, savoring the stillness.

I began to tidy up the display case, rearranging the pastries to make them look more appealing.

Just as I was starting to get lost in thought, the doorbell above the entrance to the bakery jingled, signaling the arrival of a customer. I turned to see a familiar face - Leon's friend, Alex.

"Hey, Emily!" Alex said with a smile. "Just grabbing a quick coffee before I head to work. How's it going?"

I felt a surge of excitement at the possibility of getting information about Leon. "It's going great, thanks! Just getting ready for the lunch rush."

We chatted for a moment, exchanging small talk, before Alex asked, "So, have you seen Leon today?"

My heart skipped a beat. "No, not yet. Why?"

Alex grinned mischievously. "Just wondering if he's still walking on air after last night."

I felt my cheeks flush, but tried to play it cool. "What do you mean?"

Alex just chuckled and said, "Never mind. I'll let Leon tell you himself."

With that, he paid for his coffee and left, leaving me wondering what he meant by his enigmatic comment.

I couldn't shake off the feeling that Alex had hinted at something important. What did he mean by "walking on air"? And what did it have to do with me?

I tried to focus on my work, but my mind kept wandering back to Leon. What was he doing today? Was he thinking about me too?

As the lunch rush approached, the bakery started to bustle with activity. I took orders and served customers, but my thoughts were elsewhere.

___________

I stepped into Mrs. DuPont's office, sensing a somber atmosphere. Her usual warm smile was replaced with a solemn expression, and my heart began to race with concern.

"Emily, dear, I have some difficult news to share with you," Mrs. DuPont said, her voice trembling. "I've been called away to be with my family, and I won't be returning to the city."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, my breath escaping me. Mrs. DuPont, the woman who had taken me under her wing, taught me more about the art of baking, and become like a mother to me, was leaving?

"No, Mrs. DuPont, please don't say that," I begged, tears welling up in my eyes.

She opened her arms, and I collapsed into them, sobbing uncontrollably. She held me tight, stroking my hair, and whispering words of comfort.

"I'm so sorry, Emily. I never wanted to leave you, but family is everything. I must go."

As I cried, memories flooded my mind - our late-night baking sessions, her guidance, and unwavering support. Mrs. DuPont had been more than a mentor; she was a guardian, a confidante, and a friend.

Eventually, I composed myself, and Mrs. DuPont handed me a contract. "I want you to take over the bakery, Emily. You're the only one I trust to keep it alive."

I scanned the pages, tears streaming down my face. The contract outlined a plan for me to gradually take ownership, with a portion of the profits going to Mrs. DuPont until I could fully buy the place.

"Mrs. DuPont, I...I don't know what to say," I stammered, overwhelmed with emotion.

She smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "Say you'll make me proud, Emily. Say you'll keep the bakery a success, and never forget the lessons I taught you."

I nodded, promising myself I would do just that. As we hugged, I knew I had to be strong, for Mrs. DuPont, and for the bakery. But it was hard to let go of the woman who had become my mother figure.

"I'll miss you so much," I whispered.

"I'll miss you too, dear. But I'll be with you in spirit, always."