Contentions(A Liam Payne AU)

Chapter 5-Bakery

“Again?” Niall asked, setting a coffee in front of me. I groaned and picked my head up off of my folded arms, eyes half lidded. My hands wrapped around the warm cup and I inhaled the scent, letting the aroma wake me up slightly.

“Mm-hm,” I groaned, taking a long gulp of the drink.  The Irish lad rested a hand on my upper back, rubbing small circles on the skin there.

“This isn’t healthy, love,” he said softly. “It’s been over a week of this; you’re dead on your feet.” I sighed, biting my lip and forcing myself to straighten up.

“I’m fine, Niall,” I reassured with a tired smile. “I’ve just had a lot on my mind lately.” For the past week and a half I had gotten little to no sleep, my mind always preoccupied with Liam and my sister. I hadn’t since seen the boxer, and Jordan was coming home drunk and covered in bruises. Everything was just…confusing.

“Do you want to talk about it? Maybe it’ll help,” he suggested, blue eyes shining with hope. I hated to crush that small spark he showed, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell him about it.

“I’m sorry,” I apologized, watching as the light faded from his face. “I-I don’t really want to talk about it right now.” He offered a strained smile and nodded.

“Well, I’m here if you ever need someone,” he said, running his fingers through his hair. “How about you take the rest of the day off, yeah? Go relax, get some rest…I’ll hold down shop here.”

“I couldn’t ask-“

“You didn’t,” he interrupted. “I suggested it. Now, go on with your bad self.” I giggled tiredly and gave him a weak hug before pulling away.

“Thank you, Nialler,” I smiled, pulling off my apron and grabbing my purse.

“No problem, Brin. Just take care of yourself, okay?” he said before turning to the sole customer that had just walked in. With a lopsided smile, I grabbed my purse from the backroom and took my coffee, sending Niall a grateful glance before I escaped out the door.

However heavenly sleep may have sounded though, I knew the chances were slim of me actually getting any rest. With that in mind I walked past my car and began to look at the surrounding shops that I had yet to investigate. They all ranged from clothing stores to small cafes, but one in particular caught my eye. A small bakery was nestled in between a pub and a small restaurant, the door to the shop slightly cracked and letting the aroma of fresh breads and cakes waft out. My mouth watered and I quickly stepped inside, a faint smile crossing my lips as I took in the quaint look to it.

“Jess, step away from the oven,” a male voice said firmly from a back room. There was a small, frustrated grunt and a bang.

“But I want to help-.”

“Now. I won’t have you getting burned again,” he spoke firmly, trays rattling and a feminine huff following. Arguing continued in the back but a small girl suddenly walked up to the counter, smiling sweetly. I couldn’t help but catch her contagious grin as she stood on top of a stool and leaned her arm against the counter, resting her chin in her hand. She was adorable, probably no older than six or seven and her golden hair hung around her shoulders, a blue barrette pinning back her hair away from her face.

“I’m Macy,” she giggled, her smile now spreading and revealing her missing front tooth. As I said…adorable.

“Well, hi there, Macy,” I said, my whole mood brightening. “I’m Brinlee.”

“Is there something you want to get, I can grab my uncle for you if you want,” she offered, hopping off her stool. Before I could stop her, she was running off to the back room and speaking quite quickly. I took the time to observe all of their pastries, settling on a chocolate muffin that was all too enticing.