Bakery owner, Samantha Argon, recently bought a new place in the city. In the new, lively part of Manhattan. Her bakery is very well known and popular. She lives on the apartment above the bakery. Right next door lives Branden Matthews. He is a weal...
"Here's both of your coffees and blueberry scones, enjoy." I said to the customers.
This place was PACKED now. The prices for food here are very cheap considering other places in New York.
I walked back into the kitchen to rest for a bit. Caroline was back here drinking tea.
"Haaaaa." I sighed as I sat down on a stool. I stretched my arms out and put my head on the counter. Caroline just patted my head as she sipped her tea. She's been pretty helpful getting the food ready. I've been taking orders and giving their food to them.
*Bell Chimes*
I got up with a sigh but put a smile on my face and walked out there. I stopped in my tracks. My fake smile just turned to a real one. My cheeks will hurt after this.
Branden walked through the door. He had his coat in hand and when he made eye contact with me he smiled. He walked over to me and gave me a slight hug. This blushing thing is becoming a daily phenomenon. I motioned towards the back.
Once in the back kitchen he grabbed an apron and put it on. I looked at him confused. He set his hands around him on the countertop. He looked at me sweetly.
"What do you need me to do? I am at your command." He says as he places a hand over his heart.
I nodded quickly. I grabbed his hand and pulled him behind the counter. I grabbed a notepad and pen. I tugged his arm down to whisper in his ear.
"Go take the orders. Right now of tables 4 and 8. Then number 5 has a birthday, so I'll be coming out with a cake, okay?" I whispered looking up at his blue eyes.
"Got it." He whispered back. Then he placed a kiss on my cheek and swiftly grabbed the notepad and pen. He got to work.
I stayed put looking at him work. I assessed his clothing.
He was wearing a denim button up, with rolled up sleeves. He also wore fitting dark wash jeans and Timberlines. He was so attractive it was almost annoying.
I shook my head at that thought, took another glance at him, and walked back into the kitchen to prepare a brownie cake for the birthday girl.
* * *
I turned the sign around. Closed. Caroline left a while ago, it was just me and Branden.
I set myself down on a chair. Exhausted. Then Branden took the seat across of me. He clasped his hands and leaned forward a bit.
"So, tell me about yourself." He asked simply. I was somehow reluctant about telling Branden about my past so I kept the answers short and simple. Without giving too much personal info.
"Well I LOVE baking, obviously. My favorite color is Tiffany Blue, also obvious.." Branden chuckled at that.
"I love sweets, I like tea more than coffee, my favorite animal are dogs, I love peonies, and I really like smiling. It's my medicine." I said, smiling at the end. I was a bit delirious because I was tired.
"Family?" He asks raising a brow. My face changes slightly. My grin is still there but sadness washes over me.
"My parents died of lung cancer when I was 15. I'm an only child. And the rest of my family saw no potential in me, had no faith in me, disliked me very much. So I moved to New York 5 years ago. Lived on my own 8 years with Cookie, my puppy. Opened a bakery 7 years ago. Recently moved it here, and now here we are. In the present." I said.
My face the same. I looked down at my hands and played with my fingers. Scolding myself for opening up to a somewhat stranger.
Branden suddenly grabbed both my hands in his. I looked up shyly and blushed. I felt something in my left hand. He let go of my hands. I looked at my palm. A little heart shaped stone settled in the center of my hand. It was beautiful. It seemed magical.
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"My grandmother said she got it from an ancient temple in Thailand. It's said to bring happiness out of sorrow." He said looking in my eyes. A smile inching onto my face. He smiled at me once more.
Branden pressed a kiss to my forehead. Then grabbed his coat and left. I just looked at the rock.
Would this bring me happiness from my sorrow? I clenched the rock in my fist.
I got up and went to my apartment. I grabbed an empty ring box and placed the rock in there. I set it on my nightstand next to my bed.
I showered and got dressed for bed. As I got settled in bed I stared at the rock in the darkness.
Why did Branden let me keep it? It was really beautiful. It made me happy thinking he gave me something valuable to make me happy. It was his grandmother's!
With those thoughts in my mind I fell asleep and dreamed many dreams.
