Don't Hesitate

Chapter XVI

Sixteen 

"Atta boy, Jesse!" Uncle Rick hollers from the baked goods table. I had to steady the table every time he jumps up and makes a ruckus. Mindy has to keep herself from laughing as she carefully arranges the brownies and cookies back in their respectful places. 

I roll my eyes. Jesse and Trevor and their team are still warming up. 

"Kinda makes you wonder how he's like when there's an actual game going on, huh?" Mindy sighs as she looks up at Uncle Rick. I can see a glint of wonder in her eyes. I look up to Uncle Rick as well. 

All I see is a crazy looking guy in his forties waving his huge arms out in the air while shouting at the top of his lungs for no good reason. I chuckle. 

But he is a handsome guy. Uncle Rick is pretty buff for his forties, and he has an intimidating aura around him from years of being in the navy. But what people are drawn to is how quickly that aura dissipates once you get to know him, because he is a softy at heart. I guess I can see why Mindy likes him. 

"So how long have you known my uncle?" I ask, as I started to make a poster that said Baked goods for sale from Sugar and Spice!

"Ever since I went to check out the empty space next to his book shop almost a year ago!" 

My eyes widened. A year?! And they haven't even gone on a date yet? Looks like Uncle Rick isn't the only one who's rusty on the dating game. Mindy looks up at the sky and sighs. 

But what do I know? I only had one relationship and it failed miserably. 

She laughs at my incredulity. "Yep, it's been quite a long time, actually. He was the first one from this town that I met. The little space next to his was my first option for the bakery, but meeting Rick and seeing how friendly he is was a sign that the whole town must be pretty great too, so I didn't need to look for any other space." 

She smiled and I smiled in return. "I completely agree with you." I'm glad I'm back home in Beverly. I don't know much about Mindy yet, but something tells me she needed a fresh start too, just like I did, and I'm happy she got one and found it right here in this town with my Uncle Rick. 

"And ever since then, Rick has been more than helpful. He helped me get the lease for the space, introduced me to the town itself, and once I moved in he's always there. And he's here now. The grand opening of Sugar and Spice is tomorrow, and I couldn't have done it without him. And without you, Laura. Thank you kindly for helping me today." 

Boy, I gotta make that date for the two of them happen because I swear Mindy and Uncle Rick are one of the nicest people in the world and they definitely deserve it. 

"Of course, Mindy! I'd be glad to help you out whenever, especially when you need help at the bakery! I know a thing or two about baking." 

Mindy lets out a laugh that made me smile. I learned to bake from all the times I was alone at home. I find the smell of cookies and vanilla is extremely comforting, and the smell was a good way to fill up the house that was so empty. 

"I would love to have you around sometimes, if Rick wouldn't mind." 

"If I wouldn't what?" Uncle Rick asks as he sits back down his chair. The guys are done warming up and both teams are forming their separate huddles. People are slowly starting to sit at the bleachers as well, and most are already eyeing our table. 

I finish adding my finishing touches on the poster and I tape it to hang off our table. "Mindy said that I'm welcome to be of help around her bakery sometimes, if that's okay with you-"