Unexpected

Cakes and Customers

I could hardly believe that another year has passed, and I can proudly say that both my daughter and my business are doing beyond great. Amari is now a walking mischievous busy body who just keeps getting more and more beautiful every single day. My baby girl is already sixteen months old, and I am thoroughly enjoying motherhood.

Life is truly looking up for me and I rarely ever think about Danté,  well not as much as I used to, so that's a great improvement.

I am currently in the kitchen working on a cake that someone ordered for the opening of a new bistro in the town's center.  I'm so excited for that bistro's opening because it would mean even more business opportunities for me as well as the other business owners in this small town. Also, it would be nice to dine there from time to time with my munchkin. As I'm assembling the cake tiers, Julia walks into the kitchen and asks me for the rest of the day off to carry her sick mother to the doctor for a check up. How can I say no to a request like that,  even if I hate attending to the customers.

After giving her my approval and wishing her mom a speedy recovery, she leaves the shop, and then it's just me and little Amari to keep me company.  While I am making all the finishing touches to the cake, I check the clock on the wall to time myself since I was informed that someone from the bistro would come to collect the cake at 1:00pm. I have approximately 20 minutes to complete my masterpiece. 

Exactly 10 minutes later, and the cake is complete and boxed, just to be collected.  I start tidying up my work area and the kitchen, when I hear the bell on the front door letting me know that I have a customer. Wiping my hands on a dishcloth, I look over to make sure Amari is good before I walk to the front of the shop. 

"Hi and welcome to 'La Pâtisserie' ".

I greeted my new customer, even though she hadn't turned around as yet. My shop has that effect on the non-locals. It's small but decorated beautifully and tastefully.

She finally turns around after her full inspection of my shop, and I softly gasp at how absolutely gorgeous she is albeit in an androgynous way. I am one of those women who appreciates another woman's beauty and can compliment her on such. I don't like people who hate others just because they're beautiful or well put together. 

"You are really beautiful".

I complimented her with a smile on my face.  She looks slightly taken aback by my compliment and clears her throat.  I take it that she is not one who feels comfortable with compliments.  Oh well not like I can take it back, and I was only being honest.  

" Is there anything that I can assist you with,  miss?".

I politely ask her while standing behind the cash register awaiting her order. She seems a little lost at my words, and she just stands there continuing to stare at me. It is fast becoming a bit awkward and intense, and I avoid eye contact and pray she would just order her pastries quickly and leave.

"I am here to collect a cake which was ordered for the new Bistro being opened later today. "

She informed me in a stern, clipped voice that made me feel like I was a child being scolded for mischief. I just wanted to serve her quickly because her aura is just to domineering for me. Clearing my throat and still avoiding eye contact with the 'headmistress', I nod head in understanding and walk to the kitchen to collect the cake,  no doubt mentally chuckling at the suiting nickname that I gave her.