The Baker

Chapter 5

        Six-thirty could not come any slower for Cassie. All day, she’s been distracted about her and Ben’s second date. She told Jess all about it once she got into the office that morning, and was painfully rewarded with ear drum shattering squeals. At her lunch break, Cassie went back to her place and picked out a dress that was fancy, but not too fancy. It was simple and elegant. She also grabbed her make-up bag and some jewelry. Luckily, she and Jess had employee showers put in, so she just used those to shower. When she was done with that, she slipped on her dress and dabbed on a little make-up. At exactly seven, Jess peaked her head into the room and said, “Red Jag, seven o’clock! Oh, and a hunk of a man, your man, just got out of it.” Cassie looked at Jess and asked, “Do I look okay?” Jess’ mouth nearly dropped at the sight of her friend. “Damn, Cass. You look hot! Planning on getting some tonight?” Just then, a booming voice called from inside the shop, “Hello? Cassie?” Before Cassie could say anything, Jess was already making her way to Cassie’s hot date.

“She’ll be right out,” Jess called, as she entered the shop from the back room. Ben smiled and took a deep breath. Breath, Ben, breath. It’s just dinner, it’s just—. His mind went completely blank when he saw Cassie come out of the back room. She looked completely gorgeous to him. She was dressed up, but she wasn’t too dressed up. It went almost perfectly with his white, button up shirt, black blazer, and black slacks. As much as I love that on her, I think it might look better on the floor. “Hey,” she smiled. Ben was silent as he looked her over in amazement. Look at those curves. Mmm, again, what I wouldn’t do… “Wow,” was all he managed to get out. Cassie blushed and looked at the floor. When she looked up at him, he was smiling at her. He asked, “Ready?” She nodded and he led her out to his car. He held open the passenger door for her, then practically tripped over his own feet in excitement when going to his side. Once they were securely in the car, Ben turned to her and asked, “Is there any specific music you like?” She shyly shook her head. “I like any kind, really.” “So, you wouldn’t mind the Stones, then?” Cassie eyes widened and she scoffed, “Are you kidding?! I fucking love the Stones!” Ben chuckled and said, “I think we’ll get on just fine, Ms. Hansen.” A Stones fan, a baker, and a writer. Hell, I’ll marry her right now! Though, I’m sure the folks would fancy meeting her first. After they settled on a song, Ben drove off towards the restaurant. It was literally around the corner. They didn’t really need to drive. In fact, it would have saved Ben ten dollars in valet parking, but he didn’t mind. He offered Cassie his arm, as they stepped inside the place and she shyly took it. “Reservation for Cumberbatch,” he told the hostess. She looked over her notebook and said, “Ah, yes! Right this way, Mr. Cumberbatch.” She led them through the busy restaurant, when they finally settled in a round booth, big enough for ten people. “I’m sorry,” the hostess apologized. “We only opened a few days ago, and with all the booking, this is the best we could do.” “It’s perfectly fine,” Ben told her. He and Cassie slid in and sat comfortably side-by-side. They looked over the wine menu and decided on one, since they brought them by the bottle. They were trying to decide on an appetizer, until Cassie saw the prices. “Oh my gosh, Ben. Look, let me split the bill with you.” He scoffed, “Absolutely not! You paid on our first date, now I’m paying on our second. And I will also be paying on the third and fourth.” “Wow,” she smiled. “So sure of yourself.” He smiled back and asked, “Would you deny a third?” Without losing eye contact, she casually took a sip of her wine, then said, “Depends how tonight goes.” “I’ll be sure to make it go perfectly,” he smirked. Leaving the price issue behind them, they decided on an appetizer and their meal. They were excited for their food, both explaining how they hadn’t eaten all day, just so they could be sure they could finish their meal here. Much to both their disappointments, the food portion was unbelievably small. They exchanged glances at each other as the waiter set down their food. Ben mumbled a ‘thank you’, but as soon as the waiter was out of ear-shot, he said, “Well…I must admit, I’m one for…big portions.” He rubbed his neck nervously and thought to himself, Great. Now she’ll think you’re a pig. Cassie sighed and said, “I must admit that I’m the same. I mean, hell, give me a couple boxes of pizza and I’ll eat it!” Ben laughed and agreed with her. A girl who’s not afraid to eat. Good, maybe now I’ll have someone to share my junk food with. They both tucked into their meals, and for as good as it was, it was still too small. Once the waiter collected their plates, Ben whispered in Cassie’s ear, “What do you say we get a burger or a couple boxes of pizza?” Cassie thought for a moment, then smiled deviously. “I have a better idea,” she whispered back. “Oh?” He asked. “And what’s that?” “You’ll see.”