Just Once More

Five

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          Checking out the trees of assorted cupcakes on display through the large windows, I smile for the first time today. After the disaster that was yesterday’s date with Dylan87 I need something sweet and delightful to perk my mood up. The date itself was average. We met up to listen to some live jazz then went for a drink at a close bar. For starters, I’m not a fan of jazz music but I like to give different things a try. Before going I read the tips for meeting people from the internet such as doing a little research on the person and going somewhere public.

Dylan is one of those artsy-sensitive type guys so I was taken aback when he suggested that we meet. I didn’t think I was the kind of girl he was looking for but I agreed and put on my most flattering LBD. The conversation was nothing to rave about. Our talk ranged from topics such as childhoods and jobs to interests and habits. He was a real gentleman; he waited for me to board my train before catching his.

I knew there wasn’t chemistry and I still entertained the idea of seeing him again. I’m not a frequent dater so he would be someone to amuse myself with. Then I opened my inbox to see his message saying he’d stay friends with me but “date me seriously if I lost 10-15 pounds.”  Of course I was mad and blocked the shallow arse from my page. Dylan’s not the first and I know he won’t be the last person to try to mold me into what they think I should look like. If a guy can’t accept me all bust and hips then what am I doing talking to him?

I swing the front door to Rosa’s Bakery open and let myself in, accompanied by the frosty autumnal wind. The sugary scent of baking cinnamon rolls and genuine smiles on the staff’s faces welcome me back home. I can’t resist pausing in the midst of it all and inhaling the powerful savor.

“Ah,” My smile widens as I notice the glass counter displays of every pastry you can imagine on Earth.

I sway my hips to the familiar background salsa music, weaving over to the tower of rainbow macaroons where a girl and her mother are picking up a cake order.

The teen wearing a hat with the bakery’s logo waves. “Hey! Gisele!”

“How are you, Justin?” I ask him when I reach the busy counter.

“I’m good. Boss is permanently back in the country so we’re all a little on the edge.”

I look around to see everything tidier than usual and people bustling in and out of the bakery. It’s not a far cry from the typical vibrant atmosphere but a regular would spot the slight difference. Things are a tad bit more organized and proper.

“The usual to go for you today?” Justin inquires opening up a white paper bag.

“Um, you know what? I think I’m going to eat in today. Today is not a day I want to be alone.”

“People problems huh?”

“Something like that…” I generalize, watching as he plates a few of my favourite treats from the bakery.

“When life gives you lemons…”

“… Make lemonade?”

“No.  Squeeze lemon juice in life’s eyes. That’ll teach ‘em.” Saying that, Justin sniggers as he rings up my order.

An even wider smile consumes my face. “That’s a good one right there.”

After paying and fixing a cup of tea, I amble over to an empty corner table by the window. I retrieve a couple of magazines from my handbag and read to keep myself occupied for the time been. I’m filling in my answers to a style resolution quiz when a tall shadow blocks the light that was aiding me.

“Hey, sorry to bother you but my name is Dominic.” The person’s confident exterior falters when I give them my undivided attention. “Er… I… I heard you’re a regular so I w-wanted to personally thank you for my business.”

I offer a much more discreet smile than the one slinking through his strong face. “You’re welcome for your business.”

I advance to turn back to my reading when the extraordinary happens and life as I know it changes. My heart nearly smacks out of my chest as the man’s eyes twinkle the knowledge of his error. This isn’t my first time seeing a man with pretty eyes, trust me. It’s just the way he can speak to my soul without uttering a word. Like we already know each other despite not even speaking for up to five minutes.

He claims the seat opposite mine. “You’ll have to forgive my English. I just got back from South America.”

Oh, that explains why his accent is almost as exotic as his eyes.

“Whereabouts?” I casually ask, biting into a lemon macaroon.

“Colombia. Have you visited?”

“No but I would love to go some day. I’ve been to Brazil though - it’s beautiful out there.”

“Ah, Brasil! That’s close enough…” He gestures at my plate, “May I?”

“Help yourself.” I push it towards him before asking, “So you’re Colombian?”

He nods and helps himself to an eclair. “And you are English?”

“Yes. My grandmother on my father’s side was German if that counts for anything.”

“Were you close to her?”

“I wouldn’t say we were close but we got on okay. You?”

I wait for him to finish his mouthful and allow myself a quick chance to admire his features. An olive skin tone gives away his South American roots, making me look like Edward Cullen next to him. I’ve come to the conclusion that today makes up for yesterday’s disaster. There’s no denying his attractiveness even with a large nose. His dark locks are tied low in a Pirates of the Caribbean-esque ponytail with a few curls escaping the rubber band. Under that V-neck it looks like he’d have no trouble attempting a fireman’s lift on a girl my size with all that muscle.

Oh, the fun I could have with that.

Gisele stop it.

“My abuela means everything to me,” He says at last. “She’s my inspiration for opening up the bakery.”

My mouth forms an ‘o’. “Hold up... You’re Boss?”

“Is that what they call me behind my back?” He rubs his nape as though in need of a relaxing massage.

I look past Dominic’s head to see what Justin’s up to. He’s erratically wiping down a section of the already spotless counter after spraying the cleaning liquid.

“Only the ginger-haired teen behind the counter.”

Dominic follows my stare. “I’ve always had a soft spot for that kid.”

“He’s a unique one,” I add.

We converse a little more until Dominic receives a call.

“Sorry, I gotta go sort this out,” He says sounding regretful. “Will you still be here when I get back?”

I want to say yes but where’s the fun in that?  

“I can’t make you any promises.”

He stands and gently takes my hand into his. “Then I guess I’ll see you during your next visit…”

“Gisele.”

“I hope to see you soon, Gisele.” He lays a small kiss just right before my knuckles then excuses himself.

When I can no longer see Dominic, my gaze descends to the slightly prickling back of my hand. Everything else around comes back into focus and I’m left pleasantly surprised by my encounter with the owner of Rosa’s Bakery.