Everything In Between

III

"Sorry I'm late!" Juniper exclaimed, rushing in through the back door. She entered the kitchen and weaved her way through a few other employees.

A brunette with her hair in a loose bun didn't look up from the cake she was frosting, "Apron's in the office."

Juniper rushed into the office, took something from her purse, and threw her purse with everyone else's stuff. She grabbed her apron from one of the hooks and put it on. She tied it behind her back as she came out of the office.

Juniper whistled and tossed a Pokéball at the brunette. The brunette caught it without looking and clicked the Pokéball onto her belt.

"How're my babies?" The brunette asked, putting the finishing touches on the cake.

Juniper slid up next to her, "I'm fine Mom, thanks for asking."

Her mother rolled her icy blue eyes, "Put your hair up and wash your hands you heathen."

Juniper chuckled and threw her hair into a ponytail. She walked over to the sink and washed her hands.

A young woman with dark red hair appeared next to Juniper, "So...How's Illusion?"

Juniper sighed and dried her hands with a paper towel, "He's never going to call you back!"

The young woman frowned and went back to separating egg whites.

Juniper returned to her mother's side just as she finished the cake. She helped her mother put it into the pink cake box, and Juniper tied an electric blue ribbon around it. Her mother took out a black marker and signed the clear part of the box. Juniper picked up the box and brought it to the front.

As she pushed open the door, the lobby was full of people sitting at tables drinking coffee and eating baked goods. There was a line at the register to the door, and various people waiting around near the register.

Juniper approached one of the men working the counter, "Do you know where this is going?"

The man looked at it, "What is it?"

Juniper shrugged, "I dunno."

"Helpful."

Juniper held the box above her head and she and the man looked at the bottom of the box. The name of the person who ordered the cake was on the bottom.

"Oh!" He chirped, pointing to a couple standing near the register, "That's them!"

"They paid?"

"Duh."

Juniper stuck her tongue out at him and walked over to the couple. She handed them the cake and received a brief, "Thank you". She rushed back into the kitchen and was greeted by her mother lovingly glaring at her.

"What?" Juniper asked.

"Got something you need to tell me?"

Juniper thought for a second. What could she possibly have been keeping from her mother that would warrant a glare but not a murder?

Juniper shrugged, "I dunno."

Her mother held up a tiny black velvet box. Juniper's entire face turned crimson and snatched the box from her mother, "M-Mom! What the hell?! You went through my purse?!"

"I had to make sure you weren't doing drugs."

"For the last time- that's not how a drug test works!"

Her mother put her hands on her hips, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Juniper's blush calmed down as she looked away, "I don't know..." she whispered.

"I'm gonna make your wedding cake, right?"

The crimson color returned to Juniper's face, "I-I haven't even asked her yet!"

Her mother threw up her hands and went over to the sink that was full of dishes. She turned the water on and began washing them. Juniper went into the office and put the box back in its rightful place. When she returned, she noticed her mother missing from the sink and helping one of her employees at a different station. That woman could hardly stay still.

Juniper rolled her eyes and went to do the dishes, but her mother stopped her, "Will you do the truck order, sweetie? I've got a big order due today and don't have time to do truck."

Juniper looked around the kitchen. There were more people here than usual...Even up front there were four people when usually there's only two. Juniper nodded at her mother's request and went into the office.

Unfortunately, she'd be doing a lot of counting today.