Page 67 of Friends That Heal Us
Her mouth parts and her eyes grow wide. “Just like that.”
I can’t help but smile at the shock written all over her face. “Just like that.”
“Thank you,” she mumbles, her gaze fidgeting around the bakery as she takes it all in. “But why so fast?”
“You remind me of myself.”
“Yourself?” she asks, brows knitting together.
I nod. “Yup. I was once your age and confused about what I wanted to do with my life. And I hated school.”
Her lips purse as she tilts her head slightly. “So you own all this without going to school?”
“Yes. You don’t need to go to school to start your own business.”
“You don’t?”
I shake my head.
“I thought you would need a business degree or something.”
“Nope.”
“Wow, that’s actually really cool.”
I let out a soft giggle, watching her fidget with excitement. Maybe I can inspire her to see that life isn’t always learned in classrooms.
We exchange numbers, and she hasn’t stopped smiling. I watch her go, and as the door swings shut behind her, I feel a small warmth settle in my chest.
I lock up the bakery and step into the cool evening air, thinking about the day I had and how excited I am to share it with Ezra when I get home.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
EZRA
I helpViolet into my truck, and wave my hand in front of her face to make sure she can’t see me behind her blindfold. I know she can’t because I tested it out myself. But I still have to make sure. I put my truck in reverse and back out of the driveway.
“Why can’t you tell me where you’re taking me?”
“What’s the fun in that?”
She moves her head from side to side as if she’s taking in the scenery outside, which is pointless because she can’t see.
I’ve been holding onto this idea since the day the bakery became officially hers. I wanted it to be perfect for her, a nice surprise for her and her bakery. My stomach flips with nerves and a mix of excitement. Every time I imagine her reaction, my heart speeds up a little. I sat at the bakery all day to ensure everything was perfect. I just hope she likes it.
I pull into the parking lot, right in front of the bakery. I turn my truck off, and the hum of my engine quiets.
“Are we here?” she asks, her head shifting around as she tries to see.
“Yes, stay here. I’m going to get you out of the truck,” I say, sliding out of the truck and going to her side. I grab her hand as she slides out. The crisp cool air hits her, making her body shiver. I let her know there’s a step as I help her up onto the curb. “Okay, are you ready?”
“Yes,” she answers hesitantly.
I let out a slow exhale, my hands trembling as nerves shoot through me. I reach up to untie her blindfold. Her eyes flutter open, and I can see the initial confusion in her as she takes in her bakery in front of her. She stares straight ahead, brows knitting together. Then, slowly, her gaze shifts above. Her eyes land on the sign. “Violet’s Bakery,” it reads, with a rolling pin between a cake and a cupcake, surrounded by flowers. Her eyes widen and her lips part as she takes in the sign I got for her.
She gasps, bringing her hand to her mouth in shock.
Seeing her face light up makes every ounce of nerves worth it. My heart swells knowing this makes her happy.
