Page 170 of Rags's Awakening
Casey laughed. “What other historical gemstones do you have for me?”
“Nothing historical, but something I hope you’ll enjoy.” Devin smiled.
He walked to the hall closet, pulled a paper bag from the pocket of his coat, and handed it to Casey before sitting back down on the couch.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Open it.”
She peeked inside the bag and stared.
“You brought me a donut?” she asked.
“Not just a donut,” Devin said, a smile tugging at his lips. “A Bismarck. Do you like them?”
Casey shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve never had one. What are they?”
“Never had one?” Devin’s eyes widened. “They’re perfectly delicious jam-filled treasures sprinkled with sugar. The sugarcoats your fingers as you make your way toward the molten heart of the masterpiece—deep indigo blueberry jam.”
Casey smiled. “I’m guessing Bismarcks are your favorite sweet.”
“Yes. I like ruby-red raspberry jam too, but the blueberry is my favorite. Do you like blueberry jam?”
“Uh… sure, it’s good. I’m not much of a jam person, but I love blueberries on my oatmeal or yogurt.”
“Let’s split this one. I wanted to buy two but the bakery only had one left.”
“The bakery was opened? I’m surprised it didn’t close early with the storm and all.”
For a split second, something flickered across Devin’s face, then it was gone so quickly she wondered if she’d imagined it.
“Maybe we could have another cup of tea and the Bismarck. Would you like that?”
“Sure. Do you want the Moroccan mint again?” Casey asked as she headed toward the kitchen.
“I’ll have the vanilla chai. I think that flavor will complement the blueberry filling instead of competing with it like the mint would. What do you think?”
“Yeah. That makes sense.”
Casey plugged in the kettle and took two plates from the cupboard. She sliced the pastry in half.Why is he excited about this soggy donut?His enthusiasm struck her as odd, but she’d always thought Devin was a little quirky.
“Here you go,” she said, setting the plate and steaming cup of tea on the table.
Devin picked up his half and took a big bite. He licked the dusting of sugar from his fingers before devouring the rest of the donut. His gaze drifted down to her half-eaten Bismarck. “Aren’t you going to try it at least? I did bring it for you, Casey.”
“Of course I am,” she said, bringing the donut to her lips.
“They’re best fresh out of the oven, but this one is still very good. I bought it at Elsa’s Bakery. Have you been there? It’s one of the best in town.” He licked at his fingers again.
“The one on Cedar Street, right?”
Devin nodded.
“No. I’ve passed by it many times, but haven’t been inside yet.”
“It’s too bad you’ve missed it.”
“I can always drop in sometime.”
