Page 156 of A Taste of Vanilla

Finally, she clears her throat and reaches for the next ingredient.

The morning light creeps through the windows. Dev will arrive soon, then Lisa, and Marley may appear with a need for coffee. Oliver, who seems to only sleep five hours a night, will make his way in and complain about whatever noise we’re making.

But right now, the bakery belongs to us.

The muffins are in the oven, and the scones have just come out. The croissants are resting, and Halston is leaning against the prep table looking at me like I’m both useful and the biggest problem in her life.

If we’re being honest, she’s both in mine.

“I like this,” she says suddenly.

I still. “The opening flow?”

“Yeah.” She rubs her hands, not looking at me. “And this.”

“This?”

“Don’t make me say it.”

“I need clarity.”

She sighs. “I like working with you. Which is unfortunate, because you’re bossy.”

I almost smile. “I’m not bossy.”

“You said ‘come here’ in your scary bread voice yesterday.”

I step a little closer. “I like working with you too,” I say.

Her smile softens. “Because my production flow is a cry for help?”

“Partly.”

She rolls her eyes.

“And because you’re good at what you do.”

She stills. “You say that a lot.”

“You don’t believe it enough.”

She looks away. “I believe some of it.”

“Then I’ll keep saying it until you believe it more.”

Her throat moves as she swallows. “That sounds like a long-term project.”

The words feel like an anvil to the chest. Long-term is something I’ve never done and haven’t ever wanted to do.

“I think we can get it done pretty quickly,” I say before I can stop myself.

Her smile shrinks. “Of course.”

The building settles, and the pipes rattle. We both jump, looking toward the front like someone is about to catch us.

But it’s no one.

Halston claps her hands. “Alright. Scones are out. Muffins are ready. Croissants are resting. We are basically a corporation now.”