2 Chapter 1

AMY'S POV

I stepped out as per my new exercise regiment I have been following for the past few months. I took a few laps in the park and came home. I felt someone was following me. I turned to see it was my old crush. He was a man who had a horrible taste in women. He was staring at me like never before. I wondered if anyone stuck a kick-me note on my back. I double-checked and walked in for a quick shower, a change, and a Bearclaw.

William was waiting for me in his Ducati. He even brought me chocolate croissants and a double shot of espresso. He remembered everything. He drove me to work and promised to stop for lunch. I got busy quickly with baking. I started with Chouquettes, shortbread, muffins, and savory pies.

I had placed a sign on the door for additional help and a few hopeful souls came. I can tell not all of them were serious but in the end, I hired seven. Two of them were from my high school and yes they were bullies once upon a time. But time had matured us. So we let bygones be bygones. Four of the new helpers worked the counter. While the other three helped my uncle and me in the kitchen. We finished work and they took the leftovers to their families. I learned that as mature as they come no one taught them how to cook. So between breaks, I gave them cooking lessons. Their husbands were pleased to throw away frozen ready to eat meals. They even helped me in the kitchen when we felt underhanded.

Today William was busy. His mother fell and broke her hip. She was rushed from a hospital here in Wayland to a hospital in Boston. This meant that I had to drive my beetle to work. This car had a mind of its own so it was going to be challenging. It could stop in the middle of traffic if it felt like it. I rushed to get there and as predicted the car stalled in the desolate road of all places. In my rush, I left my phone on the charger. The only quickest path was under construction. The other is a rickety bridge that I would have to walk on.

I was about to utter profanities when I heard sirens. I was so relieved until I saw the driver. It was Brandon. He was wearing a Sheriff's Uniform. He got out of the car and asked me, "Ma'am is everything alright? Can I help you?" Can I help you? You are kidding me, right? How about apologizing for everything you said and did to me in high school. I thought to myself bitterly. I gave him a fake smile, "My car broke down and I am trying to find a way to call Hal and get it towed." He raised his eyebrows, "Hal died last year of a heart attack. His brother sold the garage. If you want your car fixed Jeffrey Barnes is the only one who can do the job. I can call him if you like." I kept smiling at him and he smiled back at me. He picked up his walkie-talkie and summoned a tow truck.

He gave me a ride to the bakery. He kept his mouth shut the entire time. He made sure I reached there before the tourists arrived. He gave me a polite smile and wished me good luck.

I walked to see Beverly was arguing with her husband. This has been the never-ending routine since high school. I rolled my sleeve and started with the Banyettes.