Chapter 6

"Hey!"

Halle gazed in the direction of the voice and smiled. "She's cleaning up in the Baking Room. She'll be out in a few minutes. Why don't you sit down and wait?"

"Sure, thing."

Even though she didn't know him all that well, his voice had become a familiar part of her day. It meant that they're closing for the day and going home. Just like Arien's, it meant the day had started.

"Is everything alright?"

"You startled me, what was it?"

He chuckled. "I'm sorry, but are you alright?"

"Yes, of course! What makes you think otherwise?"

"Nothing, you look tired."

"Yeah, long day. Wanna try our new recipe?"

"I would love to!"

"Your honest opinion matters, sweetheart." Pace came out and locked the Baking Room.

"You got it!"

Halle placed it in front of him. "Our new recipe honey rose cupcakes."

They gathered around him eagerly waiting.

He leaned down and inhaled the scent of the cupcakes. "It smells luscious." He took a bite out of it. "It tastes even better." He spoke between bites. "I think I can eat a dozen. It's great."

"Awesome." Halle sighed in relief.

"Yippee." cried Pace.

Halle packed a few cupcakes. "Take these home."

"What? But . . ." Pace got confused. "They would be good for another week."

"This is a different recipe we tried today and it came out great. Take a few home. I'll do the same. I think Yui will love it."

"Okay, then." Pace took the package.

Halle went and took her scarf and her bag. She heard them whispering to each other. She smiled. They were good together. It's almost like . . . Thinking about it made her gloomy. She slapped her face. She should be happy for them not sad. She should stop thinking about it.

"Hey, I'll lock the door and . . . what?" Halle trailed off noticing Pace look hesitant.

"Why don't we drop you home?"

So that's what they were discussing? Now it's just embarrassing. "I should be fine."

"Why don't you do this for me?"

"You're probably overthinking."

"Are you trying to get back at me for saying that?"

"No."

"Then come with me. We'll drop you."

"But—"

"No buts, at least for today . . . please."

"Fine."

The whole trip was quiet. Probably because of her. And now he'll know that something was definitely up. But she didn't want to try and lighten up the mood either. It's already hard as is. She looked at Pace who looked back with concern. Maybe Pace thought he was going to kidnap her with the way she reacted on seeing him. Or she didn't want to risk it. Either way, she's doing it because she cared not because she didn't want Halle turning into a burden . . .

She reached home. "Thank you for dropping me. You guys wanna come in and meet mum?"

"Would love to, Halle. But it's late. Need to go home. I'll drop by another time?"

"Sure. Both of you should come by at least once."

"Definitely."

She waited until the car was out of sight and went in.