Chapter nineteen.
1069 Words
The first from Archer's contracting company employee came in the morning after Archer brought my cookies to the office. At first I didn't know what to think of the man . He had long red hair that flew in all directions and pale skin covered in freckles . The funniest part was his beard. It'd been braided in one way down to his belly button. He looked like a ginger sasquatch Thad been tackled by a bunch of little girls that braided his hair. Laura whispered to me before she walked back into the kitchen that she wanted to kick him out, but he had real money so I wasn't going to turn him down. I couldn't believe it when he reached into his pockets and pulled out one of his business cards I gave Archer . He said the entire office had gone crazy over the cookies and he ordered four dozens oranges and ginger snaps for the mechanics . After that, we had a steady stream of office men and burly giants coming through making orders , all of them saying the same thing. Jordan's contracting company was hooked on Anita's bakery.
The first day was hectic. people were coming left and right and we would barely keep up with the orders. The orange and ginger snaps were themost popular .They sold out within three hours , so I had to keep Laura in the kitchen, mixing them up while I stood ot front helping the customers.
Then people started ordering danishes and muffins , even pies .We had to work late into the night, every night that week just to kep from running out of the essentials .By the time Friday came around ,Laura and I were so tired that we could barely walk, but it was exhilarating.
Archer had changed everthing I didnt have to stand around staring at the door, wondering whether or not somebody would come in .I had a steady stream of people coming in, and money was flowing .We made three times our normal profits for the week.I couldve easily closed that place ,down for the morning without having to worry at all about what would happen, but I wasnt abot to do that.
No, this was the chance of a lifetime .I was goimg to rake in every cent.I could.Every morning ,I downed two cups of coffe and started early.I mopped the floor, swept everything , and made two extra batches of orange and ginger snaps.
Laura limped in a few minuted before I opened the shop.She went straight for the coffee and poured herself a cup while I wiped the counter down.''I'm going to crawl into a corner and go into a coma.''
She slammed her coffee and poured herself another cup.
I put my rag away and grabbed a bottle of window cleaner and handful of papre towels .''Not a chance in hell, sweetheart.I need you here.''
''I'm going to need a cane.''She grabbed a donut from the dispay case.
''We're almpst over the hump.''
the weekends were always slowere because the office crowds weren't around .
''Easy for you to say,Im going to be here alone tomorrow while you sleep your night of sweet lovin.''
I turned my head to hide my smile, but it was too late.She was already glaring at me.
''What?''I asked .''You were the one who told me to go out and have some fun.''
''You are going too fast .I can see it.You're already planning out your wedding vows looking up cake recipes.''
''Thats not true.''I finished.wiping the display case and moved onto the next.
''Look at the way you blush everytime I mention him.You're like a teenage girl.it worries me.He's not just one guy , money ar not.''
''Its not the money.''
''What is it then?''She chugged her coffee and poured herself another cup.
''I dont know .I'm not even sure there is an 'it' yet.''
''Iam .I dont think I've ever seen you like this before.Remember yesterday?''
''I dont know what you're talking about .''
''Yes, you do.''She stood her ground.
''I dont want to talk about it''
We need to.I'm not making up for your mistakes in the kitchen.''
''Why not?I make up for yours all the time ''I turned my focus back to cleaning the display case.
''You burnt two batches of cookies because you were staring into space, dreaming about your lover boy .He's distracting you from work.''
My phone started ringing in my pocket .It was Archer .Laura glanced my way androlled her eyes when I answered it.
''Hello?''
''Hi,''Archer said.
''You made my week, I just have to say that.I've had people coming in by the dozens , all of them saying that they loved the cookies you brought to the office .You must've given everybody one just to make sure they all tried them .The enetire company is hooked .I swear. We can't keep up wth orders.''I walked into the lobby for some privacy.
''I'm glad to hear that.''
''It's been amazing .I made almost a month's wort of profit in a week.''
''That's good.''
''I dont know how you did it , but I really have to thank you.''
''You're welcome.''
''Whats the plan tonight? Are you thinking dinner?I loved the scampi last time.Maybe we could go to a lobster place.They have one a acouple of blocks from the bakery where they make their own biscuits , and the fly in the seafood fresh from the sea everyday.''
''About that...'
''Or maybe something exotic like thai food ? I havent had -''
''Maya staop.''
I braced myself against the counter,''What's wrong?''
''I hope its not too much trouble.I just dont think I'll be able to get his evening .I have to stay after work and deal with some paperwork.''
''Oh,''I said , trying not to sound too disappointed.''That's alright We can go Saturday.I'm off''
''No,I dont think thats a good idea.''
''Okay,''I said feeling like an idiot
''I'm sorry.''
I couldnt tell whather he was being sincere about that or not .He was too neutral .Maybe he didn't care.Maybe he was trying to hide the fact that he didn't really want to cancel.I wanted to ask him why, but I didnt want to sound desperate.I wasn't but i was disappointed ,And I still had no idea what was going on with him.It seemed like something was holding him back from being with me.
- Writer
