The Summer That Changed Everything

Chapter Three - Part One

Felicity pressed her nose up against the glass of the display case in the bustling bakery. She left condensation behind with every laboured breath. She inspected all the delicious-looking food, almost salivating at the sight of it. The scent of freshly baked goods wafted into her nostrils, and she fought the urge to cry at how amazing everything looked.

She was notoriously emotional about almost anything, especially food. Her love for any bakery and pastries was as deep as her love for the delicious treats it offered. If food made her cry, then everyone would just have to suck it up and deal with it. She wouldn’t change herself for anyone.

“Calm down, Fel,” Jared chuckled, patting her on the back condescendingly. “They’re just cakes.”

“How dare you say they’re just cakes? They are not just cakes, Jared. These are masterpieces of culinary art!” Felicity gasped, and she stood back up to standard height with a hand on her chest. She wiped the condensation she left behind with the bottom of her top, trying not to give anyone an eyeful. She threw an apologetic glance at the employees. They eyed her warily because of her unhygienic ways. Not caring if she looked childish, Felicity turned and pouted at Jared; he had offended her. “They’re beautiful, and I cannot wait to stuff my face with them.”

“If you think they look beautiful, wait until you taste them. And if you’re so eager to try one, you can hurry and make a damn decision,” Jared sighed with impatience in his tone. He folded his arms across his chest and looked around him. There, he spotted a queue forming behind the two of them. This was not good. Knowing how much they both hated confrontation, they needed to get their act together. And quickly.

“Okay, okay,” Felicity sighed. She wanted—no, needed—to take this decision very seriously, but she also worried about the angry faces behind her. She whipped her head around to stare him in the eye. “But I’ll need some help.”

Jared rolled his eyes, not out of annoyance but out of amusement. He wasn’t sure how to help the situation, but he was patient. But just how could he decide for someone? He settled on just naming the cakes and observing her reaction to see if something triggered in her. That was his only idea, and if that didn’t work, he was at a loss. He had never dealt with someone so indecisive before, but he was willing to try. He had almost forgotten that this was one of the very few negative traits Felicity possessed.

“Cheesecake?” He suggested after a couple of failed attempts.

“Nah.”

“Red velvet cake?”

“Nope, not feeling it.”

“Carrot cake?”

“Ew, who likes carrot cake?” Felicity scoffed, scrunching up her face in disgust. By now, Jared should know her better. In what world would she choose carrot cake? “Hmm, I’ll go for the chocolate lava cake.”

“That was the first one I said!”

After they had calmed down and apologised to everyone around them, they finally selected their cakes. Jared paid for them, glad to be at the end of this debacle. At Felicity’s insistence, she slid a hefty tip into the glass jar next to the till. It was an apology for the trouble she had caused.

“Now it’s my turn to be Mr Creepy and watch you eat this,” Jared said, once they had taken their seats. She narrowed her eyes, knowing he was referring to when she stared at him while he ate the garlic mushrooms. Bouncing up and down in his seat, he eyed her. This playful banter was a regular occurrence in their conversations and throughout their friendship, although Felicity had missed it in recent years.

She cautiously eyed him back as she grabbed her fork and pierced the cake. Felicity averted her gaze as she put the dessert in her mouth, in fear of it becoming awkward. Or perhaps even sensual with extended eye contact. She wasn’t sure. She had never been an overly sensual person.

After two chews, all thoughts of awkwardness had vanished from her head. Uncharacteristically, she let out an unexpected moan of delight. Her head fell back onto the back of the chair, surprised by her own reaction.

“This cake…” she started as she looked back at Jared, who seemed delighted yet amused by her response. “This cake is life-changing.” She felt a surge of happiness and contentment, a feeling she hadn’t experienced in a long time.

He chortled. “I told you it was good! Though I wasn’t expecting quite as much of a hyperbolic response, I must admit.” His playful tone added to the light-hearted atmosphere.

“Oh, there was no exaggeration about this. This is incredible, and it genuinely could change my life.”

“I’m glad you like it.” He chuckled, deciding to not argue with her about her dramatic response. He knew Felicity well enough to realise that she said exactly what she meant.

They both ate their cakes in silence, wanting to savour each bite without ruining the moment with talk. Felicity wondered why she hadn’t been to this cafe before as she glanced at the decor. The restaurant was in a part of Manchester where she rarely travelled to. Though the Lord knew why. She guessed her family and James had their usual places to visit, and this wasn’t one of them. It wasn’t posh, by any means, but it was clean and beautifully decorated. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft jazz in the background added to the place’s charm. She had no qualms about dining here, and the cakes were delicious.

“What cake did you go for, then?” After wiping her hands with a napkin, Felicity nodded at the small amount of cake left on his plate.

“A cheesecake,” he shrugged. “It’s a classic. Simple, yet delicious.”

“It looks lovely,” she agreed.

“Do you want to try some? You have been eyeing it for a while now. I’ve seen you do it.”

Felicity’s cheeks turned pink as she realised he had foiled her plan. Now sheepish, she nodded a little.

“I mean, I could try some, yeah, but only if you don’t mind,” she mumbled.

“I wouldn’t have offered it if I minded,” he rolled his eyes, but the mirth in them and his slight smirk betrayed his feigned annoyance.