Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 90607 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90607 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“Hello, Ava,” Pat said.
She tried not to be excited, but as he stood looking at her, and there was this deep penetrating gaze, she couldn’t look away.
“Pat,” she said, trying to keep the excitement out of her voice.
“I’ll take my usual, with whatever you think is the best on the menu today.”
Her heart raced just a little bit. She got to work serving him some coffee, and then heading into the back to cut him a nice big slice of chocolate fudge cake. It was so chocolatey and sweet, and it made her think she needed a dentist trip after eating it, but they were the best kinds of cake.
With the plate in hand, she placed it in front of him. She wanted to ask him how he was doing, but a customer behind him lifted his hand. There was no choice but to excuse herself to do the job she was paid to do. She kept the smile on her face, because the truth was, she was just happy to see him.
Once one customer was dealt with, a second, and then a third, and after that, a fourth needed her help. She got to all of them, and then returned to the main counter.
“So, you finally got here,” she said.
“Yeah, I decided I couldn’t wait another minute to have some coffee and cake.”
“Ah, so it’s the sweet goods that brought you back,” Ava said.
“No, they’re a reason, but the company is what brought me back.”
There her heart went, going ten to the dozen. He liked her company. Her mother had asked if there was anyone else, someone her own age. Her mother was worried because of the age difference between her and Pat, but the truth was, she didn’t care. She liked being around him. He was a good guy. And she didn’t get the “ick” factor when she was with him. Some of the guys her own age just didn’t do it for her. Pat was different. He made her feel different.
“So, you like my thrilling company?”
“Yeah, I do, and I believe you like mine.”
She smiled and nodded. “I do.”
“How about when you’re done here, I take you for another ride on my bike?” he asked.
Ava nibbled her lip. “It will have to be a quick one. I’ve got to go and pick up Bernice.”
“How about we take a rain check on the ride?” he asked.
She wanted to tell him no, but she also knew she owed it to her mother to be responsible.
“You don’t mind?” She tried not to wince.
“No, I don’t mind. You’ve got places you need to be.”
“You could ... come back with me?” Ava said, and then she frowned. “I mean, you know, for a drink or something.”
She was not even hinting at sex, but she hated the thought of him getting the wrong impression. “Not for sex, I mean, literally for a drink.” She felt her cheeks start to heat, and she looked at Pat to find him with a smile on his lips. That smile lit up his whole face, and he looked so relaxed and laid-back.
“I didn’t think for a second you were offering.”
Her face was on fire. Thankfully, there were still a lot of customers.
Pat didn’t disappear. She kept going back to him, and they talked about absolutely nothing, from the weather, to the garage and the cars he’d been working on. She talked about the latest quilt she was making, along with the orders at the shop she loved to package.
Talking to Pat made the time go by. This job was never boring, but before she knew it, she had to ask him to leave so she could close up.
Once everyone was gone, Lauren was more than happy to make an appearance.
“You know there is a guy in the parking lot?” Lauren asked.
“It’s Pat. He’s waiting for me,” Ava said.
“He’s wearing a leather cut.”
Ava nibbled her lip. “That’s not a problem, is it?”
“No, it’s not a problem at all.” Lauren smiled at her. “You’re dating?”
“I don’t know if we’re dating. I’m not really sure what we’re doing.” Ava sighed. “So, business was real popular tonight.”
“Yeah, we had a good run of it. I love to hear it when we’re doing well,” Lauren said. “It makes it all worth it.”
“Worth it?” Ava asked.
“Yeah, going to baking school. Putting myself in debt to be taught by the best, and then putting everything into this place. Trust me, a lot of people told me I’d fail within six months,” Lauren said. “I just ... I’m not good around people. I don’t like when assholes boss me about, you know?”
This was the most Lauren had talked to her. Ava liked to think they were friends, but she also knew Lauren was the boss.
“You don’t like being told what to do?” Ava asked.
“By people I don’t like. It probably makes me sound so stupid.”