Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
She slid the food processor over to me. “You can grind these up for me while I get the pan ready.”
“Grind them up?”
“Yes, just hit pulse a few times.”
I saluted and got to work.
“Now we’re going to mix the cream cheese with the Oreos and make some balls. Can you grab the two scoops in that drawer right there to make balls.”
“Okay, I like where this is going!”
She laughed as she put the Oreos and cream cheese in the mixer. Next, we made balls and placed them onto the baking sheet Cadie had covered with wax paper before placing them in the freezer to chill.
“What should we do while we wait for them to freeze?” I asked.
Cadie grinned, but before she could answer, the bakery’s back door opened, and Opal walked in. I silently thanked the stars above for keeping my self-control in check.
“Hi, Opal,” Cadie said as I got up and kissed my aunt on the cheek. “Is everything okay?”
“Oh, yes, I decided since you were here, I was going to swing by and do some bookkeeping I’ve been neglecting.”
She looked around the kitchen and then at me. I was washing the mixing bowl. “You know I can help you with anything if you need it.”
She waved my comment off. “How is the book coming along?”
I grabbed a dish towel and started to dry the bowl. “It’s not happening as fast as I thought it would.”
“Give yourself some grace, Kian. It will happen.”
Cadie smiled at Opal and then at me.
“What are you kids making?”
Cadie and I spoke at the same time. “Oreo balls.”
Looking confused, Opal faced Cadie. “You’re a seasoned baker and you’re making him Oreo balls?”
Laughing, she replied, “It’s quick and easy.”
Opal held up both hands. “No judgment here. Did you enjoy the dance?”
“I did,” Cadie said as she put the food processor back together and stored it. “I love how this town does such cute things!”
Opal nodded and hung up her coat. “You’ll really enjoy the spring musical festival. I just hope the weather starts warming up a bit.”
“I’m excited for the farmers’ market.”
“Oh!” Opal said as she pressed her hands to her chest. “The fresh fruit we get is unreal. I can’t wait to start using fresh local fruit in desserts.”
“I should start melting the chocolate!” Cadie stated as she rubbed her hands together.
“You kids enjoy; I’m going to go work for a bit.”
An hour later, all three of us sat at one of the tables, devouring the Oreo balls.
Letting out a moan of utter chocolate pleasure, I looked at Opal. “Why did you never make these for us?”
She stared at me in disbelief. “Because all the other pastries I made were shit?”
Cadie let out a choked laughter.
“No, but these are divine!”
“I can’t eat another one, or I’m going to get sick,” Cadie said as she pushed the plate away.
I licked my fingers. “The chocolate is melting on them.”
“I’ll just put these in the refrigerator. Now, you kids head on home and let me get some work done.”
Cadie frowned. “It’s so late, Opal.”
My aunt glanced at her watch. “Nonsense, it’s just ten. I’ll work for a few minutes more, then I’ll head home, which you need to do if you’re going to be opening tomorrow. This is our last Sunday that we’ll be open.”
“What?” I asked as I looked between each woman. “You’re closing on Sundays now?”
Opal smiled. “I am, all thanks to Cadie. She was right; I do deserve some time off.”
Cadie’s cheeks turned pink.
“I think that’s a great idea, Aunt Opal.”
“Some things are going to be changing here. I was going to wait and talk to you privately, Cadie, but now is as good of a time as any.”
“For what?” Cadie asked nervously.
“I’d like to make you the manager. You’d be taking on more responsibilities, but I have no doubt you’ll do wonderful.”
I stared at my aunt. “You’re making Cadie the manager? I mean…are you sure?”
Cadie and my aunt both turned and shot me dirty looks. I held up my hands. “No offense, Cadie, but do you think you can handle it?”
Folding her arms over her chest, she narrowed her eyes at me. “As a matter of fact, Kian, I do. Do you not remember me telling you I owned a bakery?”
Shit.
“You owned a bakery and can bake, but can you run one?”
“What in the world is wrong with you?” Opal asked.
“I just mean, is she ready for this, Aunt Opal? Are you ready to trust her with the bakery you built? Why did you even sell it?”
Cadie’s mouth dropped open. “Like I said before, it was time for me to move on for personal reasons.”
With a shake of my head, I let out a gruff laugh as I rubbed at the instant tension in my neck.
“Did it really do well like you said, or did you have to sell because it was failing? You haven’t really been upfront about your past, Cadie.”