Jane was still at it an hour later, when her mother came back from making the deliveries. “Jane?” her mother called out.
Jane barely looked up. She was re-doing her homework for the past several days, checking her answers in the back of the book to make sure she was doing it correctly. “In here, Mom!” she called out. They’d had three customers in the time between when Caleb had left and her mother arrived.
“Goodness, traffic was a mess!” she sighed, tossing her keys on the countertop. “You and Caleb did a great job back there. The cakes look wonderful.” She pulled on a clean apron. “I’ll start icing them. What are you doing?”
Jane glanced at her mother, then back down at her algebra homework. “Studying. I have a test tomorrow and I think I’ve figured this out.”
Jane missed the surprised expression on Loretta’s face, continuing to focus on the next problem.
The following day, Jane felt like her face was going to split in two from the smile on her face. She was so excited, wanting to rush up to Caleb and tell him about her algebra test. She’d scored a ninety-six percent on the test, the best score she’d ever gotten in math! And it really was all because of his tutoring.
Rushing out of class, she looked around, wanting to thank Caleb for his help. But as she rounded the corner, she saw him and…he was with Lindsey Matthews, the prettiest girl in the school. And a senior. And worse, a cheerleader.
Even though Jane told herself that she’d only wanted to thank Caleb, the crushing disappointment she felt when she turned away from the image of Caleb walking with Lindsey hurt. It hurt a lot!
As she walked home from school that afternoon, not waiting for Roberta, she tried to rationalize the ache in her heart. Caleb was just another guy. Just a guy who worked with her after school. Some days, not all. He might become a friend. That’s all.
By the time she’d walked the last few blocks to her mother’s bakery, she’d almost gotten her mind, and her heart, back under control.
“Hi Sweetie!” her mother called out. “Can you make the scones? I need cheddar and parmesan.”
Jane lifted her apron off of the hook. “Sure, Mom!” she replied, but her heart really wasn’t into the task.
She’d just dumped the butter into the mixer when she heard the bell ring, indicating that there was a customer out front.
When she pushed her way through the swinging door, she froze. Caleb! For a moment, her heart soared as he walked closer, but Jane quickly quashed the happy bubble, remembering that he’d been walking the halls with Lindsey.
“Hi there!” she said, hoping that her voice sounded friendly and not hopeful. She wasn’t hopeful. Hope had been crushed!
“Hi, Jane,” he smiled, his thumb tucking up underneath the padded strap of his back pack. “How did your algebra test go?”
Jane’s whole smile brightened. “Ninety-six percent! I only missed one question!”
He grinned right back at her. “That’s awesome! Congratulations.”
“Yeah, my best math test ever!”
“Hey, even better,” he replied. They both stood there awkwardly for a long moment. Finally, he nodded towards the back. “What are you baking today?”
Jane glanced over her shoulder. “Scones,” she replied. “My mom’s chocolate scones are the best,” she told him. “But these are cheese scones. She’ll deliver them to one of the high end restaurants once they come out of the oven.”
He nodded and she didn’t really know what else to say.
He shuffled his feet slightly, looking into her eyes, then towards the doors of the bakery. “I know I don’t work until tomorrow, but…” he shrugged a bit, “any chance you could teach me how to make scones? I had fun learning to make the cakes yesterday.”
Jane’s smile slowly returned. “You really want to learn to make scones?” she asked.
He laughed slightly. “Yeah. I know it’s weird but…” he looked around. “But hey, if you need to get it done faster, then just…”
“No!” she gasped, her whole body tensing up. “No, that’s fine. If you want to learn, come through to the back. Just wash your hands and I’ll introduce you to the adventures of making scones.”
He grinned, nodding. “Cool,” he said.
He dumped his book bag by the cash register, then washed his hands and headed over to the table where she was mixing up the ingredients. Step by step, she showed him how to make them.
When they slid the ten trays of scones into the long, flat ovens, Caleb dusted off his hands. “That’s pretty neat,” he announced.
Jane stood next to him, glowing with happiness. “Yeah. Baking can be fun.”
“I bet these will taste great.”
She wasn’t sure what else to say, afraid of asking him anything about himself. She was just the chubby girl who worked at the bakery. There was no way she could compete with the skinny girls like Lindsey. The cheerleader had long legs and sleek, blonde hair. Jane had short, chubby legs with thighs that rubbed together whenever she wore shorts. Her hair was short because of its natural tendency to curl. Whenever she let it grow out longer, Jane realized that she’d just pull it back, out of her face, so what was the point of leaving it long?
Besides, her mother trimmed her hair and…well, it wasn’t the same as a trim from a professional.
“What are you working on in math now that your test is over?”
Jane cringed. “Uh…I’m not sure. I didn’t look ahead at the next chapter.”
“Want to take a look?” he asked. “I could review everything with you so that you get it before the teacher confuses you.”
Jane’s whole world brightened. “That would be great,” she sighed.
They sat in the front area of the bakery and he went through the next unit, going over several tips and tricks he’d learned. By the end of the hour, she truly understood how to simplify rational expressions.
His cell phone pinged and he looked at the message. “That’s my mom. I’d better head home.” He closed his books and stood up, stuffing everything back into his book bag. “I’ll be back tomorrow to actually work,” he said, a grin on his handsome features. Jane stood up as well, not wanting to look so short even though he was still almost a foot taller than she was. Caleb was one of the tallest guys in the school now, towering over all of the other students at about six feet, four inches. A goliath, in her opinion.
“Okay. I think tomorrow we’re making more dinner rolls. But I’m trying to convince my mother to put some garlic in the mix to add a bit more flavor.”
“That’s cool,” he smiled. He stood there for another moment, shifting from one foot to the other. “Well, I’d better head home.”
Jane smiled, not sure what to say, but wishing she could come up with something brilliant to say.
But in that next moment, her whole world changed. “Bye!” he said, then bent down and, in a flash, he kissed her cheek. By the time Jane realized what he’d just done, he was out the door, running down the street. Running! Literally running!
He’d kissed her, then ran away? Huh?
That’s when she saw the older woman. “Oh no,” Jane groaned.
Ms. Scarlett walked into the bakery, a smile tilting up the corners of her wrinkled complexion. “Jane dear, was that Caleb Whit-something I just saw kissing you?” she asked artlessly.
Jane glanced over the woman’s shoulder at the now empty street, then back at the senior citizen that seemed to look for trouble. “I don’t think so. You have him mixed up with someone else,” she lied.
Scarlett laughed and Jane’s stomach cringed. Ms. Scarlett was one of the sweetest ladies in LowPoint, but she knew and saw everything. It was like she had a sixth sense for trouble!
“I need six dozen donuts,” Scarlett announced.
Jane stared at the older woman. “Six dozen? Are you serious?”
Scarlett nodded. “Yep.”
Jane shook her head. “Ms. Scarlett, how are you going to carry that many donuts? And what do you ne
ed them for?”
The woman’s eyes widened. “The police, of course.”
Jane put her hands on her hips. “Ms. Scarlett, the only police left in LowPoint now are the county sheriffs that drive through on their tours. The sheriff’s station closed years ago.”
Scarlett laughed and shrugged. “Okay, so I’m going to feed the birds.”
Jane eyed Scarlett carefully. “Shouldn’t you get bird seed at the hardware store then?” But she moved around to the other side of the bakery cases. “I don’t think I have six dozen anyway.”
“It’s not for that kind of bird, and I’ll just take whatever you have left, honey.”
Jane packed up all of the donuts that were left from this morning. But her mind was preoccupied with Caleb and wondering why he’d run away like that.
It wasn’t until she was alone in bed that night that she thought to wonder what kinds of birds needed donuts versus the birdseed available from the hardware store. This wasn’t good. Ms. Scarlett was pulling one of her pranks and…nope. This wasn’t going to be good!
The following day, she walked out of school and hurried down the street to the bakery. She hadn’t told Roberta anything about yesterday afternoon. How could she? Jane didn’t understand anything herself!
“You okay?” Loretta asked when Jane pulled her apron off the hook and tied it around her waist.
“Fine,” she moved over to get the ingredients for the dinner rolls. “I’m putting garlic into the batter today,” she announced. Not asking. Telling.
There was silence behind her and Jane peered over her shoulder at her mother. “Sorry,” she mumbled. “I just think that the dinner rolls are boring. I won’t add much.” With a sigh, she turned around and leaned against the huge fridge. “Will you let me try?”
Loretta moved to Jane’s side, looking down at her. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
Jane shrugged, pretending that she was fine. “Nothing. I just think…well, your dinner rolls are fine, but adding a bit more flavor to them would make them great.”
Jane waited, tension building as she watched her mother’s expression. Thankfully, her mom gave in and didn’t make Jane ‘fess up. “Okay, here’s the deal. Make the rolls the normal way, but add garlic into a dozen. I’ll bring them on my delivery run this evening and give them as samples to the restaurants. If they like them, we’ll include garlic in the recipe. Deal?”
Jane brightened. “Deal!” she agreed, then gave her mother a tight hug. “Thanks.”
Loretta’s arms wrapped around Jane and she sighed. “Yeah, well, one day you’re going to tell me what’s really bothering you.”
Jane pulled back and turned to prep for the baking process. She knew the exact moment that Caleb came into the cooking area because she felt him. Sensed him. Whatever…there was just something that told her that he was here.
Loretta brushed by him. “Hi Caleb. Jane’s experimenting. We have four specialty cakes to make for the weekend. She’s going to start on those after the dinner rolls and then it’s just cleanup, okay?”
“Got it, Ms. Miller,” he grabbed an apron. Jane felt him glance her way several times, but she focused only on baking and getting things ready. And not on the fact that the cutest boy in school had kissed her the previous day. And then run away.
“I’m off!” her mother called through the back door. “See you in a few hours, Janey!”
Silence.
Jane poured in the ingredients, measuring carefully and turning on the commercial grade mixer. She worked quietly, aware of Caleb washing the bowls and pans in the sink. She really should go over and help him, but she was hurt and confused.
“Why did you do that?” she blurted.
Caleb froze. Then peered over his shoulder at Jane.
When he saw that she was near tears, he turned to face her.
Jane walked over to him, furious that he’d done something so hurtful. “Was it a dare? Did your friends dare you to kiss the chubby chic and then get away? Am I just some sort of joke to you?”
Caleb was surprised. “A joke?”
“Yeah. Am I a dare or a joke?”
She watched his Adam’s apple bob slightly. “You’re not a joke, Jane. I think you’re pretty. I like you.”
Jane’s surprise was evident and he continued.
Soapsuds dripped off his hands to the concrete floor, unnoticed. “I kissed you yesterday because I like you, Jane. I ran away because you looked angry.” The blush that hit him with his words made her whole body melt.
“You like me?” she whispered.
He shrugged. “Yeah. You’re nice. Funny. Smart. Pretty.” He shrugged again. “What’s not to like?”
That happiness bubble was about to pop, she thought as she stared at the boy she’d been in love with since the moment she’d seen him on stage two years ago. “But…yesterday, you were walking with Lindsey in the hallways at school. She’s gorgeous and pretty and skinny and a cheerleader.”
Caleb walked over to her, standing close enough that she could smell him. Jane couldn’t really define his scent, but it called to her.
“Lindsey is one of the most self-centered people I’ve ever known. Have you ever talked to her?” he asked.
Jane shrugged. “I don’t really hang out with the cheerleaders.”
He chuckled. “Neither do I. Want to know what our conversation was about yesterday?” he asked.
She didn’t, but it seemed as if he wanted to tell her. “What?”
“Lip gloss,” he sighed with annoyance.
Jane blinked. Of all the things to discuss with Caleb, lip gloss seemed to be at the bottom of the list. Nope, it wasn’t even on the list, she thought. “Lip gloss? You’re kidding!”
“Nope. She said something about lip gloss and strawberries and some other stuff, but I stopped listening because…well, I don’t care about lip gloss.”
“Except when you get to kiss it off a girl,” Jane teased.
He moved closer. “Have you ever kissed someone wearing lip gloss?” he asked.
Jane giggled. “No, I can’t say that I have.”
He laughed too. “It’s gross.” He moved even closer. “I don’t mind lipstick. But lip gloss is just slimy. And it gets on me and I…” he shook his head. “I don’t like it. You’ve got to understand Lindsey…” he paused again. “I like you Jane. I like being here.” He lowered his head, tentatively looking like he wanted to kiss her again. “You smell like vanilla. And you have pretty eyes.”
Those eyes widened, then her gaze lowered to his lips. “Are you going to kiss me again?” she whispered, her heart pounding so hard, she thought it might just break her ribs. Hopefully, he couldn’t hear the pounding.
“I’d like to.”
“You’re not going to run away this time, are you?” she asked, fearful of him kissing her, and terrified that he wouldn’t. Also terrified that she’d mess it up and kiss him wrong.
“I’ll run away if you don’t like the way I kiss you.”
She laughed, thinking that was a really sweet answer. “Okay. But you have to stay and let me tell you if I don’t like it.”
He smiled and came even closer. His fingers took hers, holding them loosely, still damp from washing dishes. It was almost as if he didn’t want to let her know how much he wanted to touch her, but couldn’t stop himself.
“Deal,” he whispered. Caleb lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers. The touch sent electric sparks shooting all throughout her body. She opened her eyes and looked up into his.
“That was nice,” she told him in a soft whisper. “Maybe…a bit longer?”
He smiled slightly, then lowered his head again. This time, his lips moved back and forth. A bit more, a small nibble and Jane sighed.
“More,” she whispered. This time, she reached up and wove her fingers through his hair, holding him in place so that she could kiss him. She lifted onto her toes so she could get closer. And then he did something crazy! He…he opened his lips slightly!
<
br /> Jane loved it! She loved the taste of him and the feel of his tongue against hers. It was a little rough and a lot sexy!
For several long minutes, they stayed just like that, kissing and experimenting. The bell in the front dinged and Jane jerked backwards, feeling as if she’d been doing something wrong. But when she looked at Caleb, he was smiling. And he wasn’t running! So she smiled back, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
“I’d better go get that,” she whispered and hurried around him to the front.
She helped the customer, then hesitated before going back into the kitchen area. What if…
With a sigh, Jane stopped her overthinking. Pushing through, she froze when she caught sight of Caleb. He was getting out the ingredients for the cakes and she sighed with relief.
“Let’s not make it awkward,” he told her. “But maybe, if you think I might be interesting enough, I could take you to the movies on Friday night?”
Jane thought the idea was wonderful! She had no idea if her mother would let her, but she nodded anyway. “I’ll ask my mom, but yeah. I’d like that.”
For the rest of the afternoon, they worked side by side. He mixed the cake ingredients together while she worked on the dinner rolls, experimenting with the ingredients and adding in what she thought was just enough garlic to make the rolls pop with flavor.
As they baked, they talked about things. Nothing in particular…movies they liked or disliked and why, favorite foods, birthdays, memories, favorite animals. It was a magical afternoon and Jane was a touch dismayed when her mother arrived back from her deliveries. Caleb left, but not before sending her a look meant to tell her that he would be thinking about her tonight.
Over the next several months, Jane spent every afternoon with Caleb. At first, she’d hurry home after school and meet him at the bakery. They’d work on homework together and bake when it was needed. But then he started walking with her from school, announcing to everyone that they were together. Jane hadn’t thought about doing that, but when he called out to her one day, asking her to wait up, and then he walked with her, she felt…excited. This was no longer a secret crush!
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