Our circle is growing as we start this year off. We have a baby on the way, a relationship that needs work, a new one forming, and a car that still needs to be fixed. Last night I had to listen to Natasha go on and on about not having her baby back. Later today we plan to march over there and see about the business. In all honesty, I just want to see what this guy looks like and figure out what’s going on. Natasha was still fit to be tied last night, and personally I find it hilarious. She’s always our calm and laid-back friend, the one who is mentally planning out everything.
“Morning,” I hear from the front as Jaime causally walks in.
“Morning, how was your holiday?”
“It was good, nothing much happened. Just used the time to relax and get caught up on a few things. I can tell someone around here was busy.”
“That’s good, and yes I was a little busy. You should see the kitchen.”
“I’ll look soon; let me put my stuff away. Do you think we’ll be busy today?”
“Maybe, it should just be walk-ins. We don’t have any big orders. The next few weeks, people are recovering, and you know they set those ‘lose weight’ resolutions. It will pick back up toward the end of next month for Valentine’s day,” I explain as I tie my apron.
Jaime comes back out to the front with her apron on and looks around the counter space. “Wow, you did do a number here. Everything is so … in place.”
“It is, and I plan to keep it that way. Now, I already started the coffee and stocked everything. Zara will be in soon, and we need to make sure she takes breaks, doesn’t lift anything, and well, you know what to do.”
“Got it,” she says as she salutes me.
“Well, I’m going to be in my office so holler for me if you need something. The door will be open.”
As I enter the room, I look around at the space and know that I want to focus my attention in here today. This was the one area I didn’t get to clean up. I knew that once we opened back up our custom orders would be down, and I would need to occupy myself with something. The bottom drawer of the desk is packed with file folders, each labeled in either mine or Hatcher’s handwriting. Needless to say, I can’t read his writing. I plop the brand new unopened box of folders on my desk and reach for the labeling machine. Each folder will be replaced with a new perfectly able-to-read label. I’m focused on the task at hand and don’t hear Zara at the door until she sits down on the chair in front of the desk.
“Happy New Year, Morgan. What the hell are you doing?”
“Happy New Year. I’m making new folders.”
“I can see that, but why? What was wrong with the others?”
“I want them neat and pretty. Plus, I already did the rest of the place, so now I finish up in here.”
“Did you label the toilet paper holder? I mean, I saw the cups and coffee labels behind the counter. Jaime said she went into the kitchen and got freaked out because she could see herself in everything. I wasn’t brave enough to enter, so I came to find you.”
“Funny, and no I haven’t touched the bathrooms, other than to clean them. But … now that you mention it, I should do that just to drive you nuts.”
“Please refrain from that, or we will take it away,” she says, and I know my eyes got wide with that statement. I might have developed a small love affair with this wonder machine.
“How are you feeling?”
“Tired, shitty, and did I mention that my breasts hurt? I swear if Hatcher touches them one more time I might kill him.”
“I’ve heard this could be a problem, and yes you have mentioned it a few times.”
“Are my nine months up yet? I don’t think I can handle all this.”
“No, and you will be great. How’d the family take it? We haven’t been able to really talk since.”
“As well as they could, I guess. Dad is pissed, and you already know my mother adores Hatcher. Only time will tell.”
“They will be fine, especially once the baby gets here. How’s the whole marriage thing?”
“He hasn’t asked today, so that’s a good thing. I might have threatened to cut his balls off if he mentioned it one more time.”
“Let’s keep them in check. You might need them again one day,” I say as I work on the last few folders.
“Not going to happen once is plenty. All right, I’m out. I’ll leave you to do what it is you’re doing.”
I nod my head in her direction and watch as she moves. Zara hasn’t gotten that pregnancy glow yet, but it’s only a matter of time. I’m happy that she hasn’t had much morning sickness, as I know I wouldn’t be able to help. I can’t be in the same room as anyone else getting sick.
This makes me question whether I might not be a good mother. Maybe there’s a reason Simon and I didn’t get married, and for that matter, why it’s best that Jayden moved on. Just the thought of Jayden makes me wonder if he will show up today. The sign on the front doors explained that we would be back open today, but that doesn’t mean he will appear.
How is it that I spent a week without thinking of him or what I would say, until now? I guess the simple fact is, I know the possibility of seeing him is higher than it was last week. Today we opened the doors to the public and I have customers who need their fix—Jayden being one of them.
Last night while working on putting the kitchen back together, I baked a few new items and placed them out for sale today. I created a new look for the cupcakes that we’d created together. Instead of the pale blue frosting, I went with a silver effect and of course I made an extra dozen and set them aside just in case.
When my stomach starts to grumble, I notice the time. It’s already past two in the afternoon and I haven’t left my office. This is not my speed, as I love being out front or in the kitchen. I have to say that the office is now fully labeled, and everything is back in place. I even rearranged a little. I shut the light off and make my way out to check on my employees and customers.
As soon as I exit the hallway, I notice Zara is leaned up against the window asleep. I stop and take her in and look back at Jaime, who’s behind the counter helping a customer.
“How long has she been out?” I ask as I look at the receipt she just rang up and grab a few pastries from the shelf.
“Maybe thirty minutes. We had a rush and then she went to eat her lunch. Next thing I knew, she was out. I did take a picture, just for proof.”
“Oh, I heart that. Can you send it to me? I might need it also one day,” I say with a chuckle.
“Sure,” Jaime says as she pulls her phone out of her apron pocket and texts it to me.
“Sorry I was locked away. Has it been busy?” I look at the empty slots where I had just filled up everything this morning.
“It’s coming in spurts, nothing like it was.”
“Give it time.” I grab a muffin and coffee to go and look back over at Zara sleeping.
“I’m going to the park. I’ll be back in a few. Call me if you need me, and wake her up in twenty,” I say as I exit onto the half-empty sidewalk.
Last week when I would take breaks, it was odd to see my surroundings so empty. I'm used to the daily commuters and everyone walking around. Some must be still on vacation, as things are still slow and the park is empty. I’d walk across the street when I needed a break from cleaning or just needed to clear my thoughts. This afternoon I’ll enjoy some people watching, my muffin, and hot coffee.
It has nothing to do with the fact that I know Jayden visits the park at this time of the day. This is usually the time he would show up some days at the bakery.
By the time my cup is empty and my muffin has been eaten, I decide it’s time to go back to work. No sign of Jayden, which is good, since technically I put myself on a Jayden-ban.
THE PAST WEEK SEEMED to drag by. Business was slow, and so was my social life. Poor Zara could barely keep her eyes open after the afternoon rushes, which ended up with me moving her to part-time, and Jaime has been picking up some extra hours. Zara ha
d begged for me to just get a sofa and put it in the office, that all she needed was a little cat nap. Hatcher wasn’t hearing of it. He’s become this person I never thought I would see as he worries about everything now. He has gone from a few texts a day to about a million now, until Zara goes home. It’s sweet that she has someone to care about her this much.
I’m waiting for Natasha to arrive, as she’s had it up to her neck with the body shop. Now it’s something about the unique paint color that they need to order for the touch-ups on the front fender. I’ve agreed to tag along for emotional support, as I’m afraid that today just might push her over the point of no return. Frankie had some huge photo shoot to do in Savannah and left a few days ago. Her business is booming and she’s fast becoming the next big thing. It’s only a matter of time before a company snags her up.
“Jaime, I’ll be back in a little while. I’m off to save a car,” I say as I notice Natasha coming through the door.
“Afternoon. You ready to go kidnap a car?” I ask, knowing it’s a touchy subject with her.
“Kidnap, murder, it’s all the same at this point. Come on, I have to be back to the office soon.”
“Lead the way,” I say as I follow behind her.
That’s when I see him holding the door open. Jayden is standing there with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. I’m not sure if it’s for me or for the aroma trailing out the door.
“Hi,” I manage to get out and take in the fact that my voice sounds like a mouse.
“Hi,” Jayden responds.
“How are you?” I ask, hoping he will respond with something along the lines of him not being good and missing me just as much as I miss him.
“Good, thanks. And yourself?”
I hesitate for a moment as I let the disappointment fade away from my voice. “Great, thanks. Well … Okay, I have to go.” I quickly step away to stand next to Natasha. “Don’t even go there,” I say to her. “Let’s go get that car. That, we will deal with later.” I point us toward the street to grab a taxi.
The whole ride across town was quiet. Natasha worked from her phone, checking emails and texting, as I watched the world pass me by. It seems that is how my life is going, fast and blurry.
I’m only fooling myself when I tell myself I don’t need or want him. I want his hands to run down my back, I want him to brush the stray hairs from my face. Dance with me at a random moment as we embrace in each other’s arms. I want the romance, not the causal interaction we have now. The only problem is, how do I get it? How do I approach the fact that he strips me emotionally, physically, and spiritually? We’ve had two encounters, two very powerful ones at that. Did it not mean anything to Jayden? I know the answer to that, but I think it’s more that he’s confused with the whole Simon and wedding crisis. I might have looked like a runaway bride that day, but in reality I was running toward something I wanted. The day I tried on my dress was the day I said goodbye to the past. In some twisted fashion, it was a way to explain to my heart that I was going to be okay. That everything happens for a reason, and I was going to survive this mess.
“Morgan, come on, the meter is ticking,” Natasha says, snapping her fingers at me.
“Hold your horses, I’m coming.”
Natasha squares her shoulders and holds her head up high as she stands at the dingy counter in the front office. I, on the other hand, take a seat near the door, ready to be the getaway car or something. She clears her throat, and my mouth hangs open when a man approaches the front. I can’t hear what he’s saying, as his voice is low, but I watch her tap her heel against the old ceramic floor. Mental note, Morgan, Natasha has a crush.
“Let’s go. I’m done here for now,” she says and stops to turn her head back at the man who’s smiling one hell of a smile at her. “I’ll hold you to it, Mr. Kraft. I will be back tomorrow for my car.”
“I’ll hold you to that date, Ms. Presley,” he says, and I just stand here and watch the interaction between them. She’s out the door faster than I can blink, and I move quickly to catch up with her.
“Do you have a date?”
“Only because I want my car back. That man has been holding her hostage. He could have fixed this weeks ago. No…. He wants dinner, then I get the car.”
“I think you have a crush.”
“Morgan, I don’t have a crush, nor do I have the time to date. What would a man like that and I have in common? Absolutely nothing, so I’ll put my pride to the side and go have dinner in exchange for my vehicle.”
“Sure, let me know how that turns out,” I say as I laugh at how flustered she is.
“Fine, you want to laugh at me? How about we discuss Jayden and what happened today when we were leaving?”
“Nothing happened, and there is no us. He said his piece, and I have to respect that.”
“Now you listen to me, Morgan, you need to say your piece. I know you think he said what he said and all, but that look on his face says otherwise. You probably scared the poor guy away. I mean, he’s seen you a few times and witnessed your wedding dress breakdown. Go and talk to him, explain to him the past and how you feel.”
“Maybe you're right, but I need to focus on me for a bit, don’t you think?”
“You can do that while you start something with him. Look, I know we really haven’t spoken about Simon and that’s fine with me. You know I hate him anyway and make no point to hide it. I just think that, in your heart, you already know where and to whom it belongs.”
“It’s unfamiliar with him, you know,” I say as I stare at the back of the taxi driver’s head. I must have said it so softly that Natasha didn’t hear me, or she’s not sure what to say, because she doesn’t answer.
The rest of the ride back to the bakery, I ponder over what I should do. This back and forth thing I’m doing with my heart is worse than just putting it out there for him to break.
Natasha and I say a quick goodbye as I exit the cab, and we vouch to plan a girls’ night out soon. When I enter my heaven, things are quiet, and I check to see if Jaime can handle the rest of the day. After she confirms she totally has it, I head out. I just want to go home, prop my feet up, and relax. On the walk home, my cell rings.
“Hello, sleeping beauty,” I say as I answer Zara’s call.
“I’m not a beauty, but I do know how to sleep. How did things go with the car? Did you figure out what’s going on?”
“Oh, Zara, you aren’t going to believe this. The guy that owns the place is a hot mess, and you should have seen Natasha get flustered. They have dinner plans in exchange for her car.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“No, and it’s priceless because you can tell he affects her, but you know how she is.”
“This is epic, and I so can’t wait to hear about this. Anyway, I wanted to tell you something before my pregnancy mind forgets. While you were out, that guy, Nick, came by looking for you. He’d like you to call him.”
“Really? I haven’t heard from him since that night. I figured I scared him off.”
“Guess not. He hung around for a little bit, and then Jayden came in and the other one left. It was weird, like they can’t stand each other. I’m telling you, there’s a story behind that and you need to grab it up.”
“I’ll see what I can do. How are you feeling today?”
“Same, tired, sore, tired, but I’ll live, which is saying a lot more than Hatcher. You really need to talk some sense into him, Morgan. Tell him to back off. I’m not going to marry him just because he knocked me up.”
“I’ll talk to him. Have you thought about living together?”
“Yes. And no, that’s not happening either.”
“Noted. Look, I just got home and I need to … how do you explain it, find my Zen.”
“Oh, if you want to find your Zen you should come with me to class.”
“Thanks for the offer, but my Zen is a date with my label maker.”
“Thank you, Lord, you took it home.”
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“No, I bought one for the house. I plan to use it and figure out what I want to do.”
“Good luck, and let the labeling Gods loose in your house. I’m pretty sure you’ve labeled everything at work by now.”
“Ha, funny little knocked up one you are. Call me if you need anything.”
“Will do, and thanks, Morgan. You know, for being there for me.”
“Welcome. Now go get some rest and tell Hatcher we need to catch up.”
“Okay, bye,” Zara says and just like that she’s gone.
I place my jacket and stuff down on the side table in my apartment and look around to figure out where I want to start. I haven’t organized this place since I moved in, and I can guarantee you I have a ton of stuff to get rid of or donate.
With business slow, and a confused mind and heart, I know this will give me a much-needed break.
The decision on where to start came easily. I tried to hang my jacket up in the coat closet and realized it’s full of crap. I take all the clothes off the hook and toss them to the sofa and then empty the top shelf and the floor. With the carpet covered in clutter, I search for a few trash bags and start to separate. After I’m satisfied with the stuff I’ve decided to keep, I place it all back in the closet and shut the door. Next I move to my bedroom closet, this will occupy the rest of the evening—I have way too much crap. All of a sudden I remember a post I had saved about organizing your closet, and I reach for my phone to search for it. It’s then that I decide I need to head to Target. Wallet, keys, and phone in hand, I run out the door and down the stairs toward my car. I need to make this quick, so I can get back and finish my project.
I SWEAR IT TOOK A LIFETIME to make in and out of Target. Not to mention the huge hole in my wallet from all the new supplies. I might have gone a little overboard, but it’s been years since I purchased new things for my apartment. I mean, this is supposed to be all about me, not the shop, or anyone else. This needs to be done so I can find the Morgan I’m looking for. Finally back inside the warmth of my apartment, I drop my purchases on the floor outside the closet and head to the kitchen to make some coffee. I can’t go to sleep anytime soon anyway; the bed is covered, and I have a date with a label maker. Music is playing in the background as I shift through my clothing. I’ve made the same piles as I did for the other closet.
Frosted Sweets (A Taste of Love Series Book 1) Page 14