by Sophie Kaye
“Baah.”
“Here we are.” She handed the fuzzy white cape to Sage who hugged it tightly.
Hailey put Sage down on the floor.
“Essica.” Sage took off straight across the room.
Hailey watched her run right up to Jessica and hold up her costume. She smiled.
“I know you've had to watch her alot lately. I hope it hasn't been too bad.”
Myra waved a dismissive hand. “It's fine, and the rehearsals have helped. Jessica is so good with them, they think they're playing a game.”
“Do you mind if I run some errands while Sage rehearses? I got a message from the bank, there are some papers that need signing and they wanted it done before Christmas.”
Myra took her eyes off Sage. “Is there a problem?”
“No, just something about switching banks. I figured it might be easier if I didn't have to drive to Langford if something came up.”
“You'll be home for dinner?”
“Yes,” Hailey smiled. “But I'm having coffee with Sam first.”
Myra raised an eyebrow. “Well, well.”
The weather was crisp and clear and snowplows had made short work of the snow that had fallen. The older kids rushed out after her, still zipping up jackets and tucking in scarves. They headed straight for the town square where two new snow walls had appeared. Half the kids went to one fortress and the other half to the other side.
There was something homey about the shouting and arguing that occured as they kept building up the fortresses.
Susan waved at her from the gazebo where she was instructing two women in how to drape lights over a large bush. Hailey waved back.
The walk to the bank only took a few minutes. Everything in Bellfrey seemed to be within walking distance.
The interior of the combined bank and post office reminded Hailey of old western movies with the bars in front of the teller. The part where the teller sat had dark wood half walls with frosted glass windows above. It was a nice contrast to the modern open offices with clean lines and boring squares.
A man was standing chatting with the teller as she arrived so she settled in behind him waiting for her turn.
“Who? Sam?”
The name made her ears perk. The man in front was talking to the teller.
“Yes, apparently he’s dating the new woman, Hailey.” The teller was focused on a piece of paper in front of her.
“That's nice. They'd make a great couple,” the man said
Hailey smiled.
“I don't think it's serious.” The teller in her bright red blouse turned to a computer and typed something. “Michael says he’s just having fun. Dating for the sake of dating.”
Hailey froze.
“But she seems like such a lovely girl.” The man handed over a note.
“From what I hear, she's not really his type. Apparently, all he’s after is a fling. Just a bit of fun.”
“Are you sure? It just doesn't seem right.”
“Trust me. He has no intention of anything serious. He’s just dating around to see what he wants, or doesn’t want.”
A lump rose in Hailey's throat. Without thinking, she turned around and left the bank. Did Sam see her as just a fling? Pain shot through her chest as she tried not to whimper.
Chapter seven
Hailey
She walked slowly on the way back to the town hall. The kids in the town square had moved on to attacking each other. Hailey barely flinched when a stray snowball landed by her feet. Laughter and singing drifted out into the street from the rehearsing kids.
Hailey stopped at the door. She turned back and started pacing the little sidewalk in front of the building. She had to keep herself together, for Sage.
“Hailey?”
She turned and locked eyes with Sam.
“What are you doing out here?”
“I...” It was too soon to have the conversation. “Nothing.”
He came up to her and took her hand. “I was just going to get cleaned up for our date. Looks like everything is set for tomorrow.”
“That's good,” Hailey said and averted her eyes. His hand felt warm around hers.
“What's wrong?” He bent his face forward, trying to catch her eyes.
“I don't want to waste my time.” Hailey stood up straight.
“OK? Should I skip the shower?” He furrowed his eyebrows.
“No, I mean if this is just a fling to you. I don't want to waste time. It's not fair to me or to Sage.”
Sam stiffened. His face paled. “I like you.”
“That's nice. But I think-” Hailey inhaled. “I think it's best if I just take Sage home.” She pulled her hand free. The doors to the town hall opened and two women came out with three kids jumping around them.
“What?” Sam blinked.
Hailey brushed past him and hurried inside. She bit her lip to keep the tears from welling up as she scanned the room for Sage and Myra. It was the right thing to do. If Sage got attached to him and he just... flung them aside... Hailey shook her head and smiled at Amanda.
“Everything alright?” Amanda asked.
“Fine.” Hailey swallowed. “Is there a lot of work still?”
“No, I can finish up the rest if you want to get going.” Amanda smiled and raised an eyebrow.
“Good.” Hailey crossed her arms in front of her. “I... the date's off.”
“What? No.” Amanda put a hand on her arm. “I'm sorry.”
“Turns out he was just looking for a fling.” Hailey shook her head. “I can't do flings, not with Sage to take care of.”
“That doesn't sound like Sam. He's usually so dependable.”
“I overheard a conversation at the bank.All he wants is a bit of fun”.
“Oh, Hailey.”
Hailey looked over at the stage where Jessica was instructing the kids. “They were talking about how his whole relationship with me was just dating for the sake of dating. That I wasn't his type and he only dated me to figure out what he didn't want.”
“Are you serious? I could kill that man.”
Hailey shrugged.
“Mommy.”
Hailey looked up and arranged her face into a smile. Sage waved from across the room and came running, clutching her sheep costume. Myra sighed and came after her.
“Baah.” She stopped by Hailey's legs.
“There's my little sheep. Shall we go home and see if we can find you some fresh grass for dinner?”
“Baah.” Sage wrinkled her nose.
“Maybe we can dig for some under the snow.”
“No, mommy. Sagna.”
“Lasagna? But sheep don't eat lasagna.”
Hailey took Sage's snowsuit from Myra. It was going to be a long night.
Sam
“You!”
Sam flinched and looked around. He had been studying the snow forts that had been abandoned as the kids went home for dinner. He and Michael used to play the same game when they were small.
The peaceful late afternoon had been interrupted by a steaming Amanda. Followed closely by Jessica.
“What do you think you're doing?” Amanda raised a finger at him, a gesture that lost some significance since she was wearing mittens. “You can't just play with people like that.”
“What are you talking about?” Sam looked from one angry woman to the other.
“Just a fling? Is that really what you were after?” Jessica said and took a step closer.
“You can't go breaking her heart like this.” Amanda put her hands to her sides, emphasising her pregnant belly.
“Who? Hailey?” Sam's heart skipped a beat.
“Of course Hailey. She was falling in love with you and you just dump her?”
“Hold on.” Sam held up his hands to shield himself from the women's ire. “I didn't dump her.”
Amanda deflated a bit. “You didn't? But she said the date was off?”
“Because she called it off. I never did. I have no
idea what's going on.”
“So you like her?” Jessica narrowed her eyes at him.
“Not that it's any of your business, but yes. I do.” Sam crossed his arms.
“Then why isn't she your type?” Amanda asked.
“I have no idea what you two are talking about.”
Jessica took a step closer. “Then why aren't you going out?”
“Beats me.”
“But she said you were just looking for a fling.”
“I mean. I was.” Sam held his hands up when Amanda took a deep breath. “But I'm not anymore. I'm falling for her.”
“You are?” Jessica asked. “Did you tell her?”
“No. She stormed off.”
“Well, what are you waiting for,” Jessiac said. “Go tell her.”
“Or,” Amanda said and held up a finger. “Show her.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have a plan.”
Something in the way Amanda smiled and Jessica joined in unsettled Sam.
Hailey
“You look tired,” Myra said and poured Hailey a cup of coffee.
“I didn't sleep well.” She took the mug and sipped the warm liquid.
“So, what happened yesterday?” Myra leaned on the counter.
“What do you mean?”
“Why did your date get cancelled and why did you toss and turn all night.”
Hailey sighed. “He was only looking for a fling.”
“So?”
“Myra,” Hailey said shocked. “I don't do flings.”
“Well, maybe you should. Not every relationship has to be super serious.” She reached out a hand and stroked a lock of hair behind Hailey's ear. “You've had a rough time. Casual dating might be just what you need.”
“I was falling in love with him. If he's going to break my heart, I'd prefer if he did it sooner rather than later.”
Myra took a deep breath and stood up. “You still have to make the cookies, right?”
“Yeah, but I can just do that here.”
“Oh, sorry.” Myra said. “The oven's broken.”
“It is?” Hailey peered towards the normal looking oven. “But you made lasagna yesterday and it seemed fine?”
“Yes, but this morning I wanted to make oven pancake and it's not turning on. I called someone to check it out later today. But you can just make the cookies at the bakery, right?”
“Sure. I have to go there anyway to see if they got the delivery right. I forgot to cancel the ingredients I ordered for the opening.”
“Maybe you should go and do that right away. I can look after Sage. That way you have time to spare if the oven is wonky.”
“Already? There's plenty of time.”
“Yes, but it's stressing me out, knowing that you still have to get it done.”
“OK, Sage isn't up yet though.”
“I'll take care of her, you just go bake.”
“OK.” Hailey shook her head at Myra's insistance. She had hoped to avoid the bakery today. It was supposed to be her opening day. But maybe the baking would cheer her up. Maybe she should make some cakes too, or some bread. She had a whole kitchen just for baking.
A small smile spread on Hailey's lips. She had been so occupied with the pageant and Sam that she had forgotten that she had a dedicated space for baking. Even if she couldn't have the store open tonight she could make cookies and cakes to give as Christmas presents.
She had set up a delivery service for the ingredients she knew she'd want to have at hand. As it turned out, Tina had been a loyal customer of the local grocery store and ordered everything via them. Hailey had continued the tradition. It meant prices were a little bit higher but the delivery man had his own key. She had spoken with the store owner a couple of times and since Tina had trusted him, Hailey did too. It also meant she could run out to the store if she needed something extra and it all went on the bakery's tab, no extra receipts or small bills.
As she walked through the tranquil town she tried to push the deep brown eyes and dimple out of her mind.
Her steps faltered as she remembered the kiss they had shared, his hand holding hers. She shook her head. She had let herself get caught in a dream. It was a fantasy, that was all. A fantasy about another man that would disappear out of her life.
∞∞∞
Hailey stopped as she rounded the corner. The cardboard was gone from the bakery window and a big red bow decorated the front door. She tried looking inside, but it was too dark to make out anything.
Hailey looked around. The street was still empty. She studied the building. It was the right one. With shaking fingers she fumbled the key into the lock and opened the door. The smell of fresh paint met her. After a deep breath she hit the lightswitch.
Hailey gasped and put a hand over her mouth. The storefront was perfect. There was no sign of the fire, the walls had been painted in a soft sand colour and the display case had new glass. The tables were decorated with tablecloths and small green wreaths around a glass vase with a candle in.
Tears rose to her eyes as she walked around slowly touching the tables, chairs and the old till on the countertop. It was everything she had ever dreamed of.
Her legs suddenly felt weak so she pulled out a chair to sit down.
She had no idea how long she had been sitting there when voices from the street drifted in. Blinking she saw Myra and Sage looking in at her. She smiled and waved at Sage.
The little bell on the door tinkled happily as Sage came running in.
“Mommy, bake.” She held out her hands.
Hailey picked her up.
“Good morning, precious.” She kissed Sage's cheek. “This is mommy's bakery. Do you like it.”
Sage wriggled and tried to get down.
“Did you know about this?” Hailey asked Myra.
“Sam called this morning.” Myra touched the curtain framing the window. “He said there was a surprise for you here, and I should make sure you saw it.”
“Sam's behind this?” Hailey's heart fluttered and her stomach turned to ice.
“He said he had some help.” Myra pulled out a chair and sat next to Hailey and Sage.
“Why would he do that?”
Myra shrugged. “I think you're going to have to ask him about that.”
Hailey nodded and hugged Sage tightly. “I guess he felt bad because he had to break his promise.” Hailey tried to settle her stomach. It probably didn't mean anything. He felt guilty about letting her down. Maybe his professional honour was at stake.
“Maybe.” Myra said and reached out for Sage. “But I think you have some baking to do for tonight.”
“Tonight?” Hailey looked at her with furrowed eyebrows.
“For the opening.”
Sage climbed over to Myra who started removing her hat and snowsuit.
“The opening. But I haven't planned. I don't have the ingredients and...”
“You've been planning this for months. And you ordered all the ingredients earlier, remember. How about we go into the kitchen and I'll give you a hand to get started.”
Tears filled Hailey’s eyes again as she nodded. She'd have her opening. Just in time for Christmas. Had Sam realised how much her silly dream meant to her?
“Do you want to help mommy make cookies?” She brushed some hair out of Sage's face.
“Baah,” Sage said. “Seep cookie.”
Hailey laughed. “We can make some sheep cookies too.”
Sage grabbed her hand and they made their way around the counter and into the kitchen. Hailey stopped, looking out over her own little domain. Her dream was coming true.
∞∞∞
“Go ahead, have another one.” Hailey offered the plate of cookies to Gunther.
“I probably shouldn't.” He looked at the plate. “Oh, alright. One more. These are excellent cookies, young lady.”
“Thank you. And I hope to see you at the bakery later today for the opening.”
“I'll be there.�
�� He smiled at Myra.
“This is going well,” Myra said. “They seem to be enjoying the cookies.”
“I hope so.” Hailey's stomach did a backflip. “What if they won't like the other things I made?”
Myra patted her back. “They're going to love it. Don't you worry about that.”
“Hi.”
Hailey's throat went dry and her palms became sweaty. Myra's hand disappeared. Hailey was glad for the table between her and Sam. The suit he wore made his shoulders seem even broader. Hailey could feel herself melting at the mere sight of him.
“Hi.” She avoided his gaze. “Thank you. For the bakery.”
He shrugged. “I had some help. Amanda and Jessica.”
“Oh.” Hailey nodded.
“Sage was definitely the best sheep in the pageant. You could tell she had been practising.”
Hailey smiled. Sage had taken center stage and baahd her way through the performance.
“She doesn't seem to have any stagefright.”
Someone bumped into Sam.
“I should let people have their cookies. Everyone is raving about them, by the way.”
Hailey flustered and picked up the plate, almost dropping all the cookies in the process.
“Here, have one.” She held the plate out, willing her hands to stop shaking.
“Thank you.” Sam took a cookie and nodded at her.
Their eyes met for the briefest of moments and Hailey could feel her heart skipping a beat.
With a nod he turned and disappeared into the crowd.
Hailey put the plate down and looked around for Myra.
“Will you excuse me, I'm going to go check on Sage.”
“Of course. I can handle this.”
Hailey hurried to the backstage area. As soon as she was away from the crowd she leaned back against a wall and closed her eyes.
“Hailey?”
Amanda stood in front of her with her head cocked, looking at her with a worried expression.
“Amanda.” Hailey threw herself forward and hugged her. “Thank you so much for the bakery. I don't know how you got Sam to finish it on time. But thank you so much.”
“Don't thank me.” Amanda gently patted her back. “Sam is the one who stayed up all night to finish it. I just ironed the curtains and tablecloths.”