Anonymous(19)

Ellie





The next morning, I get to the bakery extra early. There are a few phone messages asking for custom cakes, so I write them all down, with plans to call them later in the morning. I really wanted to get in early, so I could prepare myself to break the news to Vikki. She’s never been on her own long-term in the bakery. If she doesn’t want to do it, I don’t know what I’ll do. I don’t trust anyone other than her to run it while I’m away.

The back door opens, and I can hear her teeth chattering. “It’s chilly this morning, isn’t it?” I call out.

She snorts and joins me behind the glass cases, her scarf wrapped a million times around her neck, and her nose bright red. “Just a little. Did you hear we might have snow tonight?”

I nod. “Yep. Depending on which way the storm system shifts, we could either see a trace or get eight inches.” I’m betting on just a trace. I can’t remember the last time we’ve had a bunch of snow in November. It’s usually December and January when we get a ton. “I’m hoping we don’t get much because I haven’t been by the store.”

Vikki chuckles. “Better snag some bread and milk. The stores will be wiped clean if you don’t.”

“True, but I doubt we’ll get any. I’ll go later tonight.” Clearing my throat, I turn to Vikki who is now emptying the cases to make room for new treats. The things we bake that don’t get purchased, are usually given away to the businesses down the street. They get eaten one way or another. “Vik, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

Her hand pauses and she jerks her attention back to me. “You’re not firing me, are you?”

“No,” I gasp, slapping a hand to my chest. “That’s never going to happen.”

She leaves the rag on top of the case and crosses her arms. “What’s going on then? You don’t look right.”

Taking a deep breath, I let it out fast. “How would you feel holding down the fort here for a while? Like . . . a couple of years.”

Her eyes widen and she opens her mouth to speak, then stops and does it again. “What do you mean hold down the fort? Where are you going to be?”

“Arizona. Jake was asked to run an important project and he can’t say no. It’s only for two years. I’m planning to open another Sweet Sensations while I’m there.”

“Oh, my dear ever-loving goodness, are you serious?” She squeals as she runs over and throws her arms over my shoulders. “This is awesome. Congratulations! Of course, I’ll help in any way I can.”

I hug her tight. “Thanks, Vik. I know you can handle the business on your own. I’m leaving it up to you to find another cake decorator. I want you to hire someone you feel you can work with. My nieces will still come in the afternoons and help.”

She steps back and there are tears in her eyes. “Will do. I just—I don’t know what I’m going to do without you.”

“You’ll do just fine. I have full faith in you.”

It takes her a few minutes to unwrap her scarf. “Are you going to buy or rent a house out there?”

“Buy,” I reply. “Jake’s company gave us a huge bonus check. Might as well buy one and keep it as a vacation home, right?”

She nods. “Yep. I’ll help you start looking, once we get everything cooked and decorated for the day.”

“Perfect. Let’s get to work.”



* * *



The morning went by quickly. I returned phone calls and started on one of my custom orders. It’s a five-layer death by chocolate cake. The amount of chocolate used is insane, but it’s so delicious.

“I’m surprised we’re not ten thousand pounds by now,” Vikki teases as I pipe the last few designs on the cake.

I laugh. “Tell me about it. I guess I bake so much, I don’t crave it like I used to. I mean, unless it’s a strawberry cake, and then I’ll eat the hell out of it.”

“And you know key lime is my weakness,” she adds.

Once the cake is done, I carefully slide it into our refrigerator and fetch my laptop from the back room.

Vikki claps her hands and smiles. “Is it house hunting time?”

I laugh. “Why not? Might as well see what we can find.”

We sit down at one of the tables in front and I search for houses in Phoenix within our price range. The architecture is so different from our homes here in North Carolina. I’m used to a log cabin, not stone and stucco-type houses. It’s going to be strange living there with all the different landscapes, trees, and cactuses.

“I really like that one,” Vikki points out.

I do too. It’s a single-story ranch with the main entryway made out of stone. The tall, narrow evergreen trees out front and the mountain in back give it a magical appeal. Not to mention, it’s the perfect size for me and Jake . . . and a family, if we happen to start one.

“This one’s going in my favorite folder.” There are a few others I add throughout our search, and I can’t wait to show Jake tonight.

Vikki squeals and squeezes my hand. “This is so exciting. I can’t wait to come out and visit you. I’ve never been to Arizona before.”

“Me either,” I say nervously. “Hopefully, I can do this. Starting up this bakery was a lot of work. It scares me not having you.”