Page 25 of The Sweetest Ingredient

I swerved in time to avoid a collision with Miss Jenkins, who was power-walking her poodle as they crossed the street. I hit the brakes and stopped beside the crosswalk. Her dog barked and jumped up onto my leg.

“Sorry!”

Miss Jenkins huffed, tugging her dog’s leash. “You should be, young lady.” She looked around and leaned closer. “Have you heard the talk regarding Doughy Desires?”

“That it serves delicious baked goods?”

“No, honey. Someone has been saying they use cheap ingredients.” She appeared genuinely concerned.

“I wouldn’t believe the rumors, Miss Jenkins,” I said. “I know for a fact that it’s only bakery rivalry.”

“Well, I certainly hope so,” Miss Jenkins replied, though she still looked troubled. “It would be a shame if those rumors were true. Doughy Desires has always been my favorite bakery in town.”

With a wave, she continued on her way, the little dog eagerly leading her down the sidewalk.

I pedaled off, and as I approached Maxwell’s house, I gaped at the glaring contrast between his home—a dark-gray with black trimmings—and the rest of the houses in Serenity Falls. While the other residences radiated quaintness and charm, his home resembled an ominous fortress. The perfectly manicured lawn might as well have been a moat, and the towering wrought-iron fence screamed ‘keep out’ louder than any sign ever could, and yet a flowerbed near the porch held a patch of daisies.

Taking a deep breath, I removed the box from the basket on my bike and flicked a glance around me. No one was about. Not even a bee buzzed the flowers.

I walked to the front door, then raised my hand to ring the doorbell, except the door swung open.

“Hi. I’m looking for Maxwell Turner.”

“I am he,” Maxwell said. “How can I help you?”

“I’m Kenzi Middleton and I work at Doughy Desires.”

His brows lifted. “I’ve heard of you. You’re that graphic artist in town. Belinda told me you worked magic with the marketing for her hair salon. Seriously impressive stuff.”

“Oh, yeah. Thanks.” I forced a smile and handed him the cake. “I’m delivering this slice of cake made from all natural, high-quality ingredients courtesy of Bishop.”

Maxwell stepped onto the porch, his hair slicked in a side-part and his hawkish brown stare raked over me. He wore a sharp business suit that looked more appropriate for a corporate meeting than hanging out at home.

He eyed the box in his hands. “Oh?”

“Only the best for our esteemed competition.”

Maxwell set the box down on a wicker table next to the door, then opened the lid and peeked inside. I cringed. The piece of cake looked somewhat smooshed and lopsided.

He read the note and smirked. “Bishop’s feeling competitive, I see. Is he still a stickler for tradition?”

“I guess you could say that.”

“So, he hasn’t changed. Doesn’t surprise me. He’s always been stubborn.” Maxwell leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms. “I’ve always found it fascinating how someone so talented could be so resistant to change.”

I lifted my chin. “Or it could be a strong sense of integrity. He values heritage and consistency. So, it’s not about being stuck in the past, but honoring where you came from.”

“If you say so.” His lips puckered. “Sometimes I can’t help wondering if his reluctance to embrace new ideas might be holding him and his bakery back from reaching its full potential. Could be why those rumors are spreading.”

A breeze played with the ends of my hair, sending loose strands into my eyes, and I yanked them back. “Excuse me?”

Maxwell held up his hands in mock surrender. “I find it interesting, that’s all. It’s not every day you see someone so talented remain so...stagnant.”

I wanted to defend Bishop without sounding too attached, but teeny, tiny seeds of doubt took root in my mind. Was Maxwell right? Was Bishop’s stubbornness hurting both himself and Doughy Desires?

I squinted up at him. “Why do you dislike him so much?”

“Who, me? No, no, I have nothing but admiration for Bishop’s work. It’s just that I’ve heard a few unflattering stories concerning his bakery.” He looked around before lowering his voice. “About cutting corners on ingredient quality.”

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