Page 20 of The Sweetest Ingredient

My grip tightened on the muffin. “Now wait just a minute. I never claimed I was as skilled as you or Bishop,” I said, my voice trembling. “And I’m doing my very best.”

“Well, it isn’t enough. I’ve been at this bakery for over ten years and that boy depends on me.” She threw a motherly glance toward his office. “And I won’t have some incapable novice jeopardizing all his hard work.”

The muffin fell from my hand. “I would never do anything to hurt the bakery!”

Lucia smirked. “Don’t think I haven’t noticed you inappropriately flirting with the boss,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain. “As if someone like you could ever measure up to Bishop’s high standards. He needs a sophisticated, experienced woman. Not a clumsy, wide-eyed novice.”

My pulse pounded in my ears. I hoped Bishop couldn’t overhear this absurd conversation. While it was true that I harbored deeper feelings for Bishop, Lucia had no right to belittle me this way.

My cheeks flushed hotly. “How dare you. My friendship with Bishop is strictly professional.” I dug my fingernails into my palms, trying to steady my nerves.

Lucia went on as if I hadn’t spoken. “Bishop is like a son to me, and he doesn’t need more friends. Or an employee assuming she can prance about and earn his affections.” She whirled around and stomped off.

Maybe she was right. Bishop would never see me as anything more than an employee, and had made it clear that he didn’t date the staff.

Taking a deep breath, I became determined to prove that I was at least capable of this job, even if winning Bishop’s heart was likely impossible for someone like me.

Then I wondered how long I could keep my secret hidden and what would happen when I finally confessed.

Chapter Eight

The sun was setting as I left work for the day. I unlocked my bike and started pedaling toward my apartment. Long shadows stretched across the quiet, tree-lined streets. With a population of seventeen thousand, Serenity Falls was a community where generations of families put down roots and neighbors shared a spirit of camaraderie.

The soft hum of my bike’s wheels was a stark contrast to the tumultuous whirl of thoughts inside my head. Lucia’s harsh words made my heart pinch, and I knew I couldn’t keep lying to Bishop.

How had I allowed myself to drift so far from my own moral compass?

Only because my savings was dwindling fast and I needed this job more than ever.

The familiar scenery unfolded along my usual route: the old red-bricked library with its tall spire came into view, followed by a cozy cafe with a flower-filled terrace, a Bed & Breakfast with its white picket fence and bright yellow flowers, and the waterfall that gave our town its name.

The waterfall was my favorite spot in town, with shimmering blue water tumbling down a rocky embankment. Mist from the falls gathered around the base, and the occasional splash of jumping fish created ripples in the pond below. My feet pressed down on the brakes, and I paused, gazing at the natural wonder before me. Its tranquility was a fleeting escape from the guilt that troubled my conscience.

Continuing on my way, I locked up my bike outside my apartment building and made a silent vow to keep my secret closely guarded from everyone at the bakery, at least until I had caught up on my rent and bills.

When I entered our apartment, Mochi greeted me with a pink bow adorning her head, making her look even more adorable than usual. I crouched to give her a good scritch on the head and she licked my cheek.

In the living room, Bree was practicing the violin, her brows knitted in fierce concentration, as if personally offended by any note that dared to sound less than perfect. She was in her usual practice stance: a rigid back and her nose slightly upturned. She called it ‘playing with proper posture,’ while I called it, ‘snob violinist mode.’ But Bree had this knack for pulling at the heartstrings with the strings of her violin, performing melodies that could make you grin stupidly, or feel a lump in your throat out of nowhere.

“Hi, sis! How was your day?” Bree lowered her instrument and bow.

I groaned, collapsing onto the couch. “Lucia is getting more suspicious.”

“Ohhh, not good.” Bree frowned.

“I can’t risk losing my job. Or being distracted…” Just thinking about Bishop’s dark, mesmerizing eyes made my stomach quiver.

“You need to be careful.”

I sprung up from the couch. “I have an idea. I’m going to create a new pet treat recipe and see if Bishop will let me sell them at the bakery. I’ll see what I can come up with that might help attract more pet-owning customers.”

“I’m not trying any, so don’t even ask.” Bree lifted her violin and started practicing again.

I dashed into the kitchen, and Mochi scurried behind me. I rummaged through the drawers until I found our grandma’s recipe book. Flipping through the worn pages, I searched for inspiration. She had loved creating healthy treats for her four dogs and I wanted to do the same, but on a larger scale.

“Mochi,” I announced, “you’re my official taste-tester.”

I gathered various nutritious ingredients from the shelves—whole wheat flour, peanut butter, and a dash of honey, making sure the peanut butter didn’t contain xylitol, a sweetener that could be toxic to dogs. Then I set to work, mixing, kneading, and shaping the dough into cute dog-shaped bones. I slid the tray into the oven, then sat down at the table. While I waited, I read recipes in Grandma’s book.

---