Page 61 of Tiers of Joy

I tap my feet, anxiously watching the clock tick down.

It hits 9am. I smile and walk to the door, open it up, and turn the sign. I step out and see nearly the whole town has turned up for the opening.

“Oh my god!” I sob.

Nellie and Jack walk over with a giant yellow bow and ribbon.

They stand either side of the door and hand me some scissors.

“Now it’s a proper opening.” Nellie whispers.

“Thank you.” I whisper.

“Speech!” Bob yells.

“Oh crap, really?! Okay, well, I would like to say thank you to all of you for making me feel so welcome in your town. I know I haven’t been the best I can be. I came here alone and scared.” I pause to wipe a tear that has fallen. “For those who don’t know, it was mine and my husband’s dream to move over here. He was going to do what he loved, restoring boats, and I was going to do what I loved and own my own bakery. Sadly, our dream changed when he died of cancer. In a letter he left to me he told me to go and live our dreams, to go and make a life without him. Instead of crying tears of sadness I was to cry tiers of joy.” I sob. I wipe away my tears and smile.

“So with the help of Bob and his guys I've done just that. Everyone, I would like to officially open the Tiers of Joy bakery!” I yell.

I cut the ribbon and everyone cheers. I sob and wipe my eyes, welcoming everyone in.

The day was a huge success; I pretty much sold out of everything. People loved the cakes and bread. People constantly hugged and congratulated me and I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face.

After I've cleaned down I go and slump in my chair with a glass of wine and call Sally.

“How did it go?” She asks excitedly.

“Amazing! I pretty much sold out and I had a few people pick up an application for the part time job too. I'm having a break with a glass of wine now and then I'm getting to bed ready to get up at 3am and bake for tomorrow.” I sigh, rubbing my foot.

“Did he show?” She asks.

“No.” I answer.

“A card, letter, anything?” She asks hopeful.

“Nope.” I sigh.

“Oh hun, I'm sorry.” Sally says.

“It’s okay. It’s not like we were madly in love or anything. I mean, we had one great night and argued a lot. I don’t know, I just thought he would be here.”

“Well regardless, you did it. I am so proud of you. Don’t let that dick weed bring you down. You’re amazing and I love you.” Sally sings happily down the phone.

“Thanks babe, love you.” I say before disconnecting.

I lay in bed and hope that wherever Gaige is, he’s okay. It has been three weeks and no one has heard a word from him. I’m so worried that something bad has happened to him. I worry that he went off hiking somewhere. What if he's been eaten by a bear? I just don’t understand why he would up and leave like that without a word?

Chapter Fifteen

It has been two weeks since Tiers of Joy opened and I've been rammed. Ive been selling out nearly every day and people are starting to ask if I do birthday cakes as well. I’ve been saying that until I hire more staff then it will have to wait.

I'm sitting with the two applicants I've narrowed it down to. There’s Josie, a sixteen year old high school girl who I just adore. She is cute and nerdy. Unfortunately, she can’t work the mornings in the week because she’s at school. The other candidate I have for those mornings is Amy. I thought it was going to be awkward but it’s not. Her and Wyatt actually hooked up and are now an item. They work really well together.

“Okay so I have you both here because there has been a slight change of hours. Because the demand is so high I'm going to need someone here in the mornings from eight until two Monday to Friday and then I will need someone to help me at closing down and clear up from three thirty util six each night. Then because Saturday is our busiest day I will need you both in all day Saturday. However, we shut earlier on Saturdays: four. So you can go then and not worry about cleaning down. How does that work for you both?” I ask.

They both smile wide and nod their heads.

“Great! Here are your aprons, please wear smart but comfy clothes. I know it’s Sunday tomorrow but if you could come in at eleven I will go over till training and show you where everything is.” I smile.

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