Page 63 of Tiers of Joy

“You’re funny Esme. I don’t get it, but you’re funny.” I roll my eyes.

“So, what now?” I ask.

“I'm not sure, Bob is the only one who has spoken to him.” She states.

I slam the bottle down on the side and grab my keys. “Come on Amy, I'm locking up.” I say ushering her out of the bakery and locking up.

“Oh god. You’re mad. Are you going to fire me before I’ve even started?” She asks.

“God no! See you tomorrow.” I yell over my shoulder, running to my truck.

I jump in and speed to Bob’s. When I arrive I pound on the door. Bob swings the door open and sighs when he sees my face.

“Who told you?” He asks.

“Amy.” I answer.

He walks out, shutting the door behind him.

“Look, I didn’t want to hurt you anymore than you were already hurting. I know you had feelings for him. You weren’t handling it well and what with the bakery and everything, I didn’t want to ruin your big opening.” He apologises.

“Okay I get that, but maybe you could have said he was visiting family or something so I didn’t worry myself at night thinking he’d been eaten by bloody bears?!” I point out.

“Fair enough. I should have said something, but I don’t think he's coming back Esme. He’s making a life out there for himself. He’s building a relationship with his mom. I don’t want you waiting around for him. You’re doing great with your life. Please Esme.” Bob begs.

“How did you know I had feelings for him?” I ask.

“I have eyes. I saw the way you looked at him and he you. If things were different then you guys would have been great. But they’re not. You can't wait around for a guy who may or may not come home.” He points out.

I nod and nibble my thumb nail.

“He’s okay though, happy?” I ask.

“Yeah, he sounds it.” Bob asks.

I nod and start walking back to my truck.

The whole way back I can’t help but be angry that he didn’t even have the decency to drop me a letter, a text, a bloody email?! I woke up to a note saying I'm glad your date was ruined and then saw him jogging. He didn’t say anything then, not even a clue.

I pull up at the bakery and grab the wine and head up to bed, I’m exhausted from the day. Hearing that has just topped my day off superbly.

Over the next coming weeks me and the girls get on great. We work really well together and I love going to work everyday .

I have to pop to Ted’s hardware store to grab some more baking trays. He started getting more homeware stuff in when the town started demanding it rather than waiting weeks for something they had to order online.

I walk to the section I need, saying hi to people as I pass. I pull my list out of my bag and read it to make sure I get the right things. Not looking where I’m going I walk straight into a hard wall of man. I fall backwards and land on my behind with a thud.

“I'm sorry. Here, let me help you up.” In front of me is a guy wearing faded ripped jeans and a t-shirt that stretches across his broad chest. My eyes travel up to see a handsome guy with warm brown hair, stubble, and blue eyes.

“Um thanks.” I blush. I stand up and brush myself off. “Sorry, I’m a bit accident prone.” I smile.

“No, I should have looked where I was going. I’m Tanner by the way.” He holds his hand out and I shake his hand.

“Hi Tanner, I'm Esme.” I smile.

“I know who you are; people in this town talk. You’re the pretty English girl who owns the bakery. Am I right?” He asks smiling.

“Well aren’t you a smooth talker? Yes, that’s me.” I laugh.

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