Page 21 of Someone You Deserve

“No, Penn. You don’t have to…”

But it’s too late. I head for the front of the store, pushing through the swinging door that separates the kitchen area from the storefront and come face to face with Richard Cockwell.

Yes, his name is really Dick Cockwell.

We had a field day giving him shit in high school, but he took it in stride. You almost have to with a name like that.

But now he's a teacher at our alma matter, so I can only imagine the creativity his students have with butchering his name.

“Hey, Dick. How’s it going?”

He rolls his eyes. “Nice to see that some of us haven’t matured since high school.” But then his smile turns placating as he shoves his hands in the pockets of his khaki trousers. “Does Astrid have you icing cupcakes back there, Penn?” His grin grows. “You really are a jack of all trades, aren’t you?”

I flash him a tight-lipped smile, sensing some sarcasm in his tone. But now’s not the time to get in a verbal spar, especially since he’s a paying customer of Astrid’s.

Dick teaches science at Carrington Cove High School, so while he may have fancy degrees and a pension, I’d bet he’s more familiar with books and beakers than a set of tools.

“Actually, I’m here because Astrid hired me to do the renovations on the bakery. I’m just taking some measurements and then I’ve got to stop by the hardware store. You have heard of it, right?”

His eyes narrow at me across the counter. I knew he always thought he was better than Dallas and me, but the smarmy tone he’s taking with me just confirms it. “Yes, Penn. I have lived in Carrington Cove my entire life, just like you.”

“Just making sure.” I straighten my spine. “So, what can I do for you?”

“Well, I wanted to bring some baked goods into the school today for the office staff.” He peeks around me, trying to get a look in the back. “Is, uh, Astrid here?”

“She’s busy,” I say just as she barrels through the door.

“Richard?”

He perks up like a fucking puppy as he looks at her. “Hey, Astrid! How’s it going?”

Astrid casts a quick glance at me before standing across from Richard, the case a buffer between them. “It’s going. Busy.” She brushes her hair from her face and pastes a smile on her lips. “How can I help you?”

“I’m here for my usual Friday order. The office staff always go nuts for your muffins and Danishes.”

“Oh, well, I’m happy to hear that!” She grabs a box from behind her, folds it together and then starts grabbing items from the bakery case with tongs.

“How is running the bakery going? I can’t wait to sample that new menu.”

I feel like I’m watching a teenage boy try to get the nerve to ask out the girl he has always had a crush on. It’s oddly unsettling. Now I understand the term second-hand embarrassment.

“How did you know about that?” Astrid asks, eyebrows raised in surprise.

“I ran into your mom at the grocery store earlier this week. She says you’ve been working on it.” Then he leans over the counter, getting closer to her as he says, “Just so you know, I have a weakness for cupcakes.”

A snort escapes my lips, drawing both of their attention. “Sorry,” I say as Astrid narrows her eyes at me.

But really? A weakness for cupcakes? What a fucking twatwaffle.

I mean, I would eat anything Astrid makes, so maybe I have that weakness too. But I’d never say it out loud.

“Well, then you’ll be a happy customer. I’ve been so excited to unveil the new menu, but I might wait until after the renovations are done. Kind of like a grand re-opening, you know?”

Dick nods as I pull out my phone, checking my text messages and trying to make it less obvious that I’m listening to every word of their conversation.

“Makes sense.” Dick clears his throat as he meets Astrid at the register, handing her his card. “So, I know this may seem out of left field, but…I actually came in here this morning with the intention of asking you something.”

Astrid hands him his receipt. “Okay…” she slowly draws out with an uncertain smile.

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