Page 69 of Sweet Somethings

Eleven

Wednesday morning passed in a blur as Juliette worked from four a.m. until eleven when she went to the Wayfarer restaurant to drop off her desserts, which were received with a great deal of awe and praise.

On her way back to the bakery, she stopped in at Donavan's for some much-needed coffee. She'd sent Susan to make the morning delivery to Donavan's, so she'd missed her early morning espresso.

Sara and Donavan were both working behind the counter, and she noticed that Roman's grandfather, Vincent, and his friend Max were chatting at their usual table with another gray-haired man.

She stepped up to the counter and gave Donavan a smile. "I am in desperate need of coffee."

"What can I get you?"

"I think I'll try the dark roast today. It smells so good."

"You've got it," Donavan said.

"You look tired," Sara commented, as she took her credit card and swiped it.

"I'm exhausted. I just finished up a huge order for a private lunch at the Wayfarer restaurant."

"That's a good place to show off your desserts."

"I hope so. The cakes turned out well, which is always a relief when I get a special order."

Donavan set down a mug of coffee in front of her instead of her usual to-go cup. "Why don't you sit down and read the newspaper or something? You've been going nonstop for days. The shadows under your eyes are getting bigger."

"I wish I could, but—"

"But nothing. Sit," Donavan ordered. "You have to pace yourself, Juliette. I recognize your need to make everything great immediately. But it's hard to build a steady business. You're going to need strength to keep all the balls in the air, so a few minutes here and there to breathe are absolutely required."

"I know you're right. It's just so hard to take those minutes when time is precious."

Donavan gave her an understanding smile. "From what I can see, you're doing really well."

"I actually do feel kind of proud of myself," she admitted. "I dreamed about owning a bakery for a long time, and I wasn't sure I could do it all by myself, but somehow I'm doing it."

"And you'll keep doing it, after you sit down and have some coffee."

"Thanks." She took her coffee over to a table and sat down. Someone had left a newspaper behind, so she browsed through the local news, thinking it had been a long time since she'd actually read a newspaper. Most information she got online. It did feel relaxing to actually be out somewhere and not have something pressing to do for a few minutes.

Sara brought over a sandwich on a plate and set it down in front of her.

"What's this?" she asked.

"I picked up sandwiches at Connor's Deli but then Eli called in sick, so I have an extra. It's turkey and jack cheese with tomatoes and sprouts. Will that work?"

"It's perfect."

Sara took the seat across from her. "So anything new happening? Did you ever go out with Doug?"

"As a matter of fact, I did—last Sunday night. He took me to dinner at Gladstone's."

"Fancy," Sara said with a raise of her brow. "Doug does know how to charm the ladies. And then what did you do?"

She saw the expectant look in Sara's eyes and knew she was going to disappoint her. "He took me home and we said good-night."

"No kiss?"

"Just a peck."

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