Page 18 of Baking it Merry

“Before we get to that, why on earth do you feel like a failure?That’s just crazy!”

Crap.

“It’s nothing.I never should have said anything.So, what happens now?”

“Look, I get what you’re saying.I’m an only child, but all of my cousins are super successful and I’m working out of a makeshift gingerbread house.”With a soft laugh, she added, “But we’re all doing things we love, and I know it’s not a competition.You should be proud of what you do.And even though I haven’t seen anything you’ve built, I’m sure they’re amazing.”

She was killing him.

Tristan gently cleared his throat.“It’s something I’m working through.So…”

“What comes next?”she asked lightly.“Well, it would be helpful if I could see the space you’re going to use for the parties at your place.Do you have pictures you can send me?”

“No, but I can get that for you.”

“Great!And one party will be in your office, so I can just come up tomorrow and talk to Faye about where the best spot is to set up.And the last one is at your father’s office and…hmm…”

“Hmm?”

“Any chance his office space is like yours?Like the same sort of layout?”

“His is more than twice the size,” he explained.“Twice the number of employees too.I can put you in touch with his office manager—her name is Judith.When you come up to the office tomorrow, I’ll give you her contact information.”

“Perfect!Thank you.”She paused for a moment, and he heard something beeping in the background.“Listen, Tristan, I really appreciate you taking a chance on me.These parties are going to be festive and wonderful, and everyone is going to think that you are the ultimate holiday party host!”

The thought of it made him laugh.“I don’t know about that…”

More beeping.

“Um…do you need to go?I keep hearing some beeping, and…”

“Oh, I’m just taking some muffins out of the ovens for tomorrow,” she told him.“I rent kitchen space so I can bake in bulk.Then I prep a lot so I can get in here early tomorrow and bake some more and then I bring it all to the booth.The sound you’re hearing is the oven telling me things are done, so…hang on.”

He could hear things moving around for several moments before she got back on the line.

“Okay, that’s done, so now I can head home and make myself some dinner and relax.It makes for a long day, but I love it.”

“What time do you get up?”

“The alarm goes off at four, I’m here baking at five, and then I try to get to your building by seven.Sometimes earlier.Then I’m usually there until three, come back here and prep and bake before I head home and do it all again!”

“How can you possibly keep up that kind of schedule?You must get less than six hours of sleep, depending on when you go to bed.”

“I normally crash hard around ten, so…yeah.Six hours sounds about right.But this is only for November and December.Anything is possible when you know it’s only for a short amount of time.”

“And…why is it only for November and December?Why not just open your own bakery?”

“Ouch!Oh, hang on…I touched the pan I just took out of the oven.Um…what did you ask?”

“I’m just curious why you don’t open your own bakery?”

“It’s complicated,” she blurted out with a huff, the first time he’d ever heard her sound less than cheery.“Plus, it’s a long story and I still need to stop at the grocery store and get something to make for dinner, so…”

Now he was more curious than ever, so he did the only thing he could.

“Why don’t you let me buy you dinner?”he asked smoothly.

“Do you mean like…you’ll order takeout and have it delivered to my house so I don’t have to shop?”

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