Page 89 of Building What's Meant to Be

“I take it you had him stay at the boutique while you were at work.”

“He’s my Velcro dog and doesn’t like to leave my side but because of health code stuff, I can’t have him inside the bakery. Christina had Gremlin and Dulcie at HQ. Let’s just say they became insta-friends.” Tinsley sing songs.

Her comment reminds me of my case of insta-love with the rumbling inside. It rolls through me like thunder across a field with flashes of lightning in the distance. Sometimes I think they’re bolts of love, others, a warning.

While we head over to Bubba’s, my mind floats with the safe, the plane tickets, and Tinsley’s texts. I’m missing something and I hope it won’t soon be her.

Chapter Nineteen

TINSLEY

Since coming to Butterbury, I’ve learned several things. I have a knack for baking and decorating cupcakes. After multiple false starts including a baking powder and baking soda mix-up, rock-hard scones, and cookies that spread to fill the entire pan, instead of throwing in the dishtowel, I decided it was time to focus, to up my game.

Oh, and let’s not forget how I almost burned the place down. My repeated failures lit a fire under my butt, no pun intended. I became determined to get really good at baking.

I’ve even impressed Rhondy with my cupcakes, which says a lot if you ask anyone in Butterbury. They even have their own shelf in the display case.

Today’s flavors include vanilla, double chocolate, chocolate and vanilla twist, and my personal favorite, strawberry lemon. My frosting is the real icing on the, er, cake. It’s smooth and silky whipped buttercream in the French style. Who knew I absorbed anything from my time overseas other than living that luxe life with the credit card bills to prove it?

Tammy, Bubba’s wife, also gave me a T-shirt that has a honey bee on it and says “Bee-utiful.” Until recently, I’d never haveworn something like that, but I change into it before I head over there for lunch and before my last day of community service.

Speaking of, I’ve learned how to tear up floors, install new ones, and paint a ceiling. It’s not as easy as it looks. I’m definitely not ready to become a member of the Designed to Last crew, but I hold my own on the jobsite.

After I hang up my apron, I update Camellia on the morning and that we’re out of sunrise muffins. Of all the ladybosses, she and I have become the closest, but I can’t deny that Mae and I are officially friends. She had me over the other day, showed me around the farm, and I spent time with the baby so she could shower. We even folded laundry together and if that doesn’t spell friendship, I don’t know what does.

I hurry over to the boutique to pick up Brave before Tammy gets here. Louella Belle rearranges a shelf and Christina clicks away on the computer.

Brave perks up when the bells on the door jingle and his tail wags when he sees that it’s me.

“Who’s a good puppy sweet boy? Who does mommy love so much?” I ask in a baby voice while giving him good pets and nuzzles.

Louella Belle laughs. “You sound like Christina with Gremlin. Remember when you thought he was going to kill you?”

“Gremlin wouldn’t hurt a fly,” Christina scoffs.

“Yes, but when we went to Buck’s for the first time and—”

Christina’s eyes widen as if reliving the memory. “Of course, I remember. I also thought we were going to get hacked to pieces in the woods.”

“Our @DomesticDiva has changed a lot,” Louella Belle says.

“She’s not the only one. I hardly recognize Tinsley in her T-shirt,” Christina says.

“It’s cah-yute!” Louella Belle says, taking a look.

“Tammy got it for me.”

“I have to give you credit for spending time with Mrs. Baskin.” Louella Belle shivers.

“You mean Beatrice?”

“When I was a kid, she terrified me. Still does. I can’t believe she lets you call her Beatrice.”

“Her typical stern expression is a bit intimidating, but she’s as gentle as a honey bee.”

The ladybosses laugh.

“Do you hear yourself?” Christina asks.

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