Page 55 of Sugar Coated Secrets

People are wondering what happened when they show up to find the bakery closed. Katie called the customers, canceled their orders, and issued refunds. I called Mary, and she told me my grandmother is okay and has already had lunch. I told her someone broke in but didn’t take anything. I didn’t tell her about the rat. I’m sure she’ll find out soon enough. Nothing in this town is kept under wraps unless they want it to be.

Katie walks up while I stare at my phone. “The cleaning crew is here,” she announces.

When there is a rat inside a food prep area, I have to call a company that cleans and sanitizes the entire bakery so OSHA and city regulations don't breathe down my neck when I resume operation. It’s not like I would bake in there anyway or serve anyone. Rats are known to carry diseases. Whoever did it knew this would set me back and jeopardize my business.

“Perfect,” I say, getting up. “The faster this gets done, the faster we can open back up.”

“I’m sorry, Dulce. I know this is a setback you can’t afford.”

“You know what they say when it rains.”

“It fucking pours,” she finishes for me. She covers her mouth like a child who says a bad word in front of her parents. “Sorry.”

I shake my head. “Under the circumstances, it’s appropriate.”

I watch as people file in wearing protective gear. “Could you take me to see about getting a new prep table?”

“Sure.”

I’m not preparing anything on that table. When the cleaning crew finished, I instructed Katie to dispose of it.

I hear the bell at the door. I look up and see Ford. A calming sense spreads through me. My breath catches in my throat at how good he looks in a simple T-shirt and jeans. His arms bulge when he pushes his sunglasses on top of his head.

“Hey…”

“You heard?” I ask worriedly, causing sweat to slide down my spine. Making me aware of every movement I take.

"You know, people in this town talk about how when a store closes. It looks like you have an alien inside with all the people walking in and out wearing protective suits."

Karie scoffs. “Aliens?”

"It was a joke," he explains with a slight smile, causing my heart to skip a beat.

“Ha, ha,” she says sarcastically.

He raises his brows and slides his hand into the front pocket of his jeans, looking around. “So…rats, huh?”

“Yep,” I quip. “I’m about to head out, so...”

“Oh…um. You need a ride?”

“I think you’ve given me enough rides,” I tell him, not sure if I should trust Ford to give me anything.

Katie snorts.

I glare at her.

“What?” She plays it off. “It sounded funny.”

I sigh. “I need to get going,” I tell him.

“I'll go with you. That's the reason I stopped by.”

“Why?”

“About your van. I figured you wouldn’t want Trent to stop by or call, so I thought I would.”

"What's wrong with it, and how much will it cost me? I ask, ignoring his comment, even though he’s right that Trent is the last person I want to see. But right now, I’m only concerned with figuring out if I have enough on my credit card to pay for the repair.

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