Page 49 of Yours and Mine (Friends with Benefits)

He got a mysterious smirk on his face as if he knew something that I didn’t.

“I’d be upset if you had no plan at all. I’m assuming there’s something else you’re interested in?”

“That’s the problem. I’m not sure. I mean, I know I’m not going to be a doctor or a lawyer, but I do want to do something I love.”

“What do you love?”

I wasn’t sure about that either. I loved my father, and Nick of course, but as far as hobbies, well, I was pretty sure that stone skipping or running wasn’t a career choice. Then the main kitchen oven rang with the afternoon batch of buns and breads.

“I love the smell of bread first thing in the morning. I love the way I feel when I bite into Marge’s cupcakes. And even better, I love watching people bite into them as well – the way their eyes light up when they see a cake that resembles a purse, a shoe, or a ball. Marge creates art, and it’s just so beautiful.”

“Well, I don’t want to push this on you, or anything, but have you ever thought of being a baker?”

A baker?

“Like you?”

“Me, or Marge, or both. You have the experience. And it may be a bit selfish of me, but I could retire earlier.” He winked.

“A baker…” I whispered, suddenly feeling elation fill my heart.

“I think you just got your answer. If you’d like, I can make a few phone calls. There’s a wonderful pastry school in Pinedale. And with the world of the Internet, you can practice off YouTube. I’m sure Marge would love to teach you as well if you’d like.”

I hadn’t felt nearly this excited about becoming a teacher. My heart was drumming in my chest as ideas and possibilities filled my mind. It was all happening so fast. I could already see my own store, an online ordering system, boxes upon boxes being loaded into a truck to make the deliveries.

“I think I’d really like that.”

And with one little suggestion, my father managed to bring meaning to my life once again.

Chapter 12

Molly, Daisy, and I decided to have a girls’ night out by the lake. When we arrived at Pebble Beach, I couldn’t help the memories flooding back to me of our prom night, when Nick and I made love for the first time a few feet away from here. We set up a campfire and our camping chairs. I set the batch of muffins, cookies, and cupcakes I’d made earlier in the day on a table made from a few planks that had been piled by the forest. Molly had brought a healthy plate of fruits and veggies with dip, and Daisy had opted for the junk food: chips and caramel popcorn. With the amount of food the three of us could carry, you’d think we were throwing a party for at least a dozen.

The sun was about an hour from setting. I stretched my legs out, removed my shoes, and warmed my feet by the fire. Evenings in Hope Bay tended to be cool even in summer time.

“So, roomie, are you packing yet for college?” Daisy asked.

“Actually, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.”

“I don’t like the way this is sounding.”

“I don’t see myself as a teacher. I think I was born a baker, though I hadn’t really figured that out until now.”

“Wait, are you backing out?”

“I really struggled with the decision, Daisy, but the only thing that makes me happy is baking.”

“You mean baking and Nick, don’t you? I can already picture you two on that counter top, with flour sprinkled all over the kitchen and a few chocolate chips here and there.” She removed her daisy printed hat and put it to the side.

“Eww, Daisy. Never!” I couldn’t stop laughing, yet Daisy was serious.

“Why not?”

“Because for one, we knead the bread there and two, it’s the kitchen and it’s not sanitary.”

“Sanitary, my ass. A few drips of sweat never killed anyone.”

“I swear I’m going to think twice when I’m over at your house for dinner.”

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