Page 183 of Sin With Me

I stood there with my mouth open, for the first time in my life unable to think of something witty to say. Claire was definitely someone I had to watch out for, and without a doubt, this wasn’t the last time I’d seeher.

My heart leapt at the smell of freshly baked bread that drew my attention to Mrs. Gladden’s bakery. I took a brave step toward the store. I had avoided it since the first day I arrived in Ogden. It had been two years since I’d eaten a pastry resembling something David would have made. Catching my gaze, Mrs. Gladden waved me to come inside.

“Good morning,” I said nervously, feeling the smell of fresh bread penetrate my lungs.

Standing at the bakery’s threshold, I felt like I’d just traveled back in time, when I’d ran to David’s dad’s bakery to meet him in the morning.

“Hello, Emma. It’s so good to see you again. How are you adjusting, my dear? I hope Claire out there didn’t give you too much trouble.” She leaned over the counter, waving me inside once again. But I couldn’t convince my feet to move. “That girl likes to stir the pot too much. I’m so happy Eric finally found someone kinder, like you. Don’t let her tell you otherwise.”

I guessed having seen me speak with Claire, she mistook the cause of my nerves. The last time I’d chatted with Mrs. Gladden, we stood outside the bakery, and given Eric was with me, I’d had a good excuse not to enter. Could I do so now? Could I really put my past behind me and step into the future?

“It’s all right. Are those red velvet cupcakes?” I pointed to the massive red mounds with cream cheese frosting on top, sprinkled with crimson flakes.

“Oh, Emma. Come in, please. You must try them. I baked them this morning, and I promise you won’t find a better taste in the world.”

With David gone, I was sure she was correct. I took a step forward. The warmth of baked goods wrapped around me, and before I knew it, there was a cupcake sitting on a plate in front of me and Mrs. Gladden holding a forkful ready for a taste.

“Thank you.” I hoped my voice was louder than a whisper. Glad to be sitting down at one of the tables, I stared at the dessert in front ofme.

“Don’t you like cupcakes, dear?” she asked, concern drawing onto herface.

“I do, it’s just that… they bring memories. Sad memories.”

She pulled up a chair beside me and took my hand into hers, “Tell me. It willhelp.”

I wasn’t sure how, but spilling my heart out to Mrs. Gladden felt liberating. For the first time in two years, I’d felt like I was finally letting David go. She wiped a tear from her eye as my story came to anend.

“You’ve lived through much more in your life than many of us old folks, Emma. I’m sorry for being so pushy.” She pulled the plate away fromme.

“No, please. I think it’s time I try something new.” I took the fork from her hand to taste the cupcake. The smooth cream frosting melted on my tongue. It wasn’t too sweet, blending perfectly with the red sponge. Mrs. Gladden waited without moving for my approval.

“It’s delicious. One of the best I’ve tasted in my life.” And I wasn’t saying that just to be polite. I meantit.

“Oh, Emma, thank you. I hope you find the happiness you’re looking for, my dear. I hope you find someone to fill that gaping hole in your heart, and I have a feeling you alreadyhave.”

Had I? Could I even consider Eric to fill in what I’d had with David? I didn’t think I wanted anyone to fill in David’s spot, but maybe Eric could be the one to seal that hole and heal me the way I hoped I could healhim.

I bought fresh bread and a few pastries, including two of the largest cupcakes I’d ever seen. On my way to Town Hall, I saw Claire on her bike again, leaning into another girl’s ear while keeping her devil eyes focused on me. I knew I’d be running into her again. I just didn’t know when, or where.

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