Page 30 of Returning to Everton

We both snicker at that. “Well, I’ve only seen Hudson so far, so I’ll have to take your word for it.” I back up and magic the bag of coffee cake back. “Alright, let’s go eat some cake.”

We turn and head for the door, side by side with one arm wrapped around each other’s waist.

12

Hudson

It’s been pretty busy all morning. When I got back from dropping off Rowen, there was a line at the door wondering where the heck I was. I never close the bakery early. To have closed so early in the morning will surely have the whole town talking. To spend that extra time with Rowen though, was worth all the gossip in the world.

After the first rush was dealt with, I went back to the kitchen and pulled out my extra pans of muffins and cinnamon rolls. I really did give Rowen too much of my daily supply, but that’s why I always have extra batches waiting to be made. You never know when you’re going to have an influx of customers and start selling out of things. Always best to be prepared.

Besides, I know my girl, and there was no way she was going to make a choice. I was lucky she decided to stop at cinnamon rolls and muffins. I know she wasn’t expecting me to give her quite as many muffins as I did, but I knew she wanted to try them all. Hell, that’s still not all of the muffins I make. Just all that I had out today.

I know she was going through each bag to discern what all I put in them. She texted me when she saw the giant cinnamon rolls. I don’t think she realized how big my goods are. Ha, I totally meant my baked goods... though she has no idea how big that is either.

I wonder what she thought of my notes. She hasn’t texted me about them, but it’s been long enough I know she’s seen them. Knowing Rowen and Quinn, they probably got to the last bag and started fighting over the coffee cake. I chuckle to myself. Those two are nuts sometimes, and when it comes to coffee cake, they lose all decorum. I bet they’re both running around the house right now fighting over the cake. Even though I gave Rowen two cakes for that very reason.

I shake my head and walk back out front when I feel a customer enter the shop. I have this magic alert that goes off in the kitchen when someone comes into the store. I always hated those bells that ring whenever someone opened a door. Especially in a place like this, that door is constantly being opened throughout the day. It’s annoying to everyone, staff, and customers alike. So, I just magicked the door to alert only me, and only when someone enters the bakery. I find my system much more peaceful than the other way.

I groan inwardly when I see who it is. You would think after years of being rebuffed whenever she hit on any of us and being married for six years, Britney would move on and leave me alone. Sadly, I don’t have that good of luck. She struts over to the counter wearing red high heels that are completely out of place at this time of day in a bakery. Those shoes were made to seduce, most women save them for the clubs outside of town. For Britney, they’re an everyday item. Today she’s wearing this short, tight red dress. Her long brown hair is down and curled and her makeup is done like she’s going out on the town. Sadly all she’s doing is coming to hit on me.Again.

“Hey, Britney,” I greet her by her full name. I’ve made the mistake of shortening it to Brit and boy did it cost me. The girl didn’t leave me alone for months. I have not called her anything other than Britney since, and that was in high school. “What can I get for you today?” I ask her.

She smiles at me as she continues her strut to the counter, swaying her hips enticingly. Or at least she thinks she is, it’s not enticing me in the least. I already want this conversation to be over with. Hopefully, I get lucky and she just orders and leaves.

“Good morning, Hudson. How are you doing today?” she asks me.Well, I was doing great until you walked in, I think to myself. Also looks like I didn’t get lucky. She wants to talk.

“I’m doing great. How are you? Do you know what you want to get today?” I ask again, trying to get her to order.

She looks at my display case and frowns. “Well, I did want a s’mores muffin, but it looks like I’m too late,” she pouts.

“Yeah, sold out of those early today. Sorry,” I inform her. No need to go into specifics and make this conversation longer than it already will be.

She huffs. “Well, it looks like you’ve sold out of all of the good stuff. Must have been busy this morning,” she snarks at me.

“Yup. Had a line at the door this morning,” I leave out that the line was because I wasn’t open and they were waiting for me.

“Well, I guess I’ll have a...” she examines the display closely, looking for something. “You’re out of coffee cake too?! Come on, Hudson, did you not bake enough this morning? There is no way you sold all of that food already,” she gripes.

I take a deep breath through my nose trying to remain calm. “Yes, Britney, I made the same amount of food I always do. Just had more orders this morning. Did you want anything I have now or would you like to come back later?” I ask her. Please order something now. I really don’t want her to come back again.

“Oh, are you making more?” Her previously surly mood quickly evaporates. “I’ll just come back in a few hours and see what you have then,” she smiles at me. “Can I get a latte before I go, Hud?”

Her attempt to flirt with me makes my skin crawl. I just don’t understand why she still flirts with me. I thought she finally moved on when she got married. I was wrong. I don’t even wanna think about how she’ll react when she finds out Rowen is back in town.

“Sure thing, Britney.” I turn around to make her drink and I can feel her eyes on my ass.Just make the drink and she’ll leave, Hudson.God, I hope so. I turn around and place her cup on the counter. Don’t want to risk accidentally touching her. That would make her think she has a chance or something and she’ll ramp up her pursuit.

“Here you go, Britney. I’ll be sure to save you a s’more muffin,” I assure her. She hands me the money for her drink, and unfortunately this time she won’t let me get away with not touching her.

“Thanks, Hud! I’ll be back later.” she winks and finger waves at me as she walks away.

Okay, god, kill me now. Not five minutes later, Nate walks in the door.

“Was that who I think it was?” he asks me.

“Yes, it was. And unfortunately, she’ll be back,” I inform him.

“Oh, god. Why?” Nate groans. I’m glad he feels my pain.

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