Page 89 of Frosting and Flames

Hailey says, “I’ve never held it against him.”

Sydney says, “Me, either. I mean, we all made mistakes as teenagers. Do you remember that awful teal eyeliner I used to wear?”

I chuckle, glad she’s trying to lighten the mood with silly things. “He apologized the other week about it. I told him I’d never blamed him, but I guess I never asked you guys your feelings about it. Or if you’re cool with me dating him.”

“Of course we are,” Hailey says. “He seems like a great guy.”

“And he’s helped us out how many times here now?” Sydney adds. “Preparing for Mother’s Day would have been even more brutal without him.”

I nod, my chest feeling lighter.

“Besides,” Sydney continues, “if I held a grudge, don’t you think I’d have brought it up by now? You know I love a good guilt trip.”

I grin. That’s very true.

“So, are you two dating?” Hailey asks. “Likeofficially.”

I open my mouth to answer, then realize I don’t have one. We’ve been out on dates, but nothing’s been said about boyfriends or girlfriends or exclusivity.

“I think so,” I say. “I mean, I want to. But we haven’t had an official talk.”

“You need to lock it down,” Sydney says, getting back to work on her tray of danishes. “He’s waited for you long enough.”

How is it that everyone else seems to have recognized he liked me? I didn’t have the first clue.

We finish preparing for opening, and when it’s near seven, I let Desiree in through the back to man the register for us today. Oh, that reminds me.

“How would you feel about us hiring another baker?” I ask Hailey, explaining to her my idea.

I admit, I’ve been reluctant to talk to her about it, knowing she’s the closest with Mom and most likely to spill my secret. But after talking to Nick about it, I’m more confident about the decision.

She pauses, thinking about it. “Are Mom and Dad okay with that?”

I shrug. “They’re not here. We obviously need the help, and we can afford it, too.”

Indecision plays over her face. Hailey’s always been a rule follower.

Sydney slings an arm over Hailey’s shoulders. “Come on, live a little. You’ll have two days off again.”

“Two days off is nice…” She chews on her bottom lip. “Maybe I shouldn’t be involved with it. That way, I won’t have anything to say to Mom when she calls.”

“Plausible deniability,” Sydney says. “I like it.”

“All right,” I announce. “It’s decided. Sydney and I will handle all the details. You won’t even know what’s happening until someone new shows up saying they work here.”

Sydney rubs her hands together in excitement. “So clandestine. It’s like we’re spies.”

Hailey still looks uneasy, but heads to the front to put a tray of muffins out in the display case. Almost immediately, she returns to the back. “Uh, Rachel? Kyle’s standing outside.”

Sydney’s quicker than me, poking her head through the double doors to see. I look over her shoulder, and yes, Kyle’s there, leaning against the glass doors out front, hands tucked into the pockets of his coat as he waits.

“That rat bastard,” Sydney mutters. “As if we’re going to sell him anything here. I wouldn’t even give him day-old bread. He can go rot in hell.”

For a moment, I’m reminded of Jae also cursing Kyle’s existence. In a way, it’s kind of nice to inspire that level of loyalty from them.

“What do you think he wants?” Hailey asks.

“MaybeAutumnhas a craving.” Sydney’s voice is pure snark. “I’m going to find the moldiest—”

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