Page 63 of Gunner
Chapter 26
Sadie
Kade had dinner readywhen I got home, and I noticed how tense he and Dalton seemed. The little red notebook was on my mind every day, but without a name or any more information to go on, I was at a dead end. I wanted to confront the two of them on what they knew, but I fully realized neither of them would tell me the truth. Not that they were being secretive, but it wastechnicallyMC business, and they would keep me in the dark for my ownprotection.
Because of that realization, I carried the gun Uncle Mick gave me everywhere I went. It was in my apron at the bakery, in my purse while I was in my car or out and about, and secured in a box next to the bed when I was at home. The only time I carried it on me was when I was running quick errands and didn’t take my purse. It made me feel safer to have it, and so far, no one noticed.
After dinner, I told everyone goodnight and left them to clean the kitchen. I had to be up at three in the morning to get to the bakery to load the van for a large delivery to Lincolnville. A tech company opened an office for their east coast division and the CEO was a fan of my cupcakes. She was in Portstill visiting last week and stopped by the bakery to pick up an order for her aunt. She called two hours later and ordered two hundred and fifty assorted cupcakes to be delivered at eight on Friday morning for their staff meeting. It was an hour drive, so I needed to leave the bakery by five-thirty in order to be on time.
Kade was softly snoring from our bed when I got dressed, and I checked on Jacob before locking the door behind me. After driving to the bakery, Racheal helped load the cupcakes, securing them into the back of the van for the trip. I made a cup of coffee for the drive and left the bakery before the sun started to rise. Some days, I regretted taking a job that started at five every morning, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. People enjoyed my creations, and it gave me joy to see the expression on their faces when they bit into a delicious dessert.
Kate met me at the front door when I pulled up to the office. I was expecting some intern, not the CEO, to be helping me unload and set up for the meeting.
“Thanks for your help,” I reasoned when we pushed the last cart of desserts into the meeting room.
“I’m a working girl, just like you,” she explained and winked at me once we finished placing the cupcakes on the trays, risers, and display cases. “Showing my staff what hard work is, from emptying a trash can to formulating a report, I believe in keeping my hands busy.”
“I like your style.” I chuckled as she escorted me back to the van.
The sun was breaking on the horizon, and she smiled at me. “I think I need to set up a revolving order with you. If that’s something you’re interested in.”
“What are you thinking?” I asked.
“Same order, every other week on Fridays, and you cater all company dinners, cook-outs, etc., with desserts. Pies, cookies, cupcakes. Whatever you decide, and I’ll sign off on it.”
My mouth dropped open. With a long-standing order like that, we could afford to expand the bakery into the vacant building attached to ours. Kade and Claw had mentioned that the building had good bones, it just needed some updating. I would have to speak with the owner about the expansion, but I knew we could handle her order. It would mean longer hours for me every day and adding a new staff member, but it would be worth it.
“I can do that. I’ll get together an estimate and have it sent to you by Monday,” I replied with a smile.
She reached out and shook my hand. “Whatever it is, it will be worth it. Your sweets are amazing.”
“Katie,” a young woman yelled from the front door, and she turned her head over her shoulder.
Turning back to me, she rolled her eyes and explained, “My sister is visiting and can’t seem to grasp that I’m the boss, not her.”
“My brothers think the bakery is their own personal fridge.” I chuckled, and she joined in.
“I’ll see you in two weeks.” She winked and turned to her sister. “Hold your horses, Sam. I’m coming.”
I was so excited as I drove back to Portstill. It was barely seven-thirty when I called Kade, wanting to tell him the good news. His phone went straight to voicemail, and I hung up, not leaving a message. Sometimes, his job site has no cell service, so it wasn’t strange not to be able to reach him during the day. The entire drive back, I smiled so big it hurt. It wasn’t the order but her confidence in me.
