Page 48 of Bake You Mine
“Judging by how that lady with the corset and the swan mask is making eyes at the guy in the top hat and harlequin mask, I don’t think they’re thinking much on the food.” Aubrey cocked her head toward the couple in question.
Gary stood and began handing out the remaining comment cards. “Now, we must remember why we’re here. Everyone, finish off your meals. Once the comment cards are completed, the real fun can begin.”
They began digging into the soufflés. Gary walked over to where Aubrey and Liam stood.
Someone turned on a stereo, bringing a loud marimba beat into the space. “You two are excused. I’ll ensure all the cards are filled outand reviewed.”
Okay, now it felt like they’d landed halfway through a David Lynch film.
“But we need to clean up,” Liam protested.
“It’ll be there in the morning. Thank you for a fine meal. Now, shoo.” Gary flicked a hand to the rear entrance.
They glanced at each other and scurried out the door into the alley. Once out of earshot, they burst into laughter.
“What the hell was that? The beginning of an art film, or maybe an orgy? No judgments, but I’d rather it not be in the space one of us will be getting at the end of this.”
“You never know with Gary,” Aubrey said.
They both collapsed against one another, and the stress of the evening evaporated.
“So,” he said, a sly smile taking over his face, “want to come up for some coffee?”
Aubrey gave his arm a good-natured whack. “Coffee, yeah, right.”
“Hey, I have excellent Italian coffee. Ma brought it back from her last trip to the homeland.”
When Aubrey only continued to stare at him skeptically, he shrugged. “Okay, maybe not coffee, but to talk? I respect your definition of ‘soon’ and know you’re driving the boat here.”
She looked up at him. “I can’t stay long.”
“I know, you rise with the sun. Come on.”
As Aubrey tugged off her coat, Liam watched her out of the corner of his eye. Teddy demanded most of his attention. The old man was hungry, so Liam dumped his food on a plate. Teddy tore in, and Liam absently patted his backside.
“So, one challenge down. Now shit is getting real,” Aubrey said. “What are you gonna do if you lose?”
“I honestly don’t know. We can’t keep doing what we’ve been doing. It’s impossible to grow where we’re at. And since no large commercial space is available in the city… I’ve been researching my options.”
Aubrey nodded. “Of course, that makes sense. Would you move elsewhere when your lease is up? Like to DC?”
“Would you?”
Teddy finished his plate and hopped off the counter. Liam reached for a rag to wipe down the counter and his plate.
“It would take an excellent opportunity to get me to leave. Daphne’s in school here, and her dad’s here, for better or worse. Besides, Petit Chou would be just another patisserie in the big city—even if I did have the cash to finance a move.”
“Is your business doing okay, financially?” Liam asked.
She exhaled. “I mean, are any of us? I opened Petit Chou because I loved the creative control and was tired of working for someone else. Not to get rich.”
She turned toward the window. Happy Endings’ neon sign blinked from red to blue.
“I didn’t mean to drop a turd into the pool with that line of conversation.”
“You’re charming, even when you’re making poop references. You should teach a course.”
“Hey, that’s a backup plan if I lose.”
