Page 26 of Finding Home
Looking down at my outfit, I know it will have to do. It’s the least dressy thing I could find. The store didn’t have any pants in my size. Being as short as I am, it’s hard to find pants that don’t drag along the floor. But I found a sweatshirt that I’m choosing to wear today.
A little corny, if you ask me.
It’s two cartoon geese fist bumping, and it says “goosebumps”. But it’s better than showing up at the bakery with a button-down blouse.
It will have to do.
It’s time to do my favorite thing ever.
Bake.
“You justwhippedthese together?” Lily asks, taking another bite of the oatmeal cookies that I made.
In an attempt to hide my emotions, I give her a reluctant nod, feeling the heaviness in my chest. Simply because I loathe the thought of making these cookies again. They were Theodore’s favorite and the memories of the last time I made them came rushing back as soon as I started mixing the batter in the oversized bowl. This is a new kitchen for me, and my thought process wasn’t to bring up my past, it was to find the most basic recipe I remember so I can learn my way around the kitchen and how the oven bakes.
If you’re a baker, you know that not all ovens are the same. One you might only need twelve minutes, while another might need fifteen.
It’s a real thing.
“You all right?” she asks as if she’s picked up on my mood.
“Yeah. I’m all right. Just…this type of cookie sometimes stirs up old memories for me. Not the good ones.”
Swallowing past the knot in my throat, I turn away from her. I’m definitely not trying to unload my trauma on her during my first day. But there’s an undeniable sense of comfort in Lily. Kind of like a need to talk to someone about what’s on my chest. Someone who isn’t my sister.
“My parents were intense growing up.”
She scoffs. “Same, girl.”
Turning to face her, I continue. “I’ve always had to be someonetheywanted me to be. I’ve always had to live up to the standards in place for me. My dad was a powerful politician in California who ran the entire state basically. I hated that life. My aunt got me an Easy-Bake Oven when I was younger. It sparked my love for baking. Whenever I had the chance, I would offer to make cookies for the family just to dosomething. Half the time my parents didn’t care because they sat on their laptops.” I roll my eyes. “The only thing they asked of me was not to burn the house down.”
Lily pushes to sit on the small counter next to where I stir together a new batter for chocolate chip cookies.
“When I tell you I know that feeling, I do. My parents are heavy into politics too. It’s not big like California, but my dad is actually the mayor here in town. He runs it like it’s a city, though,” she huffs. “Baking was also my escape.”
I offer her a weak smile.
“Do you have someone back home? Like dating or married or whatever?” She laughs but quickly covers her mouth with her hand for a pause before continuing. “I’m sorry. That’s a really personal question. I mean, if you were married, he would be here too. Or you could be and he’s coming later.” She stops herself, looking down at her feet. “I really just put my foot in my mouth, huh?”
I chuckle in response to her rambling. “No one is back home, and no one is coming here for me.”
It feels like I’m lying, but the truth is, the only person I care about back home is my sister. There’s no one else there for me. Not anymore. I’m just not ready to share that part of my story yet.
She breathes out a relieved sigh. “That was embarrassing.”
Shaking my head, I offer her a reassuring grin. “Nonsense. It’s a valid question when getting to know someone.”
Placing a hand on my shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here, Blair.”
I’m not entirely sure how I gotthislucky to have one of thefirst people who accepted me as their friend in this town relate to me on such a personal level. If I didn’t think she was going to be a good friend before, she sure is now.
“I feel like a broken record when I say this, but I can’t thank you enough, Lily. The opportunity to do my favorite hobby and earn some money from it means everything.”
A friendly smile crosses her face, and she jumps off the counter. “I’m just happy I found someone who has a love for baking the way I do. It’s scarce.”
“It’s funny.” I giggle nervously. “When I first saw my new house, I wasn’t sure how I would find the space to bake in it. This feels more of a relief because of that than the money.”
She holds her arms out to showcase the kitchen. “You have plenty of space here, don’t worry. And here.” She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a set of keys, taking one off the ring before tossing it in my direction. “Whenever you want to bake, you’re welcome here.”
