Page 2 of Sweet Valentine

I smile at Mandy’s text, then wonder why she’s up this early. Mandy has hated mornings since we were kids. With a passion. The more sleep she gets, the better friend she becomes. I’m the exact opposite. I love waking up early and getting everything done before the sun comes up. I guess it’s a good thing I love what I do because most of my prep is done before most people leave their houses.

Me: Why are you up? Are you sick? It doesn’t take long before I get a response.

Mandy: Date night. Henry finally has a night off.

Henry is in Perth for work and has been for the last few months, so I know she tries to talk to him as much as possible—and I guess that means this early in the morning. I respond with a winky face emoji and grab the baking sheets, taking them to my prep station as I take a deep breath.

Let the baking begin.

Mandy: Make sure my breakfast is ready in ten minutes, I’m leaving now.

I roll my eyes at Mandy’s text. I don’t know why she even messages me, it’s the same every day, except Sundays when I’m closed. Yet she still sends me warning of her impending intrusion, and every time I make her the same thing: a croissant with salmon and cream cheese with a side of coffee…large.

Speaking of coffee, I head into the front of the bakery and make myself a cup, along with Mandy’s and then I wait, loving the feeling of warmth that washes over me. I’m leaning against the counter, sipping my drink as she knocks on the front door. I walk over, coffee in hand, and open it for her.

“Where’s my breakfast?” she asks, taking the coffee from my hand and sitting at one of the many tables against the wall.

“Well, hello to you, too…” I murmur, heading to the counter to start making her sandwich. “A little tired today?” I smile as she groans, secretly loving that her perfect relationship is causing her to be this grumpy. I was never the jealous type, but now, after everything that happened with Chris—aka he-who-shall-not-be-named—I can’t help but envy the strength of their relationship. How they can survive him living fifteen hours away and still be as blissfully in love as they were in the beginning.

“Don’t speak to me until after I’ve had sustenance.” I place the plate of food in front of her and head back into the kitchen to grab some baking sheets full of finished muffins. I bring them back out and fill the display case as fast as I can since I open in under an hour. When I first saw this place, I knew it was exactly what I needed. It’s small but has enough room for a display counter and cash register on your right and a row of square tables to your left. The walls are painted a dark eggplant color with yellow and grey accents around the room. I contemplated getting a sofa and comfy armchairs instead of wooden tables and chairs but was quickly deterred by the fact that cleaning said pieces of furniture would be a pain. So, I went with the easiest furniture possible…to save my sanity.

“So, what’s your plan for today?” Mandy asks, clearly ready to be an interactive part of society now.

“The same as every other day. Baking.” She rolls her eyes and goes back to eating the last of her croissant. “You know this place is my priority. I don’t have time for anything else right now.”

Mandy waves her hand dismissively as she takes a swig of her coffee. “You need a date.” She did not just say that. My mouth hangs open in response.

Nope. Not happening.

“No, I don’t,” I emphasize, hoping she gets the point and moves on.

“You need a man.” I sigh, leaving her to get more treats from the kitchen. “Do not tell me you don’t need one!” she screams as I lean forward on one of the prep tables. “I know what it’s like to not get any on the regular!” I dip my head, taking a deep breath before I grab one last tray of baked goods and head back out.

“Just because I don’t have a man in my life doesn’t mean I’m desperate for sex.” I’m getting close, but she doesn’t need to know that.

“Please! It’s been eight months since douchebag McGee broke your heart, and I haven’t seen you with anyone since.” And there’s a reason for that.

“Maybe that should be your cue that I’m not ready…” Mandy is blissfully silent as she finishes her coffee, and I pray the inquisition is over. I go back to filling the display case, making sure everything is ready for when we open.

“Val.” Her tone turns serious, and then I turn and see why. She’s turned to face me, her eyes sad. “I know you thought Chris was the one.” I try to stop the sinking feeling I get every time I think of Chris, but it’s no use. I thought we were perfect for each other, so much so that after he left, I spent months thinking I could change for him, attempting to figure out a way to get him back. Then Mandy told me I was being an idiot. She was right.

“He was a douche who couldn’t handle a woman with a career. His ego couldn’t take it.” She takes another sip of her coffee.

“Thanks for reminding me. As if I didn’t already remember.”

Mandy sighs as she gets up from her seat and makes her way over to the counter. She leans her elbows on the white marble and takes my hands in hers.

“I know you’ll find someone who will love you and this shop. They’ll build you up instead of tearing down your dreams. I know it.”

God, I hope she’s right.

CHAPTER THREE

“Okay, everyone! Pack up your things and make a line at the door.” My eyes scan the room as the kids gather their belongings from their desks and make a beeline for the door. A laugh bubbles up inside me as they all rush to be the first one in line, shoving each other forward. Poor Mitchell gets squished against the door.

“You guys need to stop pushing, or no one is leaving until I say so!” My voice rises, and everyone stops. I don’t like to yell, it’s not the type of teacher I am, but when you’re trying to wrangle twenty-five seven-year-olds…sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do.

“That’s better—” I start but am interrupted by the end-of-the-day bell. “Wait!” I yell again as they all rush to open the door. “Remember your assignment for tonight. I need you to talk to your parents and ask them about your family history. We are starting our family tree project tomorrow, so come prepared!” I gesture for Mitchell to open the door, and it’s as if a dam breaks. All twenty-five kids rush into the hall, and I’m left blissfully alone.

---