Page 101 of Surprised By Love

I laugh. “Yeah. You’re right. As much fun as it would be to watch Vicki kick your butt, I won’t put you through that.”

Sloan has worked for Vicki for the past five years and the two of them became best friends in no time. In the past few weeks while working at the diner, I’ve wondered if there was more than friendship there, but Vicki had assured me they were only friends.

Not sure I believe her, but I’ll let it go for now.

Ten minutes later, and another batch of muffins in the oven, I sit down to eat. Sloan places a plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of me. Even though I wasn’t fond of the egg smell, I forced down the meal. I had to eat something.

As Sloan prepared for the morning rush, I finished my breakfast and got in another batch of Cinnamon Raisin muffins and two batches of French Toast muffins, one of the new items I’ve been trying this week and the customers seemed to love them. Sloan didn’t mind, it made one less thing he had to cook.

Six-thirty rolls around and we hear voices coming from the front of the diner. Vicki enters through the swinging door to the kitchen, followed behind by Tiffany.

“Where’s Amelia?” I ask, looking up and noticing my daughter’s not there.

“I dropped her off at Becca’s,” Vicki says. “She said she’d take both of the girls to school today and will be by after for breakfast.”

“Is she feeling okay?”

“She seemed back to her normal self.” Vicki assures me as she heads to the hooks on the side wall, plucks off an apron and ties it around her waist. Tiffany followed suit.

“It smells so good back here.” Tiff breathes in. “Do I smell French Toast muffins?” She turns towards me after she ties on her apron.

I chuckle. “Yes. There is one on the counter just for you.”

She claps her hands and bounces on her feet. “Yay.” She rushes to the counter and picks up the muffin, taking a huge bite. “Mmm, these are the best muffins I’ve ever had.”

“I’m glad you like them.” I grin. “Can you take the tray of them and fill up the display for me? I haven’t had a chance yet.”

“Sure thing.” She grabs the tray and spins on her heels, heading through the swinging door.

“She’s something else,” Vicki says.

“She is.” I nod, pouring the last bit of dough into a lined muffin pan. I really like Tiffany and it’s nice to have a friend here who isn’t a sister. It makes me wonder, if I decide to open the bakery next door, would Vicki be mad if I stole Tiffany from her?

The early morning rush is busier than normal, and we sell out of French Toast muffins in an hour. I make a mental note to bake more tomorrow as I head back into the kitchen when I hear a familiar voice behind me.

Before I can turn to him, large hands are on my waist, spinning me around. I feel a little lightheaded, but it passes as I look up into the gorgeous blue eyes of my boyfriend.

“Hey, my beautiful girlfriend,” Josh says, before placing his lips on mine in a tender kiss.

“Hey, my handsome boyfriend.”

“I can’t stay long today. I have a lot of paperwork to do, and Rich isn’t feeling well, so I told him not to come in. The stomach bug going around is brutal.”

“It is,” I admit. “I’m feeling a little off today, too. I might go home early.”

“Is there anything you need?” he says, a look of concern in his eyes.

“No. I’m fine. Just a little nauseous and tired.”

“Text me later. Let me know you’re okay. And if you need anything, let me know.” He brushes a soft kiss on my cheek, grabs the coffee Vicki placed on the counter, and heads out the door.

An hour later, I’m snuggled under the covers in my bed with the television on. Flipping the channels, I stop on a repeat of a baking competition show. I reach over to my bedside table and pull out a notepad and pen. In case inspiration hits. I love those shows and I get so many ideas for new items.

I must have dozed off because the next thing I know I hear Becca laughing. I blink my eyes open to see her sitting on the bed beside me, watching an episode of Gilmore Girls. “What are you doing here?” I croak out.

“Hey there sleepyhead,” she says.

I clear my throat. “Hi. Sorry, I must have fallen asleep. What time is it?”

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