Page 60 of Spearcrest Knight

“Oh, what? My mom made them every Christmas when we lived in Massachusetts. Here,” he grabs one off the tray and lifts it to my face. “Try one.”

I take the cookie from his hand because as homely as this is, letting him feed me a cookie would feel a bit too much like we’re playing mum and dad. He watches me expectantly as I take a big bite. My eyes widen.

“Fuck!” I say through my mouthful. “That’s amazing.”

Who would have thought the devil would be such a fine baker? I finish the cookie in a couple of bites, Evan watching me with delight.

“You like it?”

“Yes,” I say with some reluctance. I hesitate, then point at the cookie tray. “Can I take a couple for the road?”

“Yeah,” he beams, “have as many as you want. These will still be here when you come back anyway. You sure you don't want a lift?”

I shake my head, wrapping two cookies in some kitchen towels. “No, I have plenty of time to walk. See you later.”

“See ya…”

Evan sounds like he’s going to say something else, but he doesn’t and I leave before things get awkward again.

WhenIarriveatthe café, it’s bustling with customers, and Jess and Freddy are both behind the counter, taking orders and making coffees. Freddy looks up with a warm smile when I come in.

“My saviour!” he says when I slip behind the counter. “Do you know how glad we are to have you back?”

I laugh and point at the clock, which shows that there are still fifteen minutes to go before my shift starts. “Is that a hint to jump on now?”

Freddy grins. “I’ll pay you for the hour and you can have as many muffins as you want.”

“Fair.”

I drop my bag and coat off in the office, and hastily pull my apron on. Jess gives me a quick hug when I join her, and hands me two lattes in massive cups. “Will you be a sweetheart and take those to these two ladies over there?”

I nod and do what she asks. After that, the hours become one long blur of taking orders, popping muffins, cupcakes and brownies on little plates and making drinks, bringing them to tables, being kept chatting with chatty old ladies and clearing tables once they leave. Freddy makes sure to keep everything stocked up and helps with the drinks, since he’s brilliant at latte art and the customers love it. Jess, who is normally reserved and deadpan, always somehow becomes more animated and friendly the busier the café gets.

Eventually, night falls outside and there is finally a lull. Jess hops back onto the counter to rest her feet and Freddy immediately hands her a key lime cupcake, which she takes gratefully.

“How about I make you two a drink?” Freddy says. “What do you feel like? I’ll even make you a fancy latte if you want.”

“It’s too late for caffeine,” Jess says with a grimace. “Can I have a hot chocolate? With lots of marshmallows and cream?”

“Anything for you,” Freddy grins. “Sophie?”

“Same, please.”

My feet hurt, so I hop up next to Jess with a sigh of relief.

“How did your exams go?” Jess asks through a mouthful of cupcake.

I shake my head. “Stressful. Exhausting. Relentless.”

She laughs. “Yeah, sounds about right. I can relate. I’m surprised you’re not taking time off work to rest and chill.”

“I probably will take a few days off at Christmas, but I’m trying to make money while I can.”

“Fair, fair.”

Jess takes the mug of hot chocolate Freddy hands her and immediately takes a big bite of her whipped cream. Freddy hands me my cup and I take it with a smile.

“Thanks.”

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