Page 2 of Gingerbread Hearts

I check my phone for emails while I sip on my coffee. I take it black, no cream or sugar. Simple but tasty. I really enjoy a woodsier roast, and don’t want to drown the taste in added sweetness. I don’t think I’ve ever had a thing for sweets.

I scan my emails to see if any need immediate attention, I see I have a few unread texts. Mostly from girls I’ve casually hooked up with or went on a few dates with before. Some are wondering if I’ll be in town over the holidays or what parties I’m planning on going to for New Year’s Eve.

I’m not looking for a wife, just a few casual dates, nothing serious. But it is nice to have dinner and spend an evening with someone every now and then. My work hours tend to drive off any women looking for a bigger commitment. I send off a few texts and finish my coffee. With my coat on and briefcase in hand, I hail a cab and head to work.

When I reach the office, I exchange pleasantries with my assistant, Sally Leone. She typically greets me at the front of the office and she briefs me on my daily schedule as we walk back to my office. She runs almost daily with a slight athletic build. Her blonde hair is pulled back in a low ponytail and her pale skin is accentuated by her red lipstick and dark dress.

Honestly, if she wasn’t married and a firm believer in committed relationship, I would’ve tried to blend our office relationship into a more personal one a while ago. But nonetheless, she’s become like a piece of me during the past few years we’ve worked together. Plus, she helps me keep the string of women I date at bay. Every now and then one of them wants something more than our casual relationship and Sally crushes them. I’m married to my work and that’s how it’s going to be, my focus is on becoming partner for the firm. With a bright smile, Sally hands me a coffee and starts chatting about the plans for the day.

“This morning you have back-to-back meetings about our most recent cases,” Sally goes over her notepad as she talks. “Both settled out of court of course.”

“Okay,” I nod along and sip my coffee.

“After lunch you have to sign some forms to give off to the law assistants,” she continues as we finally reach my office.

I go ahead and hang my coat up and settle in at my desk as Sally continues to fill me in on the most important things that need to be finished today. Thankfully, nothing major, it’s all just wrapping up recent cases.

Things tend to slow down around the holidays. Most judges and higher ups don’t want to spend Christmas in court, they want to take warm and tropical vacations with their families.

Haven’t spent a holiday with family in a long time. Maybe I should reach out this year.

I interrupt Sally to ask her to try to touch base with my family about holiday plans for this Christmas while I’m in meetings today.

“Duly noted,” she replies as she jots the reminder down. “Well, I suppose we’re all caught up now. Do you want me to just send your appointments in when they arrive?”

“Yes please. That’ll be all, Sally.” I get my desk a little more organized. It’s usually tidy but I left in a hurry last night and left papers scattered about.

As I look out the window, I’m able to see the city below me. The snow is starting early this year. It’s only December tenth, a little too early for snow for me.

Maybe a long holiday break is in order.

I can take a few weeks off and rest before the new year starts. Plus, I’m sure Sally would love some extra time with her husband. She works just as much as I do. With a soft knocking I pull myself out of my thoughts and see Sally in the doorframe.

“Excuse me, Jake. I actually got a hold of your grandmother out in Maine.”

“Oh really?” A little curiosity sparked inside of me. It’s been a while since I’ve spoken with my grandmother. “What did she say about the holidays?”

“She said she’s glad to hear from you, it’s been too long, and if you’re not busy she would love a visit from you.” Without taking a breath Sally continued, “And if possible… she wants you there this Monday. She would like you to stay through Christmas and help her with some legal matters as well as around the house.”

“Ah, okay, I see.” I can’t believe my grandmother is proposing such a long visit. It would be nice to get out of the city for the holidays. Avoid any chance of romantic dates and the seemingly never-ending list office parties. “Sally, go ahead and call her back and tell her that I’ll be there Monday. Also, please arrange everything for me to take Monday through the new year out of the office. Anything that you can coordinate and I can do from Maine I’ll do.”

“Of course.” She made some little notes on the papers she held. “Enjoy your time in Kastle Harbor Jake.”

With that Sally left my office and I set about to make sure I could finish everything in the office today and tomorrow. I want to be able to leave comfortably on Monday and not worry or rush any tasks. The next few days can’t pass soon enough, this break is much needed.

TWO

VIOLET

Bethany comes into the bakery with a loud burst of energy. Her fiery hair a mess of curls and her brightly colored outfit for today is a kaleidoscope of different pink patterns. When she chose to rename the bakery, I laughed.

Who names their bakery Sprinkles Bakery & Café?

But you can’t fault her choice. She’s essentially a sprinkle herself. A vibrant soul. Full of love and laughter, wrapped in a colorful outer layer. Her wardrobe is composed of age appropriate and professional pieces, just with an unexpected colorful palette with a splash of patterns. All in all, Bethany is the kind of boss you want running a small bakery that also sells fancy coffee treats.

“You won’t believe how many orders we already have for your world-famous gingerbread cookies!” Bethany squeals before she even hangs her coat up.

“Not world-famous, just Kastle Harbor adjacent famous, Bethany,” I retort.

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