Page 69 of Sunsets at the Beach House

Claire liked riding with Danny. He was a good driver, and they had the same taste in music, although she was discovering some new Latin tunes, thanks to him.

They had a lot to discuss anyway, all bakery related. Well, most of it was bakery related. She imagined other topics would come up. The drive would take over two hours. They were bound to talk about some unexpected things.

“Thanks again for doing this,” she said. “I really appreciate it.”

“I’m happy to help.” He adjusted the vent nearest him. “But I should have brought some coffee. Should we stop? Would you drink some?”

“Sure. I think we’ll need the caffeine today.”

“All right. Next place I see.” The next place he saw happened to be a Dunkin’ Donuts. He pointed at the sign. “Drive-through okay?”

“Works for me,” Claire said. “Are you getting a doughnut?”

He grinned as he took the exit toward the store. “I was thinking about it. Granted, I know it won’t compare to anything you might make, but a doughnut and coffee on an early morning road trip is kind of a ritual for me. What do you say? You want one?”

“I’d better not.”

He got in the drive-through lane, then looked her up and down. “Why not?”

“Because I eat enough sugar as it is. I’m trying to lose weight, not gain it.”

“You know I think you look perfect just the way you are.”

“That’s very kind of you to say. But I’ll be fine with just coffee.” She smiled. “Too bad they don’t have a low-carb, sugar-free, high-protein doughnut.”

He frowned. “Is that a thing?”

“No, but it should be.” She laughed. “That’s a million-dollar idea right there. But it would have to taste good, too. Not sure that’s actually possible.”

“Should we offer sugar-free options at the bakery? I know it’s kind of a big deal for some people.”

“I’ve thought about it. It’s not too hard to make a sugar-free, lower-carb option using some of the plant-based sweeteners and nut flours, but those things make the costs go up.” She shrugged. “We can certainly test a few things out.”

“Do you have something specific in mind? What kinds of things would you do?”

They inched forward as the car ahead of them moved.

“I’d probably keep it simple to begin with. A chocolate chip cookie. Maybe a vanilla cupcake. Those are pretty basic and if they sold, we could expand the offerings. The thing is, if you get known for carrying the low-carb, sugar-free stuff, you have to keep it up or you risk disappointing customers.”

“You don’t sound like you want to do it.” He rolled down his window as they approached the intercom for ordering.

“I’m willing to try anything.”

“Up to you.” He glanced at her. “Last chance. Are you sure you don’t want a doughnut? You could get a blueberry cake doughnut. Blueberries are healthy.”

She laughed. “Okay, fine. You talked me into it.” There was nothing healthy about a doughnut, even with blueberries, but she was in a good mood and was about to burn a lot of calories. “Two creamers and an artificial sweetener.”

He ordered, getting a blueberry doughnut for her, a vanilla-glazed cream-filled for himself, and coffees for both of them. When the car in front moved, he drove to the window and gave the young man working there some cash.

He got his change, then the two coffees. He handed one to Claire and put the other in the center console cupholder. He got a bag next. “Doughnuts and coffee fixings.”

“Make sure they give us napkins,” Claire said.

“Can we have some extra napkins?” he asked the server.

They got everything they needed and were off again.

Claire opened the bag with the coffee fixings and doughnuts. “Oh, they smell so good. I’m glad I got one now. I would have been sad otherwise.”

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