Page 6 of Pastries and Promises

Eva gave him a half-smile, wishing it was that easy to move on. "We'll see," she replied neutrally. "For now, I should probably focus on replenishing the baked goods before the lunch crowd comes in."

Michael nodded, knowing not to push the issue. "Is there anything I can do to give you a hand before the lunch crowd comes in?"

Eva considered for a moment. "Well, since we have some time, maybe you could whip up one of your amazing quiches? The spinach and goat cheese one is always a hit. I can slice up the fresh fruit from the market to have as a side."

Michael's face lit up at the suggestion. "You got it! One spinach goat cheese quiche coming right up." He headed to the kitchen, tying on an apron.

"Oh, and Michael?" Eva added. "Thank you. For listening earlier."

He gave her a warm smile. "Of course, that's what friends are for. I just want you to be happy. Besides, you've listened to every single one of my terrible break ups."

She returned the smile gratefully. Though her love life was complicated, at least she had the unwavering support of her best friend.

Eva prepared the fruit salad as Michael gathered ingredients for the quiche. She would stay up front for now to handle any customers while he worked his magic in the kitchen.

After washing and slicing the strawberries, Eva moved on to the watermelon and cantaloupe. She added a touch of lime juice and honey to brighten the flavors. It was going to be delicious. As she worked, Eva's thoughts kept drifting back to Claire. She'd been so kind and had seemed so interested in Sweet Delights. She definitely looked forward to seeing her again.

"Earth to Eva! Come in, Eva." Michael's teasing voice interrupted her train of thought.

She blinked up at him. "Sorry. What were you saying?"

"I was asking if we had any fresh thyme. I was thinking it would be nice with the spinach and cheese."

"I think so." With the fruit salad done, she stretched before getting up to put it in the fridge. It took a few moments to find the fresh thyme, but when she did she handed it to Michael then cleaned up the mess she had made earlier.

"What were you thinking about?" Michael asked. "You looked lost in thought."

Eva blushed. "Claire." She sighed. "I don't know why I'm letting myself think about her."

Michael gave her a gentle smile. "Because you liked talking to her and she's pretty and she seems sweet. You can't stop thinking about her because you're curious. There's nothing wrong with being curious, Eva."

Eva shrugged, not wanting to get into it with him. She glanced at the clock. They had about an hour before the lunch crowd would be in. She went over and sat behind the register, ready to ring customers up when they came in. Michael returned to his cooking, humming to himself as he worked. He was the best assistant she could have ever hoped for, and more importantly, her best friend.

Soon the bell over the door rang again and a woman came in. The lunch rush was starting a little early today. At least more customers would be a good distraction for her.

The next few hours flew by in a flurry of activity. The lunch crowd was bigger than usual, and the line for pastries didn't die down until almost an hour past the lunch rush.

Eva took a moment to breathe as the afternoon lull set in. Her feet ached and her stomach was rumbling.

Michael appeared a moment later with the last slice of quiche. "Here, saved this for you," he said, handing it over. He'd even warmed it up for her.

"Thanks. You're a lifesaver." She dug in gratefully.

"I figured you hadn't had a chance to eat yet. I made a fresh pot of coffee if you want some too."

"That would be amazing."

Michael poured her a mug and added cream and sugar just the way she liked. Eva sighed blissfully and ate her meal in the back while Michael handled the cafe.

Chapter Five

Claire walked the short distance home from the bustling town bookstore, two new books cradled gently in her arms. Eager to learn more about her new surroundings, she had selected a history of the town as well as a guide to the local wildlife.

Once inside the cottage, Claire settled into her worn but comfortable reading chaise with a contented sigh. Daisy leaped into her lap and made herself comfortable. Claire stroked Daisy's silky fur as she said softly, "I got coffee today at this lovely little place on the square, pretty girl. I think we're going to like it here after all."

Claire opened the cover of the history book and began reading about the founding of the town in the early 1800s. Names and dates swirled through her mind along with descriptions of the first shops and villages springing up along the main street. Claire imagined the town square in those long ago days, donning different facades but still possessing the atmosphere of peace that had drawn Claire here now, two centuries later.

After several pages, Claire's attention drifted to the window. She set the book aside, her fingers caressing the soft fur on the top of Daisy's head. The sun was starting to sink below the horizon. Daisy began to purr softly, enjoying her place on Claire's lap. Claire smiled, taking comfort in these simple pleasures.

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