Page 47 of Pastries and Promises

Claire leaned against her, enjoying her warmth. "This was a wonderful idea. Thank you for bringing me here."

Eva gave her a gentle squeeze. "You're welcome, my love. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

Claire rested her head on Eva's shoulder. "When we were young, our parents would take me and Julia on camping trips each summer to a meadow filled with wildflowers," Claire began. "One year, they gave me a little art set with watercolors. I sat in the field for hours, mesmerized, trying to capture the beauty around me. I think I was eight." Claire smiled softly at the recollection. "I was so proud when I brought my little paintings back to them. My parents framed each one and hung them up. Their encouragement meant everything. Art became my passion from that point onward."

"I love that you found something you really care about so early on," Eva said, kissing her temple.

Claire nodded. "It's always been my outlet. A way to process emotions, capture beauty, and feel...understood, I suppose."

"And you do it beautifully too," Eva said, her voice quiet as they stood together admiring the works of artists Claire had always loved and admired.

Claire blushed at the praise, feeling vulnerable but safe opening up with Eva. They continued walking hand-in-hand through the gallery. Maybe someday Claire would be in a gallery like this. It was a nice dream.

"Thank you so much for bringing me here," she said, turning to Eva. "It's been so motivational seeing all of these incredible works up close."

"Of course, I had a feeling you'd appreciate it," Eva replied. She tenderly tucked a loose strand of hair behind Claire's ear.

They met Julia near the front of the gallery, in the gift shop where prints and magnets lined the walls.

"Ready to head out?" Eva asked.

"I think so," Claire said.

"Let's go," Julia replied.

Eva led the way outside. The three of them got into the car and drove off.

"That was nice," Julia said, looking back at them.

Claire nodded. "Very."

"Where would you ladies like to go now?" Eva asked, glancing over at Claire.

"Anywhere you want," Claire said.

"We could get pizza," Julia suggested.

Claire grinned at them both. "I could definitely grab a slice with you two."

Eva nodded. "Sounds like a great plan."

Chapter Thirty-Four

Eva had enjoyed her days off with Claire, but she needed to get back to the bakery. Poor Michael looked exhausted. He'd helped with the morning rush but she'd given him the rest of the day off, and tomorrow as well. She would manage. He deserved the rest.

Eva's mind wandered to her girlfriend, as her thoughts often did lately. She couldn't help it as she wondered what Claire was doing right then, if she was happy. If she was thinking about her too. She hummed happily as she baked. The sweet aroma of sugar and cinnamon filled the air, making the cafe smell like heaven. It was perfect. Just what she needed.

Since the gallery Eva had been looking around at the cafe's blank walls. She needed art in there. The walls needed life and the cafe could use a boost of color.

Eva made a mental note to ask Claire if she would be interested in displaying some of her paintings around the cafe. She could already envision Claire's unique style and perspective bringing so much to the walls.

Maybe they could start with just a few small works here and there, Eva considered. Though she had a feeling once Claire began adorning the space with her talent, Eva would only want more of her art around.

Smiling to herself, Eva pulled the freshly baked cinnamon rolls from the oven. She would have to bring up the idea to Claire soon. For now, she breathed in the comforting scents of the bakery and daydreamed about seeing Claire's creativity come to life on the walls.

Michael came into the cafe and Eva was about to tell him to turn right around and go home and rest but he laughed and held up his hands as if he already knew what she was going to say. "I couldn't stay away," he said.

She rolled her eyes and smiled at him. "Hopefully you came for some coffee then, because it's not busy enough for me to have you back here too. Seriously you were supposed to rest. You've done so much for me lately."

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