Stripping Callum (Last Hangman MC Book 6)(7)
I don’t have much more time to dwell on what I’m going to do, as I’m walking through the door of my new workplace. The bell chimes and the bitter aroma of coffee mixed with the sweet vanilla scent of cupcakes hits my nose. Heaven. I smile taking in the place once again but with a different perspective as the place is still empty.
It’s quiet, for once. The cupcakes just finished baking, and they are roasting the coffee for the morning rush. Sometimes you feel like you know this is where you’re supposed to be; this is one of those moments. I know I was supposed to walk in here and ask for an application.
My new boss, Josie, is the shit! She’s really understanding and doesn’t mind me being close to pop. She reassured me that when I can’t work any longer until the baby is a couple of months old that she’ll hold my spot for me. I don’t know what makes her be so kind. Maybe it’s the pastry goodness that is laid out in the window display. I legit could devour it all. I’d probably end up being sick, but it would be so worth it.
“Good morning, Annabella,” Josie chimes as she brings in a tray of what appears to be her signature treat, red velvet donuts. They look and smell amazing, and I want to dig into the tray. They don’t smell oily or greasy. They smell like heavenly cakes that just finished baking.
“Good morning, boss.” I smile and walk to the counter.
“Please don’t call me that. It’s either Josie or Donut Mama.” She chuckles.
“Good to know, although Donut Mama would be a bit weird.”
“I know. My daughter’s friends named me that ages ago when they were younger. Go figure.” She playfully rolls her eyes and walks over, smiling at me and then at the bump. “How is Bumpy today?”
“Excited for his first day at work, and I think he enjoys the smell as much as I do.” I rub my bump as I feel him move.
“Can I?” She holds a tentative hand out, and I nod. She places it next to mine and sighs happily. “I miss that feeling. I only have one daughter, but those moments were magical.”
“It is magical and very special. I’m just worried a lot.”
“About what, darling?” She wraps an arm around my shoulders and walks me to the employee room. It’s a decent size room with a nice view over a little garden. There are two couches, a coffee table, and lockers.
“Well, I’m seventeen and single. I don’t know anyone around here, and it’s just scary.” I blow out a breath.
“You have me and Gail, your co-worker. You two are going to get along great, don’t worry. We’re here to help you out.”
“Why?” I ask the question I never asked anyone who’s willingly helped me without asking for anything in return.
“Because I know how hard life can be. I haven’t been in your shoes, but I’ve seen my fair share of messed up situations unfold around me. If I can prevent anything bad from happening to someone, then I’ll be happy I did the right thing. Besides, if I were in your situation, I’d appreciate for someone to offer me some help. I’m just doing what’s normal for me to do.” She shrugs and helps me take off my jacket. Not that I need any help, but you can tell that she does that with a lot of people. She’s a really maternal person, and I think I’ll be grateful to have her in my life. Not just for work, but for moral support.
“Thank you, Josie. You have no idea how much all of this means to me.” I take a deep breath and hold back the tears. Damn hormones!
“No need to thank me, Annabella. My employees and their happiness and well-being are as important to me as the ones of my friends and family. How about we have some hot chocolate and a red velvet Donut before people start coming in. I saw you eyeing the tray.” She grins and hands me a beautiful pastel teal apron with lavender stitching and the name embroidered in the same lavender stitching. I’m officially part of ‘Josie’s Bakery’, and I couldn’t be more excited.
“I thought I’d have to sneak one off during my break.” I giggle and walk out of the room with her just as Gail walks through the main door of the bakery.
“Good morning! Beautiful day for baked goods, isn’t it?” Gail says in a chirpy voice sounding as excited as I am about working here.
“Couldn’t agree more with you.” I smile and walk to the coffee machine to try to at least make one before the customers come in. I don’t want Gail to have to do all of the coffees and me just standing there cashing the money.
“Careful with the foam maker, it has a mind of its own.” Gail chuckles as she disappears and reappears quickly out of the employee room.
“Thanks for the warning!” I stick my tongue out as I focus on the task ahead, making coffee and avoid foam making explosion. The coffee is brewing and dripping into the cup I placed on the machine as I try my hand at the foam maker. “Steady.” I scrunch my face up as I turn on the pressure handle, hoping I’m not going to cover the walls and myself in milk.
“Seems like it likes you.” Gail chuckles as she walks behind me and takes care of
plating the donuts.
“Don’t speak too soon, there’s still time to mess up.” I wait a few more seconds and sigh in relief when I see the foam build up and nothing exploding.
“Told ya!”
“Anna one, foam maker nil.” I grin, proud of myself, and pour the foam into the cup of coffee for Josie. She’s the only one drinking coffee out of the three of us in the morning.