Chapter Song: Firework by Lea Michele (Glee Cover)
Chapter Quote: "Life is short. Lick the bowl."
Chapter 1: Croquembouche.
Riley's Point of View.
_
Humming lightly to the random tunes flitting through the air, my hand continuously works. Whisking water; butter, sugar and salt until it becomes a thick paste. The monotonous movement becomes tiring, and as mentioned repetitive. However, the burn in my forearms as the paste becomes thicker and the concentric circles within the saucepan do nothing but bring a smile to my face.
I suppose baking is the perfect profession for me. Well, it isn't a question, baking is my life. I'm in love with everything about it. The fact that you can bring multiple ingredients together – some salty, some sweet – to create the most delicious treat still overwhelms me to this day. The smell always reminds me of home, my favorite being cinnamon. Baking fresh cinnamon rolls in my home is a Sunday must and something I wish I could carry with me throughout my day. And the taste, every single person likes something different. The look in people's eyes as they glance through my displays is exhilarating, how they linger on some more than other, the appearance of the pastry is what draws the customers in.
But, my all-time favorite thing about baking is creepily watching as the customer bites into the dessert they chose. Their eyes widen, before they flutter shut as they enjoy the flavors bursting on their tongue. Of course, as a baker for most of my life I've had some harsh criticisms. Ones that have genuinely brought me to tears. I can't blame them, they are entitled to their opinion and I'm very emotional. My heart is on my sleeve, literally.
Well, I have a small heart tattoo on my wrist bone.
Anyways, I love baking and always will. So, it came as no surprise whenever I came to a yearlong decision to open my own bakery and almost filed bankruptcy in doing so. I went to pastry school, and I don't have a business degree. But, with arduous work and determination I was able to keep my shop open, hire two helping hands and survive.
Patience.
In all aspects of my job, patience is key. Whether I'm whisking constantly, filing taxes or handling customers, patience is the most important aspect of my job. I couldn't even begin to tell you how many times I've ruined recipes – in an attempt to make them better – or burn treats whenever I've fallen asleep. The Fire Department and I have become close friends. I digress, I always get frustrated and teary because I'm emotionally weak, but in the end my sleeves are pushed up and my hands are coated in flour once more. "Hi, honey. Good morning."
My best friend, Maya, saunters into the bakery's kitchen right when the clock strikes seven this morning. Her long blonde locks are sloppily placed on top of her head, a few wisps are left out. Whether accidental or on purpose doesn't matter, because the few flyway's frame her diamond shaped face. "Good Morning, peaches. How are you feeling?"
Her nose scrunches up, the small dimples on her cheeks disappear with the movement as she sets her stuff down. "I feel like I need a cup of coffee. May I?" She gestures towards the Keurig. Nodding and gesturing for her to drink as much as she'd like, a small grin curls her lips. "So, what all needs to be done? And, how long have you been here?"
"About an hour ago," I lie. "The layers of the cake are done. We just need to place them, ice them and decorate them. The chocolate strawberries are done, and in the flash freezer. I'm working on the dough for the croquembouche, the filling is in the fridge."
In an attempt to avoid her searing gaze, I concentrate back on my work. Listening to random Glee covers, and singling along to appear as nonchalant as possible. "So, you're telling me that you've been here for an hour and completed all of that?" Caught. Fudge. My gaze flickers towards my best friend momentarily and it only takes that small glance to notice her glaring icy blue eyes. Those things are beautiful to look at when she isn't giving me that type of expression. "You didn't go home. Did you?"
A pout begins to form on my face as I transfer the pastry mix to the beater. "I'm sorry, this is just our first big order to fill and I wanted to make sure I had time to remake anything just in case I messed it up."
She lifts up her coffee mug, inhales deeply and takes a sip all while staring at me. I'm not sure how people drink coffee almost immediately. It is so hot, doesn't that hurt their tongue? I'm waiting for the small speech in taking care of myself, according to everyone I have a bad habit of working myself too hard. Then I realize, she's my best friend not my mother who also works with us and should be here soon. "If your mom finds out, it isn't my fault."
"Yes, it will be."
We both laugh together before she gets to work and I focus back in on the task at hand. All the while we're talking and gossiping about random things in our lives. Well, her life. My life consists of my bakery, 'Sweetie Pies'. She went on another failed date last night, which isn't surprising. She blames her taste in men on 'daddy issues', she's never met him and she never will apparently.
It isn't too long until my mom comes to open up the shop and help customers. I love helping customers, but my mother's smile is second to none. She's gorgeous even in her fifties, with long honey colored hair and eyes to match, it isn't too difficult a decision for her to help customers. Which is why, she's coming with me to make the delivery tonight and gather payment – I always hated that part. But, as a former lawyer, she handles any awkward situations flawlessly.
Deciding to take a small break and check on the front, a smile makes its way on my lips when I see the faces of satisfied customers. My mom is placing orders and taking care of each person without a hitch and there are only a few tables that need bussed. Taking the initiative, I move around the glass displays and towards the various tables. The smile on my face widens as I take in the bright colors of the tables, oranges, purples and pinks standing at various heights with bright white chairs surrounding them.
The entirety of my shop is painted in a light grey. The only wall that is different is the largest one in the very back of my bakery, it has vertical light pink stripes all of which have varying thickness. My favorite part of that wall are the words 'Sweetie Pies' in cursive with the same color pink. This place was my haven and I poured everything I had into it, sweat, tears, time and money. 'Sweetie Pies' is my dream.
Once I get back to work on the party order for myself and my mother to deliver tonight, I become lost in my work and almost miss the phone ringing. In fact, if Maya didn't pull me out of my head then I absolutely would have. Dusting my hands off on my apron, I rush towards the landline. "Sweetie Pies, this is Riley. How can I help you?"
"Good Afternoon, Riley! This is Isadora Smackle."
My eyes widen. This was the woman who placed the large order for tonight, she was super nice but incredibly vague in the details of the party. I basically had to guess that this was for a birthday party, and even then this is a lot of sweets for a birthday party. "Yes ma'am. I remember."
"Great! I just wanted to call and confirm that everything is going as planned and we intend to see you at five o'clock this evening?"
A sigh escapes my lips once I see it is only two. "Yes! My assistant and I are putting the finishing touches on a few items before we load them into our refrigerated van."
I can hear a smile forming on her face, it makes me feel good that I was able to ease some stress. "Great! And please wear all black for serving tonight."
What? "Serving." Maya immediately flips her focus towards me with wide eyes. "Yes, serving?" My tone is still questioning, this is the first I've heard of this.
"Of course. We're paying an additional two hundred for that aren't we?" This is news to me, "you won't need serving trays or anything. You'll just be slicing the cake, and giving out requested desserts. Did I not mention that?" She then begins to ramble on and on about confusing my service with the caterers. Isadora seems very stressed, and a small frown curls my lips downward when I hear heavy breathing on the other side of the line.
Poor thing, "please calm down. I don't mind serving at all, it would just be me. My mother can't stay late tonight."
"Thank you, thank you so much. Please double check your invoice to ensure that you're getting paid for it. I seem to have misplaced mine."
We say our goodbyes, and she thanks me a few more times before hanging up.
This is going to be a long night.
The moment I hung up, Maya took full control. I was ushered back to my apartment to clean myself up, and change into an all black outfit. Which was rather difficult, I like bright colors after all. I felt bad leaving the shop, but it was our slow time and we had informed a good portion of our customers that we'd be closing early.
In the end, my hair was in curls down to my waist created by a wand and I had a light dusting of makeup. I am planning on sweating tonight, so there was no point in putting anything more than necessary on my face. I was able to find a pair of black skinny jeans that I paired with ankle boots and a black sheer button up. Of course, I wore a black tank top underneath and ended up tucking the sheer material into the denim.
By the time I had gotten back to 'Sweetie Pies', it was closed with a note on the front door apologizing for any inconvenience. The outside of my shop was just as bright and cheerful as the inside. I had heard a time or two, outer appeal brings people in, so I took that to heart. "Everything's loaded, sweetheart." My mom places a chaste kiss on my cheek and leans away, "and if you stay the night here again, you'll be in big trouble." My heart saddens at the thought of getting reprimanded by my mom.
My eyes shift towards Maya who's smirking while staring back at me. "It wasn't me."
Frowning, I just nod. "Yes it was." I know they only do this for my wellbeing but if this store fails, everything I had worked for will be gone. I push myself to succeed, and there's nothing wrong with that. Right? "You ready to go?" My mom nods and hugs my best friend goodbye. When my mom moves outside towards the van, I cross my arms and glare. She just laughs, "don't laugh at me! I'm serious. You shouldn't have told her."
Maya laughs a bit more before kissing my cheek, and waving behind her as she leaves for the day. "Bye, honey."
"Bye, peaches."
The ride towards the venue became more and more confusing the closer we got. Buildings and highways faded away and trees took their place. It was beautiful, being in the middle of spring the leaves were a vibrant green. "Whoa." Glancing out the window, a large – almost castle like – building comes into view. It's gorgeous in its simplicity with green ivy trailing up the stone wall.
"This place is beautiful." I can only nod in agreement and openly gape at this gorgeous home.
We park in the front, right next to the catering van and slowly climb out. We are both somewhat unsure of where to go, this isn't our first delivery but as a large party order we aren't sure where they want everything. "HI!" Turning on my heels, a raven-haired beauty is jogging towards us. A pencil tucked behind her ear and a clipboard in her hands. I'm assuming that this is, "Smackle. Isadora Smackle. We spoke on the phone." I nod and shake her hand, introducing myself politely with a smile on my face. "Thank you so much for compromising. We already have a table set up as soon as you walk inside through the kitchen, it is labeled desserts. Just set it up there, make it look pretty. The doors open in forty-five minutes."
And with that, she's off. My mom, Topanga and I laugh together knowing she's probably the party coordinator and running around like a chicken with her head cut off. It's comical, especially since that's how I looked in the first few months of my store opening. Either way, we get to work, focusing entirely on the desserts and ensuring they don't fall. Everything was easy, until the cake.
Fortunately, we didn't drop it. However, my arms were burning from the weight once we were done and it was almost too big to fit into the small doorway. It had to feed several hundred people, I had no choice or it would be incredibly tall and unstable. The cake itself was simplistic, each layer was a different flavor with the same white buttercream icing – even though I highly discouraged it. Buttercream melts easily, but Isadora was adamant and I can't argue with a customer.
We had roughly five minutes to spare by the time we had set up entirely. One croquembouche was set up on each end of the table, with a plate of chocolate covered strawberries on the side. The gigantic, floral patterned cake sat in the middle and for – what felt like – the first time all day, I let out a breathe of relief and hugged my mom. "Thank you. Take the van and I'll take a cab home."
"Just, be careful. Please." My mother was always a worrier, but as previously mentioned, her being a criminal lawyer has absolutely changed her outlook on life. "I love you."
"Love you too." Isadora comes out the moment my mom closes the door through the kitchen and praises just about everything there is to praise. My cheeks were burning with heat by the time she was done. 'The cake looks gorgeous', 'oh my gosh, the croquembouche – no the strawberries', 'the setup is perfect'. I love compliments on my baking, but shy away whenever I get them, it's odd. "Thank you so much, Isadora. It was definitely a team effort, I hope it tastes as good as it looks."
She gives me a small smile before pushing up her black rimmed glasses with her pointer finger. "ALRIGHT! OPEN THE DOORS!"
I move behind the table, with a large Cheshire grin on my face.
There are a few round tables littered around the outer edges of the room, but there was no way all of these people could sit at the tables. Hundreds of people were flooding into the ballroom. I tried not to worry about it and stifle my giggles as some people completely bypassed the dinner and went straight for my table.
Things were running smoothly, I was swaying to the music and making nice conversation with random strangers who really only wanted me for my desserts – not that I cared. The atmosphere was light and airy, even as the rays of sun were no longer beaming in through the glass, the entire party remained respectable. Which is absolutely saying something since they were all twenty years old or younger. It was actually kind of beautiful.
Out of nowhere two people would lock eyes with one another and basically gravitate towards eachother. I would even check in on the couples every once in a while, but even after a few hours they were glued at the hip.
Three hours into the party the front doors opened once more and one man walked in. He was tall, towering over just about everyone in the ballroom. His mere presence screamed dominating and even caused the entire space to become silent as they watched this man glide through the room. Sandy blonde hair styled in an undercut was gelled back, yet somehow looked soft to the touch. It was odd actually, every part of me wanted to run my fingers through it.
A few tattoos peeked out of the collar of his black dress shirt. Was his whole body coated with them? My face blushed at the mere thought. From his wide stature and obvious muscle it wouldn't be too surprising to think he had a nice body. There was light stubble dusting his cheeks, and lining his strong jaw that seemed to be clenched. My eyes were frantically moving, tracing every detail of his face, trying with everything inside of me to commit his looks to memory.
Though I hadn't seen him head on, I just knew he was gorgeous. Deep down, my subconscious just knew. I was only able to stare at his profile, but I memorized the dip of his chin and though his lips were in a straight line, I can imagine head on they would look like a stretched out 'M'. His nose was slightly crooked, no doubt broken a few times.
That would come as no shock to me.
He was clearly a leader, and held himself as such. If challenged, no matter how petty, he'd react. I feel so foolish, acting and thinking as if I knew everything there was to know about this man I'd never met.
That thought didn't keep me from begging to see his eyes. "Enjoy the party."
That's all that was said before everyone got back to their previous conversations, dances or food.
That's all that was said when we locked eyes from across the room.
That's all it took before my heart began to pound furiously against my chest.
Author's Note. Please Read.
Hello lovelies, long time no... read? I want to say I'm so sorry for the long wait. My health issues are still trying to be worked out, and hopefully we'll be able to figure out the problem with all my miscarriages. But, onto a happier note. As previously mentioned, I couldn't find one idea I wanted to grasp until I landed on this.
Obviously, this is going to be a werewolf story. Which was very much requested in my messages, especially after Arrogant Alpha.
This is NOT edited. I literally typed this up last night after mapping it out for an hour. I will absolutely go back and edit, just not now and I wanted to push this out so you know I'm still alive. I'm not sure when the next update will be, I'm mapping out the next chapter right now.
Also, I'm taking song suggestions for this chapter. Let me know in direct message or comments.
Lastly, thank you for all of your constant support. The direct messages as well as the ones on my books were inspiring and sweet knowing how much you all care for me.
I hope you all give this book a chance and let me know what you think.
XOXO, Taylor.
Posted on: June 9, 2017
Word Count: 3,025.
My goal is 3,000 per chapter.