Authors Note: I think this is a good time to mention that I'm not sticking 100% to any particular plot line from the show. I'm picking and choosing things based on where I want the story to go. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me and I'll clarify anything you need. Thank you for all the reviews and keep them coming they really are incredibly motivating.
Khyharah and Foreverkee- I loved writing that part and having her turn him down cause I don't think any real woman would. I certainly wouldn't be able to haha
Khyharah- I knew right away when I started this that Bobby and his muffin skills would need to come in at some point, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Chapter 9- A New Level
"This is hopeless, I don't have a bakers bone in my body". I look down at the muffins that never rose with a smiling Bobby close by. "You need to relax kid you're stressing too much". "That's easy for you to say because you don't kill muffins with a single touch". Bobby lets out a loud hearty laugh while shaking his head "You were so busy stressing all the small stuff that you forgot an ingredient, That's why they're flat. Just keep at it but learn to take it easy, I have to go but I'm around if you ever need help ok" With a quick hug he walks out of the bakery and I look to the side and see the measuring cup with the missing ingredient sitting right there.
Bobby's right and I know it, I'm so stressed about this and how much I don't want to fail my grandparents memory that I'm messing up such simple things. Washing everything up and discarding the ill fated muffins I start over again. Putting a little music on I walk to the front and make sure the door is locked this time. I let myself relax and free my mind of any worries just like when I paint. Instead of staring at the recipe every 2 seconds like my life depends on it, I trust that I remember it well and just go off instinct. It's nothing fancy or overly complicated just banana nut muffins but to me they represent the beginning of embracing this new path in life and living up to what I need to do instead of letting it suffocate me.
While I wait for the muffins to finish baking I go to the front having heard a knock at the door, through the glass I see a sharp dressed older man in a suit with salt and pepper hair. He spots me and smiles offering a friendly wave so I walk over to open the door. I'm sure I've never seen him around before but I haven't been here long. Opening the door I greet him and in attempt to be friendly I ask if he'd like to come in. "I'd love to I know it's rude of me to just drop by but I'm opening a cigar shop just across the road and heard this bakery was getting back up and running soon". Being alone in the shop with a stranger makes me feel so uneasy that I casually walk over lifting the blinds off the main store front area, not only to let more light in but the fact that people walking or driving by can see us just helps put me more at ease.
"You heard right, I'm just taking over from my grandfather and it's taking me a bit to just get all our ducks in a row so we can open up again". "Yes of course and forgive me my name is Ethan Zobelle I must've forgotten my manners". I smile offering him a seat at one of the tables and taking the opposite one myself "not at all, I'm Sophia by the way. Is there something I can do for you?". He crosses his legs clasping his hands together over the table and leans in "Actually there is, I understand that you're not up and running yet but everyone I've asked says this is the best bakery in town. I'm helping set up a soup kitchen in town wanting to get involved in the community and was hoping to commission some desserts or pastries to have at the opening".
Just then the kitchen timer goes off and I have to excuse myself, as I take the muffins out I ponder over his request. I'd love to help especially with it being for charity but failing by myself in my kitchen and failing on a big order for people in need are vastly different things. The two sides of my brain argue back and forth but in the end the sight of the perfectly made muffins now sitting before me makes my mind up. I know I can do this and I'll make everyone proud I'll keep up the bakeries reputation and the memory of my grandparents. Taking one of the muffins I set it on a small plate and bring it out with me offering it to Mr. Zobelle before sitting back down.
"I've thought about it and frankly I'd love to, I'm never one to turn down the chance to help the community". I try to be discreet as I nervously watch him take a bite, those nerves are calmed though when he closes his eyes and makes a sound of satisfaction "I'm so glad to hear it and if everything is as good as this muffin I may need a few extra to take home". Over all it was a pleasant interaction and we worked out the details and what day they would need to be delivered and where, We exchanged numbers before saying our goodbyes. Less than a minute after Ethan Zobelle walks out I go to lock the door when a hand stops me by opening up and walking in, of course its Jax he seems to love just coming in whenever he pleases.
"What do you want Jackson?" He grabs me dragging me towards the back, I try to yank my hand away but its no use. When he finally lets go I turn to yell at him "what the hell do you think you're doing? You have no right to barge in like that. "What did he want?" I just stare blankly at him "who?" For the first time since he invited himself in I take the time to look at his face and I've never seen him look so serious. "You know who, Zobelle he just walked out of here so what did he want?". I shrug my shoulders not understanding this mood he seems to be in "He wanted to make an order for some charity thing he's setting up. Why?"
Taking a few step forwards he drops his voice to just above a whisper looking straight into my eyes "Look Zobelle is not a nice guy despite how he may look. Fill the order but that's it, you shouldn't be anywhere near him do you understand?". I want to keep asking questions but one look at his face makes it clear that he is not playing and this is extremely serious. I may have a lot of conflicting feelings about Jax but, annoying habits aside, ever since I came back he's helped me even when he hasn't needed to. Which is why I nod in agreement choosing to trust Jax in this moment. Seemingly satisfied he closes the gap and kisses my cheek "I gotta go but if he comes around call me". Just like that he's gone and I'm left confused, the day certainly took a turn I didn't expect and I think it's time I head home. Boxing up the rest of the muffins I make a mental note to take some to bobby in the morning and hop in my car.