last mile home

“Mr. King.” I smiled brightly at Caleb as he came into my bakery.
“How many times have I told you to call me Caleb?” He asked, raising a brow at me.
I shrugged. “You’re kind of my boss.”
“More like your landlord.” He corrected.
I laughed and walked over to the counter. “Whatever. What can I get you?”
“Coffee and a sweet. Surprise me.” He said, saying the same thing he always did.
“Deal.” I turned around to start working.
“But that’s not the only reason I’m here.”
I turned slightly as I ground coffee beans. “Oh?”
“Have you ever catered a wedding?” He asked.
"Nope." I shook my head, not looking at him but cutting a slice of chocolate and almonds cake, "I feel like you're asking for a reason."
"Yes, the reason why I'm here." He said back from behind me.
"You got my attention." I smiled to myself, secretly praying that he'd offer me that opportunity because a-I loved trying new things always, b- because it'd be kind of a big deal and c- it's be a good way to let other people know my work. Baking was my life and while I had imagined many times how I'd want the cake for my own wedding to be I had never tried to make one, because I had never had that possibility. "Wait a sec and hold that thought." I added softly and went to the back of my shop, where the kitchen was and the magic happened. For me, it was just like home. I reached for my latest creation from the freezer, added a while creamy ball of ice cream on top of the slice of cake then went back to Caleb, who seemed to be on the set for a photoshoot. He was handsome, very differently from my boyfriend even if they shared the same eye color, where John was muscular and fit, his cousin was simply huge, his presence filled a whole room. He could be intimidating even.
"What is this?" He asked, eyeing the cake then looking at me as I filled a cup of coffee for him.
"Your favorite." I smiled as I sat across from him, "And something new. If you're brave enough to try it."
He reached for the spoon, exhaminating the icecream and making it in a way he made it look like it was a very serious matter. "It looks like regular ice cream to me." He pointed out quietly, bringing the spoon to his mouth and making a thinkful face, "Vanilla?" He tried and I shook my head, "Cream or something?"
I shook my head again, watching him enjoy my cake and the ice cream together. "It's butter." I said eventually, propping my elbow on the counter and keeping my eyes on him.
"It's real good." He nodded and stuffed his mouth with another bite, making me feel excited that he liked what I had done. That was the thrill that I looked for in my every customer, but with Caleb it was a little different. He wasn't just a regular customer.
"Thank you." I said softly and bit down on my lip, being modest because bragging wasn't me even if I knew what I was capable of and what I was good at. "What were you saying about weddings?"
He straightened his posture immediately, a move that made him look exactly how he was. All business. In his suit, he made me feel underdressed, then again we were very different and lived very different lives. "Some clients of mine asked if you could cater desserts for their wedding." He said very quietly, with that smooth voice that was both deep and cold.
I leaned back, thinking hard and fast about the meaning of that. I needed more informations in order to know if I could really do that. "How many people? When? What do they want exactly? I can't give you an answer if I don't get answers myself first." I explained softly.
“It’s a bigger wedding.” Caleb admitted. “350 people.”
I widened my eyes because that was a lot of people. I was expecting more like 150...who'd invite so many people to their wedding? I always imagined mine to be much smaller. “Wow. I’ve never baked for that many people before.” I said softly, mentally calculating everything I’d need for a wedding that large.
“I’m not sure exactly what they want, but they were highly impressed by your shop the last time they visited.” He said, surprising me a little because he was always so attent to details, but then again he probably he didn't care much about the part of the wedding that involved me. “But they would meet with you of course.”
“I’m flattered.” I said, my hand reaching up to brush a stray curl from my face.
He swallowed and took another bite of the cake and ice cream mix. “Of course you’d have full access to my staff for preparations.” He said seriously.
“Oh don’t be silly, I have a staff.” I protested because I didn't like being helped much. I didn't trust people enough to delegate.
He rose a brow at me. “You have 2 girls who work part time. That doesn’t exactly a wedding staff make.” He commented said seriously. “It barely makes a bakery staff.”
“And you know this because you spend so much time running bakerys?” I asked, my head tilting to the side and my voice sweet even if my words were anything but. I didn't let people boss me around, I took my own decision and no one ever influenced me. Also, I didn't let anyone tell me how to do my job.
“Stubborn woman. The staff comes with the wedding package. If you don’t utilize them I’ll be wasting my money paying them all night.”
I sighed, thinking that maybe they could help for the more practical side like cleaning all the bowls I'd be using and do all the unpleasant boring things. “Okay. But I still have to talk to them. I’ve never made a wedding cake before.”
“Surely it’s not much different from regular cakes.”
I blinked and laughed at him. “And you pretend to know about running a bakery.” I laughed more.
“I never said I did.” He replied softly, looking for a second less...hard than usual.
“More coffee?” I asked, reaching for a pot. Maybe he was sleepy.
"It’s delicious. What did you add this time?”
I smiled, loving that he always knew when something was different, how he noticed and pointed out. “Cinnamon. It’ll help that big brain of yours function in all your high powered business meetings.” I reached out and poked his forehead and he smirked.
“I’m not exactly high powered.” He shook his head.
“Whatever. Look at you. You’re wearing a three piece suit before noon. If that doesn’t say high powered I don’t know what does.”
He grinned, as he leaned in slightly. “I think what you meant to say was how well I pull off this suit.”
I laughed lightly, tucking my hair behind my ear and hoping I wasn't blushing. I didn't know with him, sometimes I had the feeling he was almost flirting with me but it couldn't be because he was my boyfriend's cousin and I felt silly....it just couldn't be. That didn't mean I was completely immune to his charm, he was a view to everyone's eyes. "I don't think I meant that." I said eventually, keeping my expression smily and serene like it was everytime I had a good day. Like today.
He raised a brow at me, "So do you think I don't pull it off?" He teased.
I shook my head, reaching for a cup and filling it with coffee for myself, "It looks good on you." I said honestly, this time not looking at him because I didn't want him to get a wrong impression and I didn't want to make a fool of myself either. "But if you're looking for compliments I think you should sit at that table." I added and glanced at the girls checking him out shamelessly. I couldn't blame them, and I kind of was used to be around men who got female attentions, with John it was just the same with the little difference that he was mine only and the other girls couldn't stand a chance. Or at least I hoped so.
He turned his head, his eyes following mine before moving to my face again. "I'll pass thank you." He dismissed the subject and moved to a more serious one, one that fit him better to be honest. "How are things going here?"
I shrugged, "Some days are slower than others, but I have nothing to complain about." I answered simply, "I'm realistic, I didn't expect to open a bakery and have a huge success all of a sudden. You have to work hard for that, it takes time, and I'm already happy for how good everything is going considering that I opened only four months ago."
"You're right." He commented, his expression all serious again and I got the feeling that he was studying me, "You're also wise."
"I have my moments." I said back, never showing up how aware I was of my strength because I thought it wasn't my job to point it out. Facts spoke louder than words, as they said.
He nodded before sipping his coffee and staring at me once again. "You look tired." He said eventually.
I chuckled, "Oh god, thank you for that!" I said back, not offended even a bit because it was true. I got up at crazy hours to start baking and I didn't always get enough hours of sleep, I had to find time for John, or more likely I have to adapt to his schedule.
"I didn't mean it in a bad way-" He started, realizing his gaffe.
I cut him off, offering a smile, "It's okay because it's true. I feel like no matter how much coffee I'm going to drink today it's not going to be enough anyway." I confessed. As odd as it was, I felt at ease talking with him.
“Long night?” Caleb asked.
“Something like that.” I said with a smile, my face turning a little pink as he sipped his coffee.
“Hmm.” He muttered.
“John says he hasn’t seen you in a while.” I added, my mind going to my boyfriend who yes had kept me up until late but not for the reasons usually boyfriend did. He had come back later than usual.
“He’s a busy man. As am I.”
I nodded, a pout forming on my perfectly pink lips. “Yes. He is busy.” I agreed.
He rose his brow, “He’s a lawyer. They tend to work a lot.” He teased. “But any man would have to be crazy to not make time for you.” He added and that was a very sweet thing to say.
I looked up at him and blinked back. “He does.” I smiled. “I’m just greedy for more sometimes.” I shrugged and decided to change the topic.
“Those girls might die if you don’t talk to them.” I said finally, laughing as one giggled loudly when he glanced over again.
“They’re far too young for me.” He said seriously.
I laughed. “Age is just a number.”
“Says the girl dating an older man.” He pointed out.
It wasn't the first time I heard that, from him or other people. My boyfriend was 8 years older than me, so what? “Older men are more mature. Wiser.”
He made a face. “Please don’t add experienced. He don’t need to know anymore about John.” He said seriously and my laugh rang through the small space again.
"I'm not going to don't worry. I don't usually talk to people about my personal life, let alone to my boyfriend's cousin." I explained quietly, once again putting a distance between us. Not that I really needed to but it was just how I was. "So super busy man what's on your schedule today?" I asked to change the subject because I was so much more than someone's girlfriend.
He shrugged, "I could tell you but you'd get bored."
I shot him a challenging smile, boring my eyes into his. Which, side note, were gorgeous. "Try me." I retorted.
"Well okay." He said and laughed, a deep warm laugh that enveloped me. "I have a meeting. Then another meeting. Then I have to go through papers to make sure none of my assistants f.ucked up."
"What's the point of having assistants if you have to control everything anyway?" I pointed out, cocking my head to the side.
"Is that why you're not hiring more help?" He asked back.
I laughed, "Touché." I admitted. Thing was I had troubles trusting people and I secretly thought things were better if I was the one making them. At least if I made a mistake I was the only one to blame.
"I knew it." He finally smiled and it was too bad he didn't smile much because he had a breathtaking smile, it changed his whole face, it made him look more carefree. "What about you?"
"What about me?" I blinked at him.
"Plans for today?" He asked and the smile was gone, the cold successful businessman was back.
"Oh." I bit down on my lip, thinking a moment about all the hours I still had before finally going back home and sleep. Alone, because John was away again. "I had a cake to finish, it's for a girl so it's all pink and cute." I explained, feeling excited because I had so many ideas and the creative process it was always so thrilling.
"You just lit up." He pointed out quietly and I suddenly felt under his scrutiny.
"I love my job. My job is my love." I smiled at him, not afraid to say that out loud. I was a lucky person. "I'm torn between cherry and strawberry." I added as an afterthought.
It was his turn to look confused. "What?"
"Sorry I was all in my head." I explained, "I made two different ganaches and I don't know which one to use for the cake. Want to try them and help me?" I suggested since the only customers at the moment were the young girl drooling over Caleb.
He raised one eyebrow slowly, "I'm still not sure what you're talking about."
I stood up, motioning to the back, "Come on, it's easier done than said. For once." I chuckled.
I guided him to the back kitchen where there was a large commercial fridge before pulling out two bowls. I grabbed a spoon and dipped it into the first bowl, handing it out to him. He grabbed the spoon with his hand, and took it to his mouth, his face thinkful and funny because he was only tasting my mousse but it looked like he was doing something much more serious. “It’s excellent.”
I smiled brightly at the compliment and then took a new spoon and put it into the second dish.
“Both.” He said finally. “Use both.”
I laughed. “I can’t do both.”
“Just make two cakes. Make them identical and choose from there.” He smirked. “And then give him the left over one.”
I rose my brow. “You have a silly way of helping me.”
“I think I just got you another customer instead.” He laughed.
“You’re no customer. I never charge you for anything.” I laughed but he didn’t say anything because we both knew he put a ridiculous amount of money in the tip jar every tihim he left. I didn't even understand why but it made me feel uncomfortable.
“I’d pay for the cake.” He said finally, after a beat of looking into my eyes.
“Well then I better start cooking now. Are you sure you want it identical? It’s pink.”
He laughed. “I’ll do something manly while I eat it. Drink a beer, watch football.”
I shook my head and made a disgusted face. “Beer would be awful with cake.” I said so seriously he laughed one of his genuine explosive laugh. I had heard it maybe only another time before.
“I’ll remember that.”
"No wait!" I stopped him as I lit up, walking around the table and kneeling down after opening a cupboard. "I think you'll have to eat the cake with this." I said as I got in a straight position again and handing him the bottle I was holding.
He shot me a look that was vaguely amused but I wasn't sure about it. Caleb was a man impossible to read, not that I tried to, only it was so weird that he seemed so distant and unreachable. I guessed that part of it was because of his past, of what I knew of it. "You're giving a bottle of wine to someone who own a winery?" He asked slowly.
I set my hands on my hips, feeling a little silly. "Yes and that'd be you right?" I said back, biting down on my lip.
"Right." He smirked a little then furrowed his brows together as he angled his head down, a wisp of blonde hair falling from his perfectly combed hair and went to his forehead. I almost pushed it away.
"It's a Spanish sherry, they don't sell it here." I explained as I watched him trying to read the sticker on the dark bottle. "I use it for super special cakes or special occasions only." I added, smiling.
He smiled back at me, "And you're giving it to me?"
"I have a few more bottles." I shrugged, "And in case you're wondering yes I'm trying to impress you." I chuckled.
"Thank you Tara." He said honestly, holding my gift in his strong hand as he followed me back to the front of my shop.
I nodded, "You'll thank me when you'll try it."
“Not many people would have the guts to tell me they drink something other than my wine for special occasions.” Caleb laughed.
“You might look intimidating, but I know you’re not.” I smirked, feeling a little triumphant for no reason at all.
“I’m glad you do. I’m also glad otmy people don’t.” He teased.
“Yes, how would you boss everyone around if they knew you liked to come here and eat pink cake with me?” I asked, my eyes still twinkling.
“I’m not that bad.” He shook his head, though it was true he had a reputation for being a little uptight.
“Nah you’re okay.” I pushed back a stray hair and noticed his eyes roam my face for just a moment, but when seconds passed and he kept staring I realized he was into his head and not into me. “Caleb?”
He looked back to my eyes, my face confused, “He look forward to the cake. And the sherry.” He said finally. “And I’ll have Janine send you all the information about the wedding. I’m sure you’ll want to meet with them.”