Sweet Love (1)

Dean hadn’t eaten breakfast before showing up to his work, and it showed. The grumbling of his stomach confused the client he was working for, making him believe the sound came from the car’s muffler, and not the mechanic.

Once the first car of the day was done, his boss approached him.

“I see ya looking a bit starved. You eat today?” The boss interrogated.

“No, Jim. I didn’t, but I’ll be fine.”

“We don’t have any more appointments for the next hour. Go get yourself something if you need.” Like it was on cue, his stomach rumbled again.

“I guess I’ll go then.”

——————————

It didn’t take long for Dean to find a place to eat. Just across the street was the bakery that opened up a few weeks ago.

The lettering displayed on the purple and white awning read; “BROOKE’S BAKED GOODS.” A mural of various desserts was painted on the window in front of a cake display. He thought that a donut or two couldn’t hurt, so he made his way inside.

Dean was immediately hit with the scent of cinnamon, vanilla, and fruit. Among the walls were shelves of cookies, cakes, and biscuits in plastic cases. Behind the waist high counter, there were two ovens and a decorating workspace for frostings, sprinkles, and more. A giant chalkboard displayed the prices and deal the bakery had, as well as a few cutely drawn cannolis. A glass display case showed off brownies, cupcakes, and muffins of different shapes, colors, and flavors.

Just then, he heard a woman come in from a side room behind the counter.

The grizzly woman that walked in was... well... Let’s say she was “well researched” in her craft of baking. Her pink apron (which was too small for her figure) was stained in what Dean assumed to be chocolate. She must’ve been Brooke.

“Hi. Welcome to Brooke’s Baked Goods! Did you have an order ready to be picked up, or just a walk in?” She had a light pitched voice with a very slight German accent.

“Just here to get some donuts, please.”

“Ooh. You’ll have to wait a few minutes. Put them in the oven to heat up for a bit.” She looked a bit sad when she said that, not hoping to lose a customer.

“That’s no problem. I can wait.” The two looked at each other, Brooke having a small smile on her face. Whether it was genuine or just a work thing, Dean didn’t know. “So, how long have you been baking?”

“I always use to do it with my mother when I was young, so it grew from there.” Dean had to force himself not to say a witty pun about that and her weight, and he succeeded.

“Oh, that sounds nice. I guess you opened this place up with the skills you learned from her?” His smooth talking was a weak attempt to make the awkward silence between them go by, but it seemed to work.

“Yeah, I know it inside and out, so why not make something of it?” Brooke felt like she was getting to know this new customer better by the second, although he hadn’t said a word about himself. She was just splendid to have someone to talk to.

The oven dinged to let the two know the batch of donuts and other baked goods were done warming up, and were ready for consumption.

“So, you wanted donuts? How many, and how would you like them?” Dean thought the answer over. There was a buy 1 get 1 free sale, and there were a ton of combinations he could choose from.

“One classic round glaze, and one Long John with chocolate frosting and sprinkles, please.” Sure, not the healthiest, but he spent time here already.

“Sure thing!” She spun around and began to make his donuts. He was nearly drooling at the sight of the chocolate drizzle over the dough. Once she was done, she returned to the counter with his donuts, and a third, much larger one.

“Thanks. Uh... I only ordered two.” She looked down at the tray and chuckled.

“Oh, that one’s for me.” Hers would be big enough for two people, but Dean didn’t judge. She began putting the donuts in a small box as he dug through his wallet. By the time he fished out enough money, he looked up to see Brooke had already dug into her donut. He handed her the $2, letting her keep the change.

“Thank You! Come again!” She shouted as Dean left.

Checking the inside, he noticed his Long John had a slight imprint of a heart shape in the frosting. He thought that was sweet of her. Also, the cinnamon was a nice flavor booster.

Maybe he’d return back, just to talk.