Chapter 38

• Resisting the intense urge to buy one of everything, I ordered a blueberry muffin and something called a bear claw. I settled into one of the shiny booths, the pink and white striped seats gleaming cheerfully. The bakery looked brand new, from the shimmering booths to the large ovens peeking over the counter.
• I couldn't help but watch the duo running the counter in silence. It was clear they were related, most likely brother and sister. Both had the same shade of sandy blonde hair and the same full, pouty lips. The girl was slim with curves in the right places, looking out of place in the bakery. I would've expected to see her on the cover of a magazine, not working at a bakery.
• The two of them rushed from counter to oven, to prep tray, to cash register, each a whirlwind of energy and determination as I continued watching in silence. I had long finished my muffin and bear claw, wiping the sugary goodness from my fingers with a napkin. The heavy crowd eventually died down, and people left the bakery in large clusters. Once the two siblings were no longer overwhelmed with customers, I approached the register.