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Mara

“Thanks for choosing Bread Box for your pastry needs” I flashed a tired smile at the elderly couple and handed them the pink and red box that the owner, my boss, had insisted on for Valentine’s Day

“Thank you, sweetheart Your cream puffs are to die for,” the female half of the couple returned with a kind smile “Well, they’re worth the extra calories and fat around my backside, anyway”

Her words brought a genuine sh from me “I aim to please, ma’am”

“That you do, young lady” The oldI wasn’t sure people even did anyifted me with a wink as he led his wife out of the bakery and into the chilly late January air

“Next!” Being a baker wasn’t exactly glamorous work, but it was steady work, and in a srioods made sure I’d always have a way to pay the bills “What’ll it be?” I cringed inwardly at gest flaas custoht, and I knew it But I just couldn’t bring e it

“I hear you’ve already started with the Valentine’s Day treats?” Mirabelle Vargas had the sahter, Eva, but those keen brown eyes were soray stare

“Yep Specials are right in front of you, Mirabelle”

She waved awaysmile “Yes, I can see that Mara What I want to know is, what do you recommend?”

I looked into her expectant gaze and nodded, knowing exactly what she liked “I think you’ll really love the strawberry and rhubarba little less sweet, I have strawberry maple shortbread bars”

Her brown eyes lit up and Mirabelle nodded “I’ll take two of each, please”

“Anything else?”

“A cappuccino sounds lovely, dear” I nodded and got busy with the drink first “You know, Mara, a smile wouldn’t kill you”

I let out a long-suffering sigh while I resisted the urge to roll h my back was to Mirabelle and finished off the foam on top of the cup before I turned to her

“It ht Have you ever considered that?”