“Good morning,” an older man called as he held the door open for Katherine.
“Good morning, Mr. Castell,” Katherine beamed, thrilled that she had remembered his name.
Mr. Castell was one of the regulars at the bakery, spending nearly every morning with his black coffee and custard danish. He was one of the first customers she had ever served, and she looked forward to his cheery banter whenever she had a morning shift.
“It’s starting to cool down,” he continued, as he followed her inside. His white hair blew in the wind, the fall weather beginning to require a jacket.
“It sure is,” Katherine smiled back to him, watching as the older man walked cautiously to the booth he occupied every morning.
Slowly but surely, she was developing a new normal, creating a life on her own terms. It was refreshing, and scary, but Katherine was grateful for the fresh start. At only twenty-eight, she often felt a decade older with all that she had been through in such a brief time span.
Women her age were just beginning their lives, while she was starting over. Anything was better than the nightmare that had become her life during the last year of her marriage. Reminding herself of how far she had come, Katherine made her way behind the counter, greeting her co-workers as she settled into her station.
This was all new, and her heart fluttered at the idea that she could finally be reaching the light at the end of the very long and lonely tunnel she had found herself in after leaving her husband. The future was bright, and Katherine was optimistic, ready to seize all the opportunities this new life would afford her.
Chapter Two
Benjamin
“COME ON!” BENJAMIN slapped the leather steering wheel as he stared up at the red light. He was late for a meeting where he would unveil the new products for the season. A man exiting a glass door caught his attention and he turned to see the small bakery he had never noticed before.
Located between his house and his office, he was shocked that he had never noticed the posh café, and with another glance at the stubborn light, decided it could be just the sweet exchange he needed to make up for his tardiness. Tugging the wheel to the right, he pulled into a parking space and hopped out of his black Range Rover SUV.
“Hi! Welcome to A Slice of Sicily! How can I help you?” A sweet girl with red hair called from behind the counter. She was cheery and sweet, flashing a smile that made you feel at ease.
Ben had barely noticed her though, because the brunette in the back had stolen his attention. He could tell she was naturally a blonde from her lightened roots, and he wondered what made her dye the hair so many wished they had.
Usually
, a few undisturbed seconds of staring was enough for a woman to know he was interested, and subsequently make their move to try their chances. Something was different about this girl, and it intrigued him.
“What could I get you today?” The cheery red head asked, drawing him back to reality.
“I’m sorry. I’d like a box of everything,” Benjamin flashed a smile as he pointed to the glassed pastry display.
“No problem. We have a half or a full dozen variety box,” she explained.
“Let’s go for the whole dozen,” Ben nodded, mentally calculating how many people would be in the meeting.
He was going to reveal the newest line of accessories for large breed dogs. There was something about the lightheartedness of his clients that made him refuse to completely by in to corporate America. Most men in his position would wear a suit to the office every day, but Ben preferred jeans and a white button-down shirt.
Even his facial hair was less than formal, the thin layer of stubble covering his structured jawline. Benjamin O’Leary wasn’t the type of man to take himself too seriously, and his idea to bring a box of treats to a business meeting was a clear indication of that.
While the cheery woman packed a powder pink box filled with donuts, danishes and muffins, Benjamin made his way around the counter, his eyes still focused on the brunette working in the back. She was at the steamer, making a cappuccino when he approached.
“If I would have known how well you made them, I would have gotten one of those,” he joked, hoping to catch her attention.
She barely flinched, keeping her eyes to the ground as she poured the warm milk over the espresso. Benjamin watched carefully, wondering if she had heard his attempt at sparking a conversation.
“Talia can add one to your order,” the woman said, raising her eyes to meet Benjamin’s.
In an instant he was captivated by her icy blue eyes. She had a pureness about her that he just had to learn more about. Racking his brain for the right words to say, he watched as the window closed. She returned to making her list of drinks, and the other woman called for his attention.
“That’ll be twenty-eight dollars and seventeen cents,” she announced, setting the box of goodies on the counter beside the register.
Benjamin tapped his credit card to the reader, still watching the brunette. She appeared less than impressed by him, focusing on her job without so much as glancing in his direction.
“Thank you! Have a great day!” The cheery red head extended her thin arm as she offered the receipt.