Violet stared at her computer screen with one hand on the mouse and the other resting on her chin. The accounts before her eyes were starting to give her a headache. No matter how she looked at the figures, she couldn't understand what went wrong with them.
The shadow behind her made Violet turn around. Violet pouted when she saw Evan peeking at her computer screen. "Something's wrong."
Evan leaned over and peeked at the computer. He adjusted his glasses as he did a quick scan. After a while, he pointed at the computer screen and looked at Violet. "You miscalculated here."
Violet followed Evan's finger and did a quick scan of the account. The light in her eyes lit up when she finally noticed what went wrong. "Oh, that's why my account isn't tallied Thank you, Evan! You're a lifesaver."
"You're welcome," Evan said and nodded. "You're still not very good at accounting."
Violet scoffed. "As soon as I saw the numbers, my head started to spin. But then, this is my bakery. Whether I like it or not, I will have to deal with this."
Evan laughed. He took a stack of papers on the table and studied it briefly. "How's the plan for the cupcake sale next month? Is everything alright?"
"Everything's fine, I guess. I've settled on the order form. But I don't think that we're going to need many ingredients. I was thinking of concentrating on making and selling five types of flavor tops. What do you think?"
"I think it's great. Have you decided which flavors?"
"I've decided on Very Vanilla, Death by Chocolate, and Red Velvet since they are the top three bestselling cupcakes we have. I'm not sure about the other two. Any idea?"
"Maybe you could create something new. Something special just for the anniversary. And we'll sell them special just for the day. I'm sure the customer would line up just to try that special cupcake."
"That's a great idea! But I will need to think of the flavor," Violet pouted.
Evan laughed at her expression. "You'll think of something. You always do."
Their conversation paused as Violet's phone rang.
Violet quickly picked up the phone upon seeing her mother's name on the phone screen. "Mom?" She glanced at Evan and flashed an apologetic smile at him.
Evan nodded. His eyes fell on the cupcake charm on Violet's phone before he walked away.
"Are you busy?"
"Almost done. What's up?"
"I was wondering if you could help me get a few things on your way home," Anna said. "I'm making stew. But I can't find the potatoes. I thought I bought them this morning."
"Alright. I'll get some potatoes on my way home."
"While you're at it, why don't you help me get some cherries? I heard that they are in season. Your father liked that one from D Town."
"Mhm…" Violet nodded. "Potatoes and cherries. I got it."
…
On the other side…
Ryan has been staring at his phone for a while after his brief chat with his friend.
After a long hesitation, Ryan finally decided that it was time for him to call Violet. His heartbeat accelerated as he listened to the dial tone.
It was only now that Ryan realized that he did not have a reason for calling Violet.
What should he say?
Should he invite her to dinner?
Before Ryan could make up his mind, the phone call was directed to the voice mail.
Ryan stared at his phone helplessly.
This was not the first time that Violet did not pick up his phone call. He had known her for a short period but Ryan already knew that Violet was someone who could be careless with her phone Last time, she left her phone in his car and did not notice it was missing for hours.
Ryan tried to call her a few more times but Violet still did not pick up his phone call.
His brow furrowed.
Ryan took off his coat, grabbed his car keys, and drove straight to the bakery to find Violet. Once he arrived, Ryan pushed the glass door only to find that it was locked.
Looking at the time, he realized that the bakery was closed.
He peered against the door and noticed there were still a few workers inside. Ryan rapped his knuckles against the door to gain their attention.
Sarah looked up when she heard the knock.
Coincidentally, she was visiting the bakery on her way back from the studio and decided to spend her time talking to Evan about this and that.
Sarah walked towards the door and pointed at the sign hanging on the door. "We're closed."
"I'm looking for Violet. Is she here?" Ryan asked.
"No," Sarah took a step back and gazed at the man before her. It took her a few seconds to realize that it was her cousin's fake boyfriend, Ryan. "She went back home a while ago. You should be able to find her at her place."
"Oh," Ryan mouthed and stood up. "Thank you, uh…"
"Sarah. You can call me Sarah."
Ryan nodded. "Thank you, Sarah. I uh, I've got to go now."
"Wait!" Sarah called.
Ryan turned around. "Yes?"
Sarah hesitated. "What do you think of those cupcakes Violet baked today?"
Ryan stared back at Sarah, wondering why she was asking him the question.
He remembered Violet did brought some cupcakes at the hospital. She urged him to try them but he was not a fan of sweets.
"Well? Is it okay? Delicious? Not good?" Sarah pressed when Ryan did not answer.
"I don't know," Ryan said. "I didn't taste any of them. I don't really favor sweet treats."
His answer made Sarah pursed her lips.
Today, Violet had worked hard to bake those cupcakes for Ryan. But it seemed that this man did not taste them for a bit.
This situation made Sarah worry for Violet.
Her instinct was telling her that Violet's feelings for Ryan had changed. Meanwhile, this man was still very annoying. Perhaps he did not know that Violet had especially prepared those cupcakes for him.
Right now, Sarah was worried that Violet would end up getting hurt.