for transactions, to my inventory list, to my notes on customer's preferences. I'd be lost without the thing.
"It's my neighbor Juniper's birthday, so I wanted to get some of your pirate cupcakes, and maybe some of those donuty-croissant things."
"Coming right up!" I quickly boxed up a four-pack of each and checked Violet out.
"You have a glow about you," Violet said with a smile as she picked up the boxes. "It's good to see you happy."
"Just reading a good book," I said with a shrug, not quite ready to announce that I had mates, plural, to the world just yet, although I was fairly certain Violet wouldn't tell anyone, except her own mates, of course.
"It wouldn't happen to be Love Blooms, would it?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with humor.
"It might be," I hedged, unable to keep the grin off my face.
"I read that a little while back, definitely an interesting book," she said as she walked over to the door. "Have a good afternoon!"
"You too!" I called, and the door swung shut once again.
Before I forgot, I made a note in my database that today was Juniper's birthday and then decided to make her some special macarons. She'd seemed to enjoy them the last time she was in.
It was a few hours, and customers, later when I was done with the French treats and was ready to close up the store. I packed them up in one of my birthday boxes, flipped the sign, locked up, and headed out. My coffee craving was kicking, so I decided to stop by Jewels Cafe first. Since I wasn't sure where Juniper would be, this would at least give me something to drink while I looked for her, and if I couldn't find her then I could always leave the box outside her door.
Coffee first though.
Jewels wasn't too far away from my bakery, but it was definitely in more of a central, downtown kind of location, rather than on the outskirts like me. I envied the location a little, but also loved my store, although that was mainly because it was mine. The fact that Minerva's Bakery was still empty made me nervous. Was someone going to come in and take over? Would I still be able to compete? I hoped my customers would be loyal, but business was a tricky thing.
A warm breeze caressed my skin and I did a double check of my glamour to make sure it was still in place before I walked into the cafe. Everything was hidden, just as it should be, and as usual there was a line almost to the door of the cafe. I didn't mind waiting though.
The energy of the cafe was something I loved. One of Amber's mates was sitting in the corner typing away on his laptop, while other Silver Springs residents sat throughout the cafe, some chatting with each other, some working. I inched forward every time the line moved and was surprised when I looked up and saw Juniper walking toward me with a tray of coffees in hand.
"Juniper," I said with a smile before she could walk by. "I was looking for you!"
"Oh?"
"I heard it was your birthday, so I thought I'd make you a little treat." I held up the bag and she took it, peering inside.
The birthday box was my signature pink with white polka dots, but it had a clear window on top so you could see all the tasty treats that were inside. The window was also printed with the words, "Happy Birthday!"
The cafe door clicked open, and a prickle of awareness went up my spine. I glanced over my shoulder and saw Logan standing there. I wanted to look away, to give Juniper the attention she deserved on her birthday, but as I looked at the vampire I felt that same pull I had before. Was he my mate as well? Surely not.
"Are there dicks on those macarons?" she asked with a snort.
"Yep! I made them special, just for you. There are even some that have wings on them as well." I smiled, weirdly proud of the little dicks with wings that I'd drawn on the top of the macarons with royal icing.
"How'd you even know it was my birthday? Was it one of these assholes?" Juniper asked as her mates came up behind her.
"Nope, just a little birdie," I said, not wanting to spoil any other surprises that might be coming her way. "I just wanted to give you a little something."
"I've