is fantastic, Hailey. I hope the next time you make the peach ones I’m around and can grab one before everyone else buys you out. I bet they’re out of this world.”
As much as I want to talk shop with him and explain how I use pieces of fresh peaches in the batter, I’m too curious about why he’s here and why Cade isn’t with him to let myself gush about my recipe ingredients. Maybe he came alone because Cade’s busy, or is it that he’s not interested in me or my cupcakes?
“So what would you like to talk about?” I ask quietly, bracing myself for his response being that he’s here to be the one to break it to me that his cousin doesn’t want to see me again after all.
He reaches across the table to grab a napkin from the dispenser and wipes his mouth. “So good. Well, let me get right to the point. I showed my father and uncle the picture of the chocolate lace cookie I had here last time and they want to know what they’d have to do to be able to get your desserts on a regular basis for CK. Our customers would love them. We’d be willing to pay you well, of course.”
Relief washes over me as he makes his offer, every word making me smile even as I know I have to decline. “I wish I didn’t have to say no, but I can’t do it, Alex.”
He frowns, but I don’t think he’s unhappy as much as disappointed. “Is this because you don’t think your desserts are good enough? They are, Hailey. Trust me.”
Hearing him say that makes me want to burst into tears I’m so happy, but he’s wrong. While I may not be the most confident baker in the world, that’s not the reason why I have to say no to him and his family.
“Thank you, but no that’s not why. I just don’t have the time or facilities to make more than I do for my parents here. I’m trying to help them bring in more business.”
I look around the restaurant at the mostly empty tables and booths and sigh. “I thought if people had something to come in for, they’d come back again and again. So far, it hasn’t turned out like that, but I’m still hoping. I have to keep making my desserts for them, so after that, I don’t have enough time or the right equipment to say I’ll be able to contract with you to make enough for CK. I’m sorry, Alex. Please tell your father and uncle I’m so flattered. Last night was my first time at your restaurant, and to think that a place like that would want to sell my desserts is almost too incredible to believe.”
“I understand. What you’re doing for your parents is a good thing, Hailey. Just keep us in mind if you ever get the chance to branch out, okay?” he asks with a smile that’s like a cherry on top of this beautiful cake his visit’s been.
“Absolutely.”
When he doesn’t continue the conversation, I can’t stop myself from mentioning Cade for the first time. “You know, I saw your cousin last night after my friends and I left the restaurant. We’re supposed to get together again tonight.”
“I think I heard something about that,” he says with a sparkle in his dark brown eyes.
“He told me about his club, so maybe he’ll show me that tonight.”
Something in Alex’s expression changes so imperceptibly it’s almost not visible, but I sense the difference in him immediately. “Maybe. I have to get going, but keep my offer in mind, okay?”
And with that, he stands from the table and gives me one last smile. “Take care, Hailey.”
“Thank you, Alex.”
As I watch him walk toward the front door, I can’t help but wonder what made his mood change so suddenly. Was it the mention of Cade’s club? Is there something he doesn’t approve of in that, or is it that he doesn’t think I’m the type of person who belongs at a place like that?
I press the piece of paper with Cade’s phone number on it against the table, smoothing the wrinkles and creases from it being in my pocket all day. My hands tremble as I hold my phone, ready to text him.
Am I ready for this? Dr. Thorpe says I am. Meadow thinks I’d be crazy if I didn’t at least give myself a chance with Cade.
Then why do I