Chapter 8

CHAPTER EIGHT

Lincoln

I 'm dragging ass two hours later when I trudge up the steps to my apartment. Coming home is sometimes my favorite part of the day, depending on how busy the bakery is. Today, I'm smacked in the chest with how quiet it is.

For the last year, I've worked my fingers to the bone, and the longest hours of my life. It's all to make sure I've put myself in the best position to succeed. The loan I took out to pay for Sugar and Spice isn't going to pay for itself.

It's been lonely though. I haven't had time to date, and it's only been recently that I've joined an online dating app. This one is for entrepreneurs in Colorado, and I'm hoping that I'll find someone who understands the demands on my time.

I've gone through a couple of different matches, but no one has piqued my interest like the one I'm talking to now does. When I log into the app, I notice she's active. I smile as I settle back into my couch for a long night of texting.

Decorator Babe is online

Bossman: How was your day?

The username I chose for myself always makes me feel a little skeevy, but it was available and it explains who and what I am.

Decorator Babe: Good, I started something new today.

Bossman: Oh yeah? Wanna tell me about it?

Decorator Babe: I used to work at this place. I left on my own terms, and now I'm back. It's in a touristy town, so I'm looking forward to being busy.

She and I have a ton in common. I can't wait until we can meet one another. We haven't gotten comfortable enough with each other to discuss logistics and where we live yet. I hope that's coming soon, but I've heard horror stories from friends who've thought they met the love of their life on an app. That person then turned out to be their worst nightmare. I've been very careful about any identifying factors, and I'll continue to do so.

Bossman: As the owner of a bakery, it's heading into the extremely busy season. Between Christmas, New Year's, and Valentine's it's the trifecta. I don't think I'm going to be properly rested until at least March.

Decorator Babe: I feel this. I've got a ton of ideas for special stuff for each of the holidays, though. It'll be a good busy, and hopefully my boss will love it.

Color me intrigued by what she's doing.

Bossman: Would you like to share any of that with me?

DB: No...LOL! I've had too many people steal my ideas, and I like you. I haven't dated in two years, and you're the first person who's interested me. I don't want to give you up; ya know?

I feel this to the very depths of my soul.

Bossman: I get it. It's lonely, yeah?

DB: Yeah, having big dreams and working toward them is one of the loneliest things I've ever done.

Bossman: Same. It's like no one understands. It's an all-consuming need to show myself that I'm capable. Sometimes I don't believe I am, at other points I feel like nothing is going to derail me.

That's hard to admit, I don't enjoy being vulnerable to anyone, much less someone I've met on a dating app, but it seems easier than doing it in person. Where I have to look at other people as I talk and explain the emotions.

DB: It's been a long day. I'm going to take a nice, long, hot bath. I hope you have a good day tomorrow. Maybe it won't be as lonely, you feel right now.

Bossman: Maybe it won't. I'll talk to you later?

DB: Sure, I'll think about you tomorrow, though. I'm making snowman cookies and reindeer cupcakes.

Bossman: That sounds awesome. Talk to you later.

She logs off, and so do I. Getting up from my couch, I take a page out of her book and head toward the shower. There's nothing I love more than a warm shower after a long day at work. It's the one thing I look forward to.

The only thing I'd like more is having Decorator Babe next to me.

Lyla

My hands are sore the next morning when I wake up, but in a good way. They're aching with the accomplishment of what I did yesterday. I'm looking forward to getting started this morning. I have some really good ideas.

The floor is cold as my feet hit it. Colder than normal, which means it’s snowing, or it's coming. It's one of the worst things about living above a boutique that doesn't open until eleven in the morning. They never keep their heat on anything above sixty-two when they aren't there, and it's fucking freezing this morning. Scurrying over to the window, I pull the curtain back and gaze outside.

"Holy shit..." It's coming down like crazy out there, swirling around like a snow globe.

Walking over to my phone, where it sits on the bedside table, I reach down and grab it. My teeth chatter, and I scroll through to the weather app. There it is, staring right in front of me. Snow showers, and twenty-five degrees. The wind is blowing so loud I can hear it inside the apartment. This is one of those days where it would be best to stay inside, but Sugar Creek is used to going on status quo even when these storms roll through.

Squaring my shoulders, I decide I'm going to get dressed and make it to work. I have so many ideas for what I want to do today.

Thirty minutes later, I'm stepping into my winter boots and putting my beanie on my head. Slowly, I head down the stairs, and when I get there, I wrap my scarf around my neck and step out into this crazy weather.