when we met. b/bakery.

Every morning, Parker walked into the same bakery at the same time. And every morning he saw her. She worked in the back, but he knew exactly where to sit with his cappuccino to have a clear view of her creating the most beautiful and delicious pastries and desserts he’d ever tasted. He watched her hands move like magic as she worked. And he sighed when he saw her tuck the fallen strands of honey blonde hair behind her ear. Beautiful.

Someday, Parker thought. Someday, I will find the courage to talk to her.

He was trying to get over his shyness. His promotion at work, regular visits to the gym, forcing himself to go out when his friends asked—they all helped. Yet he still never spoke to her.

He didn’t even know her name. Until that day.

It was particularly crowded at the bakery that morning, but Parker still snagged his table. It was so busy, though, that the girl at the counter needed help. She turned to the kitchen and called out, “Amelia… could you come out front?”

Amelia.

She was too busy to notice him staring, which was good because he couldn’t take his eyes off her. But when the crowd dispersed, he turned away and pretended he was reading so she wouldn’t catch his eyes on her. He knew he had to leave, but he also knew that if he did, he’d be disappointed in himself. Again. He started overthinking the simple act of talking to her. That’s why he didn’t notice someone standing beside him.

“Do you mind if I sit here?”

Parker turned toward the voice and his eyes landed on her. Amelia. Unable to speak in that moment, he gestured to the chair near his and smiled. When she smiled back and thanked him, he felt his heart pounding in his chest.

“You’re welcome, Amelia.”

With a smile, she questioned him. “How do you know my name?”

“I heard her,” he said, gesturing to the girl at the counter.

“I think I should know your name, too.”

He smiled. “Parker.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Parker.”

“Finally?” He suddenly got very nervous. Had she noticed him before?

“Yeah. I see you here almost every day. How could I not notice the gorgeous man who watches me while drinking his cappuccino?”

“Oh my god,” he mumbled, covering his face with his hand, feeling embarrassed. But… wait. Did she say gorgeous? He took a deep breath, dropped his hand from his face, and smiled at her. “How could I not watch the beautiful woman making the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted?”

“And you’re charming, too.” She spoke softly, but with a smile.

Parker didn’t know what to say to that. They sat in silence for a few moments, sharing glances and smiles, until finally, she spoke again. “Parker?”

He looked into her sparkling blue eyes. “Yes?”

“I hope you’re going to ask me out now because I’m too shy to ask you.”

Again he smiled. Shy. She was shy. But she paved the way for him to overcome his shyness. With her, at least. “Amelia…” He reached for her hand and she gave it to him. “Will you go out with me?”

“I will.”

—♥—

p.s. — I don’t know what my obsession with bakeries is about, but in at least four stories I’ve written, a bakery is involved. That must mean something. Oh yeah—I love cake.

Hot guy: model unknown (but if you find him, send him to me)
!!!Update: Found him. Brazilian model Rafael Lazzini (yum)

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