The Sweetest Deal

CHARLOTTE

I was already up before the sound of my alarm rang through the apartment, piercing the silence of the night. I sighed, turning on my side to put off the alarm. I sat up in the bed, throwing my blanket off me as I rubbed my eyes, hoping I could rub away the eyebags I knew had formed under my eyes.

I got up, stuffing my feet into my fluffy bunny slippers, though even those couldn't wash away the dark cloud that hung over my head. Heading into the bathroom, I turned on the light, wincing as my eyes adjusted to its brightness.

I picked up my toothbrush, sighing as I observed my reflection. Just as I thought, two dark circles loomed under my eyes, mocking me. I brushed my teeth and took a long, hot shower, hoping the steaming water would wash the exhaustion that clung to me like a second skin.

It had been the same these past couple of weeks- barely sleeping through the night and getting up before dawn to start prep at the bakery. Every morning felt harder than the last, the weight of getting through each day becoming heavier and heavier.

Nothing seemed to matter anymore. Since Mom died, the world seemed colder and emptier. I missed her every day. Her warmth. Her light. Her smile.

The bakery was all I had left from her, and I couldn't let it fade away, but even that was starting to slip away. With the mounting bills, the cost of things for the bakery, and the staff's salaries, I've been stretched pretty thin.

I got out of the shower, dried myself off, and got dressed in my go-to outfit, jeans and a floral T-shirt. I did some light makeup to cover up my dark circles and tired face and grabbed my water bottle and my keys before heading out the door to the bakery below.

'The Sweet Haven' was my pride and joy. I loved the bakery. It exuded everything my mom stood for; her warmth and charm hung in every corner. She'd put her heart and soul into this place.

Its soft pastel purple and cream-coloured walls created a soothing backdrop. A purple floral wallpaper decorated with fairy lights entwined in fake vines adorned the walls behind the counter, which bathed in the glow of the gentle, warm lighting of the bakery.

Small potted plants were scattered throughout, adding a touch of greenery and freshness to the space. The bar sat, tucked in a corner at the center of the room, a glass display case which usually sports baked treats and sweets. Behind it was the barista's corner, which sported our state-of-the-art coffee machine, my first-ever big purchase.

While other teenagers were saving up to get cars, I was saving up to get my dream coffee machine. I smiled fondly at the memory.

On the other end of the bar was Betsy, our cash register. In the center of the room were four small round wooden tables for two, and three purple single-person booths were tucked into the corner, and one by the large window of the bakery.

Three general booths, also in the bakery's colors, were arranged in front of the window, which sported the bakery's logo and name written in flowing cursive. I breathed in the air, taking it all in, trying to untie the knots in my stomach.

I walked into the kitchen, flicking on the lights as I entered, and picked up my floral apron, getting to work on the first batch of bread and muffins.

I loved these quiet mornings. When it's just me, my bakery, and the smell of freshly baked bread and coffee. It was in these moments that the weight of the world seemed to lift, and I could forget about my worries.

Ollie arrived not long after, the soft jingle of the bell above the door bringing me out of my haze. "Morning Lottie," he said, giving me a small, tired smile as he hung his bag on the rack. I smiled at him, "Rough night?"

He laughs softly, shaking his head, "You know it." I laughed at his response. He headed into the kitchen to work on the cookies and cakes while I fixed us both a sandwich. We chatted lightly as we ate.

Ollie had been with me from the start, always dependable and dedicated. Though, lately, I'd noticed the way he lingered near me a little longer than necessary, or the warmth in his eyes whenever he looked at me. I pretended not to notice; the last thing I needed was a relationship. I liked Ollie, he's a good friend and we work well together, and I don't want to ruin that.

The rest of the staff arrived soon after, Becca coming in first, "Morning, boss lady! What disaster are we avoiding today?" she teased, and I laughed

"No disasters yet. Just trying to keep the place standing." I said, my mind drifting to the mound of unpaid bills on my office table.

She leaned against the counter, lifting a pierced brow, "Well, if you ever need some ideas, I've got a lot."

Before I could reply, Kev sauntered in with his signature smirk, "Yeah right, your brain's not one for ideas love," he said, and before long, he and Becca were treading jabs, Ollie coming in to diffuse their squabble as Jamie slipped in quietly, giving me a shy nod before heading into the kitchen.

Soon, the bakery came to life, the clatter of mugs and the hiss of the coffee machine filling the air as the first wave of regulars started to trickle in. Like clockwork, at exactly 9:00 every morning, Maggie shuffled in, her cane clicking against the hardwood floors as she made her way slowly toward the counter.

Her warm smile was something I always looked forward to seeing every morning. "Good morning, dear," she says, her voice soft and full of life.

"Good morning, Maggie. The usual?" I asked, already reaching for a blueberry scone with extra butter before she even confirmed it, walking her to her favorite booth by the window and setting the plate down on the table. "Thank you love. And a coffee dear."

As I placed the coffee on the table, she patted my hand, a soft smile on her face, "You know Charlotte, it's alright to rest once in a while, you work yourself too hard." She said, her eyes shining with kindness and understanding.

My heart tugged at her words, knowing she was right. Was it really that obvious? I just smiled and nodded, leaving her to enjoy her scone. As I walked back to the counter, I noticed Ollie's concerned gaze. I could tell that he could sense that he wanted to talk to me about something, but I kept busy, avoiding it. I gave him a small smile, not wanting to burden him.

As I watched my staff move about the bakery, I couldn't help but smile. We worked well together, like a well-oiled machine, but I felt I was running on fumes.

The bakery was slipping, and no matter how many batches of bread I made, or how many espressos we served, it felt like I was just one appliance breakdown away from losing it.

Lost in thought, I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to find Ollie's concerned gaze. "You okay?" he asked softly.

I gave him a small smile, not quite reaching my eyes, "Yeah, just-tired." I lied.

"Lottie-" he began, but I cut him off with a small wave. "I'm fine, Ollie," I tried to put on a brave face, but I could tell from his expression that he didn't believe me.

He sighed, knowing it was no use, turning around to leave, not before leaving one last reassurance, "We'll be alright, Lottie." His words lifted a weight I didn't even know I was carrying, and I felt I could breathe freely again.

The rest of the day passed, and everyone left. As I cleaned up before closing, I felt a calm I hadn't felt in weeks. But as I locked up, tucking the keys in my pocket, I turned around the sense of calm left me and was replaced by a cold, sinking feeling.

Across the street, written in bright bold letters 'Pierce Industries-Development Notice'

My heart sank the knot in my stomach twisting tighter.

What the hell was happening?