Alyssa's Point Of View
The man's face lit up with a boyish grin. "Oh, great! I'm Oliver. Oliver Greene. I just moved to town and I heard this was the place to go for the best pastries in Maple Grove."
I felt a surge of pride at his words, momentarily forgetting my Sage-related troubles. "Welcome to Maple Grove, Oliver. What brings you to our little town?"
Oliver's grin widened, if that was even possible. "I'm the new high school English teacher. Just started this week. And let me tell you, after dealing with teenagers all day, I could really use a sugar fix."
Raine hopped off the counter, her eyes sparkling with interest. "A sugar fix, huh? Well, you've come to the right place. Alyssa here is a wizard with sugar."
I felt my cheeks warm at Raine's praise. "I wouldn't say wizard," I demurred. "But I do know my way around a pastry or two. What's your poison, Oliver?"
Oliver's eyes scanned the display case, widening comically. "Wow, everything looks amazing. I don't even know where to start!"
Luna leaned over the counter, her blue hair falling over one eye. "Might I recommend the salted caramel brownies? They're to die for."
Oliver nodded eagerly. "Sold! I'll take two, please. One for now and one for... later."
As Luna rang up Oliver's order, I couldn't help but notice the way Raine was eyeing our new customer. Her green eyes were sparkling with interest, a mischievous smile playing at the corners of her lips.
"So, Oliver," Raine said casually, twirling a strand of teal hair around her finger. "How are you liking Maple Grove so far?"
Oliver turned to her, his freckled face lighting up. "Oh, it's great! Everyone's been so friendly. Although I have to say, the town gossip mill works faster than I expected. Did you know that within an hour of arriving, I'd already heard all about some guy named Sage coming back to town and stirring up drama?"
I felt my stomach drop at his words. Was that really how the town saw it? Sage stirring up drama?
Mrs. Holloway chuckled, shaking her head. "Ah, small town life. Nothing stays secret for long, does it?"
Oliver nodded, taking a big bite of his brownie. His eyes widened in delight. "Oh wow, these are amazing! Luna, you weren't kidding!"
Luna preened at the compliment, tossing her blue hair over her shoulder. "Told you. Alyssa's baking is legendary around here."
Oliver turned to me, his expression earnest. "Well, consider me your newest fan. I'll definitely be back for more."
As Oliver chatted with Raine and Luna, Mrs. Holloway sidled up to me. "You know, dear," she said softly, "sometimes the universe has a way of bringing people back into our lives for a reason."
I sighed, watching as Raine laughed at something Oliver said, her whole face lighting up. "And sometimes people come back into our lives just to remind us why they left in the first place."
Mrs. Holloway patted my arm gently. "Perhaps. But don't let old hurts blind you to new possibilities, Alyssa. Sage may have made mistakes, but he's not the same boy who left four years ago."
I felt a flare of anger at her words. "And I'm not the same girl he left behind," I said, my voice sharper than I intended. "I've changed too, Mrs. Holloway. I'm stronger now. I don't need Sage, or anyone else, to complete me."
Mrs. Holloway's eyes softened with understanding. "Of course you don't, dear. But sometimes, it's not about needing someone. It's about choosing them, flaws and all."
Before I could respond, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, my stomach clenching when I saw Sage's name on the screen.
"Incoming call from Mr. Heartbreaker?" Luna asked, peering over my shoulder. At my questioning look, she shrugged. "What? It seemed appropriate."
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "It's probably about the collaboration. I should take this."
Raine gave me a thumbs up, while Luna made a gagging motion behind her back. Mrs. Holloway just smiled enigmatically, her eyes twinkling with something that looked suspiciously like hope.
As I stepped into the back office to take the call, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was standing on the edge of something big. Something that had the potential to either heal old wounds or rip them wide open again.
With one last deep breath, I answered the call. "Hello, Sage."
His voice came through the line, deep and familiar in a way that made my heart ache. "Alyssa, hi. I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time."
I closed my eyes, willing my voice to remain steady. "No, it's fine. What do you need?"
There was a pause, and I could almost picture him running a hand through his hair, a nervous habit he'd always had. "I was wondering if we could meet tomorrow to go over some ideas for the event. I've got a few concepts I'd like to run by you."
I felt a mix of anticipation and dread swirl in my stomach. "Sure, that sounds fine. Where and when?"
"How about the park? Say, around 10? We could grab coffee from that little cart and walk while we talk."
The park. Where we used to spend hours dreaming up new recipes and planning our future. Where he'd first told me he loved me. Where I'd waited for hours after finding his goodbye note, hoping against hope that he'd change his mind and come back.
"Alyssa? Are you still there?"
I realized I'd been silent for too long. "Yeah, sorry. The park is fine. I'll see you at 10."
"Great," Sage said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. It made me want to reach through the phone and shake him. How dare he sound so happy when I was tying myself in knots? "I'm looking forward to it."
"It's just business, Sage," I reminded him, my voice coming out colder than I intended. "Don't read too much into it."
There was a pause, and when Sage spoke again, his voice was quieter. "I know, Alyssa. I'm not... I'm just grateful for the chance to work with you again. That's all."
I felt a pang of guilt at his subdued tone, but I squashed it down. I couldn't afford to let my guard down, not with Sage. "Right. Well, I'll see you tomorrow then."
"See you tomorrow," he echoed. "Goodnight, Alyssa."
"Goodnight, Sage," I said softly, ending the call before I could say something I'd regret.
I leaned against the wall, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. Tomorrow. I'd be seeing Sage tomorrow, in the very place where we'd shared so many memories.
The thought sent a shiver of anticipation and dread down my spine.
When I emerged from the office, four pairs of eyes turned to me expectantly. Luna, Raine, Mrs. Holloway, and even Oliver were watching me with varying degrees of curiosity and concern.
"Well?" Raine prompted. "What did Mr. Sugar Rush want?"
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "We're meeting tomorrow to discuss ideas for the event."
Luna's eyebrows shot up. "And you agreed? Just like that?"