Amber Crewes [Crewes - Brownies and Dark Shadows

I CANNOT BELIEVE we booked the Weeks Group corporate order! Lori squealed, her eyes dancing with excitement.

Meghan smiled warmly at Lori. It had been a pleasant surprise to book such a lucrative deal; the Weeks Group was one of the largest companies on the West Coast, and Meghan knew what an honor it was for her bakery, Truly Sweet, to be chosen as the official bakery of the company. The bakery hadnt even been open for a year yet, and already, Meghans business was the talk of the town!

Just think, Meghan! Every restaurant and cafe at the Weeks Group will be filled with your sweets! Lori exclaimed.

Meghan smiled down at Lori, her new assistant. Lori had only been working as Meghans assistant for a few weeks, but Meghan adored Loris warmth and enthusiasm. As the two women tied their aprons in the bakerys backroom and prepared for the day ahead, Meghans heart swelled with gratitude for her protg.

Our sweets, Lori, Meghan gently corrected, placing a hand softly on Loris shoulder. You are my assistant now, Lori! You are a member of the team here. My success is our success, and I want you to know how proud I am of how quickly youve learned about the way I do things here at Truly Sweet!

Lori beamed, her youthful face glowing with Meghans kind words. At twenty-two, she was only a few years younger than Meghan, but her earnest spirit made her seem even younger than her age. Meghan enjoyed Loris company, and she was thankful to have a new friend in her adopted hometown; Meghan had only recently moved to Sandy Bay, and with every kindred spirit found, she felt even more at home.

Meghan tucked a loose strand of dark hair behind her ear and finished tying her apron. She walked to the large sink in the backroom and washed her hands, careful to scrub every inch.

Do we have a busy day today, Meghan? Lori asked, wiping her own damp hands on her apron as she walked into the front room. Meghan shook her head.

No, Meghan replied. I received the call about the Weeks Group corporate order last night, and I went ahead and cleared our schedule for the week so that we can begin preparing! It will be an ongoing order, and I expect it will keep us busy. Well have a few miscellaneous orders to fill this week, and surely some walk-in customers, but otherwise, it will be a quiet week!

Meghan had barely finished her sentence before the bakery was abuzz with activity; suddenly, the tiny silver bells attached to the front door began to chime as the door burst open. A petite, blonde-haired woman marched up to the front counter, the two strands of milky-white pearls around her neck jingling as she moved.

Meghan Truman! You are just the person I need to speak with!

Meghans eyes widened as Kirsty Fisher sauntered up to the counter. Her heart sank; Kirsty was one of Sandy Bays more influential residents, and she had acted aloof toward Meghan since the scandal that had threatened Truly Sweets success only weeks ago. Kirsty had hardly acknowledged Meghan since the murder of Norman Butcher, a local man, had been blamed on Meghan and her treats. Even though Meghans name had been cleared for weeks now, Kirstys attitude had still been chilly. Meghan felt her hands quiver as Kirsty approached, and she bit her bottom lip nervously as Kirstys lips turned upward into a business-like smile.

Lori, Meghan hissed under her breath, trying to capture the attention of her trusted assistant who was rolling out dough behind her. Lori heard Meghans whisper and immediately came to her side.

Well, good morning, Kirsty! Lori said kindly to the woman as she wiped her messy hands on her apron. What brings you in this morning?

Meghans shoulders dropped in relief; a lifetime resident of Sandy Bay, Lori knew how to interact with everyone in town, and Meghan was thankful for her help as Kirsty eyed her.

Kirsty nodded at Lori, but quickly moved her attention back to Meghan.

Meghan, dear! So lovely to see you. I hope you are well?

Meghan shrugged nervously, and Kirsty continued.

So Meghan, Ive heard you bake the best brownies in town! Your bakery was the talk of the town over the last few weeks, you know, with. everything... that happened?

Meghan watched as Lori disappeared into the backroom. The scandal had personally involved Lori; it was her father that had been murdered, and while he and Lori had not had a close relationship, Meghan knew Lori was still recovering from the loss.

Anyway, Im so terribly sorry that your first few weeks in Sandy Bay were tainted with such a scandal! How awful. This is such a lovely town, and I dont want you to get the wrong idea of us! Kirsty said, her smile shifting into a look of concern.

Meghan shook her head. Its alright, Megan replied. My bakerys reputation has been restored, and I think things have settled down.

Kirsty gave Meghan a pitying smile.

Well, I heard that your name was cleared. Thats so wonderful. I just had a little idea that could help completely eliminate any more issues you may have been having because of that horrible little scandal! Kirsty said, tossing her blonde hair behind her shoulders and retrieving a business card from her purse. As you know, I run the Fisher Foundation, the biggest charity in town. We raise money for those in need, and its nearly time for our annual gala, the Fisher Fest! My caterer unexpectedly cancelled, and the new caterer will not be providing desserts. Since you are in need of some positive exposure in town, especially given that tricky little incident with Mr. Butcher, I thought it might be nice if you could provide some desserts for the gala!

Meghan stared at Kirsty, her hazel eyes growing large. She took a long, silent breath, considering Kirstys proposal.

Well? Kirsty asked, beginning to tap her high heels impatiently on the wooden floor.

I dont know, Meghan finally answered. I just took on a major corporate order, and I dont know if I have the time to make even more brownies with the commitment I just made.

Kirsty pursed her lips in a pout and batted her eyelashes at Meghan.