Love Is Always Write Volume 4

you have things to do, I don't want to keep you."
    "You could keep me with this cake," Owen smiled and took another bite. He followed it with the coffee. "I don't have any plans today, but I don't want to get in the way."
    "Why don't we move out to the front of the shop? I've got some of my bakers coming in to work. It will get noisy and messy back here."
    "Okay," Owen said. He looked down to finish off the cake, but he already had.
    Chase swiftly cleared the dishes away. Owen grabbed his coffee cup and messenger bag. He followed Chase to the front of the shop. It was getting busy out front too. Bradley and a girl were behind the counter now. Most of the tables were filled with customers. Chase pointed to a table in the corner. "That table is reserved for cake consultations. Do you mind sitting with me while I meet with clients?"
    "Not at all," Owen smiled.
    "I'll be there in a minute. I just need to plate the cake samples."
    Owen took the seat closest to the window, with his back to the brick wall. He could see everything from this vantage point. He watched Chase behind the counter. Owen smiled when he figured out Chase wouldn't be coming to join him until the appointment showed up. The counter was so busy, Chase was helping customers. Owen watched him for a while longer. He moved gracefully, as if his body had memorized where everything was located.
    Feeling inspired, Owen took his sketch book and pencils out of his bag. He flipped through a few pages and laid the pad on the table. He searched out a favorite pencil and started drawing. He got comfortable and repositioned the sketch pad. When he was done, the scene of the busy counter covered the page. He looked around and saw Chase heading to the table. Owen tore the page out of the pad.
    "Opening Day," Owen handed it to Chase. "A gift. In exchange for breakfast and triple threat cake."
    "It's amazing," Chase gazed at the drawing. "It's really beautiful, thank you."
    "You're welcome," Owen felt his heart thump in his chest. He had to swallow a lump in his throat before he could look at Chase again.
    "I'm going to put it in my office for safe keeping. I'll be right back."
    Owen leaned back and stretched. His thoughts were all over the place. He felt both relaxed and nervous. His heart raced every time Chase came near him. He'd felt attracted to plenty of guys, but nothing like this.
    The crowd was thinning, and the shop became quieter. Owen noticed two men holding hands come through the door. The bells jingled, and Bradley greeted them. Chase came out from the kitchen and shook their hands. He pointed to the table where Owen was sitting, the two men nodded. Chase came around the bakery case and led them to the table where Owen was sitting.
    "Dave and Cole, this is Owen." Chase set the iPad he had been holding on the table. He put a hand on Owen's shoulder. Owen felt a tingle all the way to his toes.
    Owen stood up and shook hands with Dave and Cole. "Nice to meet you."
    Everyone sat down. Owen watched and listened. Chase described the cakes as he showed the two men pictures on the iPad. He explained the cake, filling, and icing choices. The couple nodded and asked questions. Owen found he was fascinated by the cake designs as Chase scrolled through the pictures. They were mini architectural masterpieces. Owen began deconstructing how they were built. He considered the weight and balance of the cake, with and without filling. He snapped his attention back to the table when Cole let out a sound of delight.
    The two men were interesting. Dave was the more sedate of the two. He asked the technical questions. Cole was more animated and wanted to know about design and flavor. Chase left the table for a minute and came back with cake samples. The two men smiled as they tasted, consulting with one another on flavor combinations.
    "There are so many things to do, and so many decisions to make," Cole said.
    "It's going to be our day," Dave put an arm around him. "Whatever you want, we'll make it happen."
    "I've never been so nervous in my life. I just want to get this over with and go on our honeymoon!" Cole leaned against Dave.
    Chase smiled. "You have no idea how many times I've heard that."
    "Really?" Cole looked relieved. "I'd never truly skip the big day. But it's so overwhelming."
    "I promise you'll be fine," Chase sat back. "I've catered hundreds of weddings. In the end, it all works out. You get married to the one person you adore above all others. Nothing else