Bread Beignets and Cowboy Boots Page 3

  “Let me remind you, this is Paris, Texas. The bakery may have your name on it. But you only own half. You better get used to that. After all, you have no practical experience running a bakery. You’ve only been attending classes and earning degrees in France. I’ve been here working beside your grandmother, learning.”

  “Wait just a minute.” Felicity interrupted. “I’ve interned at some of the top bakeries in France. My experience matches or exceeds yours.”

  “We’re going to have to disagree on that point. Your grandmother leaving half her bakery to me and half to you means we work together, not one of us working for the other.” Rayne moved his gaze to June. “Thanks for inviting me to dinner. I’ll let myself out.” He glared at Felicity again. “I’ll see you around the bakery.” Rayne nodded his head and turned, picked up his cowboy hat hanging from the back of a chair, then walked from the room.

  Felicity waited until Rayne closed the door behind him. “Well, that didn’t go over well at all.”

  CHAPTER 7

  Felicity unlocked the back door of the bakery. The lights were already on as Rayne worked hard kneading bread dough. He didn’t acknowledge her, and she didn’t acknowledge him as she locked the door behind her and walked past. There was a perfect place under the table where the coffee maker sat to put her bag and purse. She learned to be invisible when she was in high school. She was good at slipping past people without being noticed.

  It was the first day the bakery would be open to the public and the first day she and Rayne would work together. It had also been a few days since they had talked. If you can call their disagreement about who was in charge of the bakery a talk. Felicity decided she needed to tread lightly around Rayne, but they couldn’t go all day without speaking.

  “Good morning.” She waited for Rayne to say something, watching as his muscles strained against the sleeves of his t-shirt.

  He looked up from the table and nodded.

  “Is there something I can help you with before I make some pastries?” Felicity slipped her hands behind her back and strolled toward his table. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of ignoring her.

  “I’m good. Thanks.”

  He didn’t look at her as he kept kneading a large lump of bread dough.

  “Okay. I’m going to start the pastries, then. I’ll be right over here.” She pointed to the other side of the kitchen.

  Finding one of her grandmother’s aprons hanging on a hook on the wall, Felicity slipped it over her head. She caught a whiff of Grandma Fe’s perfume. Tearing up, she tied the strings around her waist, then ran her hands down the apron. This was probably one of the last aprons her grandmother wore before she passed. She’d worked all day here at the bakery, then passed away in her sleep that night.

  Attempting to fight her emotions, Felicity wanted to break down in sobs. She took a deep breath and wiped her eyes.

  “Are you all right?”

  She didn’t realize Rayne was watching. “I’m fine. I didn’t realize how hard it would be here without Grandma Fe. I miss her.”

  “We don’t have to open today if you’re not ready. I’m sure customers will understand if we stay closed for another day or two. I’ll finish up my bread orders, and we can keep the front door locked until tomorrow,” Rayne suggested.

  “No.” Felicity held her hand in the air. “Grandma Fe wouldn’t have wanted that. She would want us to open the doors for the customers she loved. I just hope I can make her proud.”

  “I’m sure you can.” Rayne placed his hand on her arm as he reached for something on a shelf behind her making her forget what they talked about. As if realizing where his hand was, he removed it. “Sorry.”

  He took a large binder down and handed it to her. “Just in case you need it, here are all of your grandmother’s recipes. She made sure I knew they were here, just in case I needed them. If she was sick or something.”

  Felicity ran her hand over the dusty binder. She wasn’t sure what to expect when she opened it. Some pages seemed secure. Other pages were stuffed between with the edges hanging out. “Thank you, Rayne.”

  “Your grandmother received a large order of supplies the day before she passed. I’m pretty sure everything you need you’ll find on the shelves.” He pointed toward the supply room.

  “I guess all I need to do is begin.” Felicity glanced around the room, reminding herself where everything was stored. “It might take a little longer today until I remember where everything is.”

  “If I can help, just ask. Tilly should be in soon. I’m sure she can help you find anything you need.” Rayne turned and made his way back to the table, where he kneaded dough. “I’ve got several more orders to fill.”

  “I told Tilly she didn’t have to show up today if it was too hard for her. She said she would be fine, but we’ll see.” Felicity needed to make the dough for the doughnuts and cinnamon rolls and get them in the proofer. Then she could make the cupcakes, cookies, and coffee cakes Grandma Fe was known for. After that, she would try to fit in some of her pastries. Depending on if or when Tilly arrived.

  The aroma of freshly baked bread coming from the oven permeated the bakery. The aroma of baking bread was one of her weaknesses. Her stomach growled, reminding her she didn’t eat breakfast before leaving home this morning. For now, she would enjoy the scent as she made her dough. When she found a stopping point, she would make her and Rayne something to eat.

  She slid the last tray of doughnuts in the proofer, then started the fryer so the temperature would be perfect when the doughnuts were ready. Finding what she needed for omelets in the refrigerator, she placed a pan on the stove and broke eggs in a bowl. A few minutes later, she made two omelets any restaurant would be proud to serve.

  Walking toward Rayne with a plate in each hand, she handed him one.

  “What’s this?” He asked as he took one plate.

  “I was starving. I thought you might like something to eat as well.”

  “Thanks.” Rayne took a bite and smiled. “This is very good.”

  “I’m glad you like it. Both of us could use a break. I was also hoping you might have an extra loaf of bread we could share.” Felicity looked at him as she took a bite of her omelet.

  “I might just have an extra loaf or two.” Rayne took a freshly baked loaf from the cooling rack and sliced each of them a piece.

  She closed her eyes and took a bite. “Oh, my.”

  “I take it you like the bread?” Rayne asked.

  “It’s wonderful. I don’t know what your secret is, but your bread is heavenly.” Felicity took another bite of bread.

  “Ms. Chambers always said it was the love and joy I put in my baking that makes it taste so good.”

  “I agree with her. There’s something extra in each loaf.” Felicity placed her plate on the table in front of her. “Listen, Rayne. About the other night—”

  Interrupting her before she finished, Rayne said, “Your grandmother had her reasons for putting you and I together like this. Neither of us knows what those reasons are. Now that she's gone, we'll never know for sure. We need to take this situation one day at a time. As long as you tell me if there’s something you think can be done differently for the good of the bakery and I do the same for you, we’ll be fine.”

  Felicity crossed her arms in front of her body. Rayne’s words from the other night made it clear he had practical experience working with Grandma Fe while she’d been attending classes and earning degrees. Her grandmother’s words rang in her ears. Be kind to everyone, no matter what they’ve done to you. One day, they’ll realize what a special person you are, and they almost missed the chance to find out.

  “That sounds good to me. I want Felicity’s Bakery to be the best it can be. I want to make my grandmother proud.”

  “I want the same.” Rayne nodded.

  “Good. Then we agree on that.” A twinge of happiness ran through her body. Maybe they’d come to an understanding.

  “I have a lot
to learn about how Grandma Fe ran her bakery. I’m sure it’ll be second nature again after a few days. Everything will fall into place, and each of us will figure out what we need to do to keep the customers coming back. If my grandmother believed we should work together, then we have to try it.” Felicity took another bite of her bread. “As long as you keep making bread this good, we won’t have an issue at all.”

  She took her plate to the sink to rinse it off. “I’ve got doughnuts to fry and cakes and cupcakes to make before we open the doors. We’ll see if Tilly comes in. I told her to take as long as she needed.”

  “I should be able to help you at the counter when the doors are open if Tilly doesn’t make it.” Rayne placed his plate in the sink next to Felicity’s. “I’ll also wash those later since you cooked.”

  Checking the temperature on the fryer, she took one tray of doughnuts from the proofer. She peeked at Rayne while he wasn’t looking. He was always cute, but he’d matured into a handsome man. He turned and caught her staring and smiled.

  Please don’t let him know what I’m thinking. She smiled back.

  CHAPTER 8

  Felicity walked into the front of the bakery to unlock the door and turned the sign hanging in the window to open. Tilly showed up just in time to ice the doughnuts from the fryer, giving her time to make some croissants and éclairs. She would see how those went over and add more selection tomorrow.

  “We’re officially open for business, Grandma Fe.” She stood at the door, taking in the view. Not able to remember how many times she fell and scraped her knees in the gravel parking lot made her smile. She was always so excited to see her grandmother when her parents brought her to the bakery for a treat. She thought back to whether it was the enormous hug from her grandmother or her favorite jelly doughnut she was more excited to receive. What she wouldn’t give for one of her grandmother’s hugs right now.

  A van pulling into the bakery parking lot dragged her from her memories back to reality. She watched as the delivery person opened the side door of the van and took out two gigantic bouquets of flowers. Felicity opened the door for him. “Good morning. How beautiful.”

  “Good morning. I have a few deliveries for Felicity’s Bakery. Can I leave them with you?” The delivery man waited inside the doorway for an answer.

  “Yes. I’m Felicity Fortner. The owner of the bakery. You can leave them with me.”

  “You’re Felicity Mae? It’s nice to meet you. I’m Bill.” He rearranged the bouquets he was holding and held out a free hand for her to shake. “I’ve heard all about your schooling in France. Your grandmother was so proud of you.”

  “Thank you, Bill. You don’t know how much I needed to hear that today.” She placed her hand over her heart.

  “Where would you like me to set these?” He glanced around the bakery.

  “Over here will be fine.” She pointed him to the closest table.

  Bill placed the two bouquets on the table, then turned to walk out.

  “Thank you. These are so beautiful.” Felicity searched for a card to tell her who they sent them.

  “Oh, I’m not done. I have several more for you.” Bill walked out the front door and back to his van.

  She watched as he searched around inside the vehicle and exited with two more enormous bouquets, brought them in, and placed them on the table with the other two.

  “I’ll be right back.” Bill left again, searched through the van, walked back through the door with another handful of bouquets, and placed them on empty spots left on the table. “I think that’s all.” He smiled.

  “Wow,” Rayne said as he walked from the kitchen. “Did a garden exploded in here?”

  “It seems like it.” Felicity laughed. “I can’t imagine who they’re from. So many flowers were delivered to Grandma Fe’s service, and now this.”

  “People in Paris will miss your grandmother. Many people loved her.” Rayne walked closer to inspect the flowers.

  Bill waved at Rayne. “How are you doing, Rayne?”

  “I’m good, Bill. It’s good to see you.”

  “I’ll let you two get back to it. You probably have some baking to do.”

  “Can I give you some pastries, Bill?” Felicity asked. “You must be hungry after loading and unloading all these flowers.”

  “I wouldn’t mind a few of those plain glazed doughnuts if you have some to spare.” Bill pointed to the display.

  “Stay right there. I’ll be back.” She disappeared behind the counter, bagged two doughnuts Tilly glazed plus a croissant, then returned and handed them to Bill. “Thank you again.”

  “You’re welcome.” He took the bag and smiled. Selecting the croissant from the bag, he took a bite. “Delicious. I hope you’re adding these to the menu.” Holding up the remaining croissant, he winked and walked out the front door.

  “Hmmm.” Felicity grinned, feeling like she just scored a point. “I guess I need to find a better place for some of these flowers.” Felicity dug through the bouquets to find the cards. “I’ve got some thank-you notes to write.”

  “What beautiful flowers.”

  She looked up to see a younger woman dressed in a black, form-fitting skirt that hugged all the right places, a white blouse, and heels walk through the front door.

  “Yes, they’re beautiful.” Felicity smiled. “Can I help you?”

  “I’m sure you can.” The woman held out her hand. “I’m Robin Lansing. I’m a reporter for the Paris Herald. I was wondering if I could talk to the owner.”

  “I’m Felicity Fortner, the owner.” She heard Rayne clear his throat behind her. “One owner. This is Rayne Miller. He’s the other owner.” She turned and smiled at Rayne.

  “You two own the bakery together?” Robin asked.

  “Yes.” Felicity nodded.

  “Ms. Chambers left half the bakery to me and half to her granddaughter, Felicity, so we are co-owners,” Rayne explained.

  “I see.” Robin nodded. Her gaze stayed secured on Rayne. “Well then, I want to talk to both of you.”

  “About what?” Felicity asked.

  “I would like to do an article on Felicity’s Bakery. It has been such a staple in the town of Paris for years. With Ms. Chambers gone, I would like to let the town know what’s happening to the business. If it’s going to stay open, be closed, or if it would be put up for sale. From the room full of flowers delivered here today, the people in town would be interested in what they can look forward to as far as Felicity’s Bakery is concerned.” Robin pointed at all the bouquets on the table.

  Felicity glimpsed at Rayne. “What do you think?”

  Rayne shrugged. “I don’t see what it would hurt.”

  “Great!” Robin smiled. “We can start now if you two are ready. I’ll call my photographer and have him meet me here so he can get some shots.” Robin took out her phone. “It’s a go.” She pushed the record button on her phone.

  Felicity arched her eyebrows and glanced at Rayne.

  “Let’s talk about you two. Why did Ms. Chambers leave the bakery to both of you? Why didn’t she just leave it to you, her granddaughter?” Robin asked as she pointed her phone toward Felicity.

  “That’s what we’ve asked ourselves since they read the will. Neither one of us has a suitable answer.” Rayne looked at Felicity.

  “Do either of you have experience owning a bakery? I mean, I’m sure you, Felicity, helped your grandmother out now and then. What is your experience?” Robin held her phone close to Felicity’s face.

  “I attended Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, France, for the past few years and interned at some of the top bakeries between degrees. I earned the Diplôme de Pâtisserie, Diplôme de Cuisine, and Le Grand Diplôme. I came back to Texas for my grandmother’s service,” Felicity explained.

  “That’s exciting. When are you planning to return and let Rayne run the bakery?” Robin asked.

  “I’m not returning to France. I plan to stay here and run the bakery along with Rayne.” Felicity
twisted her hands in front of her.

  “What about you, Rayne? What’s your experience?” Robin moved closer to Rayne.

  “My training is in Paris as well.” Rayne grinned. “Paris, Texas. I’ve worked with Ms. Chambers since I left high school. My experience is baking bread, and Felicity’s is pastries. We’re going to share the responsibilities.”

  “How do you think that’s going to work out? Have you two known each other for a while? Do you work well together?” Robin moved her phone back and forth, waiting to see who would respond.

  “We haven’t seen each other in a long time. Since high school.” Felicity glimpsed at Rayne for his agreement. “We only ran into each other again at the reading of my grandmother’s will.” She took a breath. “Like I said before, I’ve been studying at Le Cordon Bleu, and Rayne has been here working with my grandmother.”

  “Le Cordon Bleu is a lot of experience to use here in a small-town bakery in Paris, Texas. Are you sure that’s what you want to do with your training?” Robin tilted her head as she waited for Felicity’s response.

  “Running Felicity’s Bakery will be a good use for my training. I’ll be making pastries here like I would be if I were in France. Now the people in Texas can enjoy them.” Felicity was becoming frustrated with Robin’s questions. She took a deep breath while keeping a smile on her face.

  “What about you, Rayne? What experience do you have baking bread? Have you attended any culinary schools to learn your trade?” Robin moved the phone closer to Rayne.

  “No. All my experience was baking bread with my mother when I was growing up. Helping her out in the kitchen. Ms. Chambers gave me a chance when I asked her if I could come to work for her full-time right out of high school. I’ve worked here since then.”

  “It sounds like not only do the two of you have to get to know each other again, but you have to learn to work and run a business together.” Robin shook her head.

  “We can do it.” Rayne looked at Felicity. “If Ms. Chambers put us together like this, she must have believed we could do it as well.”