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Finley
The oven timer dings, and I rush to pull out the tray of blueberry muffins. Their sweet aroma mingles with the cinnamon rolls cooling on the rack.
I set the muffins aside, wiping the flour from my hands on my apron.
“Be right with you!” I call out to the customer who just walked in, my voice strained.
I'm running ragged today, trying to juggle baking, manning the counter, and keeping the bakery clean.
It's always hectic on Fridays, but today's been especially challenging with one of my part-timers calling in sick at the last minute.
I squeeze past the overcrowded shelves, nearly knocking over a stack of cake boxes in the process.
The bakery is bursting at the seams with baked goods and supplies, and navigating the cramped space is becoming increasingly difficult.
I've been meaning to invest in some proper storage solutions, but after pouring all my savings into new equipment, I simply can't afford to hire a carpenter to build custom shelves.
“Sorry about the wait,” I say to the patient customer, carefully maneuvering around her to get to the register. “What can I get for you today?”
As I ring up their order, I notice she has to sidestep various obstacles to reach the counter.
My heart sinks a little. I worry that the clutter is putting people off, making them less likely to return.
Not to mention it could be a health and safety hazard. It's not the warm, inviting atmosphere I want for my bakery.
I want my customers to be greeted by a wave of warmth from the freshly baked goods and the welcoming atmosphere.
I want to give them the promise of sweet indulgence with their momentary escape from the outside world.
I hand the customer her change and watch as she navigates her way back out, narrowly avoiding a collision with a precariously stacked pile of flour sacks.
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. There has to be a way to maximize this limited space with the resources I have. I need to get creative and think outside the box.
But right now, with the lunch rush looming and a seemingly endless to-do list, I don't have the luxury of time to brainstorm.
I take a deep breath, tying my apron strings a little tighter.
One thing at a time, Finley. You've got this.
I plaster on my best smile as the bell above the door jingles again, signaling another customer.
“Welcome to Sweet Things Bakery!”
The bell above the door jingles, and I look up from the mess on the counter.
My heart skips a beat when I see Jake and Amber, their familiar faces, a welcome respite from the chaos of the day.
I quickly brush my hands on my apron, leaving streaks of white powder, and flash them a genuine smile.
“Well, if it isn't my favorite customers,” I tease, the stress of the day melting away in their presence.
Amber bounds up to the display case, her golden ringlets bouncing with each step.
She presses her nose against the glass, her blue eyes wide with wonder as she takes in the array of colorful treats.
“Daddy, look! They have rainbow cupcakes today!” she exclaims, pointing excitedly.
Jake chuckles, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine.
