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Helen's face lights up the instant she sees me, bringing a smile to my face. "Ah, good morning, my dear! What can I get for you today?"
"Good morning, Helen," I greet her cheerfully. "I'm needing a chocolate cake. It's Finn's birthday and I sort of messed up baking one for him myself."
She clicks her teeth. "I'm sure it isn't as bad as you think it is."
"Oh, no," Nyx chimes in, disgust marring his features, "she messed it up alright."
I jab him in the ribs with my elbows, but keep my eyes latched on Helen's. "Please tell me you have a chocolate cake I can purchase."
She giggles, wiping graying curls from her round, rosy face. "I think I have just the one." She waddles down the glass display case of beautifully displayed cakes, cookies, and pastries, before snatching up the most tempting chocolate glazed cake and setting it in a box. "This is one of my personal favorites," she quickly explains. "Chocolate mirror glaze over a coffee and cocoa cake with raspberry jam slathered between the sponge layers."
"My mouth is watering," I admit without an ounce of shame. Her laugh draws a grin from me as I watch her effortlessly tie a green ribbon around the signature red and white pinstriped box before sliding it across the white counter to me.
"Atlas said to send him the bill," I explain, though the sting of embarrassment that I can't pay for it myself seeps into my bones.
"I'm not sure who is my most frequent customer," she refastens her apron around her round waist. "You or Atlas."
I quirk an eyebrow, curious to learn more about Atlas' secret sweet tooth. "I didn't realize he came here so often. What's his favorite thing to order?"
She bobs her head in excitement. "Oh yes, he buys all sorts of things. Every Saturday, he buys up whatever I have left in stock for the day, normally cookies or cupcakes, and takes them to the children he teaches at Gustav's. During the week, he is my first customer. He orders a cup of coffee and always takes a white chocolate cranberry tart with him."
In all my wildest guesses, I never would have pegged Atlas Harland's favorite pastry to be a white chocolate cranberry tart. I suppose the order suits him. The bitterness of the coffee mixed with the sweet and tangy tart reminds me so much of his personality.
Nyx clears his throat, bringing me back to the present moment, reminding me of my hands. Thankfully, I've been doing much better at keeping my feelings from shining through, but Nyx is right to be cautious. Especially when it comes to thinking about Atlas.
"Consider the cake a gift." Helen draws my attention.
"Oh, no, I couldn't possibly – "
She cuts me off with a friendly wave of her hand. "Nonsense. It is my pleasure to brighten your day."
Knowing there's no arguing with her, since I can't shove money her way anyway, I dip my head. "Thank you, Helen. You are the sweetest."
"I would hope so, if I'm the owner of Treats." Her laugh echoes through the shop, almost summoning people outside to stop by and grab a goodie. The bell above the door rings and a few people trickle inside, eyes glistening taking in all the options.
"See you soon, Helen," I wave as Nyx gathers the box in his arms. We weave past the late-morning rush and safely make it across the street.
We find everyone is still sitting at the table, laughing and drinking another round of coffee, but my cake and the dishes with barely touched slices are nowhere in sight. Thank the stars I don't have to look at the abomination a second longer.
"You're back," Finn smiles, motioning for us to rejoin the table.
I hang my keys on the ring and shed my jacket. Nyx gently plops the box in the center of the table and reclaims his seat, ready, almost drooling, to get a slice of Helen's chocolate cake.
"I hope this will brighten your day," I giggle as I unwrap the box to oohs and ahhs.
I let Finn take over cutting and passing out slices and settle in my seat beside Atlas. I lean just a little bit closer to him and whisper, "White chocolate cranberry tarts?"
If surprised, he doesn't show it. He smirks and I adore the slight crinkle in the corner of his eyes. "It would appear my secret is out."
"When is your birthday?" I ask, gratefully accepting the small plate Finn hands me.
"Why do you want to know?" There's a hint of teasing in his voice that draws my skeptical gaze. "So, you can bake me a cake?"
My eyes widen and he laughs. It's the same unashamed, unhindered, honest to stars smile he sported while teaching his art students to paint, and I would be a liar if I claimed there to be a more wondrous sight.
He slips his hand over mine and squeezes once before releasing me. "It's a joke."
I smile. "I know."
