CHAPTER ONE
For perhaps the first time in months, I allow myself to sleep in. After what felt an eternity of exams, it’s a relief to be home for the summer and catch a bit of shut eye. However, I’m certain my father won’t allow me to sleep in too late. He’s always been a bit overprotective, always making sure I take proper care myself-- at least up to his standards. In the past, I’ve tried to assure him that I’m an adult now, and that I’m capable of making adult decisions. It’s been a lost cause for the most part, though I’m relieved that he allowed me out of state to attend my dream college at the very least.
I’m Katherine Moore, though my friends call me Kitten. It’s a name I’ve tried to shake, but once your dad gives you a cutesy nickname, it’s nearly impossible to free yourself of. I’m taking the summer semester off of college, and was convinced by my dad to come home over the break. My father, Robert Moore, owns the most popular bakery in my home town and though I don’t plan to spend too much time there, it’s where I’m mostly likely to see my dad during the day.
Speaking of my father…
I hear the door to my room creak open, and my father peeks inside with a nervous grin.
“Kitten, honey. It’s getting late. I’m heading to work, you should come by if you have time today.” He says carefully, and I groan, shoving my head under the pillow. He rumbles a warm laugh, and instead of leaving the room like I’d hoped, he only steps further inside. I feel him sit at the side of my bed, and I peek out from under my pillow with a small pout. “You know, it’s no good for you to lay in bed all day. Get out, get some sunshine!” He smiles, clapping his hands together. I grumble unhappily, allowing the pillow to flop back over my face.
“I’ll get up in an hour. Is Jana still working at the bakery?” I murmur, really wishing he would give me a break, just for a day.
“Oh, Jana Cortez? Yes, of course. I would never fire such a hardworking young woman.” He replied, and I inhaled a deep breath before posing my next question.
“And Ronald Prescott?” I said, unable to keep the dislike out of my voice. My father hesitated, reaching over to pat my head.
“Yes, dear. I genuinely think he’s a good boy. We have a new girl on board, as well, that you’ve never met. She’s a bit strange, but works hard and keeps to herself.” He muttered uncertainly. I quirked a brow, remaining silent for a long moment.
“Well, give me a moment to get dressed, and I’ll come stop by before it gets too busy for the day.” I finally acquiesce. I can almost feel the radiant smile that I’m certain is focused upon me, and my father stands, shifting away from the bed and towards the door. I breathe a sigh as he leaves the room, throwing the pillow and blankets off of myself before rising out of bed. I stretch my arms out over my head, groaning unhappily. My spine cracks as I stretch, and I make quick work of getting dressed. I can hear my father busying himself in the other room, and I take a moment to apply a hint of makeup before grabbing my purse and keys. When I step out of my room, my father is eagerly awaiting. “I’ll drive myself. I don’t wanna be stuck there all day.” I mumble, none too enthusiastically. He hesitates for a brief moment, but smiles and nods, and we walk side by side out of my childhood home. We part to get in our respective cars, and I allow him to leave first before following him to the bakery. As I park, I’m confused to see the lights already on in the bakery. I step out of the car, offering my father an inquisitive look.
“Brianna has been offering to open in the mornings, so she and Jana run the shop solo until Ronald and I arrive.” He smiles, stepping through the door without another moment’s hesitation. I linger outside for a moment, spotting Ronald’s old pickup truck, Jana’s convertible, and a hot little sports car that I’ve never seen before. Already I’m intrigued by this new worker, but I dismiss it as concern for the wellbeing of my father and the bakery. Steeling my nerves, I step into the bakery. There are a couple of customers lingering, and I spot Jana at the cash register, ringing someone up. I offer her a little wave, ignoring Ronald’s toothy grin in my direction. All seems as usual in the bakery, and I wonder if this new girl called in or something, but I spot a dark haired figure meandering out of the back kitchen area. Her hair is cropped short and messy, and her eyes are perhaps the most brilliant shade of green I have ever seen. For some reason, I find my breath catching in my throat as I lay eyes upon her. She looks somewhat out of place in the bakery, in her dark t-shirt and ripped jeans, and a noticeable stud in her nose. She doesn’t seem to notice me, and I find myself moving towards her without really realizing. She’s a sharp contrast from most women in town, myself included. I keep my dirty blonde hair in a long ponytail, dressing in short skirts and heels. My eyes lower to her feet, and I’m unable to swallow a giggle as I notice she’s wearing jet black combat boots. She seems to notice me upon hearing my giggle, and she pauses, considering me with an unreadable expression. She almost seems to grimace, returning to work without even bothering to say hi. I can’t help feeling the slightest bit offended (okay, really offended) at her casual disregard for my presence, but there is something about her that pulls me into following her into the kitchen. She grunts as she heaves a heavy bag of flour towards the mixer, and I clear my throat in an attempt to catch her attention. She tenses, glancing over her shoulder towards me. I smile politely, offering her a little wave. She stares at me, holding me captive in those bright green orbs and--- why am I thinking this way? I’ve never noticed another woman in this way before, at least not to this extent. Perhaps it’s the vibe she exudes, or maybe I’m making rude assumptions, but I can’t take my eyes off of her dark coated lips.
“Yo.” She finally seems to settle upon, seeming reluctant to speak at all. She rubs the back of her neck, and I try to ignore the flutters in my chest.
“Hi there. I’m--” I begin, only to be cut off by a rumble of laughter.
“You’re Kitten. Mr. Moore’s kid, yeah?” She interrupts, turning her attention back to the recipe she seems to be working on. She seems oddly dismissive, and I know I should take the cue to leave, but I’m known for being as stubborn as a mule.
“Y-yeah.” I manage, thinking on my feet. “You know, most people would be a little… nicer to their boss’s daughter.” I say boldly, expecting to get some sort of reaction. What I don’t expect is the melancholy little smile she offers me.
“That’s actually all the more reason for me to keep my distance, kid.” She murmurs. Then, as if I’m not even there, she busies herself with preparing some of the baked goods that will be served throughout the day. I part my lips to speak, but she seems unwilling to give me further audience and I guess I’ve got little choice than to take the hint. I slip out of the kitchen, smiling hesitantly at Jana before slipping out the door. I’ve got some shopping to do before a night out with my childhood girlfriends.
Throughout the day, as much as I try to distract myself,I can’t help thinking about that mysterious new worker at dad’s bakery. It was almost as if she were afraid to talk to me, and I can’t help but wonder why that is. I certainly don’t consider myself the intimidating type, and my father could scarcely harm a fly.
Oh well. If she’s not interested in me… If she’s not interested in becoming friends, I mean, then I won’t push her.