CH 1-10

Summary

Mae is a thirty eight year old woman who has given up hope of finding her forever person. Knowing that all the good ones are taken caused her to just stop looking. With her dream job as a baker and friends who make her life interesting she feels like she has all that she needs to make her happy. Until the day that Alex walked into her tasting room with his best friend in hopes of finding the perfect baker for his friends wedding. Alex also thought that he had missed his chance at love. At thirty nine he had it all great job, friends and his family. He too had just stoped trying to find his person and he just wanted to enjoy all that he had been given in life. But just like Mae that all changed when she walked into that tasting room and changed all that he thought he knew. Will these two late bloomers find the love that they have always wanted or will they just find another disappointment? Will there different stations in life make it hard for them to be together even if they do find love? Who knows what this crazy ride called love has in story for two people who will find out it is Never to Late for Love.

Chapter 1

The ’80s were years of excess. Too many drugs, too much sex, and too many trends. One of the big trends was the move toward more modern names, my parents however missed the memo. Who names their kid Mabel when Amanda, Michelle, and Lindsey are on the table. My mother stated that she wanted me to have a strong yet feminine name. I just wanted to hide under a rock growing up whenever someone would scrunch up their face when they called my name out. I just try begging people to call me Mae to stay away from the old spinster jokes.

I’m a thirty-eight-year-old woman h=who hasn’t been married, so yes there are spinster jokes. One would think that in the world of Tinder and online dating sites for everything under the sun that the word spinster would no longer be used. unfortunately in my case, my friends and family use it to describe me.

The problem is that I don’t date. I just can’t find someone I’m interested in who is worth it. I tried for a while but, it feels like so many guys are just after a hookup. And don’t get me started on trying to find someone my age. All the good ones are taken as cliche as that sounds. I missed my chance.

That loser of an ex-fiancé stole all of the good years I had for finding someone. I’m over the prime years of what men look for in their forever person, and I hate to admit it but I just can’t find a woman that I’m into. I’ve tried, trust me. I like guys pure and simple. So with all that said, I’ve just decided to enjoy my life.

I work doing something that I love and I’m passionate about, baking. For as long as I remember. I have wanted to be a baker. Cakes, breads, and sweet treats always seem to bring a smile to people’s faces, and I have always wanted to make people smile. Whenever I see someone who is upset or down I have this ache in my heart and a need to make them smile. A smile can change someone’s world. I can now say proudly say that I have been doing just that for eighteen years.

I have worked and Rosetta’s ever since I graduated from culinary school. She allows me to be as creative as I want without all the headache of owning and running my own business. Most people who hear my story can’t understand why I stay, but I know the reason and that is all that matters.

I work normal baker hours, getting up at four in the morning and being in by five-thirty to start. Rosetta lets me leave whenever I feel like it and I can have most weekends off as long as my assistant is there to cover Saturdays. The only thing that brings me in on Saturday is a wedding cake set up. I do not trust anyone with my creations, so I do the setup myself.

This brings us to the here and now of me in the kitchen of the bakery making a batch of eclairs listening to 90′s alternative in my earbuds without a care in the world. Most of the people that work here know to just let me be when I am in the kitchen. Max my assistant finds out what I want him to do at the beginning of the day and then goes to his side of the kitchen and just works. Both of us like our own space to work so we have our own prep areas as well as stoves. We share ovens but other than that we are separate.

I feel my phone vibrating in my back pocket alerting me that it is time for me to start winding down to leave for the day. Finishing the last touches on my eclairs I head to the back locker room to change. The fact that I am constantly covered in flour made Rosetta put the locker rooms in so that we can change here and clean up.

Walking out of the locker room I see Max leaned against the wall waiting for me. Max has a complex about women walking alone in the city. He is terrified that I will get mugged or worse. I shake my head and make my way over to him.

“You do know that it is two in the afternoon and that I only live one block away right?” He looks up and smirks at me.

“I do but I also know that you are about as prepared for danger as a toddler with a whiffle ball bat. Just humor me and let me walk you home. It’s on my way anyway. Plus I need advice on my last lady.”

And there we have it. The real reason why he is wanting to walk me home. He needs to figure out how to ditch the latest in a long line of girls that he has grown bored with. Max is a sweet friend but he is nothing short of a playboy. It started from the time that we were twelve and hasn’t let up since.

“What is wrong with this one?” I roll my eyes knowing that it is most likely the fact that she wants something more than just casual dating.

“She wants me to meet her parents!” The shriek that comes out of his mouth can be nothing short of a man-card-pulling stunt.

“Okay, okay. First, drop the theatrics. You do remember that you’re the man in this relationship right?” I can’t help but laugh when I see the glare coming from his face.

“Yes, Mae! I know that I am the man! I just can’t stand it when girls just demand that I jump through their hoops to be in a noncommittal relationship. All I want is someone willing to hang out, have sex, and then go do their own thing until I am ready to hit it again.”

Now the problem is that I want to slap him for so many things that I can’t figure out where to start. I know that he is just like the other ninety-nine percent of the males on this planet in that he thinks of himself first. Over the years I have talked to Max until I am blue in the face but nothing seems to change. Max just isn’t cut out for a serious relationship, but girls see how hot he is and they lose all sense of reason.

“Max you know how I feel about your playboy lifestyle, but just remember that you make these girls lose their minds. You’re hot and sweet and they think that they will be the ones to finally change you. Just keep being honest and upfront with them.” I place my hand on his shoulder. ” Just tell her it’s not working out.”

Max nods his head in understanding and wraps his arm around me as we walk. No matter what we may have faced in life we have made it together and nothing will change that.

Once I make it home I take a long relaxing soak in the tub. As much as I love my job I get very tired at the end of the day. So to combat the fatigue I put on an audiobook to relax and let my care drift away. When I emerge from my sweet oasis of relaxation I see my other bestie for life Erica sitting on my couch eating pizza.

“Please tell me there’s some left?” I ask while eyeing up the slice in her hand.

“You know it. I would never hold out on you Boo Boo. How was your day?”

The difference between Max and Erica is that she is more like a sister and half of myself. I can tell the girl anything about me and she’ll love me all the same. Max makes me feel like I have to be on my toes at all times and be perfect in doing it. He has never really done anything to make me feel that way, it’s just a nagging feeling I have.

“It was good. The usual, although Max is having a hard time with his latest lady. She wants him to meet her parents. He is totally freaking out.” As soon as I finish we both bust into historical laughter.

“At this rate, he’ll be running for the hills by the time he talks to her again,” Eric says while trying to gain control of herself.

“Oh, he already is. I’m sure she already has the “It’s not you, but me” flowers on their way.”

Max crushes every heart the same way, flowers delivered to their home. He never sends them to work because he thinks it’s cruel. Over the years I’m sure he has spent enough money at the flower shop to be able to open his own shop.

“By the way, I’m going on a date with that guy who keeps coming into the bar. And before you say anything my boss knows him and he’s clean.”

Erica knows me better than I know myself. She knew I wouldn’t want her going out with someone who was a complete stranger. Erica had gotten out of a bad relationship last year and it had made me paranoid for her. Long story short she was abused. This made us all question her choice of men. Not that it was her fault but sometimes she was not able to see through the act that people put on.

The rest of our evening is spent eating pizza and talking about Tom the guy she’ll be going out with. The night seemed pretty perfect and what more could a girl want.

Chapter 2

Alex

Days like today make me wonder how rich people stand each other. Sitting here listening to my best friends talking about one’s fiancé and their wedding plans makes me cringe. I didn’t grow up with money. The only reason that I have any now is from working my way through school and working my way up to VP.

“She hates everything! I have tried every bakery on the good side of the city. There is always something wrong with the cake.” Xavier puts his head in his hands and groans.

“Chelsea expects the best Man. You know she’s been like that her whole life. I mean her damn mom has to special order her bread for brunch.” Declan says.

Xavier and Declan are both from prominent families in the city. We met in high school when I was awarded a scholarship to their private school. The thing that helped us stay friends was the fact that they didn’t let money rule their lives. both worked hard and built their companies up from where they were when they took over.

“She would never be caught at a place like Rosetta’s.” Xavier says.

Rosetta’s has been a staple for us every Friday since we met. The place is just your run of the Emil dinner but we love it. Not to mention that the desert here is the best I’ve ever had.

“Xavier honey why don’t you take her by my bakery. I know she would never come there but my baker is said to be the best in the city. You boys know who Abigail West is?” Rosetta says while passing us our food. We all nod, of course, the girl is the biggest actress in the world right now.

“We did her cakes for her friend’s baby showers. I know to some location is what determines if it’s good or not, but you boys have been eating up her deserts for years.”

Xavier’s head snapped up with wide eyes with excitement. The thought of getting this taken care of finally, made him happy. She drove him nuts but he loved Chelsea.

“That would be awesome Rosetta. Do you think we could do tomorrow at about eleven in the morning?” His voice was hopeful and his face mirrored it.

“That should be fine. She’ll come in on Saturdays for that. She likes to meet the people she makes cakes for. Says it helps her design something perfect for each person.”

After we dig into our food we fall into our normal routine conversations, mainly Declan’s latest fling and why I won’t date any of their friends. I’ve tried it once and it was horrible. Chelsea set me up with her best friend Macy. I thought that a nice dinner and movie would be a great way to get to know one another.

Boy was I wrong. She complained and cried, yes cried, over everything.

After that, I decided no more dating anyone they suggested. I have tried to date a few times but no one has really caught my attention enough to do a second date. I live and work in a world full of people who are trying to move up the ladder of work or society, and those women just don’t appeal to me. I want a girl my age who is down to earth ad is happy with her life. I want to be content and that is what I was looking for. Now I’m just living my life. I’ve looked and that girl just isn’t out there. I’ve missed my chance because those girls got snatched up already.

“You know Chelsea will have tons of single friends at the wedding. You should try and find someone while you’re there Man.” Declan says out of the blue.

“Why so I can end up with another Macy?” I tried to ask this without sounding like a total ass.

“No so you can use that limp thing before it dries up and withers away.” He laughs at himself like it is the greatest joke of all time.

“Dude he isn’t you. He can go more than an hour without sex.” Xavier says laughing.

At this Declan picks up a fry and throws it hitting Xavier’s face. The sad thing is that it’s true. Declan always has something going on with a woman. The guy is in constant need of sex. It’s a miracle that he hasn’t caught something or knocked someone up.

“I’m good. You know how I feel about rich girls. They’re nice enough but too high maintenance for me. I’m happy just the way things are.”

“Well, will you at least do me a solid and come in the morning to the tasting? I can’t handle Chelsea and her mom on my own again.” Xavier gives me the you owe me look.

Two weeks ago I had to have him save me from my now ex-secretary who tried to seduce me. I was completely turned off and horrified, he thought it was hilarious to see me standing in the corner. Trying to stay as far away as possible from the very naked woman writhing on my desk. She thought she would finally get my attention by ambushing me after lunch. It didn’t work.

“Yeah I’ll be there and then we’re even.” He laughs again and soon Declan joins in remembering the photos of my horror-stricken face Xavier took.

The rest of my day was uneventful and I was ready to finally make it home around eight in the evening. I had just gotten into the door and started cooking some dinner when my phone rang and I saw that it was my older sister Katie. Smiling I answer.

“Katie so who do I owe the pleasure?” I hear her laugh on the other end. She and I have always been close and she makes me want to find a girl just like her of my own.

“Oh just checking in. I haven’t heard from you this week just wanted to see if you’re still going to the Sunday Lunch.” I hear her kids in the background causing chaos as usual.

“Of course I will. What else have I got to do?” I ask genuinely wondering what she is thinking.

“I was hoping you’d say you had a date and couldn’t make it.”

I sigh out loud. As much as I love her I know that this is the inevitable conversation that we have every week. She wants me to find someone and to finally give her a sister. Our older brother Todd is married to a man named Eric so that means no sister for her.

“Katie, you know that I have stopped worrying about that. If I happen to find a girl that I think I could make a relationship with then I will jump at the chance. I am just tired of going out and looking for someone who probably isn’t available anymore.”

I hear her sigh and I know that she is thinking about what I said. she does have my best interest at heart and I think that she is trying to leave it alone she just doesn’t know-how. I chuckle and hear her start to laugh herself knowing that we are never going to completely see eye to eye on the matter.

“Well I guess I will leave it for now, but you can’t take my hope. By the way, Mom wanted you to bring dessert this time.” She says and I can tell she is smiling.

“You guys know I can’t bake. I can cook and meal you want but dessert is not happening. Good thing I am going to a bakery tomorrow.” I hear her start to laugh again and I know that she is enjoying listening to me struggle with what to do.

Our whole lives have been spent with her teasing me because she can as the older sister. Even though it makes me crazy at times I love the fact that we are close and that we can act like this still as adults. The people I am around most of the day are always so stuffy and act like fun is a four-letter word that can’t be said or had. Declan and Xavier are the only ones that I know in the high social circles who know how to not take themselves too seriously.

“Well, I better get off and get the Helluns under control and ready for bed. I love you, Little Man.” She says just as she has since childhood.

“Love you too Big Sis.”

I spend the rest of my evening eating and watching a few shows. I unwind from the day and enjoy the fact that I can sit without anyone bothering me and needing something from me. Being the VP at a company sometimes feels like I am there to serve everyone else. I think it may have to do with the fact that I am much more approachable than most higher-ups in companies. I worked my way up from the bottom and I respect everyone who works there regardless of their position.

Once I make it to bed I lay there thinking about what my day will be like tomorrow. Knowing Chelsea and her mom it will be a disaster. I just hope that they do not insult the poor baker. Rosetta spoke so highly of her I hope that they will like her cakes and that we can get this over with quickly. God knows that Xavier could use the break. Who knows maybe I will find something awesome for Sunday there too.

Chapter 3

Mae

Rosetta always knows how to pull off a sale but today she is worried about the client. From what she has told me the bride-to-be is a very hard woman to please. Rosetta knows the groom as he has been a customer of the dinner for years and she wants to help the poor guy get the cake nailed down so he can have less stress.

I have worked for some pretty tough clients but I think this will be my toughest sell yet. I have made a variety of flavors as well as my portfolio. The masterpieces that I made for Abigail West are the centerpiece of my work. The bride and groom are from high-ranking society families so this will most likely be the only thing that will win her over.

“Mae Darling they will be here in about ten minutes. Are you ready?” Rosetta asks as she walks back into my kitchen.

“Of course I am. I hope I can win her over, but you know how the rich brats can act sometimes. Just know that I tried my best for you and your friend.” She walks over and hugs me.

She smiles and walks back out into the front of the store. I take a deep breath and grab my trolly with all the samples on it. I head to the special tasting room that we have set up for our private meeting. Rosetta hides it from most people but our bakery is ranked at the top of most food lists for the city. We just keep our name out of the press and most of our high-end customers honor our privacy.

Rosetta has never been one to desire to be famous and overrun with business. She has always said she just wants to make a living and that as long as she can pay her bills and pay her employees well she’s happy.

“And there she is. Chelsea, Xavier, Alex, and Mrs. Winters this is Mae Trent. She is the genius baker that will no doubt answer your wedding prayers.” Rosetta says to the group sitting around the table.

“It is a pleasure to meet you all.” I smile and notice that this was an odd group.

“Well, we can only hope that you live up to the hype that your boss has made about you.” Chelsea says while looking at me.

I wanted nothing more than to roll my eyes at this girl. I’m not one to usually judge a person based on a first impression but this girl was pushing my ability. Sitting there with her bleach blonde hair wearing her designer clothes she screamed cliche rich snob. her fiancé was dressed similarly but you could see in his eyes that he wasn’t snobbish at all. There was a kindness there in his eyes that made me feel sorry for him that he was going to forever tie himself to this girl.

Mrs. Winters appeared to be just like her daughter and then some. She looked at me with a look of disdain that made me want to go over and claw her eyes out. I had to keep it professional so I just continued to smile at her.

Finally, I looked at the guy named Alex and couldn’t help but want to keep looking. He was handsome with his black hair sticking up all over the place. His eyes sparkled and the smile on his face seemed genuine. I couldn’t help but feel my cheeks flush at the sight of his smile.

I felt like an idiot standing there as a thirty-eight-year-old woman who is blushing like a thirteen-year-old girl who saw her crush. I have given up on men so why in the world am I reacting like this? Besides a guy, this good looking who appears to be a good man has most likely been snatched up by now.

“Well I have prepared multiple flavors for you to taste and I have brought out my portfolio. you will find the designs that I feel are the best examples of my work and also those I did for Abigail West.”

I begin placing the samples in front of each person. I feel Alex’s eyes on me as I move around the room and it makes me start to feel nervous. I have to get it together. I’m not that girl who lets herself get worked up over some guy anymore. I don’t need to be focused on him but on nailing this tasting.

“As Rosetta told Xavier, I make my cake designs based on the people I am designing for. If you like the taste and designs you see and want to work with us, I would spend some time getting to know you both and come up with some designs for you to look at, and then we would work together on the final design. I like for each of my wedding cakes to be centered around the couple and who they are as people.” I smile and continue. “I will let you have your privacy while tasting and Rosetta will come to get me when you are finished and have made your decision.”

I give the group one last smile and leave the room. My thoughts are all over the place. Do I want to do a cake for someone who is as snobbish as the two women are? Will I be able to handle the pressure of her? Abigail West was hard enough to deal with but these women seem to be on a whole other level of a spoiled brat.

When I reach the kitchen I sigh in relief to be in the comfort of my second home. My thoughts drift to a certain black-haired man who is right at this moment trying the best cakes that I have to offer. Why am I hoping he likes it more than I am worried about if the girl will?

Alex

I watch as she walks out of the room and I smile to myself. I don’t think anyone else noticed but Chelsea and Mrs. Winters definitely got under her skin. Mae was doing her very best to be polite and kind to her potential customers but I could see that when Chelsea made her little comment that she wanted to say something back. It appears that she is good at hiding what she is thinking when she needs to.

When she walked through the door pushing that trolly my eyes were drawn to her. Her dark brown hair was pulled up into a set of dutch braids and her brown eyes looked like milk chocolate. She wasn’t what most would call an extraordinary beauty, but to me, she was more than attractive.

“Well, we might as well get this over with. I mean the sooner we get this over with the sooner we can get out of here.” Mrs. Winters states in her normal I am better than you tone.

The moment the first bite hits my mouth I couldn’t help but moan. I thought that the deserts she did for the dinner were good but this is beyond anything I could have imagined. I look over and see Xavier and Chelsea have the same expression that I have, one of utter delight. I look to Mrs. Winters and she still has that look of superiority on her face that she always has. How can that woman not be completely in love with these cakes?

“Chelsea I love you but if you say no to this I may have to reconsider our marriage,” Xavier says while chuckling. Chelsea gives him a wide-eyed look of shock and his future mother-in-law looks at him with pure anger.

“You cannot be suggesting that we use this place for the wedding. My God, what will people think?” Mrs. Winters hisses.

“They will think that you discovered one of the greatest hidden gems in the city. Abigail West used her! if you don’t think that this cake is beyond good then you are even more stuck up than I thought.” The words left my mouth before I could stop them. Xavier bursts into laughter and Chelsea has a look of fear on her face.

“How dare you talk to me like that! You have no say in this whatsoever. You’re only here because Xavier likes slumming it for friends!” At that Xavier stands and walks over to her with a look that could make anyone shiver in fear.

“I am only going to say this once so I hope you will do me the courtesy of listening Mrs. Winters. That man has more integrity and intelligence in his pinky finger than you do in your entire body. He is here because I ask him to be. if you think for one second that we are going to base our choice on what baker to use on the pure location then you are sadly mistaken. I will not be one of those people who think that just because I come from money means that I am better than anyone else. So you can either stay and keep your mouth shut or you can leave. The choice is yours.” with that he turned and went and sat down while taking Chelsea’s hand and giving it a small kiss.

They smiled at each other and I saw that they were going to be picking this place for their wedding. Nothing made me happier than to see my friend happy and with the woman he loves. The two of them gave me hope that even though I am not actively looking for her, there is a woman out there with who I could have that. I just have to find her.

Chapter 4

Mae

After giving them plenty of time for their tasting I walk back into the room. I see smiles on everyone’s face except for the mother. She has a scowl on her face that looks like someone had pissed in her corn flakes this morning. That in its self made me have hope that I would be working with this couple.

“I hope that you have had plenty of time for your tasting. Are there any questions that you have for me?” I always ask this because you never know what might be going through someone’s head while they are tasting.

“Are you willing to work with us?” The bride to be ask. She surprisingly has a smile on her face and I feel like I am meeting a completely different person than when I walked in here the first time.

“I would love to. As I said before I like to get to know the couple before we get a set design. Would you have time to let me ask a little about your relationship and each of you?” I do this to help me get a feel as to what the couple may want in a design. I like for their cakes to represent them as a couple so I learn as much as possible.

“How about tomorrow afternoon. We could go out on a double date?” The groom asks.

“I don’t have a partner so that might not work,” I say trying to keep my embarrassment down to a minimum.

“Perfect Alex doesn’t either. You to can be our double date.” The bride says.

I look over at Alex to see him as equally embarrassed as I am so I have no idea what to think. Does he even want to go out with me? Would he only do it as a favor to his friends? I’m not the most gorgeous woman on the planet but I don’t think that I’m homely either, but he is quite good-looking and maybe way out of my league.

“You don’t mind do you, Alex?” The groom looks at him with a smirk on his face.

“Not at all.” He finally looks at me and smiles and I feel my heart skip a beat.

What the hell did I just get sucked into? I have given up the hunt for a man and now one is being tossed into my lap. Not only that but a hot guy is tossed into my lap. I smile back timidly and hope that no one can tell how uncomfortable I am at the moment.

“Greta how about we all met here about five tomorrow evening?” The bride said. I nod in agreement and then turn to head back into the main area of the bakery.

Rosetta takes the couple to the side and starts getting information about what they will need for the wedding and all the important details. I start to walk behind the counter when I fell a tap on my shoulder. I turn and find Alex standing there scratching the back of his neck.

“Hey, I hope that didn’t make you too uncomfortable back there. I hope you don’t mind getting stuck with me?” He chuckles as he finishes as if he is trying to hide his nervousness.

“I’m good. I was just hoping you don’t mind having me as your partner. You have to leagues above me.” As soon as the words came out I slapped my hand over my mouth.

Sometimes I have no filter and I just say whatever pops into my head. this usually causes me to look like a complete ass and never ends well. I hear him burst into laughter and I feel myself relax just a little.

“Why on earth would you think that?” He is still laughing and he wipes a tear from his eye.

“Well, I mean…” I wave my arm back and forth between us signaling the old “look at the difference” thing. He starts laughing even more and now I am starting to wonder if he is just making fun of me.

“Trust me when I say that I am not what you think.” He settles his laugh down some more. “I grew up in a middle-class house with three kids and I never thought of being connected to anything that was leagues above me.” He air quoted that last statement.

“I met Xavier in high school and that is how I know them. I am still in your league.” He winked as he said this.

“Wow, now I feel like an idiot.” I laughed at myself knowing that I most likely just gave the worst judgemental first impression know to man.

“No, you’re just honest. I like it.” he smiled again and my insides felt like they were melting. “So I need to get some sort of dessert for a family lunch tomorrow. Any suggestions?”

“I have a full cake of the chocolate you sampled. I could box it up if you like.” His eyes get wide with excitement.

“That would be awesome. That was by far my favorite of the tasting. I’ll take it.” I nod and head back to the kitchen to box up the cake.

When I come back out front everyone is gone but Ales. He is sitting at one of the tables typing away on his phone and I can’t help but stop and look at him again. His dark hair looked like he had just rolled out of bed but it suited him. He smiled at his phone and I felt a twinge of jealousy. I wonder who made him smile like that?

“I have your cake.” I smile at him as he walks up to the counter.

“Thanks. I was just texting my sister to tell her I have the most awesome cake in the world to bring for lunch. She and her kids love chocolate.” His smile was super cheesy and I couldn’t help but smile back at him.

The man loves his family that is clear. Damn his hotness rating just keeps going up. I’m going to be in trouble if he doesn’t have some major flaw like a secret life or he’s got a foot fetish or something. Not that there is anything wrong with that but man I’m weird about my feet.

I’m brought out of my thoughts by him handing me the money for the cake. He still has that smile on his face and I feel it make my heart flutter. He is very nice to look at so at least tomorrow I will have a nice view while on this date.

“Thanks for everything today and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.” He says still carrying that smile. Makes me wonder if he ever has a bad day.

“So what should I wear for this date?“I smile at him hoping to cover my nervousness.

“I would say something casual. They shouldn’t want to do anything too crazy.”

“Alright see you later.” He walks to the door and turns back and smiles one more time and leaves.

“Well, I think that someone is smitten,” Rosetta says as she walks over to me.

“What are you going on about Rosetta?” She laughs and puts her arm around me.

“I have never seen that boy smile that much. Not to mention I’ve never seen him with a girl either. He has never brought anyone to the diner. He always says that he can’t find the one. He never wanted to share his private life with anyone he has gone out with before.” She gives me a look that I can’t understand.

“So what does that have to do with me?” I have no idea where she is going with this.

“That boy likes you, honey.” I hear the gasp leave my mouth before I even know that I did it.

“No way! He is way out of my league.” I turn to head into the kitchen.

“Mae, did you not hear what he said? You guys are on an even playing field. He is as far from stuck up as you can get and not to mention he isn’t from money. That kid could care less about money. He just needs a good girl to love.”

I stop in my tracks and turn to look at her. She honestly thinks that we are in the same league. Rosetta isn’t one to beat around the bush or to say things she doesn’t mean. So if she tells me she thinks he likes me then I have to believe her.

“I have no idea what I’m doing. I’ve been out of the dating game for so long that I feel like I will make a complete fool of myself. Not to mention that he is really handsome and he seems like a genuinely nice guy. Lord Rosetta, what do I do?”

She chuckles and spends the next hour giving me a pep talk on how to handle tomorrow. I make my way home and feel nervous. This leads me to feel like I need reinforcements. So after some pleading and bribing, I have Max and Erica on the way. I order Chinese and get everything ready for the session of building up Mae’s self-esteem.

“Alright Babes, we’re here now let’s get this party started,” Erica says.

“I need help finding an outfit and I need to have a self-esteem boost. So best friends, give me what you got.”

The rest of the night is spent with Erica and me learning the finer points of the male dating brain as well as them giving me the support I desperately need. Max helped me understand what type of outfit would send the message of I’m open but not trying too hard and Erica helped me to feel comfortable in my own skin.

I have the best friends out there and I feel like maybe just maybe I might have fun tomorrow.

Chapter 5

Mae

After getting myself ready and actually putting forth the effort to look good, I stand waiting on the group to arrive. Hoping I don’t look like a total loser for being early, I head into the bakery to “check something”. This will give me an excuse if anyone notices how early I am.

Just as I make it inside I see a very nervous-looking Alex walk up. He starts checking his appearance in a nearby car window and I can’t help but giggle a little. I was so nervous that I never thought about him feeling the same.

I walk out the door and stand behind him enjoying the fact that he is completely engrossed in checking his appearance. I give him a couple more seconds and then clear my throat.

“Please tell me you just walked up and didn’t see any of that.“He says as he quickly turns around.

“So would you rather I tell you the truth or boost your confidence?” I ask smirking.

“Confidence. Please.” He says smirking back.

“I just got here and I didn’t even realize that you were here,” I say shrugging.

“And this is why we are going to get along just fine.” We both start laughing as Xavier and Chelsea walk-up.

“Hey Alex, Mae. You guys ready to go and grab something to eat?” Xavier says wrapping his arm around Chelsea’s shoulder.

The biggest reason I agreed to this date was so I could watch them together. People often choose a cake based on a design. Most of the time that design has nothing to do with them as a couple. I like to make the cake reflect the couple. A wedding is a celebration of two people becoming one and I want my cake to show that.

“I thought we could go to an Italian restaurant that Chelsea and I like. It’s just a few blocks away.” With that Xavier grabs her hand and leads the way.

Just watching what I have so far shows that he loves her more than she will ever know. Not that I think that she doesn’t love him, it’s just that his love is all-encompassing. He loves every part of her good and bad. She looks at him and I see in her eyes that he is her hero. It is almost as if he has saved her from something.

“Alex, could I ask you a question about those two?” I turn and ask as we’re walking.

“Sure,” He says not missing a beat.

“Has he saved her from something?” The look on Alex’s face says it all. There is something that has happened. “You don’t need to tell me details. Your face said all I needed to know.”

“Why’d you ask”

“When I design a cake I try to think of that couple’s love story. What sets them apart from every other couple? I want the cake to be a symbol of their story, their love that they are sharing with their guests.” I smile at him saying this.

“I never thought of it like that. It sounds amazing.” He smiles back.

“It can be or it can be absolutely terrifying.” I laugh at this. “Not every couple has a sharable love story. Some are just in it for the wrong reasons. That is when I struggle to make a cake.”

“Ever you ever thought about designing your own cake?” Alex asks with some hesitance.

“I did once, but he made sure to ruin that. I haven’t thought about it in a very long time. There has not been anyone worthy of having a love story with around.” I give myself a self-deprecating smile.

“I know what you mean. Searched for years only to come up empty-handed. I just sat back and watched those two make their story.” We both look forward to the two people we were talking about. They both have a smile on their face and I can see the love.

“It seems like so many have found their story and we are just late to the party,” I say and chuckle to myself.

“Yeah, it’s like it is almost too late for love.” He says and starts laughing. “But if you ask my sister she would laugh in your face and say that my lady love is out there waiting for me to sweep her off her feet.”

“My mom tried saying those things for years and I think she has finally gotten used to the idea that I can’t find him no matter what. She still gives me the guilt over never having grandchildren.” I huff out then end.

“Only child?” He asks as we get closer to the door of the restaurant.

“Yeah. They tried for more but it just didn’t work out for them. So I get all that pent-up love for myself.” I giggle and almost pass out over how goofy I sound.

We enter the restaurant and quickly get a table. The place is amazing with the atmosphere they have going on. It is one of those places where you can go casual or of an evening really do it up nice. I look over the menu and find my favorite. I look at Alex and he seems to be deep in thought about what to get.

I study him a little and find his facial expression rather adorable. His eyebrows are scrunched together and he has the look of a man trying to determine his last meal. I immediately smile and then notice that I am being watched by Xavier. He has a knowing smirk on his face and I feel myself flush with embarrassment. Damn, I was caught gawking at him.

“So Mae you said you like to get to know the couples for the design. What exactly do you want to know.?” Chelsea asks. her whole demeanor today is so much different that I feel bad for judging her before.

“Well, I want to hear your love story. Every couple has one and I want to know yours. It helps me to visualize you two and your love.” I say smiling at her softly.

The waitress comes and we place our order. Everyone ends up getting something different and we get a few appetizers to share. Chelsea looks at Xavier and nods as if she is giving him the go-ahead.

“Well we grew up with each other but it wasn’t until high school that we noticed each other. She was of course the prettiest girl in school and every guy wanted her except for maybe Alex.” I hear Alex laugh.

“We were on a school trip to Florida to visit Disney. We didn’t hang around each other or anything but that trip changed everything.” He reaches over and takes her hand and I see tears in her eyes.

“I was in the park with my girlfriends when some guys came up to us. We tried to politely tell them we were not interested but they had other plans. One of them dragged me to an out-of-the-way corner of the park and tried to have his way with me.” Chelsea speaks with a sad voice.

Xavier holds her hand tighter and rubs circles with his thumb trying to calm her. She smiles at him and I see the strength that he is giving her.

“Xavier happened to be nearby and saw what was happening. he saved me and my innocence. I have no idea what would have happened if he didn’t come when he did.” She smiles brightly and I think I have what I need.

“You have given me some wonderful ideas.” just as I say this our food arrives and we start eating.

The meal is very good but I am enjoying the conversation more. Chelsea and Xavier have made it their mission to embarrass Alex. The stories are hilarious and I feel myself tearing up at all of them.

“One time Alex decided that he was not going to date anymore. So I thought it would be a good idea to set him up with one of my friends. I purposely picked the worst possible date for him. She said that he was the most boring man alive and that anyone thought dinner and movie was a date should be castrated.” she is laughing so hard that I couldn’t help but join her.

“You mean that you did that on purpose! I thought I had ventured into the seventh layer of hell that night.” Alex says this with exasperation and I can see the shame and regret on his face. “I tried so hard to be nice but she drove me freakin crazy.”

“This is golden. I thought I was the only one that had horrible dates.” I say placing my hand on his shoulder.

“How about I tell you about the time we locked him out on the balcony of a hotel in only his boxers?” Xavier says wiggling his eyebrows up and down.

“Alright. Alright. We have spent enough time on embarrassing me, we have to save something for the second date.” Alex says laughing.

“You want a second date?” I ask him smiling. I know this was supposed to be about the couple in front of me but I can’t help but be attracted to Alex.

“Of course I do! These two have made me look so uncool and I need to redeem myself. Plus who wouldn’t want a second date with someone as awesome as you?” His smile is one that could light up a room. I look around the table to see the other two smiling just as big.

“Well, Mister I guess you’ve earned yourself another date.”

Chapter 6

Alex

I smile to myself as Xavier and I head to the men’s room. Before we head out to the next part of the date we wanted to make sure we were good to go. I have to admit I haven’t had this much fun in a long time. She is just so open with us and is being herself. There is no hidden agenda or games being played. she is the most genuine person I have met in a very long time.

“I see that shit eatin grin on your face, my friend. You really like her.” I look over a smirking Xavier.

“Yeah, I do. She is just unlike any girl I’ve been around in a really long time. I thought that I had given up on finding the one but she makes me hopeful.” I smile even bigger saying this.

“Cut the crap! She is the one!” I turn and look at him with one eyebrow raised.

“You can’t possibly know that yet.” He has b=to be insane to think that someone I have known for one day is my one and only.

“Alex, listen to me man. I have known you for a very long time and I can tell that this girl is different from any girl you have ever been with. You have a look in your eye that has never been there before. You may not realize it yet but you just found your future wife.” He slaps my shoulder and walks into the restroom.

Could he possibly be right? I mean she is amazing and I felt an instant connection to the girl yesterday. Maybe I should be open to the possibility that this is it, the one I’ve been looking for.

Mae

The guys walk off as Chelsea and I head in the other direction. Everyone wants to have things in line for our next adventure. I have enjoyed our time together and I am excited to see where we go next.

“Chelsea I have to be honest with you and apologize. I misjudged you yesterday and for that I am sorry.” She smiles and takes my hand in hers. She shakes it and smiles even bigger.

“Forgiven, but I was kinda a bitch at times. I have to act a certain way in front of my mother. It sucks growing up in a family like mine. Xavier has helped me to understand that I don’t want to be like my family. I enjoy the simple things in life and being constantly in the eye of society is horrible. What I wouldn’t give to have grown up like you in a family that wasn’t always concerned with how they look to everyone else.” I smile and squeeze her hand.

“Friends?” I ask. She smiles and nods in return.

“By the way, you have done a number on Alex. I have never seen him so smitten with a girl ever. He has always felt out of place around our friends since he grew up in a middle-class family. He doesn’t let the fact that he makes great money now go to his head. He takes care of his family and saves for the future.” She says as we enter the restroom. No one is in here so she continues.

“He has tried dating but he seems to attract the same type of slow-minded, somewhat slutty, and stuck-up gold diggers. He had lost all hope of finding someone that he could see a future with. But you are the one that I think he could be with forever.”

“Woah, wait. We just met yesterday. I have like the worst luck with men. My last man who is now an ex-fiancé cheated on me. I have no desire to be hurt again. I can’t rush into anything.” I say with a flush on my face.

“Mae, Alex would be the last guy who would ever hurt you. I know that I may be rushing things here but I just want you to be open to the idea that he could be your happily ever after. I’m not saying sleep with him today and marry him tomorrow, but just give it a chance. I saw a connection between you two today. It wasn’t one of those short-lived I just wanna sleep with you things. It was a bond that was forming. Please just open your heart to the chance of love.”

I couldn’t help but feel like she was right. I know that so far my love life has truly sucked balls but Alex does seem different from any other guy I have been around. He reminds me of Max in that he is someone that I could talk to about just about anything and could still have fun with. Maybe I should just let go of all my inhibitions and just let it happen.

Alex

We all met out front of the restaurant and wait for Xavier to tell us where we are going next. I am just as in the dark as Mae and I think that the asshat is enjoying keeping me in the dark.

“Next we need to stop by a store and grab a couple of blankets. We are going to watch a movie in the park.” Chelsea squeals with delight and Mae laughs at the scene. Chelsea launched herself into his arms and kisses him.

“Thank you, Babe! I always wanted to do this!” She yells as people start to stare at the two of them.

“They are too cute. They kinda make me wanna puke.” Mae laughs. I join in because I too have that feeling at times.

“Wanna see if we can outdo them on the mushy stuff?” I ask with an evil smirk on my face.

“What do you have in mind?”

“Well only what your comfortable with but I want to embarrass the hell out of them,” I say with my smirk moving into a full blow devil smile.

“Oh your on. Anything less than sex is a go.” Her smirk was possibly the evilest thing I had ever seen. I knew at that moment we were going to have a blast.

We start walking down the block and head into a store. We all walk off to the blankets and sure enough, there are a few people on the isle.

“Pooky bear so you think this blanket will be enough? I know how much you like to roll in the hay.” Mae says with a suggestive look on her face.

“Only if you promise to be wearing that pink set that I bought you,” I say back and walk over and grab her butt.

Everyone in the radius of us turns and stares. Xavier’s mouth is hanging open and Chelsea doesn’t look much better. I take the chance and look Mae in the eye asking if this will be ok with her. She winks and suddenly attacks my mouth. It is a total mess with her tongue and my licking eat other all over the place. This was in no way an actual kiss, this was two people trying to gross out everyone around them.

I could hear gasps and omg’s from the other people on the aisle while Xavier just stands there speechless. Chelsea starts giggling and I feel Mae starting to crack up as well. I bring it to the next level as I tap her. Butt and she jumps up into my arms with her legs wrapped around my waist. We keep going at it while I roll us in circles along the shelves.

I have never in my life done anything this crazy and I must say that it feels good. This girl brings out the playful side of me that I thought I had lost a long time ago. I was beyond happy and I can’t wait to feel like this again.

“Ok. Ok. We get it you two.” Chelsea says. We pull apart and look at them and start laughing.

“I have never been more confused and embarrassed for another person in all my life.” Xavier says shaking his head. “I also wanted to puke.”

“Now you know how I feel around you two all the time.” I say smirking.

Mae jumps down and smiles at me. I feel my heart flutter a bit and I know at this moment that I will be falling hard for this girl. There is no doubt in my mind that she will make my life worth living. I know it is too quick and that I don’t know anything much about her, but I want to. I want to know all of her and that is not only a scary thought but also an exciting one.

“Well now that we have embarrassed you both and grossed out the rest of the store let’s go.” Mae says grabbing two blankets and heading up to the register.

The rest of the date is awesome. We sit and watch a movie and enjoy the time together. We whisper back and forth getting to know one another and it feels like we are back in high school trying to not get caught talking in class. We break apart after that and I walk Mae home.

“So I know that I asked early but do you want to go out on a date with just the two of us?” For some reason, I am nervous about asking this.

“I would love to. I mean I did lick your face earlier.” She says chuckling.

“How about Friday night?” I ask as we walk up the stairs to her door.

“That would be great. Hand me your phone.” I do as she asks and she types in her number and sends herself a text. “Let me know what time and if there is a dress code.” She smiles and I feel myself blush a little.

“Good night Mae.” I lean to the side and kiss her on the cheek. She has a look on her face and I know she is wondering why just the cheek. “I wanna save the first real kiss for when you can’t standing waiting anymore.”

“Good night Alex.”

Chapter 7

Mae

As I walk into my apartment I hear a ding coming from my phone. I look to see Alex has texted me. A smile lights up my face as I close the door and lock it. I sit on the sofa and open my messages.

Alex: I had the most fun today that I’ve had in years.

Mae: Me too!!!!! Although I don’t think your friends will recover from our display.

Alex: No we definitely got them good.

Mae: You are a great partner in crime. I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship/relationship.

Alex: I think so too. You have no idea how long I have been waiting for you.

Mae: Oh, I think I do. Just because I have an ex doesn’t mean that it was all that great. Remember he’s an ex for a reason. LOL

Alex: Well he must be the biggest idiot on the planet then. I wouldn’t give you the chance to make me an ex. LOL

Mae: You’re too sweet!

Alex: It comes easy when I’m with you. Sweet Dreams.

Mae: Sweet Dreams Alex.

I felt myself biting my lower lip trying to keep from smiling so much. In just a few short hours this guy has gone from handsome stranger to guy I could see myself dating long term. I’m not usually one to jump into a long-term relationship but this guy just screams boyfriend material. With this realization, I know that I need to call Erica.

“Please tell me your date went as well as mine.” She says as soon as she picks up.

“Well, how well did yours go?” It has been ages since I heard her so happy.

“Tom was amazing! We talked about everything and we are so much alike. I even told him about my past. He was so kind and sweet.” She sounds over the moon. I pray that it isn’t too good to be true.

“Well, then I guess we both had amazing dates. I didn’t go into dating details with him, but Erica he is someone I could date long-term.”

“So does that mean you are giving up on the I’m good single life?”

“Yeah, I think that if it is with Alex I can give it another chance. In just one night the guy has managed to unfreeze my heart.” I smile as I say this.

We spend the next hour talking about our dates and deciding that we’re going to have dinner sometime this week with Max. I see the time and turn in for the night. I hope the week flies b because I can’t wait to see Alex again.

The next day at work is busy. Rosetta needs deserts for the diner and I am introducing some new puffed pastries. When Max comes in he jumps into work and of course asked a million questions about my date. His phone is blowing up and I smirk to myself knowing why.

“So, She’s not taking the breakup well huh?” I try to not laugh as I ask.

“That obvious I see.” I nod and smile at him. “I’m trying Mae. She isn’t the one. I just can’t handle her. She’s acting pretty stalkerish.” I stop what I’m doing and look at him

“You should report her.” He shakes his head at this.

“I’m a guy. I can handle one small woman.” He smirks and laughs at this.

“Not if she pulls a knife or gun on you. Please be careful. I can’t lose you just because of some stalker.” I stick my tongue out at him and try to make him smile.

“Mae there’s a delivery out front for you.” The girl manning the register yells.

I walk up front to see a beautiful vase full of daffodils. The girl points to them and smiles. In all of the years that I have been here, I have never gotten flowers. Maz comes walking over and whistles when he sees them. And of course, Rosetta walks in just in time to see them.

“Told you that boy liked you!” She says smiling.

I grab the card and read “To a beautiful new beginning Love Alex”. My cheeks instantly flame and I hear Max die laughing. I have always blushed for some reason. I embarrass easily and even though I’m not as innocent as I once was, I still do this.

“I take it your date went well yesterday?” Rosetta asks.

“Yes and we’re going out again this Friday. It was the best date I’ve had in a long time, maybe even ever.”

She smiles and claps her hands. Rosetta has always wanted me to find someone who makes me happy. She was with me when I caught my ex cheating. I have never seen her so angry. She hauled off and slapped him and the girl before I could even get a word in. It turned out that this was just one of the many times he had been cheating. All in all, he got off easy with only the one slap.

“I’m calling Alex to get the inside scoop.“She turns and runs back out the door before I can stop her.

“Lord, please don’ let her embarrass me,” I grumble as I grab the vase and head to the back.

I grab my phone and text a thank you to Alex. I hoped that he was as excited about our date as I was and the flowers just proved that he was. How was I going to make it until Friday? I may end up stalking him just to get a chance to see him. Now I sound like Max’s crazy ex.

“I think that you and lover boy are going to work out just fine,” Max says smiling.

“What makes you say that?” I have no idea where he is going with this.

“In all the years I have known you I have never seen that smile on your face. Dipshit never put it there and none of the random dates did either. You really like this guy and I think he really likes you too. So that is why I think that it is all going to work out.” Max says with a smirk.

I finished up my work for the day and started to head out the door. My phone had no missed calls or messages so I guessed Alex was busy. I walked out onto the sidewalk to see Alex in a suit leaned up against a car.

I made my way over to him with a huge smile on my face.

“I couldn’t wait till Friday to see you. I finished my work early in hopes that I could take you to an early dinner.” Alex says as he takes my hand and pulls me into a huge.

“Well, you my friend are in luck because I wanted to see you just as badly.” I hug him back and then he pulls back and looks me in the eyes.

“Friend?” He raises an eyebrow in question. I feel my stomach erupt into butterflies and I know that my face is probably the color of a fire truck.

“What should I call you then?” I say raising my own brow. How the hell am I able to flirt like this? I have never been able to have a back and forth like this. Maybe I just got better over time or maybe I just finally have the right man to flirt with.

“I think that by the end of the night I would like to be something much more than your friend. I may be moving too fast but, I’m afraid that if I don’t someone is going to steal you away.” He whispers in my ear.

I feel myself shiver at his words and I can’t help but feel like I am falling just as fast myself. I have never met anyone that I felt an instant connection. Alex is the first guy to ever get this type of reaction from me. My ex never made me feel these things. I loved him but the spark and fire that I feel with Alex were never there.

“Would you run away terrified if I say that you’re making me fall too fast? I have never felt this way in my life.” I pull back and look into his eyes.

“No, I would run. I would just say that makes two of us.” He takes his hand and pushes a flyaway hair behind my ear. “Let me take you out and spend the evening with just the two of us. And at the end of the night, we can answer that pesky question of what we really are to each other.”

Chapter 8

Alex

I was never this impulsive. Showing up at Mae’s workplace was something that I would never do, but after last night I could stand it. I had to see her. I have never had a date that affected me so much. We had more fun in that short amount of time than I have had in years.

The girl was growing on me faster than I wanted to admit. But the thing is that I can’t help but admit it. I wanted to spend every second that I could with her. Just hearing her voice telling me another story from her past or see her smile made my stomach flip flop.

Those are the reasons that I am with her now. We get into my car, and I drive us to Rosetta’s diner. I wanted to spend time together in a place that we both felt comfortable. I didn’t feel like I had to do anything special to impress her. She was the type of girl who wanted something of substance, not appearance.

As we walk in, I notice that Rosetta is standing in the back corner talking to some customers, so I take Mae by the hand and lead her to a table.

“You do know that as soon as she sees us that we are not going to be able to enjoy any time alone. She’ll be watching like it is her personal soap opera.” Mae says giggling.

“I may have talked to her already and told her not to do that,” I say, peaking up from the menu.

“She called you earlier, didn’t she?” The look on her face says that she already knows the answer.

“Yes, and she may have given me the push I needed to come and see you.” I smile at her and wink.

“Sounds like her. She was so excited to see the flowers. I think we are like her new project or something. She has been after me for years to get out there and “find my man” as she calls it.” Mae says this, doing the air quotes.

“Me too, but I told her I prefer women.” Mae starts laughing, and I can tell that she is one of those people who find dad jokes funny.

“What can I get you two?” Rosetta says as she walks over with a grin on her face.

“I’ll take my usual,” Mae says. I wonder how often she eats here.

“I’ll have mine as well,” I say, smiling at the woman who wants nothing more than to have us married within the week.

“It will be coming right up.” Rosetta walks off, and I can tell she is fighting the urge to turn around and watch us.

“It’s killing her to not look back,” Mae is trying hard not to laugh at our friend.

“Yeah, she is fighting pretty hard. So how often do you eat here? I haven’t seen you when I’m here.”

“Oh, a couple of times a week. I usually come around three in the afternoon. I work earlier hours, so I miss the rushes.” She smiles at me, and I can’t fight the smile that I give her back.

“So, Alex. What are we doing? I need to know because my heart feels like it may burst at any moment.” Mae says suddenly. Her cheeks are red, and she looks flushed like it took everything in her to ask that question.

“I know that for most people, one date isn’t enough time to get to know a person. But yesterday was amazing, and I feel like I could tell you anything already. Mae, I want to give us a shot. I know it’s fast, but I can’t help but feel like you’re the one I have been waiting on.” I say all this and look in her eyes and see the same emotions running through her.

“Thank God you feel the same. I was ready to make a mad dash if you didn’t. I don’t do things like this. I don’t date or have relationships, so I am out of my depth here.” She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.

“Do you mind if I ask what happened?” I know that I am prying into an area that she may not be comfortable sharing just yet.

“I was engaged to a man named Tanner about five years ago. We had dated a while, and then he popped the question. I thought that we were happy and that he was the one. I should have known better because you have already stirred up more in me in just one day than he did the entire time we were together.” She stops and takes a sip of water.

“You don’t have to…”

“No, I want to. I was already working for Rosetta at the time, so she and I were out looking for some supplies for a cake I was making. We walked by a restaurant, and Tanner was making out with some girl. Rosetta slapped him and the girl before I could even think straight. It turns out that Tanner had been cheating on me the entire time we were together.”

To say that I was shocked would be an understatement. Mae was an amazing woman, and to think that a man was lucky enough to claim her as his and then to turn and do that is unbelievable. I take her hand in mine as a show of comfort.

“He said that I just wasn’t enough for him. Even though I was a great girlfriend, I wasn’t the best looking girl out there, and that these gorgeous girls were what filled the needs that he had.”

“What a dick!” I burst out. I couldn’t get the words out of my head. Mae was beautiful. “Don’t think that his words are the truth. Mae, you’re gorgeous. You are a natural beauty. You don’t put all that crap on your face and you have a glow about you. It sounds like he wants someone who is fake.”

“Well, I try to not focus on his words but I can’t help but feel that way sometimes. I’m sure that since it ended he has spent his time with all the beautiful women he comes in contact with. Hopefully, he got an STI.” She laughed at the end. I grab my glass and hand her hers.

“Here is to karma and STI’s.” We clink our glasses together and laugh.

Rosetta brings our food out and we dig in. We talk the whole time and I enjoy just spending time with her. She has a way of bringing out my playful side that is refreshing. I feel like a teenager again and I love it. I worked so hard in school to make sure I had good grades that I often forgot to have fun.

When we finish I grab the check to pay before she can get her hands on it. I laugh at her sulking face and walk up to the register. Rosetta is there waiting on me and she is smiling like it’s her birthday and Christmas altogether.

“Nothing makes me happier than to see you two together. I would have never thought of setting you up myself but you two are perfect for each other.” She says as she rings me up.

“I have to say that I think that you are right. I can’t stop thinking about her and I have more fun with her than I have ever had. I’m going to do everything in my power to make her happy. I just have a huge desire to make her smile.” I know that after saying that I am grinning the cheesiest grin ever, but I don’t care. She is worth it.

As we leave I take her hand and lead her back to my car She smiles and leans into me and I feel complete. I feel like this is where I am supposed to be, and the way she acts leads me to believe that she feels the same. We get into the car and I don’t start it right away.

“I really don’t want tonight to end yet?” I say and look over at her. She smiles and it takes my breath away.

“Come over and watch a movie with me?” She asks and she seems a bit nervous.

“Yes, please. But can we stop by mine first and let me get something a little less suit like to wear?” She laughed and nods her head in reply.

“I hope you like horror movies because I have a new one and you are going to watch it with me.” She says in all seriousness.

“Only if you let me have popcorn,” I say and put on the serious negotiator face I have for work.

“Only if you let me have my starburst.” She counters raising a brow. I stick out my hand to her.

“Deal.” We say at the same time and shake on it.

Chapter 9

Mae

Once we reach my apartment, we are both a giggling mess. The whole trip to his house and mine we have been sharing embarrassing stories from our teen years. To say that we both made complete fools of ourselves often would be an understatement. The late ’90s and early 2000s were an awkward time for us all.

“So welcome to the Palace ala Mae.” I wave my hands around like I’m Vanna White on the Wheel of Fortune. This earns me a laugh. “Make yourself at home. The kitchen is through there fully stocked with popcorn. I am going to change real quick, and then I’ll get the movie.” I smile at him and head into my bedroom.

When I come out, I find Alex in the kitchen making popcorn and grabbing drinks from the fridge. We get everything together and head into the living room. I bring up the movie and sit back on the sofa with Alex. I grab a throw and cover our legs. We each grab our snacks and get ready.

“Now, I want you to know that this may be super gory. It is an older French Zombie movie, and I just found it.” I look over and see Alex staring at me. “What?”

“You just looked cute taking all excitedly about some random zombie movie. I couldn’t help but watch you.” He shrugs his shoulders as he says this.

I grab some popcorn and throw it at him. His face is hilarious as he is shocked that I did that. I start laughing and look at him to see he isn’t laughing. Did I do something to upset him?

“I know that you don’t like being called cute, but let’s not take it out on my true love ok.” He is all serious as he says this.

“Your true love?” I know my face probably looks like some toddler who is trying to learn something for the first time.

“Um yeah. The popcorn duh.” He starts laughing, and I can’t help but laugh with him.

“You had me there for a second. I was just about to kick off the couch if you said that you loved someone other than me.” I give him a smirk.

“Possessive much?” He asks.

“Maybe. You’ll have to wait and find out.” I wiggle my eyebrows at him.

The movie starts, and we both get engrossed in it. There are several times that we both jump. I will need to vacuum the floor tomorrow. We both keep moving closer to each other throughout the whole movie. I eventually end up leaning against him with his arm around my shoulder.

To be honest, I don’t think that either of us realized we were sitting that way until we had been that way for a while. The movie ends, and we are sitting there together. I turn and look up at him and see that he is already looking down at me.

“You are very comfortable to lean against,” I whisper to him.

“You are very nice to hold onto.” He whispers back.

“Why are we whispering?” I ask as I lean into his ear. He does the same to me.

“I only did it because you were. I thought maybe you were scared that if you got too loud, the zombies were going to eat you.” He smirks as he says this.

“Maybe I’m not scared of them, but someone else eating me,” I say and pull back to look into his eyes.

“I may not eat you tonight, but I am definitely going to kiss you.”

He takes his hands and grabs the sides of my face and gently pulls me in, and lays his lips over mine. The kiss is slow and firm. I let him take the lead because the man knows what he is doing. I feel myself melting into a puddle of goo, and if it wasn’t for his strong hands holding my face, I may disappear.

I have no idea how long we kissed, but it felt like I could lose touch with reality with his kisses. I finally pull back to breathe and open my eyes to see him smiling softly at me. He leans his forehead against mine, and I smile widely.

“That has to have been the best first kiss ever,” I say to him laughing a little.

“You aren’t kidding. I may have to do that again.”

With that, his lips are back on mine, and I can’t help but lose myself all over again. My hands make their way into his hair, and I feel the kiss starting to get deeper and more urgent. For me, it has been a while since I have kissed someone, but it is like I never stopped. Our mouths mold together perfectly, and we both seem to know what we are doing, which is a plus.

“If we don’t stop now I may not be able to.” He says as he pulls back and looks me in the eye.

“Yeah, as much as I’m loving this, I don’t want to take it too fast and ruin it,” I say and kiss his cheek. “You have given me hope that I can be happy. I will say though, that if I don’t get to bed soon, I will be a horrible person to deal with tomorrow.”

“Will you be free tomorrow night?” He asks with a twinkle in his eye.

“I have plans tomorrow, sorry. Besties night.” I smile at him, and he gives me a heart-stopping smile.

“Well, can I at least text you tomorrow?” I feel my face heat up a little.

I have never had a guy be so persistent in talking to me. My ex would go for days not answering my messages and would often act like he never got them. Dumbass didn’t realize I could see when the message was viewed. Now that I look back at that relationship I have no clue what I was thinking.

“I do believe I could pencil in some text time for you.” My smile was taking up over half my face.

He stands and stretches helping me straighten up the sofa and blankets. We walk to the door and both of us are silent, both lost in our thoughts. We stop at the door and I can’t help but feel lonely with him leaving. I grab his hand and stand still just holding onto it for a few minutes. He turns and wraps me in an embrace and I feel like I am at home.

“I don’t want you to go but I know that we both have work tomorrow. Not to mention it may be a little too soon.” I sigh in frustration. Being a responsible adult sucks big time.

“I know you’re right, but I don’t want to leave either.” He pulls my chin up so that I am looking into his eyes and he gives me another kiss that makes me melt into a mess. “Goodnight Mae.”

He pecks my forehead and leaves. I feel engulfed in flames as my blushing is kicked up a notch. In all of the years of me being with Tanner and all the dates that I have been on, there has never been a kiss that made me feel this way.

I thought that it was just a myth that a kiss could make you feel that way. Yet here I am feeling like a young girl who just got her first kiss. I can only hope that he feels the same way, but something deep inside tells me that he does. The way his eyes light up when he is with me and those kisses are enough for me to see that he is enjoying it just as much.

I make my way to bed and feel almost too giddy to sleep. I know that I have plans with my friends tomorrow and that I should be excited to see them. I know that my excitement isn’t about them, it’s all Alex.

With a smile on my face that just won’t quit, I finally fall asleep. I spend my night having dreams about the man who may very well change my life.

Chapter 10

Mae

The next day at work I received the teasing of a lifetime from Max. Between the flowers and him seeing me leave with Alex, he had plenty of firepower to give me hell. I think I may have blushed continuously for the first three hours we worked together. Rosetta wasn’t much better when she stopped by to pick up some orders for the diner.

“I must say Mae that you and Alex sure looked cozy yesterday. That boy is smitten. I have never seen him smile that much in such a short amount of time.” She wiggles her brows at me. “I hope you know that I want details since I was told to give you two your space.”

Max starts laughing as soon as he looks at my face. I know that it sounds stupid for a thirty-eight-year-old woman to be blushing over this stuff. I can’t help it. I have never and I mean never felt so much for a person in such a short amount of time. Alex has completely taken over my thoughts and I don’t see it ending any time soon.

“All I’m gonna say is that he is all I think about and that I feel like this could work for us both.”

As I say this both of them get a smile on their faces that is one of happiness. They were both there for me when things went south with Tanner and I can’t thank them enough for the support. Max ended up getting arrested for beating the man to the point that I thought he would kill him. After Rosetta had already slapped him, Max just drove the point home that he had royally messed up.

“WE just happy for you darling,” Rosetta says and they both come and hug me.

The rest of the day is a blur of quick texts to Alex and working my but off at the bakery. Max and I leave the bakery and meet up with Erica at our favorite restaurant. She smiles brightly and I feel like I am seeing the old ERrca again. The night is spent laughing and stuffing our faces with the best Mexican food in the city.

Once I reach my apartment I quickly shower and get into my jammies before I start to text Alex. Even though I just saw him last night I am already missing him.

Mae: So it is time for your scheduled text time. Are you ready for this appointment?

Alex: I have been ready since I left your apartment last night. I have outlined some discussion points that I think you will thoroughly enjoy.

Mae: Oh, do tell.

Alex: First point of order. How was your day Baby?

I feel my face pull into a megawatt smile. He called me Baby! Tanner never used put names and at times it was hard to even get him to call me Mae. Alex seemed comfortable enough with me to fall right into a pet name. That makes my heart beat even faster than before.

Mae: It was fantastic other than missing this really cute guy who I can’t seem to get out of my mind.

Alex: You think I’m cute? Lol

Mae: No, I was talking about Edwardo from across the hall. That man has it going on!

Alex: You think you can get me his number? I mean I can share him if you want.

I burst out laughing to the point that I have tears in my eyes. I love how he just goes right along with my stupid behavior like it is normal. No guy I have dated has ever gotten my weird sense of humor before. Alex just keeps racking up the points on the boyfriend scale.

Mae: Only if we keep us on the down-low. He doesn’t know yet and he can get cranky about sharing.

Alex: My lips are sealed. Point of order number two. I miss you way more than I thought possible.

Mae: Damn are you trying to give me a heart attack. You keep making my heart beat so fast. I feel like a teenager with her first crush.

Alex: Is that so. Well, I can honestly tell you that I have never felt like this before. You are making me fall hard and that may be too soon to say but I don’t care.

Mae: You’re gonna make me tell you the truth if you keep talking like that.

Alex: And what is the truth?

Mae: I think I already fell.

Sending that was one of the hardest things to do. I know that we have only just started dating and that for most, it is way too soon to even be thinking about this. I can’t lie to him or myself. I am head over heels for the guy.

I sit and wait for his reply, and it never comes. Ten minutes later, I look down at my phone again, and it still has no messages. Damn, did I scare him away? I didn’t say the three words exactly but I did allude to the fact that I am in love with him. I am just about to burst into tears when my doorbell rings.

I walk over and answer, only to get pushed into the room as the door slams. There stands a panting Alex in a t-shirt and his sleep pants. He quickly grabs my face and plants his lips on mine. His kiss is frantic and passionate.

I can feel his need for me in this kiss. I feel him pulling me even closer, and I feel our bodies pressed so close together that there isn’t even an inch of space between us. This goes on until we can no longer stand it, and we have to breathe.

“I love you.” His words catch me off guard, and my eyes widen. Here I was thinking that I scared him off, and he was on his way to me.

“Really?” I ask, and I feel my eyes tearing up.

“Yes, really.” He smiles and pulls me into a hug.

“I love you too. I thought I scared you away when you didn’t answer.” I wipe my eyes, trying to not cry.

“No, I was running overhear to tell you that. I know it’s fast, but I love you, Mae.” He pulls me close again. “I have been dying to tell you since last night. You had me going crazy on that first date and last night just sealed the deal.”

“People are going to think we are crazy. We haven’t even known each other a week, and we are already in love.” I feel myself giggling a little. “I don’t care what others think, I just don’t want you to change your mind once you get to know me more.”

“What makes you think that? Mae, you are a catch! You’re smart, kind and beautiful!” He has a serious look in his eye like he has to make me believe him.

“No one has called me beautiful before. My ex never told me those things. And I guess that throughout school everyone’s eyes were always on my best friends. I was just that weird girl that Max and Erica hung out with.”

“I haven’t meet them so I have no clue. All I know is that you light up a room and I can’t get my mind or eyes off of you.” He leans down and kisses me again.

This kiss is full of love and comfort. It feels like one of those rainy days where I would wrap up in a warm blanket and sit on the sofa and read. I would be lost in my own world, but safe and happy. Alex is turning into that for me, safety and comfort. I pull back and look up into his sparkling eyes and smile.

“Stay the night?” I am nervous since I haven’t done this sort of thing in years.

“Are you sure? I don’t want you…” I put my finger of his mouth and shush him.

“Alex, when a woman asks you to stay over that means that she wants ride the balony pony.”

Alex’s eyes widen and I have to fight to not laugh. I love throwing him off his game like this. I release myself from him and walk over to the door and lock it. I take his hand and lead him to my bedroom. The poor man has yet to say anything but continues to look like a fish gulping for air.

I see that my plan has worked and he is no longer asking stupid questions. I push him back on the bed, all the while with a face as red as a fire truck. I push the door closed with my foot and let the games begin.