The first ray of sunlight danced behind my closed eye lids as I slowly woke up to the rhythm of chippering birds. The fire place has lasted throughout the night providing me the much needed warmth and a sense of safety. The last log was turning to  ashes as I shifted my eyes from the window to the fire place. With stiff muscles, I woke up and stretched my hands. Time to wake up and start my first day at the shop. After choosing a warm beige colour knitted frock, I threw it on the bed and got into the shower. The soothing warm water was awakening my body as my mind drifted to yesterday. The old couple was really lovely and as I thought about a way to repay them, one idea stood up. That's it. I should make them a hearty meal. So that they can enjoy my cooking. With a new mission in my mind, I finished the shower and got dressed with the frock and some boots. John was supposed to pick me up today so that he can show me the way to the town. The elderly couple, Maggie and John told me that the town is in walking distance and I decided after learning the route today,  I can go there by myself from tomorrow onwards. They insisted on buying a pick up truck for me, but I politely declined. It's only going to be an added baggage when I leave this place.

Beep....beep....

The sound of beeping snapped me from my train of thoughts and I grabbed my bag and headed towards the porch where John had parked his truck.

"Good morning Vivenna, how did you sleep last night? Any trouble?"

"No trouble at All Mr.Rivera, sorry  John. Everything was fine. I slept like a baby. "

"Good good. And yes please call me John. You are like a daughter to me, who I never had."

"Thank you John. That's really kind of you."

His words made me smile as it reminded me of my parents. The drive to the town was only ten minutes and John showed me the path. It seemed like this town was really small as I was able to count the buildings in the town. The first building was the bank and besides it a small hospital with a lab was situated.  A small school with a train station and a police station was across the bank. The city hall was at the far end of the town and several houses were on the outer skirt of the town. A small antique shop which had a part of it converted into a cafe was beside the hospital and John said it was their shop. The post office which was next to the city hall doubled as part of it converted into a grocery store and a petrol station was across the city hall. At the end of the town the seamstress and a clothing store was located.

John took me around the town in his truck and showed me everything. There were several people going in and out of the buildings and doing their mundane day to day business. We parked in front of his antique shop and was greeted by Maggie.

"Good morning sweetheart, how are you feeling?"

"Good morning Maggie, I am doing great. Thank you. How are you?"

"I am fine dear. Now that you are here to help, I am more than fine!"

She was smiling and her calming nature made me calm and relaxed.
The cafe was still closed as John was not there and Maggie showed me both the cafe and the antique shop, where I was supposed to help them with. It was a small but a cozy shop with one half as the antique shop and the other half as a small cafe. The small kitchen in the back was already busy with sweet aromas of baked goods and a middle aged woman was backing cakes and pastries. Maggie introduced me to her with a warm smile.

"Abbie, this is Vivenna, who will help us with the cafe and antique shop. "

"Nice to meet you ma'am"

"Oh just call me Abby. Nice to meet you too!"

Maggie and I talked with her few minutes and then she went back to cooking. After that we walked around the antique shop and Maggie told me that my main priority will be the cafe. But she also mentioned that if she's not there, I'll have to manage the antique shop as Abby will look after the cafe in such a situation. The shop was really cozy and after getting myself familiar with both sides of the shop I went to help Abby. As a person who loves baking, I loved working in the kitchen and helping her out. As I was pulling out a freshly baked steaming bread from the oven, the door bell chimed. I put the tray on the rack and went out to serve the customer who just got in. He was closing the door as I looked at him. When he turned around I felt like a electric pulse went through my body. His eyes widened for a moment but it was gone before I even saw it. He cleared his throat and I was snapped back to reality.

"Uhmm, excuse me miss I am here to get my usual order. Two loaves of milk bread and two cinnamon rolls please."

My face instantly heated up thinking how stupid I must have looked. I was blantly staring at a middle aged man whose hair is silver gray. And to make things worse he seemed as twice my age. How stupid I am. Gosh I seriously need to get laid. Cursing at my stupidity I turned to the kitchen serving hatch with a nod to inform Abby about the order.

"Abby, there's a gentleman who would like to order two loaves of milk bread and two cinnamon rolls."

"Oh must be Mr.Henderson. Coming right up."

While she was wrapping them with paper I turned towards the middle aged man who is Mr.Henderson.

"That would be five dollars Sir."

"Here you are. Keep the change. If you don't mind me asking, what's your name?"

"Oh it's alright. I am Vivenna."

My blush made me more embarrassed as I replied to him and it made me more embarrassed than before.

"Beautiful name. Vivenna.. "

He seemed to be repeating it to himself more than replying to me and I smiled with gratitude.

"Thank you Sir. And here is your order. Have a nice day."

"It's my pleasure. Thank you. And nice to meet you."

"You too."

With that he went away with a smile on his way. I was smiling the whole time as the way he talked was really gentleman like and soothing. Plus he gave me a tip on my first day. My heart filled with an unknown happiness and Abby, been the nosy little thing poked her head through the serving hatch.

"Now now, don't get your panties in a twist girl, he's married and taken."

She laughed while shaking her head and my face became beet red.

"Why would I? Besides he's close to my father's age."

" I know, I know. I was just joking. He has that effect on most of the women here. You are not the only one."

Her smile relaxed my nerves and I laughed with her. First day to work and I am already enjoying it. I thought to myself as I started serving a group of old ladies who just came through the door.

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A/N

Hi my lovelies,

I hope you enjoy this chapter. Please head to my Patreon page if you want read my most popular book "Under Wolf Law". Thank you for reading my books!

Tara

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