Alyssa's Point Of View
Sugar, Spice, and Everything Not So Nice
The morning sun hadn't even peeked over the horizon when I unlocked the door to Sweet Dreams. The familiar scent of vanilla and cinnamon enveloped me as I flipped on the lights, chasing away the pre-dawn shadows.
Usually, this was my favorite time of day – the quiet before the storm, when anything seemed possible.
But today, possibility felt a lot like dread.
I couldn't shake the memory of last night's encounter with Sage. His refusal to leave, his insistence that he wanted to make things right – it all felt like a bad dream. Except the ache in my chest was all too real.
"Get it together, Alyssa," I muttered to myself, tying on my apron with more force than necessary. "You've got a bakery to run."
As if on cue, the back door swung open, and in walked Mia, my assistant baker. With her bright purple hair and sleeve of cupcake tattoos, Mia looked more like she belonged in a rock band than a quaint small-town bakery.
But her passion for baking rivaled my own, and her creative flair had brought a youthful energy to Sweet Dreams that our customers loved.
"Morning, boss lady!" Mia chirped, far too cheerful for this ungodly hour. Then she caught sight of my face and winced. "Oof. Rough night?"
I sighed, running a hand through my messy bun. "You could say that. How much do you know about what's going on next door?"
Mia's eyes widened. "You mean the new bakery? Sugar Rush, right? Heard it's some fancy chain from the city." She paused, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Also heard the owner's a total hottie."
I couldn't help the snort that escaped me. "Yeah, well, don't get any ideas. Sage Holloway is nothing but trouble."
"Sage Holloway?" Mia gasped. "Wait, isn't that the guy you used to—"
"Ancient history," I cut her off, not ready to rehash my romantic past with my twenty-two-year-old employee. "What matters now is that he's our competition. And we need to step up our game."
Mia nodded, her expression turning serious. "Got it, boss. What's the plan?"
I took a deep breath, centering myself. "We're going to remind this town why they fell in love with Sweet Dreams in the first place. Starting with today's special – Maple Grove Morning Glory muffins."
As we fell into our usual rhythm – Mia mixing batter while I prepared the fruit and nut mixture – I felt some of the tension leaving my shoulders. This was what I was good at.
This was what I had built my life around after Sage left. No matter what happened, I had Sweet Dreams.
The morning rush came and went in a flurry of familiar faces and comforting routines. Old Mr. Jenkins with his black coffee and bran muffin.
The group of young moms who met every Tuesday for lattes and gossip. Even Mayor Thompson stopped by for his usual bear claw, his booming laugh filling the shop as he regaled us with his latest fishing tale.
It wasn't until the mid-morning lull that I allowed myself to look out of the window towards Sugar Rush. The storefront was totally different from Sweet Dreams' cozy exterior – all sleek lines and modern minimalism.
A far cry from the warm, homey bakery Sage and I had once dreamed of opening together.
Just then, a gleaming black Audi pulled into the parking spot right in front of Sugar Rush. My heart clenched as Sage stepped out, looking infuriatingly handsome in a crisp white button-down and dark jeans.
He paused, glancing towards Sweet Dreams, and for a moment our eyes met through the window.
I quickly turned away, busying myself with wiping down the already spotless counter. But not before I saw him start to walk towards my shop.
The bell above the door chimed, and I steeled myself before looking up. Sage stood there, looking annoyingly at ease in my territory.
"Morning, Alyssa," he said, his voice frustratingly gentle. "I was hoping we could talk."
I crossed my arms, fixing him with my best glare. "I think we said everything we needed to say last night, don't you?"
Sage winced, but pressed on. "Look, I know you're angry—"
"Angry?" I cut him off, my voice low but intense. "Angry doesn't begin to cover it, Sage. You left. For four years. And now you think you can just waltz back in here and act like nothing's changed?"
He had the decency to look ashamed. "I know I hurt you, Alyssa. And I'm sorry. I truly am. But I meant what I said last night. I want to make things right."
I laughed, but there was no humor in it. "And how exactly do you plan to do that? By opening a competing bakery right next door? By trying to put me out of business?"
"That's not what I'm trying to do," Sage protested. "Sugar Rush caters to a different clientele. There's room for both of us in Maple Grove."
Before I could respond, the bell chimed again. In walked a woman who looked like she'd stepped straight off a New York runway – sleek black bob, impeccable white pantsuit, red-soled stilettos clicking on the hardwood floor.
"There you are, Sage," she said, her voice clipped and professional. "The health inspector is waiting. We need to get back."
Sage nodded, looking torn. "I'll be right there, Zoe." He turned back to me. "Alyssa, please. Can we talk later? Maybe over coffee?"
I felt a flare of irrational jealousy at the easy familiarity between Sage and this Zoe woman. It only fueled my anger.
"I don't think so, Sage. I'm busy running my bakery. You know, the one you're trying to put out of business?"
Hurt flashed in his eyes, but I forced myself not to care. He opened his mouth to respond, but Zoe cut in.
"Sage, we really need to go. Now."
With a last, lingering look at me, Sage allowed Zoe to lead him out of Sweet Dreams. As soon as the door closed behind them, I let out a shaky breath.
"Wow," Mia's voice made me jump. I'd almost forgotten she was there. "That was intense. You okay, boss?"
I nodded, not trusting my voice. Mia studied me for a moment, then grinned. "You know what you need? A girls' night out. My friend, Jade, is having an open mic night at The Rusty Nail tonight. You should come!"
I started to refuse – I had inventory to do, orders to plan – but something in Mia's eager face made me pause. When was the last time I'd done anything just for fun?
"You know what? That sounds great," I found myself saying. "Count me in."
Mia's answering smile was blinding. "Awesome! It'll be so much fun, you'll see. Oh! We should invite Raine too!"
As Mia bounced off to call Raine, I felt a small spark of excitement. A night out might be exactly what I needed to get my mind off Sage and Sugar Rush.