“Or I could just Google it and save us the long ride in case it's shut down. Even if it's not, we could always ask for delivery.” I suggested.
Not that I wasn't grateful, but I just couldn't understand his behavior. He was behaving like this was his own Mum's birthday and not mine.
“Or we could still go for a long ride where you give me a tour of your town. Come on! I'll be waiting outside.” He was outside the room already.
Rolling my eyes, I checked if the bakery still existed. It did. I quickly stepped into the bathroom to freshen up and went downstairs.
Mum was already back from work and I could see her purse lying on the couch. I was really glad I didn't have to worry about leaving Mia alone in the house. I locked the front door and went outside.
Alex was already sitting in the car, waiting for me to join.
“You look nice.” He flashed me a smile before starting the engine and driving out of the driveway.
I looked down at myself. “I'm in my pajamas.”
“You look nice in everything and nothing.”
I felt my cheeks heat up and I turned to the window to conceal a smile.
We were silent for the next few minutes and Alex reached forward to play a soft song on the stereo.
“I just remembered something,”
“What?”
“That gown I wore to the dinner. Stephanie forced me into wearing it. I'm still not sure it was meant for me and I promise to return it.”
“No. I bought it for you.” He smiled.
“Oh, thank you.”
“You looked really beautiful in it. Just like I had pictured before buying it.” I felt my heart flutter at his words.
Get a hold of yourself, Sophia!
***
We got to the bakery and Alex suggested we get a little pastry to ‘check out the bakery taste’ before buying the actual cake.
“Mm.. this is delicious.” He shoved a piece of the chocolate pastry in his mouth. “I approve.” He stated after a while.
“Of course.” I rolled my eyes, walking up to the counter. Mum would probably love a chocolate cake.
I ordered a small chocolate cake and before Alex could proceed to pay, I quickly extended my card on the counter.
“I got this.”
He didn't argue, just stood right there waiting for our order to be done, his back against the counter lazily leaning against it.
The chiming of a bell indicated that there was a new customer. At first, I didn't pay much attention but when I found Alex smiling at someone behind me, I turned around in confusion.
A girl was walking up to us with a flirty smile directed at Alex. She looked young, like someone in her late teens. He shifted over to give her some space at the counter, and she muttered a quick ‘thanks’.
I rolled my eyes.
“Hi, I would like to order a chocolate croissant.” She spoke to the lady behind the counter and she nodded, telling her that her order would take a few minutes.
She then turned towards Alex. “Hi, I'm Shonda.” She extended her hand for a handshake.
Alex, who was busy checking out the wall menu, turned to her.
“Alex.” He shook her hand.
“Wow, I love your name.” She chuckled. “Gives off a total bad boy vibe.”
Why do I get the feeling that she was going to say that anyway, no matter what name he called?
I tapped my fingers against the counter impatiently, just waiting for the cake so we could leave.
“Are you new here? I haven't seen you around.” She spoke in her annoying voice again.
“I'm just visiting.”
“Thought so.” She chuckled. “I would know it if you lived around here. You're kinda hard to miss.”
Alex chuckled. “That's really—”
“So you know everyone living around here?” I cut in with a sarcastic smile. “Get a hobby, girl.”
The smile vanished from her face and out of the corner of my eye, I could see Alex throwing me amused glances.
The girl, Shonda, seemed to recollect herself pretty quickly as she put on another fake smile when her order arrived.
“I can't believe what you have to put up with.” She said to Alex while cutting a glance at me. “So spiteful.”
I clenched my fists in anger, resisting the urge to give her a black eye. I didn't want to end up in jail and ruin my Mum's birthday which I was sure would happen if I did that.
“What the fuck is your problem?” I snapped.
“You're a bitch.” She spat.
My jaw dropped open in surprise and seeing the look of anger on my face, Alex quickly stepped in front of me, giving the girl enough time to walk out.
“Calm down.” He muttered.
“No violence in my shop!” The lady behind the counter shouted at me.
“We're sorry,” Alex said.
Why was he acting like I was the foolish one? He heard her call me a bitch.
I stepped up to the counter with a scowl. “You owe me a cake.”
“Sophia. Hey.” Alex placed his hands on my shoulders, giving it a little squeeze. “Why don't you go wait in the car and I'll get the cake?
I cut a glance at him. “Fine.”
With that, I left the shop and waited in the car. Looking out the car window, I took deep breaths to calm myself down.
I was surprised at how worked up I could get over the thought of another girl flirting with him. I just wanted a cake for my mum and now some idiot just had to go ruin my mood.
I shut my eyes and leaned back against the seat for a few minutes until I heard Alex open the backdoor to place the cake there.
Feeling his eyes on me once he hit the driver's seat, I turned to face him.
“Hey.. are you alright?” He asked.
I nodded slightly, looking away.
“Damn!” He chuckled and I whipped my head to look at him in surprise, wondering what was so funny.
“That was good.” He said as he drove the car away from the bakery.
Was he talking about the pastry he had at the bakery?
“Huh?” I was a little baffled.
“I love it when you act jealous.” He shook his head with another laugh.
Ohhh…
“You are trouble, Sophia O'Brien.”