9: I wish he could see me

Gina had awoken from a long, dreamless and peaceful sleep.

Today was a Wednesday morning and just like every other daybreak, she had just rounded up her early morning routine.

She had dressed in agreeable work attire, had just put on her other shoe and ran down the steps to the welcoming aroma of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee.

It was a scent that Gina would never get used to.

It filled the air as she rushed down the steps. Her little brother, Peter stirred his cereal, a discontented sigh escaping his lips.

He had stopped being a happy, overly active little boy and had morphed into a mostly grumpy teenager.

"What's your problem?" Gina asked him as she took a piece of toast bread from her father's plate.

"Hey!" Her father complained, "That's mine. I need all the bread I Can get"

"You eat too much bread anyway,Dad" Gina replied with a playful smile. "I don't see your mom complaining"

"I do complain, Jimmy" Her mother replied, "Don't worry about it. I'll make you some more"

"Why, thank you darling. At least one woman under his roof is nice to me"

Gina and Her mother laughed.

"What's up with you, Peter?" She asked again.

"Dude, maybe mind your business" he snapped but Gina was unfazed.

"What's wrong? Popular kid at school took your crush on a date?" She teased and he glared at her.

"Shut up, Gina!"

"That's enough, you two!" Their father chided them both with a mouth full of toast.

"Honestly, Why can't you two try to get along?"

Their mother asked as she took her seat at the dining table,

"And as for you," she smacked her husband's arm, "What did I say about talking with your mouth full? You're going to end up choking if you keep that up"

Peter scoffed and got to his feet, flinging his backpack over his shoulder.

"I'm going to school. See you guys later"

He kissed his parents goodbye, raised his middle finger to Gina who blew him a kiss in return and quickly ran out the front door before his mother could berate him.

"Honestly," Gina's mother, Amanda began, "Where does he get that attitude from?"

"He's a teenager, mom. That weird little attitude always comes with the age"

Gina answered as she pulled his unfinished bowl of cereal to herself and began to eat it.

"I never acted that way as a teenager. I was a properly happy young man. That's how your mother fell in love with me in the first place" Her father, Harry said with a proud smile on his face.

"Then I guess we all know what the issue is. He probably got his attitude from Mom"

"Damn straight" Harry concurred. Harry and Gina shared a laughed and Amanda scoffed, fighting back a smile of her own.

"Oh, cut it out you too. You know, Gina, you should also try being nice to your brother,"

she took a sip of Harry's coffee and waved off his complaints, "Once me and your dad are gone to heaven, he's all you're going to be left with"

Gina looked up at her parents, She knew one day that they would be gone and she didn't know how she was ever going to survive that level of grief.

They were the kindest and most loving people she had ever met.

As impossible as that sounded, she never wanted them to die.

She wished that they'd live forever.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah I know," she finished the cereal, "why do you have to be so morbid on such a fine morning anyway?"

"Took the words right out of my mouth" Harry said.

"Harry!" His wife smacked his hand, "I'm trying to pass an important message here"

Harry cleared his throat.

"I mean, listen to your mother. She's the all knowing and you must never question her"

Gina chuckled at her mother's frustration and her father's fake look of innocence.

She checked her watch and got to her feet.

"Oh my goodness. You guys, I think I need to be heading out too"

"Another busy day at the bakery, sweetheart?" her mother asked, her voice warm with affection.

Gina smiled.

"Another day, another batch of delicious pastries, Mama. And the amount of customers we're getting these days is just insane," she hung her tote bag over her shoulder, "You wouldn't believe the line of customers waiting for our pan dulce. Yesterday was a freaking circus."

Her father chuckled.

"Those pastries of yours are legendary, kid. The whole neighborhood raves about them."

Gina blushed.

"Come on, Dad. I know you're lying" Harry shook his head. "I would never lie to my baby girl. I could definitely lie to your mother though"

"Harry!"

"What? You lied to me about going on a diet that one time"

"I did start the diet," she took a sip of his coffee again, "eventually"

"You see, couples lie to each other all the time," he looked up at Gina, "Now remember baby girl, the key to a happy marriage is to know when to lie to your husband"

"That's terrible advise, daddy," she went around the table and gave them both kisses, "See you two later”

After a round of warm hugs, Gina headed out the door, her heart light with the warmth of family affection.

The walk to the bakery wasn't too far. She arrived at the place about ten minutes after leaving home.

The morning rush was already in full swing.

Customers lined up, eager to get their hands on the day's delectable treats.

Gina moved to the counter, placing her apron over her neck.

Her colleague Cookie was attending to the waiting customers.

She let out a sigh of relief as she saw Gina.

"Girl, it took you long enough" she said. "Wow, they really came out of the woodworks today huh?" Gina asked.

"You're the one who came up with that recipe and now they won't quit. I swear there's some witchcraft in that thing"

she pointed at a customer,

"Sir, do not push or I will drag you out of this store single-handedly. Don't test me"

"Easy, Cookie. Who pissed you on your bed?"

She smiled at the man in question, "My apologies, Sir"

"He is a grown ass man pushing other folks" Cookie murmured under her breath.

Gina chuckled and with practiced ease,handled and handed customers orders.

Her hands a blur of motion as she worked quickly.

The rest of the morning was spent on her and Cookie serving customers, answering questions, and keeping the display cases stocked.

After the morning rush, Cookie and Gina had some time on their hands to relax.

"That was one wild ride,"Cookie commented, "we'll be all sold out at this rate"

"That's a good thing. At least we get to close up shop early" Gina responded as she put a small piece of cake in her mouth.

Workers were allowed one small, free pastry every day.

"Any plans for later?" Cookie asked "Nothing really. I think I might start working on a book" Gina said

"Any ideas yet?" "Maybe about a girl too scared to start up her own bakery"

"So, an autobiography then" Gina laughed and shook her head.

"Don't be like that"

"What? It's true. Look how many people keep rolling in here because of your recipe. You should start your own bakery," she yawned, "it's a good thing you didn't tell the boss your recipe"

"Yeah and she kept pushing and asking"

"And you keep on holding that secret close to your chest, you hear me?" Gina chuckled. "Yes, ma'am"

"Because the minute that lady knows how you do what you do and she manages to perfect it. You are out of here sis. And I bet her little evil self won't even feel bad about it"

"You think she would really do something like that?"

Gina asked. She sounded almost concerned and a bit skeptical that something like that could happen.

"I don't know but you can't trust none of these folks."

"But, would she though?"

"She wouldn't be the first" Cookie responded.

They were still in the middle of their conversation when he walked in.

Ramon.

Tall and handsome, with a mischievous glint in his dark eyes, he moved through the bakery with the same confident stride that made her heart flutter.

He wore a simple t-shirt and jeans, his attire clearly mimicking his easygoing nature.

Cookie flashed Gina a knowing smile and walked away, loudly making an excuse about checking if the new orders had arrived.

Gina's heart skipped a beat.

She'd known Ramon since she was thirteen and had loved him ever since, their families living just a few houses apart.

However, when his parents passed, he left town only to return a handsome man who took her breath away each time.

He was a constant presence in her mind. He was a good man with a kind heart.

He had taken up the role of a father to his little sister. It was a far cry from an easy job but he did it anyway.

He strolled down the aisle, his gaze sweeping over the pastries.

He picked up a loaf of bread, a bag of sweet rolls, and then began to pile his basket high with cookies , chocolate cakes, and soda.

Gina watched his every move.

She had never pegged him for a sweet tooth. Maybe Theresa was craving something sweet.

All children liked all things sugar and spice.

"Hey there, Gee" he greeted with a warm smile as he placed the basket on the counter and watched her bag them.

Gina couldn't help but smile back at him.

"This is some shopping you're doing. Planning a party, Ramon?" she teased, her voice light and playful.

He chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that sent sweet shivers down her spine.

"Something like that," he replied, his eyes twinkling.

"That's odd. I didn't get my invite"

"It's a little thing for Tee and I" he replied, his smile unwavering.

"Ah, I see," she said, trying to conceal her disappointment. "This is quite a lot and here I thought you were finally going to treat yourself to some healthy snacks."

"I eat healthy sometimes and I still look good"

Gina tried to force her eyes not to run up and down his body.

He did look good enough to eat.

"Yes, yes you are a good looking chap. But still....."

He shrugged.

"A man needs his vices, Gina."

"Hey, I've been meaning to ask, How's Theresa doing?"

He sighed.

"On the good days, it's great but when it rains...."

"It pours huh?" She asked and he nodded.

"We'll get the surgery soon. That much I know. Till then we will just have to hope that the medication helps"

"Theresa is a strong little lady," she placed a comforting hand on his and smiled, "You're an amazing brother. Not a lot of people can do the things that you do. You hang in there okay"

He grinned, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary.

"I really appreciate that, Gina. Don't worry, I will." He took out one of the cakes he got and placed it on the counter. "You should have one. For being an awesome friend" he offered.

Gina's heart leaped.

"Oh really? thanks"

He smiled again.

"No, thank you. Hopefully, I'll get to see you around, Gee."

He turned to leave, her gaze lingering on his body for a beat too long. Gina felt a blush creeping up her cheek.

She wanted to say something more, to maybe even suggest they grab coffee sometime.

But before she could utter a word, he was gone, disappearing out the door with a wave and a smile.

Gina watched him go, a sigh escaping her lips.