Re: Crust & Crumb - Bruce / Iris
It was another thing that set him apart - usually the customers who came in already knew what they were coming for. The schedule of offerings (other than the seasonal items) hadn't changed in years. Iris had grown to know what day it was just by the smell from the ovens and the texture of dough under her hands. "Well, everything's good." She didn't do small talk very well or very often (though better than she used to), but without an assistant in the bakery, she had to be the one to handle everything. Including the customers. "But if you don't see something today, it'll change tomorrow." And she gestured at the board, the bright and colorful one with the list of offerings.
She was quiet then, for a moment, glad that there was at least the counter to stand behind (though she'd been sitting when the man had pushed through the door). Always glad for that barrier between her and the people who came in. Being better at the small talk didn't mean that all of those scars from her past were gone. It made her glad for the framework of bakery-related conversation. "Is it a sweet or savory sort of day?"