When it came to his job, Rene could be punctual. He fast and focused in the ambulance or on the fire truck. But… anywhere else? Punctuality was not his strong point. So for him, it was really not a surprise that he went sliding through the door of Chapa about 13 minutes late. The charity event was in a few hours, and he was already dressed for the part, in crisp paramedic blues - though he already had the promise of those being long gone after a few donations.
He pushed his sunglasses up on top of his head and looked around a little helplessly, even though he’d been here a dozen times. His inability to cook well often became a “let’s go out to eat”, and Chapa was a favorite of his and company. But walking in and demanding baked goods seemed rude, so he just waited for someone to rescue him, so he could charm them with a smile.
Riley had been expecting him, but she was running a bit late, too, putting the finishing touches on the assortment of desserts she had baked for the occasion. She’d baked a few dozen of each item before packing them up, a dozen in each colorful box. After closing the last box, she carried them all out, flashing a smile at one of her staff who opened the door for her.
“I hope I haven’t kept you waiting long,” she said as she set the boxes on the counter and offered Rene an apologetic smile.
“Oh, not at all!” Rene grinned with a smooth ease as he straightened the moment she came out. People who were later than him were the best kind of people - they always shared a camaraderie in that sense. Even better when it was someone interesting.
He peeked into the boxes, and put a dramatic hand over his heart while he pretended to melt. Though, it wasn’t much of pretend when he was usually suitably impressed by those who could bake. “You are a kitchen goddess, sent from the heavens. This looks remarkable.”
Riley’s cheeks flushed a faint pink at the praise and she couldn’t help smiling. “Anything for such a good cause,” she assured him. “I wasn’t sure what would sell, so I thought I should make a variety.”
Her siblings often teased her for being such a bleeding heart, but she couldn’t help it. Riley was drawn easily to a good cause. If there was someone or something that needed help, she would be there. It was a part of why she sometimes spread herself a little thin volunteering in the community and also why she had somehow ended up with 3 rescue dogs at home. No one would be shocked when she ended up with even more.
Knowing he had a few minutes to spare, Rene popped a hip against the counter and leaned in to her, engaging fully in the conversation. He was good at that, paying attention to people, and the stupid charming smile was all in.
“This is perfect.” And it was, especially when tourists often donated or stopped by on their charity events, but most of them didn’t have cars to participate. Bake sales went over well, and always had. “When we have our next big house dinner, you’re invited. If you’ve met Isaac before, he’s usually our cook. And his molten lava cakes?” Rene blew a kiss to his fingers, eyes closing. “Delicious.”
“Good, I’m glad.” People had different tastes, she knew, and she was hopeful that the variety in what she’d made would lead to more sales.
The invitation earned him a genuine smile back from Riley and she nodded. “I’d really like that,” she said and she meant it. She couldn’t remember if she’d met Isaac, but it would be nice to meet the people her donation was hopefully going to end up helping. The job they did was really important and she was incredibly grateful. “Just tell me when and I’ll be there!”
“You’ll be the first on my contact.” A tilt of his head and Rene backed away a step, genuine smile still stuck on his face. “Actually-” He pulled a pen out of his uniform pocket, and quickly wrote his phone number down on a nearby napkin, passing it across. “This isn’t a come on, I swear to you - but if you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to call or text. If I don’t answer, it’s because I’m in a sweets coma or locked into an emergency.”
Emilia nodded and offered a smile in return. “I’ll keep than in mind,” she assured him. Maybe she would call him sometime.