Who: Michael and Audrey When: Late November Where: Baxter Bakery What: Michael swings by for a visit Rating/Warnings: Low/None Status: Complete when posted
Michael was slowly getting into the swing of things with his music being his full time job, he had more time for his friends and was hoping that he would have time to start playing at the Bakery again. Not every week but maybe once a month which was part of why he was swinging by the Bakery to talk to Audrey. The other part of it was that he missed his former boss and wanted to get a pastry. Or two. And maybe some to take home.
He leaned against the counter after he placed his order, waving at some of the regulars he knew and waited until he caught Audrey’s eye to wave as he called back. “Got a few minutes to talk?”
***
Audrey was in the back of the bakery, talking with her bakers. They were working full-time now, as the wholesale business was booming. She was selling bread to restaurants and pastries to other coffee shops. And the cafe was running swimmingly. Izzy had things so under control that Audrey was considering opening a second shop. It was a dream, she wasn’t ready for it yet, but she was considering it.
When she came back out and saw Michael, a bright grin crossed her features. She laughed as she responded. “Of course I do! It’s been a long time, Stranger!” And she came around the counter to hug him tightly.
***
Michael hugged her back with a grin. “I know. I already got reminded by Izzy that I wasn’t keeping up my end of the deal and hanging out. Sorry about that but I’m trying to fix it.” Audrey was a friend as well as his old boss. “That’s actually part of what I wanted to talk to you about.” He grabbed his order off the counter as the worker placed it there and headed towards an empty table, stopping to talk to one of the customers who called his name for a minute on the way. That had been one of his favorite parts of working here - talking to the people who came in and getting to know them.
“I was going to ask how things had been going but I can see it. This is really great Audrey,” he told her before taking a bite of his pastry. He meant how well her business was going and the pastry both were great. Equally so. “I had two reasons to come by today. Well three I guess if you count wanting something sweet,” he told her with a grin.
“I was wondering if maybe there was any way I could come back to play one night a month?” he asked, wanting to get it out of the way so that they could talk about other stuff and just catch up.
***
Audrey hung up her apron behind the counter, then came around to follow Michael over to one of the tables. She smiled and greeted a couple of people along the way, just as he did. It was a family more than anything else. Even though it was a business, Audrey cared a great deal for all of her employees and all of her customers.
She slipped into the seat opposite his and folded her hands on the table to listen. “Oh, of course you can come back and play.” Audrey said, giving a little laugh. “I was worried for a minute there. You’re more than welcome. Hey, it’d bring in more customers for me, so it’s a win-win.” Audrey knew that Michael’s music career was taking off, and she was very proud.
***
Michael grinned at her when he heard Audrey laugh, tension leaving him. And then what she said sank in. “What were you worried about?” he asked. “You didn’t think I’d come by with bad news did you?” They could figure out what night he’d play later.
***
“I don’t know… maybe?” Audrey beamed. “But I’m glad you’re gonna play again. I’ve missed hearing your music live. It’s great on the radio, but it’s just not the same.” She’d been so impressed when his single started to play over the speakers in the shop. She’d stopped all the customers talking so they could all listen.
“Do Thursday nights still work for you?”
***
“I’d text you with bad news. That way you couldn’t throw anything at my head or yell at me over whatever stupid thing I’d done,” Michael joked. Actually if it had been bad news he’d have called and asked if he could come by her and Merlin’s house. That way there’d be less of an audience to hear whatever it was. More privacy for any reactions. “I’ve missed playing here. The audience was always great and it was just really comfortable for me. Relaxing.” Plus playing here would help him remember the good parts of his career and why he loved it. He hoped.
“Thursday still works. I was thinking maybe the third Thursday each month?”
***
“The third Thursday of each month sounds perfect.” Audrey said, giving him a bright smile. “I’ll put it on the calendar, and make some flyers to post up.” She was excited to have him back playing at the bakery again, not only because it brought more people into her shop, but because it was good for his career, too.