Raelynn stood in front of the full-length mirror in her bedroom, brushing her hair into place. She tied it up into a loose ponytail, her face softening when she glanced at her reflection. After everything that had happened last night—the tension, the secrets, and almost getting caught snooping—she decided she deserved a break. Today was going to be about her. And snacks.
Her lips curved into a small smile as she grabbed her bag from the dresser. She was determined to stock up on her favorite treats and maybe discover so new ones. Cakes, chocolates, chips—anything to distract herself from the chaos that seed to follow her around lately.
"Hera! You ready?" she called out, walking into the living room.
Hera, serious and quiet as usual, adjusted the strap of her handbag. Raelynn appreciated her presence, even if Hera wasn't the most cheerful person. "Yes. Are we going now?"
"Sure, but you did let Elion know, right?" She didn't want another lecture like last ti. Once Hera confird she had, Raelynn felt they were set.
They headed out of the house, and just as they approached the car, a sharp click of a door closing made them pause. Sloane waved from her own car, her smile as vibrant as ever.
"Heading out?" Sloane asked, leaning out her window.
"Just so grocery shopping," Raelynn replied, waving back. "What about you?"
"Hospital," Sloane said with a small sigh. "Got so work to catch up on."
"Good luck!" Raelynn chirped, waving enthusiastically.
Sloane chuckled and gave a thumbs-up. "You two behave. Don't cause too much trouble."
"No promises," Raelynn teased with a grin.
Sloane waved again before driving off. Raelynn and Hera climbed into their car, the driver holding the door open for them.
The drive was quick, and soon enough, they were there. The grocery store was bustling with activity, carts squeaking and chatter filling the air. Raelynn weaved through the aisles, tossing chips, cookies, and plenty of chocolates into her cart. Hera followed closely behind, occasionally pointing out sothing she thought looked delicious for her.
"I think we might need another cart," she joked, glancing at Hera.
Hera smirked faintly but said nothing, Raelynn shrugged and continued shopping, throwing in a few more items for good asure.
"Do we need this?" Hera asked, holding up a pack of brightly colored gummies.
Raelynn glanced over and nodded. "Definitely. Toss it in."
They continued weaving through the aisles, Raelynn's mood lifting with every item she added to her basket. By the ti they reached the checkout counter, her cart was almost overflowing.
"Wow, you're really going all out," Hera said.
"Why not?" Raelynn replied with a shrug.
Once the bags were loaded into the car, Hera turned to Raelynn. "Heading straight ho, or do you wanna make another stop?"
"There's a bakery I've been dying to try," Raelynn said, her eyes lighting up. "It's supposed to have the best cakes in town. I looked it up last night—five-star reviews."
"Sounds fancy." Hera comnted.
As soon as they reached the bakery, a small smile tugged at Raelynn's lips. It was a cozy little bakery tucked between two big buildings. With its soft colors and floral sign, the bakery stood out easily.
"You don't have to co," Raelynn said with a smile. "I'll just be a few minutes. Stay here and guard the snacks."
"Are you sure? I can co with you," Hera offered.
"I promise I'll bring out sothing amazing," Raelynn said, laughing softly.
Raelynn shook her head. "It's fine. I won't be long."
Hera frowned but stayed in the car. Raelynn stepped out and walked into the bakery, the bell above the door jingling softly as she entered.
It slled so good inside, she almost sighed out loud. Walking in, Raelynn was hit by the delicious mix of fresh bread, sugary sweetness, and frosting. The cozy shop had pastel walls, rows of tempting pastries in the display case, and soothing music in the background.
Raelynn's eyes sparkled as she walked up to the display case. Rows of perfectly decorated cakes, buttery croissants, and vibrant macarons tempted her from behind the glass. She took her ti, carefully selecting a few pastries and small cakes, placing them on the tray the attendant had given her.
Just as she reached for a delicate chocolate mousse cake, her hand brushed against soone else's.
"Oh, sorry!" she said quickly, pulling her hand back.
When she looked up, her breath caught in her throat. Standing across from her was a familiar face.
"No need to apologize," a familiar voice replied, and Raelynn's stomach dropped.
She looked up to see none other than Mr. Mints, her forr manager at the restaurant. His smirk was just as fake as she rembered, and his stiff suit and overly slick hair scread "try-hard."
"Raelynn," he said, dragging out her na. "Fancy eting you here."
Her smile tightened. "Mr. Mints. What a surprise."
"What brings you here?" he asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.
"Getting a cake," she said shortly, her focus back on the pastries. "What else would I be doing?"
"Still as blunt as ever," he said with a chuckle. "I always admired that about you."
Raelynn ignored him, hoping he'd take the hint and leave. But instead, he stepped closer.
"So, here's the thing," he began, lowering his voice like he was about to spill a secret, "I always thought you had potential. It's a sha you had to leave."
She clenched her jaw, her patience wearing thin. "I think I learned enough, thank you."
Mr. Mints laughed, the sound grating on her nerves. "Still feisty, I see. But don't worry, I've moved on to bigger and better things. Maybe you've done the sa?"
Raelynn reached for another cake, determined to ignore him, but before she could turn away, he grabbed her wrist.
"Get your hands off ," she said quietly.
"Co on," he said, his grip tightening. "No need to be so cold. We're just catching up."
Her eyes narrowed, and she was this close from giving him a not-so-gentle reminder to back off when another voice stepped in.
"I believe she asked you to let go." They turned, and standing there was a man shooting daggers at Mr. Mints.
Raelynn was sure she'd seen him before.
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