Rose

22

22.

"Do not watch the petals fall from the rose with sadness, know that, like life, things sometimes must fade, before they can bloom again."- Unknown Author

Another week seemed to have passed by like a hurricane and it ended without anyone realizing how it all happened. The bakery has just started the busiest season of the year--April. The rainy weather is becoming less frequent so that meant there were a lot of orders for wedding cakes and catering. Aiden seemed to have gotten the issue with the Japan business under control but instead of him being busy, I was. There was barely any time for me to stop baking let alone stop to eat lunch...or dinner for that matter. But Aiden has been making it up to me for all those time he's neglected me for work by coming to the bakery with take out for everyone.

"Food's here," Aiden announced as he held bags of take out in his hands and setting it down wherever there was space.

"Oh my god, I was literally at death's door." Mia exclaimed, stopping her chocolate decoration on a cake and headed towards the mountain of food Aiden had bought for the staff. Patrick, Denise, Mia, and Ellen were all enjoying their food but I couldn't afford to stop for even a second to eat. We were already understaffed as it is because Taylor and Judy had to go when we closed two hours ago since it is in the middle of their finals.

I was occupied with decorating the wedding cake in front of me that I didn't even notice Aiden approaching me until he shoved a forkful of Chinese food in my face. I opened my mouth to eat the piece of chicken that was offered to me as I continued to work.

"I'm thinking of hiring a new team of bakers for you." Aiden started.

"What? Why?" I asked without turning to look at him.

"Because you're overworking. Honestly, you need a break Rose. I really don't want you to collapse on me again."

"We both know that you overwork more than I do." I replied and he offered me some rice. "And you know that's true, do you remember last week Aiden?"

I reminded him about last week when I found him and his entire team asleep in his office. I ended up returning after having coffee with Hailey and we delivered each of them a cup as well.  By the time we returned though, everyone was already up and back into business. Even with the dark circles, messy hair, and stubbles that need to be shaved, Aiden was still as attractive. He was surprised with my visit but when I told him that I got worried since he didn't pick up my calls, he apologized.  After that, I would return daily and offer his team some sweets to keep their system going. Relaying too much on caffeine isn't always the best on the body.

"Yes I remember and you don't need to remind me about it." He replied, helping himself to some food as well. "I just don't want you to overwork yourself."

"Don't worry Aiden, I'm fine."

"Can you just please let me hire another team of bakers for you?" He begged, "I know you love what you do so I'm not telling you to stop and let them do everything for you. All I want is to have more help around here so that you're not always understaffed."

"I like his idea!" Mia called out, clearly she has been eavesdropping into our conversation this entire time...same with Denise and Patrick who nodded in agreement.

"Okay fine, but where am I going to find people on such short notice?!" I exclaimed.

"Rose, you underestimate my social network." He replied and shoved another forkful of food into my face.

"No I don't underestimate it," I chewed my food, "I'm more afraid of it." He chuckled.

"Good, I'll get Luke to start hiring." He replied. "And you need a break Rose, you need to stop what you're doing and just eat."