My Love, Do You Miss Me Yet?

Forever day dreaming about pizza and taking a nap when I get home.

Jace had to make an effort to keep up with her. They expected a succinct answer, not a dissertation. Once upon a time, they might have said something like that out loud, but Jace was “trying to be a better person”. So they bit their tongue and split their attention between her and their phone. “That’s.. well. Unique. Bet no one else is doing that,” they followed casually, paying for their drink at the front. 

The baristas were adorable and the novelty of this place was interesting, which was enough incentive for Jaclyn to continue the conversation. “Yea, I don’t come around this part of town a lot. Are you a manager or something?” No way a run of the mill employee would be so excited about an elevator pitch. Jace lingered around the pastry display case, out of the way of the line to the register. It’s not you, it’s me was a custard tart with raspberries and lemon curd. We Need To Talk was a small mound of chocolate cake with edible googly eyes and mint piping at the bottom. Jace actually laughed, because the I think We’re Moving Too Fast was an eclair, which they found ironic in a good way. “These are actually pretty cute,” they admitted, sipping their cap.

The more Eisley spoke, the more she realized the person in front of her wasn’t really paying attention to really anything she had to say when it came to the answer of their question--at least that’s what it looked like since they kept glancing down to their phone. It was no skin off her back though, it was something she got used to when it came to explaining this place and just what it held for everyone. All they truly cared about was what she sold and if it was decent enough for the price that was listed. Though, she was committed in the conversation and wanted to be the bigger person, she didn’t let her smile or her attitude falter.

The moment he received his coffee, he brought the mug to his face to breathe in the aroma before slowly sipping the drink careful not to burn his tongue.  “That is extremely kind of you; perhaps I can even get my oldest to come with us.  She is in college right and doing her own thing. Only really pops up when she needs money.”  As she slid the receipt towards him on the counter, he placed the white piece of paper in his pocket to add to the growing stack at his office.  “Not at all, I hardly see anyone introducing themselves anymore besides at business meetings.” Setting down the mug on the counter top, he reached out his hand and shook her hand, “the pleasure is all mine.  So I have a little time, I am curious as to how you came up with the concept of the theme to your bakery.  If of course you do not mind me asking.  I figured there has to be a story behind it.”

“Isn’t that what kids her age do, though? Once they’re out of high school and into college, they believe they’re as independent as can be and will act like that until they need more money in their bank account--trust me, I dealt with my fair share of those type of kids when I was in college, especially since I studied in New York City.” Eisley explained, knowing where he was coming from a little bit. Even though she did come from a family that had some money to their names and some ties in Denver where she was born, she at least had to give her mother some credit for being a decent mother for once when it came to not raising her the way some kids she knew turned out to be. After shaking his hand, Eisley heard the question he asked and a smirk formed across her lightly stained burgundy colored lips. It was the million dollar question whenever someone came in here and of course Eisley gave them the generic message she usually formed because she didn’t want to give too much away about herself. She didn’t want anyone to really know the reason behind the shop and show she fueled her heartbreak into this creation--she’d let them know to an extent but nothing with details. To Eisley the past was the past and she was doing what she could to not let it define her.

“Is that your way of saying I should stop by more often or that I should stop coming altogether?” Taemin teased. It was hard to see him in a bad mood or simply not cracking jokes, even when he was in a bad mood. It came with his charm and he figured he could use it as an advantage. Nevertheless, he took her invitation and sat by the counter, ready to try out another one of Eisley’s delicious things. Sometimes, he’d stop by the bakery twice, once on his way to work and another on his way home, bringing along some baked goods to share with his step-brother (sometimes, to eat them alone, but that was a secret). “See–how do you expect me not to love you when you’re this nice to me? Feeding me and giving me coffee?” There were times where Taemin figured it’d be best to tone down his flirtatious ways, but it was hard to switch off that part of his brain, so unless the other person would tell him to stop, he’d continue shooting sly smirks and making charming remarks. “I wonder what her reason was…” He said, before taking a bite from the sweet that Eisley had just put on his plate and he barely chew, he was already groaning in pleasure. His free hand moved up to cover his lips, so he wouldn’t seem rude or impolite chewing with his mouth open and he closed his eyes. “This is so good, Eisley! Marry me and let me have those for free every day, please?” Granted, he wasn’t going to ask her to marry him for real, which she probably knew by now.

Eisley playfully rolled her eyes when she heard him lightly tease her on what she had said when she realized who it was after he walked through the door. Over the time he had been coming in and she hadn’t been swamped with orders she needed to get done, she come to understand his humor and even get used to his charm. It was a breath of fresh air really; the small visits from the regulars she knew and the ones she talked to seemed to help break up the day and as silly as it sounds, it even give her a time frame on the day if they came in around their usual time. “Well, I can think of a few ways I can get you not to love me, but I’ll keep those under lock and key for right now.” She teased back to him as she grabbed out a mug and brought it over towards him along with the coffee pot to fill up his mug before she returned it to the maker to sit on the hot plate until someone else needed it or it was time to make a new batch. Standing back for a moment she she saw Taemin take the first bite, she wondered how’d he like it but when she saw his reaction a smile appeared across her face and a chuckle escaped her lips. “So it’s a keeper then?” She asked before leaning against the counter and crossing her arms in front of her chest--ignoring to marrying comment since that was a whole can of worms she didn’t want to open. “I’m glad you like it that much. If they sell this week, I’ll keep them on for month.”

Jace needed coffee, plain and simple. They were across town, away from their usual hang out spots, so their expectations were low. They just needed something with four shots of espresso and some decent foam. They’d be grateful for even the shoddiest second wind after the day they just had.

“Why’s it called the Break-Up Cafe?” Jace asked curiously, eying the menu even though they order the same basic thing at every coffee shop they fell into. “Um, no, I’m ready. Let’s do a twelve-ounce caramel cappuccino with two extra shots.”

After hearing her customer’s order for their coffee, Eisley simply nodded to them and took a step back so that she could begin to make it while she called out the order to one of her staff members standing near the register so they could ring it up. Moving about behind the counter and making the beverage the way they had ordered it, she didn’t want to seem rude and not answer the questions that was asked when she welcomed them in to her shop. “Why are we called The Break-Up Cafe?” She asked aloud, repeating his question. “It’s known for someone to run to desserts in any form whenever the inevitable happens and a relationship comes to and end, so why not help ease the pain a little bit since we’ve all been there before. Every dessert made is titled after a reason for a break-up whether it’s the classic ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ line or something specific that our customers actually submit in hopes to getting a treat named after their own submission--whatever it may be, we’re here to add a slight humor and delicious twist to get you over the one who might have broken your heart.”

Maya had a hard time saying no to baked goods. There was an old, Italian bakery across the street from her work that the woman stopped in front of daily to just inhale the scent of freshly made pound cake and cinnamon and melted chocolate. Now thirteen weeks pregnant, Maya was more inclined to stop by every single bakery. Some days, she’d have four doughnuts and a cupcake by the time she made it home for the night. One of her recent hot-stops had been The Break-Up Cafe – the treats were delicious, and more prevalently, Maya found the whole shtick of the place downright enjoyable. 

Every time she went to the place, Maya was greeted quickly, and with a smile. Maya was beginning to recognize the woman who had been working there day after day – maybe she’s the owner, Maya thought. “Hey!” Maya replied, trying her best after a long day to match the woman’s level of enthusiasm. “No, actually, I basically come here for the same thing every day.” The small brunette approached the front counter, eyeing the beautiful array of desserts in front of her. Usually, Maya just went for the chocolatiest-chocolate cupcake they sold, but today, Maya’s eyes were just as big as her stomach. Everything looked delicious. “Okay, hmm – maybe I do need a second. Everything just looks so good.” Maya glanced up, asking: “do you have any recommendations?” 

After hearing that the person standing before her was indeed a regular, Eisley felt a little bad not recognizing her. As a business owner to a small cafe such as this in a small town, she wanted to be that person who knew all the names she could remember and have them feel home whenever they stepped foot into the shop. Though sometimes that just wasn’t capable seeing that she was tied up with a few other things when it came to running the place. “Do you? Wow, well thank you for your support. It means a lot to me and I’m completely sorry I didn’t recognize you. Half the time I’m tied up in the back filling up orders and getting things ready for cater events or some deliveries.” Eisley explained with a smile before chuckling, hearing the other women compliment the array of treats Eisley had on display. “Hm, do I have any recommendations?” She asked herself before looking down at everything she had in the case. “Well, I’m constantly a sucker for cake pops, so I’ll always recommend those-but I will have to say I’m particularly addicted to the macaroons right now. I had at least five of them this morning when I was making the batches.” Eisley laughed.

Joon slowly nodded at her words, furrowing his brow in thought as she went back to what she was doing prior to speaking to him. Somehow, it felt like she was talking about more than just desserts with the way she had said it but he wasn’t going to ask. Joon just happily indulged in the cookies and creme masterpiece before him. But she had always seemed nice to him so he hoped everything was okay. After giving his verdict, he let out a quiet laugh. “You’re welcome. I don’t know about other bad decisions. I think the worst one I could make is if I ever got into baking myself. It’s better to leave it up to the professionals.” Joon gestured towards her with a smile. Cooking was something he manged to get into over the years but baking was totally different. He felt like he’d end up being one of those horrible math problems where “Susan bakes fifty pies” sort of thing—and then at least a quarter of those would turn out inedible. That wasn’t to say he wasn’t up for trying new things, though. He did love to learn. “It’s a bonus that I go by here when I go to work and back. I don’t live that far. And my brother probably lives here. He’s a coffee addict.” Joon made a slight face at the mention of coffee, contently poking a finger back into the frosting of his cupcake and popping it in his mouth. 

Eisley could only turn and give Joon a look when he told her the only bad decision he would make is if he decided to get into baking. It was something she heard plenty of times before and while some people did have the knack for it unlike some others out there, it wasn’t as bad as everyone thought it was. “Oh, come on! Baking is not that hard. If anything, it’s the decorating that trips a lot of people up. All you need is a simple recipe and just follow it--I’m sure if you give yourself some credit and allow yourself to learn something new, you’d like it. Hell, I could even teach you a basic yet one of my favorite recipes. All you need is the basics and then you can get creative from there.” She said as if it was all just a breeze. To her it was, this was her life--her passion so to speak. Leaning against the counter and glancing out towards the rest of the cafe for a moment, she heard him mention a brother and raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you had a brother, but if he lives around here I’m sure he stops in. We get a lot of the neighborhood business.”

There was a moment of hesitation as he was signing the small screen with his fingertip, remembering to use his actual name instead of Mark.  Signing it, he clicked yes for the receipt figuring he could write it off as a work expense later, just needed the proper excuse.  Using a fork, he sliced into the cupcake and had a bite causing extreme satisfaction as he enjoyed the flavor combination.  No doubt about it, the woman had a talent for baking.  “Sounds wonderful, I believe they would enjoy that a lot.  Plus they get their sweet tooth from me, so I am sure they will just love every aspect of it.”  He replied before taking another amazing bite of the treat.  When asked about his coffee, he looked up and shook his head. “Just black please,” he said.  As he ate his dessert, he glanced back towards her.  “I feel horrible, I never introduced myself.  I am Mark Waters and you are?”

Once she was done filling up his mug of freshly brewed coffee, Eisley had replaced the pot back on the coffee maker before picking up a few things here and there on her way back to the counter area where he was sitting in the mix of a few other people. The others at the counter were zoned in on their laptops or engaged in conversations--it was just like any other day here at the bakery to the owner and it was music to her ears, so to speak. “Is that so? Well, I’ll be sure to be stocked up on everything for whenever you bring them in here to experience this place. God knows we can’t run out of something a child would love to have.” She said with a smile before ripping off his receipt that had printed and sliding it over to him. “That’s quite alright. Is it sad to say that I’m a little used to people never really introducing themselves? Mostly they just want their things and they vanish until next time when their cravings hit them.” Eisley held out her hand for him and smiled once more. “It’s lovely to meet you, Mark. I’m Eisley--Eisley De Luca.”

“I do like a woman with a shade of mystery about her,” Mark responded with a sly smirk spread across his lips.  As she presented the magnificent cupcake before him, he licked his lips in preparation of devouring the whole thing.  Pulling out his wallet, he handed her his credit card.  “There you go again, reading my mind.  Yes, please.  I certainly could use a cup of Joe.  I practically live and breathe for coffee.”  He stated. Without hesitation, he reached for the plate and sat down at one of the seats.  “That is awesome, my son and youngest daughter would love this place. Though, I hardly doubt they understand the naming convention of the desserts.  At least I hope they wouldn’t at their ages.”

Taking the card from his hand, Eisley rang up his order and slid the card though the machine before handing it back to him. Once the screen was all set and his payment was approved, she flipped the screen for the register over for him to sign his name on the line and press whether or not he wanted a receipt for the transaction. “I wouldn’t call that reading your mind since I’m the same way, but if that’s what helps you sleep at night, then so be it.” She told him with a laugh before she went over to grab him a mug and the pot of coffee that was freshly made. As she poured him his cup of coffee, she tilted her head and smiled when he mentioned he had kids and that they would love her bakery. “You should bring them in sometime, I can always cut out the names for their cake and they can just point to what they want. I’ve done a few kids parties for some friends, actually. They come in here, bake their own treat and I teach them the basics of decorating or at least try to but the last time they pretty much didn’t want to hear a word I had to say when I brought out the frosting.” Eisley said with a chuckle. “Cream and sugar?”

Honestly, it was a relief to hear the woman had something in mind for him.  All day long, he made decisions and for once it was just a moment of ease for the young lady to suggest something.  Especially something that sounded amazing.  How did she know he had a thing for hazelnut anything? The woman had to be psychic.  A bright smile formed and he nodded, “you must be a mind reader or just really great at knowing what people enjoy.” Mark complimented as the woman caused his mouth to water with the description of this heavenly dessert.  “Sounds perfect,” he assured her.  “I will have one of those.  Now I am curious do you cater?”

“I could be a mind reader, or I could have just taken a wild guess. I can’t give away my secret though but I have to say it’s just the trick of the trade, I’ve picked up along the way.” Eisley said back to the man standing before her on the other side of the counter. Pushing the small plate towards him and gesturing him to take a seat at one of the counter seats and relax for a moment, she moved over to the cash register to ring him out for the dessert he was going to have. “Do you want a cup of coffee to go with it? It’s on the house since it’s your first time here.” She told him before she tilted her head and smiled kindly. “Yeah, we actually do cater. I’ve done a handful of events around here and even in LA, some weddings--ironic enough.”

Mark made a mental note about the service being decent, perhaps if his children for a few hours he might have to bring them here.  Of course that mainly was dependent on the quality of their product. Not paying much attention that the woman was in the middle of something, he piped up about it being his first time and smiled at her response.  “Honestly, I tend to shy away from sweets in general.”  Although, he enjoyed sweets like no other, he knew even today he would have to hit the gym for at least an hour to burn off the calories.  “Wow, I am being extremely unhelpful.  I usually like anything that is sweet with a little tart; I love chocolate, but who doesn’t?  Ugh,” he paused as he slid his fingers through his hair.  “Hopefully that helps.”

Eisley waved the man off when he called himself extremely unhelpful when it came to the questions she had asked him. The raven haired women had threw him on the spot and no one really liked being put on the spot, but she figured she’d ask the questions to make sure he tasted something that would bring him in for more than just this one time. Placing her hands on her hips, she glanced down to the display case she was standing behind and chuckled to herself as the man still continued to go on. “I think I might have something for you.” She told him before she grabbed a cupcake out of the display case and placed it on a small plate. “I present to you: Stood Up By Tall, Dark and Handsome. It’s a chocolate cupcake topped with hazelnut butter creme frosting which is them dipped in dark chocolate ganache with some hazelnut shaving on top.”

There’s nothing better than spending a Sunday afternoon grabbing some coffee with one of the best dates around town. #iloveyoualatte #MontyDeLuca

      If Daehyun wasn’t hooked simply based on how the special looked, it was needless to say that he’d already figured out what he wanted by the time the woman behind the counter was done listing what it consisted of. Not only were cookies and cream flavored things a staple in his personal dessert list, but it was something that his kids generally enjoyed as well. Because who could go wrong with Oreos, really? In his opinion, it was difficult to make them taste bad. Turning to Samuel, who was captivated by one of the pastries in the display, Daehyun poked him lightly on the shoulder with his free hand before pointing towards the cupcakes. “Hey, bub. 이것 좀 봐. 너 해보고 싶니?” After a moment of contemplation, he nodded, and Daehyun turned back to the woman with a smile. “We’ll take one of those, then. You’ve got us both sold.”

      His eyebrows raised in intrigue as they began to explain the inspiration behind the bakery. He hadn’t really paid much attention to the name when he walked in, and it was only now after he knew that he started to piece together all the different pastry descriptions. He couldn’t lie and say it was a bad idea — in fact, it was actually kind of clever. “Oh, wow,” he exclaimed under his breath, “Well, in that case, I suppose that’s a concept I can get behind. It’s a lot more creative and purposeful than half the other bakeries on this side of Westwick.” 

Rumors of a delectable small bakery came across Mark.  The man thought the name itself was interesting and creative; he only hoped the hyped over the place was not overdone as he stepped through the threshold causing a small ring to occur.  Taking a few steps forward, his blue eyes glanced towards the menu for a brief moment until he the voice of the woman in front of him.  “A moment please, it is my first time.”  He stated.  Reading the variety, he took in a breath.  “Actually, may I please get your opinion?  What do you suggest for a first-timer?”  Mark asked curiously unable to make a decision since everything sounded delicious.  

“Take as much time as you need; just yell whenever you’re ready.” Eisley said to the man standing before her before she had began heading back to do what she was originally going to do before he had stepped inside. Tucking some of her hair behind her ear, she began to situate the display case before his question had caught her attention and she turned to give him her full attention. “Well, it’s a pleasure to have you here for your first time and I have a few things in mind to try when ever someone comes in here for the first time. Do you have any preferences of anything--any flavors you tend to shy away from or are you like me where you’ll just eat anything in sight and not care what it is?” She asked with a chuckle.

Gray was all for trying something new and sweets were always a good choice. He’d spotted the bakery a few times but had yet to take the time to stop in. He couldn’t help but be curious about it. Making his way inside he took a good look at the menu. He figured he could pick something up for Cara and Mags as well as himself. A thank you for actually remembering his birthday and celebrating with him. His head shifted as heard a voice and he offers the woman a smile. “Honestly its a lot to take in I may need a minute. But I am curious, why did you choose the name “The break-up Cafe’ for your place? Is it meant to be like a break up from busy day or for people looking for comfort after a break up?”

"Please, take as much time as you need and don’t be afraid to ask any questions because it is a lot to take in when you first walk in.” Eisley told the man with a smile as she continued to go about her business, putting the freshly made cupcakes into the display case for everyone to see when they were making their choice on what they wanted. Hearing his question about the name of the place, the women smirked to herself before standing up right and placing the now empty tray to the side. “It’s actually inspired by a break-up of mine and the break-ups that happen in our every day lives. Everyone runs to sweets and goodies to help get themselves over the fact that while something came to an end and in my case, baking was the one thing that saved me whenever something happened. While this wasn’t my first choice to have a bakery about, it’s something I take pride in because I’m helping someone possibly get over their ridiculous breakup one sweet at a time.” Eisley said with a proud smile. “Every treat is named after a shitty excuse for a break-up and I even have some customers submit their own reasons for a break-up and we pull one once a week or even a month if the treat is selling enough and we create a treat based off of that reason.”

Beck had been told by a few coworkers about a new bakery that was really good and had a unique spin on it. She had decided it was a nice day and she had the day off so she might as well head down there to check it out. She arrived outside and looked over the building before walking inside. 

She then saw a beautiful woman at the counter and smiled sweetly. She walked over and looked at all the different options, debating whether to ask her what she should get or picking something at random.. “ It’s my first time here, so what would you suggest?” She asked and chuckled softly.

Eisley was delighted to hear that it was someone’s first time walking into the shop. Of course with the attention that the bakery had gained since it opened though social media and word of mouth, she was experiencing more first timers than anything, but that never stopped her from wanting to give them the best experience in hopes they’d come back again in the future. The raven haired girl was just happy enough she wasn’t being tired up in the back with other orders so that she could personally welcome the new customer in.