“I honestly don't know where to begin.” Diane sighed.
Kerry's eyes twinkled, and a smile plastered her lips. She grabbed two dishcloths and tossed one to Diane, who caught it and gave her aunt a skeptical look.
“We're going to dry the countertops. Get rid of those.” Her chin jutted toward the burnt pastries. “And make some more.”
“Why are we making more pastries?” Diane asked, her brows drawn in confusion.
“Because we're going to open for the afternoon crowd,” Kerry replied, giving her an “isn't it obvious?” look.
“I don't think that's such a good idea.” Diane hesitated, bringing her bottom lip between her teeth.
“Says who?” Kerry positioned her hands on her hips as she looked at her niece seriously. “This is your shop. You can do anything you want to, and if you want to open the bistro this afternoon, then that's what we'll make happen.”
Diane smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Aunt Kerry.”
“No thanks required.” Kerry bumped her shoulder.
The two got to work immediately, cleaning the counters before getting the mops to mop up the floor. The plumber, which her aunt called, came within half an hour.
“Thanks for making it here so quickly, Kerry. I know how busy you are. I really appreciate it.” Kerry smiled.
“Not a problem,” the man assured her. “Besides, I owe you for baking Kelly’s and my wedding cake last minute, after what our wedding planner did to us.” He went to work and fixed the faucet in less than fifteen minutes.
The women sighed satisfactorily at the kitchen that looked as good as new. Diane's spirit lifted, and she felt three-quarters of how she'd felt when she got up this morning.
“Ready to get some pastries together?” her aunt turned to ask.
“I am,” she replied.
The two got to work remaking the cookies and muffins. Diane also made more sandwiches, and when everything was ready, they brought them to the display case. She turned the sign to open.
Within ten minutes, customers started filing in once more. Diane couldn't help the smile that stretched her lips wide. Her aunt gave her a knowing smile.
“That feeling you're having is due to your hard work,” Kerry told her.
Diane stared thoughtfully at her aunt. “I couldn't have done this without you.”
“Oh yes, you could. You just needed an extra boost of courage. I was glad I was able to give that to you. But this …” Her arms opened wide as she looked around the room. Her eyes settled back on Diane, and she smiled softly. “This is all you, and you deserve it. Let no one tell you differently.”
Diane nodded, her throat clogged with emotions. “Still, it means a lot to have you here, always cheering me on,” she spoke with feeling.
Kerry gently squeezed her arm and smiled comfortingly at her niece.
The lunch hour was pretty busy, but it went by pretty quickly. Diane's feet felt like rubber after standing on them for so long preparing orders.
“Oh, the sweet smell of victory.” Kerry sighed.
“The victory comes with a lot of hard work, tiredness, and sore feet.” Diane sighed, rubbing her ankle.
“True.” Kerry agreed. “But it is sweet nevertheless, no?” She grinned.
Diane's head went up and down in agreement. Rising from the chair, she walked over to her aunt and hugged her from behind, resting her head on her back.
“I love you, Aunt Kerry.”
Kerry turned in her embrace and placed her hand on her cheek. Diane raised her eyes to her. “I love you too, sweetie.”
The two exchanged tender smiles before separating.
