She undid the latch, threw the door open, and yawned. “What are you doing here?”
Darren spun around, revealing a medium-sized dog standing next to him with white fur, a square-shaped head, and large, almond-shaped eyes that immediately zeroed in on Sophia. The dog’s tail wagged once, twice, and he let out a loud bark.
“I went to the shelter this morning. This little guy needs to be fostered, so I thought it would be a good idea if he stayed with you for extra protection.”
Sophia glanced over at the dog, then back up at Darren’s face. “You know, most people settle for an alarm system.”
“Oh, I already talked to Ian. We’ll come by later and make sure it’s set up.”
Sophia ran a hand through her hair. “A dog is a big responsibility, and you know I haven’t had one since Bubbles.”
Darren stepped forward and scratched behind the dog’s ears. “I know, but the shelter told me he’s sweet-tempered and loyal.”
The dog thumped its tail in response.
“Fine, but this is only temporary.” Sophia took the leash out of Darren’s outstretched hand. “I don’t have time to go to the pet shop.”
“Zoe is going to pass by with a few things later,” Darren assured her with one final smile in the dog’s direction. “I’ll see you two later. Oh, and he doesn’t have a name, by the way, so give him whatever name you want.”
The dog followed her inside and up the stairs. While she showered, he sat by the door, wagging his tail. Sophia patted his head on the way past and messaged her boss to let her know about the situation. Then she picked up his leash and led him back outside in the direction of her car. When she rolled down the window, he stuck his head out, and she caught a glimpse of his large tongue.
“I really hope you’re not a licker,” Sophia grumbled as she pulled up outside the pastry shop. Inside, everyone, including Nora, fawned all over the dog and gave him treats. He lapped it all up, his hazel eyes remaining on her the whole time. As soon as Zoe stopped by, she took him outside to play, and Sophia eyed them through the windows.
At least the dog was bringing them closer together.
And it was a much better alternative than having the break-in to worry about.
Chapter Six
“Everybody, gather around, please.”
Nora stood in the middle of the kitchen in her usual colorful ensemble of a long skirt and billowing blouse, the streaks of silver in her hair glistening and a strange glint in the depths of her hazel eyes.
Sophia studied her from where she stood in the back, and she could’ve sworn she saw a flicker of sadness on the woman’s face.
It had been a while since Nora called in a staff meeting.
Since she’d been in the business for years, her bakery practically ran itself, and Nora had been coming in less and less. Now and again, Sophia wondered if Nora had come in out of habit or a genuine need to have something to do with her time. Either way, she didn’t think it was her business.
She liked working for Nora, but she wouldn’t say they were friends. Not when Sophia only took the job out of necessity.
Once everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Nora, she stood up straighter, and her eyes swept over the room. “I know you’ve all noticed that I’ve been coming in less and less lately. And some of you have even stopped by a few times to make sure I’m okay. Thank you for your concern.”
Guilt churned in the pit of Sophia’s stomach as she realized that she’d been putting it off for too long.
Nora was a good boss who deserved better.
She lowered her gaze and shifted from one foot to the other.
“I’ve been giving this a lot of thought. When I first opened Nora’s Delights, we were the only specialized bakery for miles, and there used to be lines of people every day. I’ve watched it grow and flourish, and I’m proud of what the bakery has become. And it’s thanks to good employees like all of you that I’ve been able to keep it going for as long as I have.”
Silence settled over the crowd, and a few people coughed.
Nora cleared her throat. “However, I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and my kids are right. It’s time for me to retire.”
A murmur of surprise moved through the kitchen staff.
Sophia glanced up, a furrow appearing between her brows. “What’s going to happen to the bakery?”
