"Trish, I wish you could see what a remarkable young woman your daughter is," she spoke wistfully before throwing off the thin cotton sheets. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood to her feet. After a few languid stretches, she headed for the bathroom for a well-desired shower.
"Mmm. It smells great in here," Nikki praised as the aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and other spices from the freshly baked pastry infiltrated her nostrils as she stepped into the kitchen. The rich aroma of the dark roast and the smell of bacon also wafted to her nose and caused her mouth to salivate as her tummy rumbled with need.
Amy looked up from loosening the muffins from the sides of the pan with a smile that rivaled the sun. “I thought, since I’m about to go to culinary school, why not get in as much practice as I can, and what better way to do that than to feed my favorite aunt all of my special recipes?”
“I’m your only aunt.” Nikki chuckled, walking farther into the kitchen and taking in the spread before her. “If this is what I should look forward to regularly, pretty soon, I won’t be able to make it downstairs.”
“Oh, this isn’t all for you. I thought we could offer the guests at the inn the muffins and cinnamon rolls for feedback,” Amy explained.
Nikki’s head tipped forward in thought. “That’s a great idea. Having a wider test audience would be good,” she agreed. “Not before I’ve had my own taste testing, though,” she added, pulling out one of the stools and sitting at the island.
When Amy finished packaging the pastries for the Nestled Inn, the two sat and ate. Nikki couldn’t stop gushing. Everything she ate was quite delectable. She liked the way the muffin tasted—not too sweet and just the right amount of blueberries and nuts—and it melted against her tongue like butter after a few chews.
“There is no doubt about it. You’ve outdone yourself this time. If you decided to open that shop right now, you would always be guaranteed a customer,” Nikki praised, taking another bite from the muffin.
“Thanks. I really appreciate that,” Amy returned, her face breaking out in a smile.
Just then, Nikki felt something soft and furry rub against her leg. She looked down to see Tabby’s glassy, yellow eyes staring back at her.
Meow.
“I’m guessing you want something to fill your tummy too, don’t you?” Nikki smiled, reaching down to scratch behind her ear. The cat purred in pleasure.
Pushing away from the island, she went into the bottom cupboard drawer and came out with two stainless steel bowls. Tabby wrapped her lithe frame around Nikki’s ankle as her calls became more frantic.
Nikki placed a good serving of cat food in one bowl before pouring water in the other and setting them down for Tabby. The cat eagerly dashed to the dish and began eating.
“You’ve really grown attached to that cat,” Amy noted as she stood moving dirty dishes to the sink.
“That would suck because I have to take her back to the shelter so that they can find her a home,” Nikki replied, straightening up.
“Oh,” Amy replied, surprised. “I thought you were already planning to keep her.”
“I would love to, but I’m not sure I can. Not right now.”
Amy nodded in understanding.
“I should take her back to the Humane Society. I also have something to discuss with Reed…” Nikki’s brows furrowed in thought before her eyes brightened with an idea. “Why don’t you come with me? They’re putting on an event to support and show appreciation for your mother. I need to meet with her friend Reed, and I could use your input on things.”
“Okay. I would love to,” her niece readily agreed.
After cleaning the kitchen and dropping the muffins and cinnamon rolls off at the inn, Nikki drove them to the Humane Society.
“Nikki, I’m so glad you came. We have a few more things to finalize for the fundraising,” Reed greeted her with a smile.
“Hi, Reed,” she greeted back, taking the hand he offered in a warm handshake. “I had a few things that I wanted to discuss with you too,” she said as they separated. She noticed his eyes zeroed in on something behind her, and his brows furrowed as his lips parted in what could only be described as shock.
“Oh. This is Amy, Trish’s daughter,” she said, stepping aside to give him a better look at her.
“Hi.” Amy waved shyly.
“Hi. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Reed said, holding out his hand for her to take. “Your mother would be over the moon if she could see you now.” A dark shadow passed over his face before he pasted on a smile.
Amy gave him a partial smile as she released his hand.
“I discussed it with the other committee members, and we all agreed that it would be a good idea if this event becomes a yearly fundraiser in honor of Trish, and the funds would go to someone who had an accident and isn’t able to take care of their medical expenses.”
“That’s a great idea, Reed. Trish will love it,” Nikki said appreciatively.
