"And you are?"

It's been a few weeks since the accident and both Axel and I are beyond ready to get back to work. This will be the first day back and Madz can't stay.

He's upset but he has his own work. He's leaving Beau and Axel today and that's fine with me. Axel and I already have everything prepped for the day.

I'm finishing up with the icing on the cupcakes when Axel walks in. "Hey partner. Are you almost done? I can bring them out?."

"I'm all done. They are free for you to take. I'm going to bring out the muffins." Axel takes the cupcakes and I head over to the cooling rack and place the muffins in the carrier.

It's 6:30 and we open at 7:00. I rush around to finish things when Beau comes over and helps me with setting everything. "You gotta slow down Nova. If Madz saw you like this he would shit." Beau says with a stern face.

"I'm just trying to make sure everything is perfect. I wasn't open for long and then the accident happened." He nods and looks at me with understanding.

"Everything will be fine, Nova. I already see people outside waiting for you to open." I rush over to the door and take a peak and see I have a few people out there.

Axel wakes back up front and to the register. Beau takes a seat at one of the tables in the back and nods his head. It's go time. I head over and flip my sign from 'closed' to 'open'.

People filter in and say hello. All wishing me well and asking if I'm all better. The town thinks we had a small fire. A lie but it's not like we can tell people I was kidnapped.

I walk over to Axel and interact with the customers he's checking out. Light conversation about the weather. "No snow yet but I hear its coming." A little old lady tells me.

"I'm not a fan of snow. Driving in it scares me." Another little old lady says.

"I agree." I say. "Driving in the snow makes me nervous. Even with new tires and a clean road."

"I get that." Axel says behind me. He's done with the customers that he was handling and he comes to chat with the ladies.

"Hello there, handsome. I'm Patty." She says with a wink. "How did you get a job here?"

"Nova is a friend of mine. She hired me full time and is teaching me all of her ways." Axel smiles over at me and I just feel wonderful.

"He's a wonderful friend and even a better student. He is serious when he needs to be and listens well. I love having him around." I say what I mean.

"Awe, that's great for the both of you. I was so sad to hear about the fire but I'm glad you guys are back in action." Patty says as she picks up her goodies. "Well I'm outta here. You three have a good day."

Her and her friends all head for the door. "Well that was something." Axel says. "I think those ladies are so sweet. They are always talking about something wild."

"So far from what I've seen of them. They seem like a fun bunch." I say and hear the door jingle. I turn around and see a brunette standing in my doorway. "Hello, welcome."

She sneers at me and I wonder what I did wrong. I turn when I hear Beau moving towards me. He looks mad.

"What do you need Heather? We don't need your drama here." Beau seems pissed and he walks in front of me like he's protecting me.

"Well I heard this shop opened and I wanted to check it out. I've also heard someone was trying to play mommy while I was gone." Hearing that has confusion on my face.

"Is there something I can help you with? I'm Nova the owner." I ask in a curt voice. Not knowing what this woman needs.

"My daughter has told me all about you Nova." She says my name in a nasty tone. "You need to stop playing mom and leave my daughter alone. She already has a mom."

"Who are you even talking about?" I ask not knowing anything she's talking about.

"My daughter Eleanor. Leave her alone." This is Madz sister? What is her problem? "I don't need some stranger coming into our life and messing around."

"I'm not sure what you are talking about. I wasn't trying to play mom to anyone, I was just trying to be friendly. Eleanor is a sweet girl and she deserves to be treated well." I can't believe this is her mom.

"Either way, stay away from my kid." Beau puts up his hand and lightly pushes her back. I didn't realize how close she had gotten to me.

"It's time to go, Rachel. Madz wouldn't want you here. How about you go to your moms and relax." He states firmly.

"You can't force me to do anything. I didn't want to stay here in this shitty bakery anyways." Well she sure is rude. The door jingles again and I see Alice walking in. Great.

"Rachel, what a surprise! What are you doing back home already." Well that's interesting. The two know each other.

"Oh hello Alice. I was just meeting Nova here. Making Nova know her place." That gets a laugh out of Alice.

"I see." Alice says. "Would you like to go get lunch with me? I'm heading to town and I saw you here. Thought I'd ask." That gets Rachel to smile.

"Of course Alice. I'd love to go with you." With that Rachel and Alice leave and I feel better knowing they're gone. Beau leans on the wall and laughs.

"She's fucking drama. Both of them. I don't see what Tiny sees in Alice. She's just as messy as Rachel." I know he's right but I still don't feel right talking bad about either of them.

Axel walks up behind me and pats my back. "Lets get back to work huh. I see some tables that need to be cleaned." He's right, we have a lot to do. First day back and all.

"You're right. Let's get back to work." I thank Beau and he walks back over to where he was sitting and gets back to work on his laptop. The day flows by without any more issues.

I'm exhausted but we still have an hour left of the day. I'm refilling some of the cases when Axel hands me a cup of coffee. "I feel like you need this. I think this is how you like it."

"Thanks Axe. I definitely needed this and yes it looks right." I take a sip of the coffee he made me and sigh. It's perfect. I don't know how these guys get my coffee so spot on.

They must really pay attention. "How are you doing Axel? I know I'm exhausted. You must be starting to feel it too." He just smiles at me and reminds me of a puppy dog.

"Its been a great day. Other than Rachel and Alice coming in. I loved it. I love working here and with you." He is so sweet. I love this kid. I'm glad he feels that way.

"Well I'm glad. And yeah that was a little odd. I'm not sure what either of their problems are. I didn't do anything to make them treat me this way." I say with sadness in my voice.

"No you didn't, they just act like that with everyone. It will be okay. Madz should be here soon. How about we finish off the day with a smile?" Axel is right.

We finish off the day with laughs and smiles. I even get Beau to join in on the fun. We are dancing around and cleaning up. This time the radio is playing some pop song I don't know but it doesn't matter.

The boys and I are having fun and getting things done. We finish up the day and I get the leftovers packed up for Beau to take to the homeless shelter in town.

I don't want anything to go to waste and I'd have to toss them anyway. Beau locks up the front door and Axel takes out the trash. "Thanks for the help guys. I'll see both of you tomorrow."

I walk up the steps to my apartment and take a shower. It's easier now since my hair isn't long. It takes less time to wash it. Once I'm done I dry off and put some pajamas on.

I head over to the bed and turn on a baking show on the tv. I lay my head on my pillow and think about the day. Other than that one moment with the girls it was great.

I close my eyes thinking of Madz. I wish he was here already but I know he will come home soon. I snuggle into my warm blanket and fall asleep.