Just Me Page 2

  When she finished organizing her toiletries, Katherine decided on a bath, slipping off her silk nightgown as the waterfall faucet gushed warm water against the porcelain bathtub. Grabbing two bottles from the countertop, she sprinkled lavender Epsom salt in the water before pouring in a capful of creamy bubble bath.

  As she sank down into the water, Katherine allowed the frustration of waking up too early to slide off her shoulders. It was much better that she slowly transitioned into the day, because she knew it would be a difficult one.

  Change, and dealing with it, was not one of her strong points. She tended to crawl into her shell after being controlled so meticulously by her husband. Freedom was scary at times, but Katherine was determined to return to the happy and carefree girl she was just a few short years ago.

  Wetting the thick cotton of her wash cloth, she pressed it against her neck, feeling the tension. She was stressed, after spending three weeks searching for a place to live. Real estate was rare and extremely expensive in northern California, so she was lucky to even get the one-bedroom apartment, although she wanted more space.

  More than an extra bedroom, Katherine wanted a place of her own. It didn’t matter if it was a one room shack, she needed a place to call home. Restarting her life was going to be hard, that much she knew, but establishing a routine without a safe space felt impossible.

  With her long hair hanging down her back, she glanced around the white bathroom, imagining ways that she could make it feel more like a home. The modern finishes left it feeling like a showroom without any personal touches.

  After washing her hair, bathing, and exfoliating, Katherine walked through her new place wrapped in a bath towel. She was going to relax as she prepared for her day at the bakery. Without much of a social life, she didn’t have much else on her schedule, so her day tended to revolve around her job.

  It was actually her favorite café, right at the end of her block, perfect for the morning coffee or evening dessert. When she went in one morning to see a sign in the window seeking a new barista, she thought it too good to be true.

  But within a week, she had finished her paperwork and began her training. It was exciting to be learning new things and meeting her co-workers. Her trainer was really nice, Katherine had met her briefly when she had gone through orientation.

  The owner was Italian, and he taught lessons on his high-end desserts after you had mastered the barista station. Katherine was eager to make the best lattes and cappuccinos she could, hoping they would garner his attention, and encourage him to share more with her.

  Walking into her large closet, she dug through one box, selecting a pair of light blue denim jeans. Next, she found a t-shirt. Few occasions demanded attire more fancy than her regular uniform, and she was grateful to learn it was perfectly fine for the bakery. She’d have an apron on to cover her outfit, anyway.

  Looking herself over in the mirror, Katherine thought she looked good, after finally gaining back some of the weight she lost in the months leading up to and after leaving her husband. She had gotten rail thin, a shell of herself. Now, her curves were finally coming back and she liked the sight.

  Pulling her hair up into a ponytail, she looked over the stack of make-up she had unpacked, carefully considering applying a little mascara. Afraid it might draw extra attention she wasn’t looking for, Katherine decided against it and instead spread a moisturizer onto her face.

  Again, she found herself at her window, checking to see if anyone was waiting downstairs. But there was no one, and she appeared to be safe. For a quick moment, she debated going for a walk since she still had time to spare before her work shift began. But it was too dark, and she knew that until the sun came up, there was no way she would feel safe alone.

  Instead, she made her way to her small eat-in kitchen. She had ordered a few things online, and unpacked the coffee maker first. Almost mechanically, she set it next to the refrigerator. Tim always liked the coffee maker next to the refrigerator so that he could easily get his cream, but Katherine had never agreed.

  As if it had just occurred to her that she no longer had to do things his way, Katherine quickly moved the coffee maker to the other side of the kitchen, just below the window. Eager to finish setting up, she moved to another box and pulled out her favorite mugs, unwrapping the newspaper covering each one.

  Last, she retrieved the stand, carefully hanging each mug as a small smile crept across her face. This was the first place that would be set up to her desires, and the thought made her happy.

  Slowly, she made her way around the room, opening one box after the next before finding the perfect place to store each item in her kitchen. When Katherine finally finished, she moved to the living room, where she unpacked one box before it was time to go.

  It was great that the bakery was just down the street, because she hadn’t gotten a car, too intimidated to drive the steep hills of San Francisco. Taking her time to admire the brightly colored row houses, Katherine took a deep breath, feeling at home for the first time in a long time.

  With a pep in her step, she made it to A Slice of Sicily, the neon light shining brightly in the window. The aromas from the bakery poured from the corner, making the corners of Katherine’s lips curl upward with satisfaction. She loved the place already and was excited see what she would learn today.

  “Good morning,” an older man called as he held the door open for Katherine.

  “Good morning, Mr. Castell,” Katherine beamed, thrilled that she had remembered his name.

  Mr. Castell was one of the regulars at the bakery, spending nearly every morning with his black coffee and custard danish. He was one of the first customers she had ever served, and she looked forward to his cheery banter whenever she had a morning shift.

  “It’s starting to cool down,” he continued, as he followed her inside. His white hair blew in the wind, the fall weather beginning to require a jacket.

  “It sure is,” Katherine smiled back to him, watching as the older man walked cautiously to the booth he occupied every morning.

  Slowly but surely, she was developing a new normal, creating a life on her own terms. It was refreshing, and scary, but Katherine was grateful for the fresh start. At only twenty-eight, she often felt a decade older with all that she had been through in such a brief time span.

  Women her age were just beginning their lives, while she was starting over. Anything was better than the nightmare that had become her life during the last year of her marriage. Reminding herself of how far she had come, Katherine made her way behind the counter, greeting her co-workers as she settled into her station.

  This was all new, and her heart fluttered at the idea that she could finally be reaching the light at the end of the very long and lonely tunnel she had found herself in after leaving her husband. The future was bright, and Katherine was optimistic, ready to seize all the opportunities this new life would afford her.

  Chapter Two

  Benjamin

  “COME ON!” BENJAMIN slapped the leather steering wheel as he stared up at the red light. He was late for a meeting where he would unveil the new products for the season. A man exiting a glass door caught his attention and he turned to see the small bakery he had never noticed before.

  Located between his house and his office, he was shocked that he had never noticed the posh café, and with another glance at the stubborn light, decided it could be just the sweet exchange he needed to make up for his tardiness. Tugging the wheel to the right, he pulled into a parking space and hopped out of his black Range Rover SUV.

  “Hi! Welcome to A Slice of Sicily! How can I help you?” A sweet girl with red hair called from behind the counter. She was cheery and sweet, flashing a smile that made you feel at ease.

  Ben had barely noticed her though, because the brunette in the back had stolen his attention. He could tell she was naturally a blonde from her lightened roots, and he wondered what made her dye the hair so many wished they had.

  Usually
, a few undisturbed seconds of staring was enough for a woman to know he was interested, and subsequently make their move to try their chances. Something was different about this girl, and it intrigued him.

  “What could I get you today?” The cheery red head asked, drawing him back to reality.

  “I’m sorry. I’d like a box of everything,” Benjamin flashed a smile as he pointed to the glassed pastry display.

  “No problem. We have a half or a full dozen variety box,” she explained.

  “Let’s go for the whole dozen,” Ben nodded, mentally calculating how many people would be in the meeting.

  He was going to reveal the newest line of accessories for large breed dogs. There was something about the lightheartedness of his clients that made him refuse to completely by in to corporate America. Most men in his position would wear a suit to the office every day, but Ben preferred jeans and a white button-down shirt.

  Even his facial hair was less than formal, the thin layer of stubble covering his structured jawline. Benjamin O’Leary wasn’t the type of man to take himself too seriously, and his idea to bring a box of treats to a business meeting was a clear indication of that.

  While the cheery woman packed a powder pink box filled with donuts, danishes and muffins, Benjamin made his way around the counter, his eyes still focused on the brunette working in the back. She was at the steamer, making a cappuccino when he approached.

  “If I would have known how well you made them, I would have gotten one of those,” he joked, hoping to catch her attention.

  She barely flinched, keeping her eyes to the ground as she poured the warm milk over the espresso. Benjamin watched carefully, wondering if she had heard his attempt at sparking a conversation.

  “Talia can add one to your order,” the woman said, raising her eyes to meet Benjamin’s.

  In an instant he was captivated by her icy blue eyes. She had a pureness about her that he just had to learn more about. Racking his brain for the right words to say, he watched as the window closed. She returned to making her list of drinks, and the other woman called for his attention.

  “That’ll be twenty-eight dollars and seventeen cents,” she announced, setting the box of goodies on the counter beside the register.

  Benjamin tapped his credit card to the reader, still watching the brunette. She appeared less than impressed by him, focusing on her job without so much as glancing in his direction.

  “Thank you! Have a great day!” The cheery red head extended her thin arm as she offered the receipt.

  “You too,” Ben smiled.

  He wanted to go to the door and head back to his car. He knew it was the right thing to do, but still his feet walked around the counter instead, drawn to the woman who seemed to have no time or attention for him.

  “Next time I’ll be sure to order something especially from you,” he smiled over the glass barrier.

  A flicker of a smile flashed across her blushing face, but she didn’t turn to face him. Benjamin was still satisfied with the accomplishment, deciding it best not to push it further.

  There was a boost of energy in his step as he made his way back to the SUV, setting the square pink box on the passenger seat before pulling back into traffic. The frequent red lights weren’t as bothersome now that his thoughts continuously roamed back to the bakery, remembering the look in those big blue eyes that had stared back at him.

  Benjamin couldn’t remember the last time he had been interested in a woman in this way. Typically, he met women at work events, because they understood who his first love would always be—his company. Benjamin generally preferred career women who didn’t have time to expect much from relationships, but now all he could think about was learning more about the curvy barista.

  Rushed for time, he utilized the valet service at his office, leaping from the car before darting through the lobby. There was a special elevator reserved just for him, and a security officer held the door open until he was safely inside.

  “Have a wonderful day, Mr. O’Leary!” The husky security guard called.

  “You too, Gary!” Benjamin called back, always sure to learn the name of every employee.

  Unlike the average CEO, Benjamin had built his company from the ground up. He played an integral role in every aspect of the business—from hiring to product development. There wasn’t any aspect he didn’t understand, or any person he didn’t know.

  He was just a sophomore in college when his girlfriend had bought a teacup Yorkie. That dog was the most spoiled and cherished pet in the world, so for Halloween, he decided to create a costume he knew his girlfriend would love. Turns out, more people on campus wanted princess outfits for their dogs. Before he knew it, Benjamin was taking custom orders and launching a website to take orders from across the country.

  Two decades later, he led the largest online shopping platform dedicated solely to canine family members. It was more than work for him, Benjamin was passionate about everything he did.

  “Good morning, Mr. O’Leary!” Calls greeted him as he exited the elevator. The entire floor was vibrant and alive, excited to share their ideas with the boss who kept an open-door policy.

  It didn’t matter who you were, you could always discuss your problems and voice your concerns at Benjamin’s company. Everyone from the head designer to the mail sorters know where to find Benjamin, and more than likely he knew their names and how long they had worked for the company.

  “There you are!” Rachel greeted her boss as he made his way around the corner, handing her the box of breakfast treats.

  “I got these to sweeten the deal,” he teased.

  Rachel was flushed, stressing about her boss’s punctuality. Benjamin never let his career stress him out. As far as he could tell, he was living a dream, so there was never a reason to make it more difficult than it needed to be.

  “Everyone is already in the conference room,” she spoke, out of breath as she followed him around the corner.

  “Bring in some fresh squeezed orange juice, and put those on a platter,” he instructed before walking into the room.

  Rachel was stunned, always shocked by his supreme level of confidence. Nothing seemed to rattle him, and she wished she could have nerves even half as strong as his. Quickly, she moved about the office, ordering the receptionist to pour orange juice into a pitcher as she carefully placed the sticky sweets on a large yellow serving dish.

  “So, we’ll have to get these out before the Christmas season,” Benjamin announced, as Rachel walked through the door.

  Setting the platter of sweets on the table, she watched as everyone’s eyes doubled in size as they looked to the plate. She knew instantly that Ben had made the right decision in stopping to get the treats. Somehow he always knew what to do to make things better.

  It was perfect that he didn’t stress about the business, because Rachel stressed enough for the both of them. She had been one of the first people to encourage him to launch his own business, working side by side with him since the very beginning.

  Benjamin valued her opinion, and she admired his work ethic and charismatic ways. No one could ever stay mad at Benjamin for long, even when he was twenty minutes late to a meeting. Glancing around the room, she realized that everyone was captivated by him. As always, it had all worked out just as he had planned.

  Benjamin subtly winked at Rachel as her face returned to the pale tone that was normal for her. He enjoyed getting her worked up because it was so easy to do. She watched in silence as he continued with his demonstration after offering everyone a breakfast roll.

  His presentation went off without a hitch, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t distracted. His mind still raced with ways to get the attention of the blonde from the bakery. No matter what else was happening around him, those blue eyes were never far from his mind.

  “That sounds great!” One man announced with a smile, standing to his feet.

  The rest of the participants followed, each making their way to the end
of the table to shake Ben’s hand. His down to earth reputation preceded him, but it was still shocking for people to meet a CEO so involved with their business, yet still approachable with innovative ideas.

  “I was wondering if we could get into talks with wholesalers,” a woman suggested, as she approached him. She was tall and blonde, smiling a little too hard as she batted her eyes in Benjamin’s direction.

  He was used to being hit on in a professional setting, so he continued with the harmless banter before shaking hands with the pretty executive, promising to look over a few reports she wanted to leave with him.

  “And how can I help you?” Benjamin smiled, moving on to the next person.

  His job was endless, but he loved every second of it. Sure, he could have any of his project leaders introduce his products in design meetings, but he preferred to be the face when people saw his company. While they did billions of dollars in annual sales, Benjamin liked to think that his company was still close knit and run like a small start-up.

  Many things remained from the launch of the business twenty years ago, including employees. It was his way of not getting a big head from so much success. Somehow, Benjamin had remained the same kid from his college days, and he liked to think it was by keeping people like Rachel around him.

  She had been his friend from early childhood, and now she was more like a sister than anything else. Not much got done without Rachel’s approval, although her title said she was just Ben’s assistant. She knew the inner workings of the company better than anyone, and he trusted her opinion more than most.

  “Well, let’s discuss that more in my office,” Benjamin suggested, leading the last member of the meeting out of the conference room.

  The man had wanted to discuss the sales numbers in Canada, but because he didn’t have the necessary documents, Ben decided to finish the conversation in his office, where the statistics would be readily available.