I got back to the bakery a few hours later. The sweet, warm smell of cinnamon and rising dough hit me like a hug, and I smiled, knowing I was home, the restaurant was a second home to me and the staff my family.
Lyra was behind the counter, looking exhausted but pleased. Anastasia was wiping down a table , flour stains on her cheek. She was humming faintly.
"So, how was the grand experiment?" I asked, leaning against the doorframe.
Lyra shot me a weary look. "She's a clumsy and not just a little, but she's got a smile that doubles the tips. The customers love her, and she learned the register faster than anyone I've ever trained. She's a keeper."
Anastasia blushed, looking down at the table. Thank you for opportunity sir.
"Sir? We've been through this, Ana. It's not 'sir, it's Eric. Did you manage to get through the day without destroying anything vital?"
"Only a small bowl of icing, " a couple of flour stains and I mistook salt for sugar.
She admitted looking up with a sheepish grin.
See boss I told you she was clumsy.
Oh well, I can't say I'm surprised.
"Go on, Ana. Your shift is done. Go get that icing off your face."
I turned to Lyra, handing her an envelope. "A little bonus. Thanks for taking care of her."
"There's no need for that boss, just doing my" job.
"I insist".
She hesitated before finally taking and putting it in her pocket.
"She's a good girl , boss. But you know what? When I was showing her the display case, she asked me if the cake designs were drawn by hand or if they were created by ancient means. I'm just saying, there's a few screws loose in the 'normal citizen' department."
I chuckled. "That's my princess."
A minute later, Anastasia was back, clean but still wearing the lovely blue gown.
"Are we going home now?"
"We are, but first,"
I held out a paper bag and handed it to to her.
"I thought after your first day of hard work, we deserved a small celebration. I picked up some takeout, the best pizza in town. Consider it your first official dinner as my 'personal assistant.' "
Her eyes widened.
"Pizza? What is that?"
I paused, staring at her, the smile fading a little. "Okay, Lyra might have a point.
See boss, something isn't quite right.
For the love of God, who on earth talk more this town, hasn't heard of pizza.
Uhm, I've, I've, heard of it, I think. So what do I do with it.
Oh princess, you don't do anything with it, you eat it.
So it's a baked, snack? How come it's not on the menu?
Well i wouldn't call it that, but It would be better you have it yourself rather than me explaining.
I quickly placed the pizza on the table and we both sat in opposite direction, the cheesy aroma had filled the air, and I could tell Anna was eager to take a bite.
Lyra, you can head home now, I'll lock up when we're done.
Yes boss have a good night, you too PA.
(Both) Goodnight.
"Come on, princess. You're about to have your first mind-blowing, non-baked food experience."
"It looks great ".
"I think you find the taste twice as good "
"So do I use a fork?"
(laughs) oh princess you are just too adorable.
"Did i say something wrong."
"Indeed you did"
So we don't use a fork?
I regret to inform you that the only cutlery we'll be using is our hands.
What?
You heard me right princess.
How?
You see the the pizza it's divided into slices. You grab a slice like this hold it up and take a bite.
Isn't that unhygienic?
It's the way of the world princess.
She stared at it for a while, then grabbed it the way I showed her. She of course got some cheese on herself but her expression after the first bite was priceless.
What is this, this flavor, this taste, I've never had anything like it. All the ingredients perfectly complement each other. It's, it's, it's divine.
Come on princess it's just pizza.
Just? , there's nothing just about this dish. I can't imagine being sad with such an existence in place.
If you love it that much, I'll get you as much as you want whenever you want.
Oh, no, I could never ask you to do that. I appreciate you getting this for me today. I work hard and next time I'll be the one treating you to pizza.
OK, then princess eat up we need to head back soon, it's quite late.
Aren't you going to eat?
I've had my fill besides, I got it for you.
Are you sure?
Yes, dig in.
OK, then.
In minutes she had devoured the entire thing. I couldn't stop staring. She looked so slim yet she ate so much.
I guess someone's got an appetite.
It was just too good. Thank you for the meal.
No need, it was for your hard work.
One day I'll repay your kindness.
There's need for that, now get in the car I'll lock up and we'll head home.
OK, boss.
Eric, not boss.
I locked up the restaurant, we got in the car and drove home.
Tired?
Well, it was pretty energy draining but it's all worth it for the smiles of the customer.
I know right? It's just so satisfying to know that your hard work paid off.
That's the whole reason I opened the place you know. Every bite is a trip to the moon.
Well you're doing a great job as the boss and I'm happy to help.
That is why you're my personal assistant after all.
I guess so.
Once again good job on your first day.
Well i had a good teacher and besides, I should be thanking you. First you take me in and then you gave me a job, plus you even got me pi- pi.
Pizza.
Yes, that.
The pizza was the reward for your hard work, it wasn't a gift.
Even so thank you.
OK, that's enough of the thanks, it's time for bed.
Sure goodnight sir.
Good night.
Oh and Ana it's not sir it's Eric.