"Congratulations, Will. Have a very pleasant life. However longer you decide to stay."

And that was the last time I spoke to Will in over 3 weeks. My life has been somewhat boring. But, of course, after having the possibilities of the world stretched in front me but still ending up in another bakery job; yes, it can all be so boring to hear all the same old stories and never changing anything.

It wouldn't be so bad if I still had him to talk to though. If I could tell that witty man how correct he was about how droll returning to my old life would be. I don't even know what resulted from the whole situation with Lily. Sometimes, while walking to work, I want to pop over to the castle to just see if he's even still alive. Though, part of me wants to know, the other part doesn't want to confirm the worst.

"Hello! And, welcome to BITO! Have you tried our new twist on the cinnamon bun?" As cheerfully as possibly; I get through the day, greet the same people I used to see at The Buttered Bun, and make sure that everyone's feeling welcome. Funnily enough, I feel like the outsider.

Oh, yeah, in case you are wondering BITO is short for Bun In The Oven. Three pregnant women opened this shop about 3 months ago and surprisingly are doing very well. I'm not sure if it's because they're already rich and are doing this as a side project or if it's the only place of the sort in this small town. All the time, they're making all sorts of disgusting sounding pastries. Thankfully, the teas flavors are not too exotic.

"Yeah. We added bits of bacon to the dough. It's a top seller."

"Is there anyway to sample just a bite?"

"Of course, yes. Here you go."

If you have nothing better to do with your life than to come into my shop and sample everything...

Ugh. You simply can tell the buggers who do that.

And, I know it's my job, but everything about today is irritating.

"Alright, well thank you for coming in. Maybe we can get you something next time."

As soon as the small party exits, I return to decorating the Pina Colada cupcake for an order to be picked up at any moment. Of course, all this would be so much easier if my fellow worker wasn't out taking a hour lunch with her husband. All I can say is that I can't wait for her to get back so I can be off for the day.

The radio only seems to playing summer romance songs, which is nauseating. But, we are a family friendly shop and have to listen to whatever the MOD wants to. Usually Westlife, Busted, Celine Dion, McFly, or some other sappy music. Though, I wouldn't exactly label Busted as family friendly, we do have our off days.

Now that all the colorful umbrellas, coconut flakes, and pineapple garnishing is placed on the cupcakes, I load them into the box, then take a moment to admire my work.

"Lou?"

"Nathan?" I perk up without even realizing that I had. "Oh my goodness!"

I fly out from behind the counter and squeeze him tight in a hug.

"It's nice to see you too. Wished I seen more of ya around the castle. Things are a bit hectic."

"What do you mean?" I step back.

"Well, Lily has come to live with Will for the last two weeks, I believe that's how long it's been. Of course, she has all her teenage girl problems that Will is only used to causing and not resolving. Mrs. Traynor has fell in the love with the girl; total pampering as well. They went out to get their hair styled, nails painted, and new wardrobe as well. Will is just fascinated with her. I'm actually here to pick up an order of cupcakes for Will. It is for Lily's birthday. And, her mother is coming over to see how everyone is adjusting, but according to Lily; living in a drainage ditch would be better than living with her mother."

"Here, let's get your cupcakes." I gather the box and place it in a plastic bag. Actually, I just need a moment to process that Will is alive and well."What? Does she not like her mother?"

"It's a terribly long story. Why don't you come over and celebrate with us? We'd all love to have you and Will certainly misses you -eerrrr- Eh haha. That was a little too much information. He all but refused to eat, telling us he wasn't hungry, then Mrs. T threatened to have him hospitalized. His tune changed quickly."

"Do they get along well?"

"Lily and Will, ya mean?"

"Yes."

It takes a moment to sink in that Will still is alive and well. He didn't leave. What if he never goes to Switzerland?

"Well, yes. But they're stilling getting to know each other. Will and Mrs. T haven't been this close as long as I've know them. He keeps asking for advice. Please, say you'll come with me."

"No. I don't think I should. But, the cupcakes are on me. Just a little gift for Lily, alright?"

From the back door, a loud thud and curse words flow towards the front.

"Oh, Lou. Honey, you're free to go. I know that Lilah is taking forever on her break. And, since you've been here since open I came in early to let you go. I don't know why she acts like she owns the place and can do as she pleases. I mean, she does, but she needs to set an example of how her employees need to act. Oh goodness, I didn't know we had a customer. And a nurse, no less. Hello, Sir. And, how are you today?"

That's Carter for you. He's a bit talkative and young, but strangely mature. I guess when you're married with a baby on the way, you kind of have to have some sense of responsibility.

"I'm trying to convince Louisa to come to a party with me. You said that she could leave now, did you not?"

"Do not get me wrong, Sir, you are very nice looking, but I will not tolerate the girls of my work staff to be hit on if they do not reciprocate the feeling."

"Carter, no. It's fine. Nathan's a good friend. We've known each other for a while. He's just being nice."

The eyebrow raise from my co-worker is not something you wish to see. It means he's about to get real with you.

"Nathan, that is your name?"

"Uh-hm."

"Alright. You take Louisa and you make her dance and get as drunk as possible. This girl is so wound up, if someone let go of her cord; she'd spin like a top. Lou, as your boss, I order you to go."

Most times, I enjoyed Carter, but sometimes I wished he couldn't speak.

"Alright. There you have it. I'll let you gather your things and wait for you in the van."