Early Monday morning, the dark coldness of the night still lingered in the air. Emily approached her pastry shop with a mix of trepidation and excitement. It had been a long week, one filled with fear, doubt, and uncertainty after the traumatic incident with Steve. But the visit to the Joneses had given her the strength she needed to take back control of her life and livelihood.

With a deep breath, Emily looked at the glass door to her shop. She knew that stepping through that threshold would be the first, difficult step in reclaiming her passion and her business. Tearing off the paper sign that had been on the front door during her week off, she slotted the key into the lock and turned it with determination. As the door swung open, she was greeted by the inviting smell of fresh timber from the new shelves and the lingering scent of lemon detergent from the cleaning and mopping that Mike had helped with.

The sight of her shop, things out of place, left as they were from a week ago when she had hurriedly departed and locked the store after Steve's attack. But now, it was time to restore order and create a new beginning.

Emily strode confidently towards the kitchen at the back, where the flicker of the lights illuminated the familiar workbenches, ovens, and baking trays that had waited silently for their mistress's return. She took a moment to absorb the scene—the heart and soul of her pastry shop. Despite the mess and the unpleasant memories, it felt good to be back.

With a sense of purpose, Emily set about baking fresh goods for the day. In another twenty minutes, she had returned to a work rhythm so familiar to her. She had already prepared the ingredients for her top-selling danishes and pastries for the breakfast crowd, and she started planning for the rest of the day's offerings, which included her generously sized bread rolls and hearty loaves.

As Emily's baking assistant arrived to help her with the preparation, Emily was buoyed by the thought that she could easily get through her first day—the baking business was in her blood. Together, they worked in harmony, just like old times, as they rolled dough, mixed ingredients, and filled the air with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked pastries.

A few hours later, the first customers started trickling in. The early workers on their way to work and the occasional retirees on their morning strolls peered curiously through the front glass pane, wondering if Emily had made her return. The early risers were delighted to find the lights on and a hive of activity inside, and more importantly, freshly baked goods had made their triumphant return to the shop.

Among the shop's early customers was Mike, en route to his early shift at the hardware store. Stepping into Emily's shop, his heart surged with pride and joy. Witnessing her back in her element, pursuing what she loved, filled him with immense happiness and admiration.

"Hey, Emily," Mike greeted her with a warm smile.

"Mike!" Emily called out excitedly, leaning over the counter to give him a quick hug. "I'm so glad to see you here!"

"The shop looks good, but the pastries look even better," Mike complimented, eyeing the array of delectable treats. "How's everything going?"

Emily let out a small laugh. "It's hectic, but in a good way," she replied. "I'm definitely feeling a bit of Mondayitis, but seeing you has made the morning more bearable."

Mike smiled, happy to see Emily getting back to her routine. As he noticed the line of customers forming behind him, he didn't want to hold her up.

"I'd like to grab a few of your best pastries, baker's choice, that I can share with my colleagues at the hardware store," he said.

Emily quickly grabbed a box and started picking out eight or so of her favorite pastries that she knew Mike would love.

"As a show of appreciation for your support and for helping me get back on my feet," she said, "these pastries are on the house."

Mike looked at Emily with appreciation, touched by her gesture, but he took out his wallet anyway.

"You don't have to do that, Emily," he said with a warm smile. "I think it's good luck to give a shop business on its first day back, or something like that."

"Please Mike, it would mean the world to me," she said, handing the box of warm pastries to Mike with a broad and appreciative smile.

"Thank you, Emily," Mike said sincerely, accepting the box whilst sneakily putting a fifty dollar note into her tip jar, "I am, I mean, all of Sommerfield is so happy to see you back in action."

With a final wave, Mike headed out of the store, leaving Emily feeling grateful for the support and encouragement that had helped her make this difficult step.

Walking back to his pickup truck, a box of steaming pastries in hand, Mike juggled for his car keys with the other. Eager to surprise his colleagues at the hardware store with the freshly baked delights, he quickened his pace. Amidst the faint morning light, a vivid splash of color caught his attention. Looking up, he spotted a familiar figure making her way toward the shop. Long blonde hair, a confident stride, it was Lisa Taylor. A whirlwind of thoughts raced through his mind. Curiosity about her perspective on the breakup with Dan, wonderment about her early morning plans, and an undeniable pull toward her vivacious and captivating presence.

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"Lisa!" Mike called out with evident delight.

Lisa turned around, her eyes lighting up with mild surprise as she recognized him. He looked particularly neat and youthful in the soft light of the morning. Seeing the box of pastries in his hands, Lisa realized he must have just come from Emily's Pastries. She walked up to him with a smile, putting her hand on the box.

"Mind if I take a pastry?" she asked confidently. "I'm starving."

Mike quickly put his keys away and opened the box for her, eager to share the delightful treats. Lisa glanced at the assortment of pastries before her, seemingly torn on which one to choose.

"Which one do you think is best?" she asked, turning her gaze to Mike.

Mike took a moment to consider the options before answering. "The plain croissant is always a safe choice," he began, "but the blueberry danish looks is much more enticing."

Lisa smiled, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she picked up the blueberry danish with her beautifully manicured fingers. She playfully leaned closer to Mike, a hint of flirtation in her actions.

"Fancy a bite?" she asked with a smile, lifting the danish close to his mouth.

Mike chuckled, a hint of excitement in his tone as he met her gaze. "I can never resist Emily's pastries," he replied, indulging in a bite of the danish. The fresh pastry crunched softly as he savored its delightful flavor.

Lisa reclaimed the pastry.

"The rest of it is mine," she declared with an endearing possessiveness. A contented smile formed on her face as she began eating the remainder.

"What brings you here? Grabbing some breakfast, I assume?" He asked with an eager curiosity.

"I heard about what had happened to Emily's store. I wanted to show her some support on her first day back. I also wanted to grab some pastries for the crew back in the office." Lisa explained. She looked over to the growing queue of eager customers waiting to pick up their morning pastries. A lighthearted sigh escaped her lips as she marveled at the bustling scene.

Lisa chuckled, pointing at Mike's box. "Seems like I'm not the only one with the same idea."

"Guilty as charged," he admitted. "Hey, if you want, you can take these pastries I bought so you can skip the line. I don't mind queueing up again."

Lisa looked at Mike gratefully, touched by his thoughtfulness. She placed her hand on his arm, giving him a warm smile.

"Thank you," she said sincerely. "That's really sweet of you, but I wanted to drop by the shop to say a quick hello to Emily."

"It's cool," Mike replied, glancing at his watch. "Look, I've got some time before work. If you don't mind the company, I'd love to catch up with you and see what you've been up to."

Lisa observed the childlike eagerness in Mike's eyes, and it brought a smile to her face. She chuckled softly before nodding.

"I'd love the company," she said, "But only if you bring that box of pastries along. I might have developed an addiction for those scrumptious treats you're carrying."

Mike laughed heartily, finding Lisa's words mesmerizing.

"Deal," he said, holding up the box of pastries. The two of them walked together to join the end of the queue leading into the bustling shop.

After a brief wait, they reached the front of the queue and received Lisa's order from the ever-smiling Emily, who was delighted to see Lisa and Mike once more. With the order sorted and paid for, Lisa and Mike stepped back onto the sidewalk just outside the shop. Their conversation had been delightful, leaving Lisa with a connection to Mike that she struggled to articulate. As they prepared to go their separate ways, Lisa felt a wave of gratitude for this unexpected encounter.

"It's been really nice talking to you, Mike," Lisa said with a warm smile. "We should catch up again some other time."

Mike's face lit up with eagerness, and he couldn't hide his excitement.

"Definitely! When are you free?" he asked, overflowing with enthusiasm.

"I'll let you know," Lisa's response was noncommittal, with a slightly playful twinkle in her eyes.

Mike nodded, understanding her response but feeling a tinge of disappointment.

"Where are you off to now?" Mike inquired, trying to prolong their time together.

"Back to my office," she replied. "I'm sure there's a bunch of hungry people who would be delighted to sink their teeth into these yummy treats."

Mike nodded again, an idea formed in his mind.

"Would you like a lift?" he offered. "The granary office isn't too far out of the way, it'll save you from carrying that heavy box of pastries in those high heels you are wearing."

Mike's infectious enthusiasm and attentive nature, along with his willingness to assist, deeply touched Lisa. She noticed the keen excitement etched upon his face, and it made her feel special, like she was someone worth getting excited about. His eyes were large and bright, reflecting the genuine interest he had in her, and the smile that adorned his face seemed to be etched there permanently.

Feeling a certain curiosity in Mike's interest, Lisa found herself drawn to him. There was something about his presence, his genuine and proactive nature, that held her attention in a way she hadn't expected. It was as if he saw something in her that others might have overlooked, and that made her feel good about herself.

She gently placed her hand on his arm, conveying the connection she felt towards Mike.

"Thanks, Mike," she said, her voice soft and appreciative. "I really do appreciate your offer, but I think I'll walk back to the office. It'll give me some time to clear my head before the busy day ahead."

Mike smiled understandingly, his enthusiasm undiminished.

"Totally get it. Mondays are something special aren't they?" he replied with a great big smile. "Well, I'll see you around then. Remember, we need to catch up again sometime."

"Bye, Mike," Lisa said, waving at him with a grateful smile. "And thanks again for the pastry earlier. It was delicious!"

Lisa lingered for a moment, her gaze fixed on the disappearing red pickup. A feeling of contentment washed over her, grateful for the unexpected encounter at Emily's pastry shop. Mike's presence had illuminated her morning, leaving behind a warmth that buoyed her spirits and carried a hopeful outlook.