Who Stole My Cookie Love?

Having arrived home and preparing for the night of relaxing; I received a phone call that I needed to come back to the bakery.

"Why i asked?"

"Someone had broken in and not only was the alarm triggered. "

"I was needed to come so I could tell the police officers if anything had been taken."

I grabbed my keys and while driving all I could think about who would rob a bakery and what would they actually take?

I had been in business now for seven years and with everything going on; in the world I wasn't prone to close shop because.

Who couldn't use a dish of happiness?

(A week before)

Wendy walks into Cookie Love Bakery in Downtown Atlanta, GA and begins to look around the expansive location filled with the aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Michelle notices her and walks over.

"Hello, welcome to Cookie Love."

They both smile at each other.

"What is that delicious smell coming from back there?"

"We are in the middle of our annual holiday bake."

Not one to give to much information away.

"Do tell what is it?"

"If I tell you I would have to hire you; so that you won't run off with my secrets."

Wendy smiles.

"How about a free taste test; a dessert of anything that is on display?"

"I would like that very much."

"I will take the turnovers; the very berry ones; who doesn't love a berry treat?"

Michelle begins to wrap it and hands the box to Wendy.

"I do hope that you keep the recipes under lock and key."

(Flashbacks End)

"There is no way that she would do such a thing."

Michelle pulls into the parking lot and takes a deep breath.

She then enters into the bakery.

Detective Wimbley walks over to her as he notices her looking around.

"Can I help you?"

"I hope so by telling me what is going on?"

"The alarm was set off. Be careful of the broken glass; are you the owner?"

"I am sorry; I'm Michelle Lee."

"Ms. Lee is there anyone who would want to cause you any harm?"

"Not that I can think off of hand ; but right now I should check to see if anything is missing."

"It may just have gotten caught in the middle of the protests."

"Lets not make assumptions," she replied.

"Of course not."

"We will stay out of your way and if you can think of anything let us know."

"Thank-you."

Michelle walks away and goes into the office.

Files were tossed all over the floor.

She knew right away the Love recipe was gone and now she had to ensure its safe return.

(Flashbacks begin)

"Can I help you grandmama?"

"Of course you can because one day all of these receipes will be yours."

"Do you want to know what the special ingredients to all my baking?"

"Yes, please tell me becausr everything always tastes like it is made with love."

"My dear child you are as important as you are right."

"Now stir the mix and infuse it with "Love."

"There is a bright future in store for you just stick with me."

(Flashbacks end)

Detective Wimbley walks into the office.

"Have you noticed anything missing?"

"No, i need more time to access the damage and get the door/window repaired."

"I will leave you my card and if you think of anything else or who would do this; just call the precinct."

He places his card on the desk.

"Okay lets clear out of here."

Soon the bakery is emptied out leaving Michelle alone pondering not only her thoughts but also her next move.

As Michelle continue to clean up the glass while waiting on the repairman/locksmith; she couldnt help but wonder about all the magical moments that have taken place at the bakery.

The children with their parents.

Teenagers sharing hot gossip over cocoa and cupcakes.

The birthday cakes.

Sharing space even when social distancing was the new norm.

Feeding treats to the leaders of Black Lives Matter and their fellow protestors sometimes till 2a.m.

The Grand Opening.

"I won't let this be my last holiday."

Several employees had also come to help and give Michelle the support she needed without asking.

All would be well.

Not only did they show up but so did someone she thought much about.

(Flashbacks begin)

"Its kind of late to be out here alone."

"I was busy creating a wedding cake."

"Getting married?"

"Why are you proposing?"

"To take you out yes but we will have to go one a proper date before you seduce with your confections."

Jared smiled at her.

(Flashbacks End)

There romance may have been brief but she was happy to see him right now.

"Why didnt you call me?"

Michelle is taken aback.

"My head is all over the place; how did you hear about it?"

"Over the scanner; do you know who it was?"

Michelle couldn't help but wonder if she had kept her police officer ex boyfriend around would the burglary had taken place.

"I do ; but let me handle it."

"You just wait on the locksmith."

"Whatever you need."

But it looks as if fate had interceded on her behalf because Wendy walked into the shop.

Michelle looks up at her.

"I was walking to my car; is everything alright?"

"Are you okay?"

"I am and as you can see i'm in the middle if a clean up ; but I was just coming to see you."

"Why?"

"Jared, could you please leave us to talk alone?"

"Of course."

He left them to talk."

"Now we can be candid; why did you do this?"

"Do what?"

Michelle leans into her and says; "Whatever you took it will never do for you what it has for me."

"And why is that?"

"So you do know what has happened?"

"I want to know why?"

"Your cold heart."

Michelle reaches into her coat and takes the receipe out.

"Love Always Wins."

The End