from the bottom of my heart

intro

"And then I said: you bitch! How dare you think I am uncapable of climbing that stupid mountain of yours! I am probably fitter than your little 20 year old something loverboy who uses you for your money!"

My mother exclaimed into the phone in her American accent, meaning she started to slowly lose the British in her. I laughed in response, my hands kneading the dough tight. "I'm assuming she wasn't happy with what you said?" I asked as I sprinkled some flour onto my fingers to keep the dough from sticking to my skin.

"This might come as a shocker but she actually invited me to sit down and talk it over with her calmly. But I just know! I know she said that because I know too much and her husband was outside playing tennis with your father. Sneaky little bitch "the woman hissed into her phone and I shook my head in disbelief, having no idea how she gets herself into this kind of drama. Is this what Americans' lives are all about? Just constant drama, like they're in some kind of reality tv show? If so, my mother is in heaven. My parents moved to America almost a year ago and there isn't a day when my mum doesn't call me to catch up on the gossip. Surprisingly, there's always something going on - or maybe she's a pathological liar. One of them must be right.

"Mum, I'm sure she didn't mean it that way." Oh, she definitely did . "I know you're trying to show her who's the boss and she's probably aware of the fact you are not just some little posh lady from Britain. You're Margaret Anne Hayes! So kick some ass, but, respectfully. Please."

"You're right, hun. I will. I'm gonna get a drink now and head to the spa in a few. Let me know how your audition goes! Kisses!" I heard her making a kiss noise into the speaker and the next thing I knew was a loud BEEP, followed by complete silence. I gently placed the dough back in the bowl and covered it to let it rise for a few hours as I will be cleaning the mess I've made by preparing my infamous cinnamon buns for friends of mine. They are coming over later tonight to find out if I have secured a place at Britain's best baking show.

A baker, is what I am, with my own pastry shop downstairs. I have been baking since I remember - it's always been my passion and strongest suit when it comes to culinary arts. I have shared this fire with someone who used to be someone special to my heart who unfortunately decided to turn on me to advance in something he knew I was extremely passionate about - Oliver. Our mothers were best friends which meant we also grew up together, shared many amazing moments, but unfortunately it all ended when we realized that we both wanted the same thing - which isn't always a bad thing, but when you live in a small town like ours and really want to make it big, you need to start from here, our very own English hometown. So, for years, we have been our biggest rivals, our bakeries opposite each other. There was little to no friendship between us although I have tried multiple times to rebuild our bond and start from scratch but Oliver is too stubborn. When he wants something, he'll get it. Feelings don't come into play.

The audition however, is for a baking show that is looking for bakers from all around Britain to take part in a competition where one of us will win £ 100,000 to expand our company worldwide. You're telling me, that I could do what I am best at and possibly win this huge amount of money AND beat Oliver's ass forever with the fact that I won a LITERAL baking show? Of course I signed up for it. There was no other way. Hashtag girlboss.

or

Dahlia, the beloved baker signs up for a baking competition that's taking place near her town. Little does she know, her childhood-ex-best-friend-nemesis-biggest-competition-in-town-Oliver, will join her side to win the big £ 100,000 prize. And maybe Dahlia's heart. Again.

first chapter tomorrow, this is just a little introduction to the story !! - nat