January 2017
Melissa couldn't help but smile as Tom walked out of her bakery. She couldn't deny how handsome he was. When she first laid eyes on him, she was completely mesmerized by him and his gorgeous blue eyes. She was in so much shock when he first startled her that she didn't notice his accent but when he spoke again she nearly melted at the beautiful sound that came out of his mouth. She had technically closed her shop about five minutes before he walked in but she still had a few pastries left and she was just doing some cleaning. She really just didn't want him to leave. They didn't really talk much but she stole a few glances at him when he was stuffing his face and it took everything in her to not giggle at the joy on his face while he was eating. She was annoyed at how he still looked incredibly handsome even with crumbs on his face but she was glad to see that he enjoyed her pastries. She really hoped he would come back like he said he would.
The whole drive back to his hotel, Tom couldn't take his mind off of Melissa. At first he thought that she was just being professional by not reacting to who he was but she didn't even know his name. She had no idea who he was. It wasn't often that he could go somewhere and not be recognized. He didn't really talk to Melissa while he was there but she radiated so much positivity that he couldn't help but feel at ease being near her. There was no denying how stunning she was. He definitely stole a few glances at her when she wasn't looking. And when she started singing, he was mesmerized by her voice. It was beautiful. He understood Spanish but rarely listened to music in Spanish but now that's all he wanted to listen to. He would have to go back to hear it. Sure he could look some up himself but it wouldn't be the same without her singing along. And her pastries, well pan dulce, as he learned it was called. It was incredible. He really wanted to order more but he had already stayed way past closing and didn't want to be a bother to her. He knew he had to go back to try everything she offered. He also was determined to actually talk to her the next time.
Tom couldn't wait to leave set the next day. He rushed off and drove straight to the bakery, wanting to make it before closing. He was also hoping that there would be more available for him to try. When he parked he saw that there was three other costumers who were walking in. He didn't really want to be seen so he grabbed his cap from the backseat before walking into the bakery. He got in line behind the group and waited patiently for his turn. The group paid and stepped aside to wait for their drinks, but not without getting a glimpse at who was under the cap. They all let out small gasps but said nothing to him. They just tried to secretly stare at him from the spot they stood at.
"Well look who came back and before closing," Melissa chuckled.
"Well I needed to get here in time to try more of your delicious treats," he smiled.
"Would you like me to pick for you again?"
"Yes but can I please get another one of those conchas as well?"
"Wow I'm impressed you remember what it was called and pronounced it so perfectly," she teased. "I'll bring it right over once I get this groups' drinks out." A few minutes later, the group had left, but not before stealing a few quick sneaky photos of Tom. Melissa brought him a plate filled with different breads and a new drink for him to try. "Okay I don't want you to be weirded out but those people were definitely staring at you and taking pictures of you," she said as she set down his plate and mug.
"Oh um yeah I noticed. It's fine," he shrugged it off.
"Oh okay," she said slowly. "Just thought I should let you know. Anyways, I brought you some new stuff to try and a café de olla."
He loved everything she brought him. He couldn't believe he ate all of it but he couldn't help it, it was so tasty.
"Well I'm going to go ahead and assume you enjoyed that," she smiled as she grabbed his plate. "Can I get you anything else?"
This was his chance. "Well um I was wondering if maybe you'd want to sit with me for a while, at least until a costumer walks in," he said shyly.
"Oh um sure," she smiled. "Let me just take this to the kitchen and grab us something to drink." She came back soon with two cups of horchata and placed them on the table. She took a seat across from him and watched him take a sip of his drink.
"Wow this is delicious. Is everything you make this good?"
"Well I'd hope so," she chuckled before taking a sip of hers. "So judging from your accent, I'm assuming you're not from here."
"You'd assume correctly, I'm from London. And I hear a little bit of an accent from you too so I'd assume you're also not from here."
"I moved here from Mexico when I was ten but my accent still comes through a little bit," she smiled proudly. "So what brings you here? And to Atlanta of all places."
"I'm here for work," he said hoping she wouldn't ask more.
"Oh cool. What do you do?"
He didn't want to lie but he also didn't want to give her the full truth. "I work in the movie industry."
"Ooh sounds fun!"
They talked for a few more minutes before a customer walked in and Tom decided to call it a night. Tom continued to come back to the bakery nearly everyday. He would sometimes take it to go, being too tired to stay. He absolutely loved the pastries and drinks but he found himself being more excited to see Melissa than to actually eat.