Lucien

The warmth of sunshine after a long week of winter had a way of waking even the quietest souls. But this young and handsome baker was awake before everyone in his home and on the way to his cafe before anyone even thought of roaming around the streets.

As the cold traces of winter gave way to the warmth of sunrise, the aroma of vanilla extract and chocolate beans wafted around the bakery. The sound grounding coffee beans fell like a magical rhythm in Calhan's ears as he mixed the base for the brownies of the day.

It's not just Calhan who worked there. All his coworkers too felt the soothing effect of the shop and the awakening of the city. The soothing jazz from the speaker of their cafe helped them function actively as they prepared for the morning rush.

"Tish." Calhan called out to his coworker who was mixing the blondes for baking. "Please help out Allen after you are done. Today we have two big orders for mini cakes. It's just our regular flavour but I am sure you understand why I am asking for your help."

The pink haired petite woman nodded, her head bobbing and hair bouncy as she completed the mixing. Tish is the twenty two year old baker of their cafe, one of Calhan's juniors from culinary school who joined him as soon as he opened the shop.

Calhan completed the brownie mixture and started pouring the batter carefully on the different sizes of tins they had. The drizzles of chocolate chunks added this beautiful pattern to the brownie and the taste and texture of the brownie looked so appetizing that Calhan had to take a moment just to admire them before he set them in the industrial oven he has in his kitchen.

The aroma of baking bread filled the room as they all started preparing other confectionery for the day. Their bakery specialized in many items but the most popular were their brownies and Biscoff cookie cake.

Calhan prided in owning this bakery. It was his life's work. His coworkers too admired the way he ran things around here. He has an eye for hiring like minded and skilled people who are passionate about their craft.

"Alright guys. Today is another hectic day. Since we are coming out of winter, more people will come in today. So keep those hot chocolate and coffee ready at all times.

We also have two large orders of cupcakes and mini cakes. I have given the list to Tish and Allen. But I am sure they could use some help. So, after the morning rush is over, half of us will convene back here to finish the piping and that would be, me, Nisha, Wren and Allen. I am hoping the rest of you could manage the front till we are done in the back. The order is getting picked up at four in the evening."

The baker looked around to eager faces and amusement dancing in Tish's eyes. This was how it was every time they got a massive order of pastries. The kitchen is in a rush trying to manage both the front and back and because they are the best in town and keep new flavours coming in and keep public suggestions welcome, their cafe is always busy with floating customers coming in and out till closing.

Just as they dispersed, the chime hanging on the entrance rang, indicating the arrival of the first customer of the day.

"Let's go guys." Calhan cheered. They all laughed softly as they went to the front while the other half of them remained in the back to take care of the baking.

Calhan joined the front, his apron now tied to the front to manage the rush hour. His bangs swept away from his eyes, his long hair was tied back for convenience. His beautiful gray, cat-like eyes were shielded by the round, thick rimmed big glasses that kept the dust and flour away. His white work shirt was flowy and airy that let him breathe calmly. He looked up when the chime rang again. The sight of a lovely couple made his lips stretch in a small smile.

The energy between the vibrant couple contrasted the gloomy winter. But he could also feel the intense longing in his chest, right where his heart resided. He closed his eyes for a moment before he strengthened his resolve to not let things spoil his mood today.

"Welcome to Sol & Sugar." Tish exclaimed with a cheerful smile as the couple went to the counter to place their order. The one thing that Calhan wanted when he started his cafe was to keep contact and talk as minimally as humanly possible. That's also what made many single people and couples who love their privacy visit their place.

His eyes shifted once again to the cupcakes he was placing in the display. There was an assortment of cupcakes but Calhan's most favourite ones were the Red Velvet Cream Cheese and the Salted Caramel Heat. Those two were both bold and subtle. The burst of caramel in the taste buds brings a certain joy that Calhan loved seeing on the customers faces. The bitter dark chocolate they had in the base of the cupcake contrasted the sweet flavour of the red velvet cream cheese frosting. They were Calhan's own creations.

His thoughts were cut short when he heard the chime of the bell. He looked and his lips stretched subconsciously in a big smile. By now Tish had moved to the back to help with the big order.

The door opened and along with it bought a breeze of fresh but cold air of the lingering traces of winter. Calhan closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them, he was met with the sight of a tall, strong and handsome man whose presence demanded Calhan's attention.

The man looked mysterious and yet familiar in a way that had Calhan's eyes lingering. Dark coat, sleeves pushed back slightly as if he’d walked fast to escape the chill. His gaze lingered around the café first. They were slow and observant, taking in the warm lighting, the wooden counters, the handwritten chalkboard menu.

"Welcome to Sol & Sugar. How may I help you?" Even though Calhan has been saying this line everyday for the last two years since he set up shop, today it felt different.

" Good morning! First time here?" Calhan chuckled noticing how the man's eyes took in his surroundings with a glint of awe in his eyes.

The mystery man nodded, his eyes finally meeting Calhan as he casually slipped his hands into his coat pockets.

"You looked at the menu like it might test you." Calhan teased, watching the man look down bashfully but he recovered fastly from the tease.

"I was hoping you might help me. You look like you have a good taste." The mystery man chuckled, his voice fell like a melody in Calhan's ears and it was now his turn to look bashful.

"Oh you flatter me. But yeah I did design this menu. I would recommend our Biscoff cookie cake. It has this subtle coffee flavour that goes well with any drink you might prefer. I would also recommend our Ham & Swiss Croissant if you prefer savoury over sweets. If you like coffee but don't prefer it very sweet, you can have our Vanilla Cinnamon Late. It's dangerously persuasive." Calhan's smile grew tenfold when the mystery man nodded and for the first time smiled.

"Dangerously persuasive sounds risky."

"It is." Calhan replied smoothly. "But a pleasant one." There was something steady about the way the stranger held eye contact. Not intense but attentive as he listened to every word that spewed out of Calhan's mouth.

"I will take your word for it then." He said. "I will have the Ham & Swiss scone and the coffee you recommended."

“Trusting me already?” Calhan teased lightly as he rang up the order.

“I suppose I am.”

Their fingers brushed briefly as Calhan handed over the receipt. It was just a moment of contact but it left Calhan feeling breathless as he went to pick up the pen.

“Name for the order?” Calhan asked. There was a small pause as the man thought.

“Lucien.” He whispered as he rocked on the balls of his feet.

Calhan repeated it as he wrote it on the cup. “Lucien.” It fits him. The name had a mystery feel to it and felt smooth to pronounce.

“Calhan,” he added without thinking.

Lucien glanced up. “I didn’t ask.”

“No,” Calhan replied, passing him the cup once it was ready. “But you’ll be back.” At that time, the smile Lucien gave him lingered. “I suppose I might.”