Chapter 2

MacKenzie's POV

The smell of pastries, coffee and bread was mouthwatering as Ren and I walked into the cosy little bakery and immediately headed towards the cashier.

"Good afternoon Ma'am, what may I get for you?" Asked the man with a polite smile.

"Hi, could I please have three croissants, one plain one and two stuffed with cheese, and one cup of cappuccino and one cup of white hot chocolate, please?" I asked as I let go of Ren's hand and opened my worn out bag, pulling out my slightly tattered, navy blue and white purse. I needed a new purse, this one was getting embarrassing.

"Milk or foam, Ma'am?" He asked as he looked up from the screen.

"Milk, please." I smiled up at him as I closed my bag and moved it back to its original position. I then moved Serenity in front of me, so she could survey the baked goods while being protected from people bumping into her.

"Alright, that will be 75 Erasis', Ma'am." He said as he looked up at me.

With a smile, I pulled my blue debit card out of my purse and handed it to him. He gently and politely took it from my offered hand and inserted it into the card machine. He then did something on the screen then turned it in my direction for me to enter the pin. I quickly punched it in before turning the card machine back to him.

A little 'ting' sounded as the receipt left the machine betore he took out the card and tore off the small slip before handing them to me. 

"Would you like them to go or are you eating in?" He asked.

"What do you think, Ren?" I asked my daughter who was looking at all the pastries with wander and longing.

"Can we sit, Mommy?" She asked with puppy dog eyes, knowing very well that I couldn't resist them.

"Yes, we can, Baby," I smiled at her before looking up at him,"We'll eat in, thank you."

"Okay, please choose any vacant table and I'll bring them to you." He smiled.

"Okay, thank you." I smiled with gratitude, "Let's go find a table." 

We turned around and faced the mostly empty cafè as I let Ren choose a table and obviously she decided that the window table was the best so we made our way there. The hair at the back of my neck stood as I felt a person's eyes practically boaring at mh skin. A feeling of unease settled in my stomach, making it painfully churn, but I tried to ignore it. I'm sure many people in this small cafè were regulars so whoever it was must have been curious about the new stranger is all.

Luckily enough, there was a highchair at our table so I simply placed Ren in it before sitting down next to her.

Ren immediately started talking, telling me about her shows and being the good Mom that I am, I listened to half the things that she said. The rest past me like a blur, unfortunately. I admit that her joyous chatted helped me loosen up a bit, but I still stayed a tad bit on guard in case we were in trouble.

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It's been four days since Ren and I have been here. Four longs days of anxiety. My interview went well, but I have yet to receive the final notice so I've been a ball of nerves since. I started searching for apartments, but finding an affordable one has been a dream. We are currently literally living on my few savings now and knowing that tomorrow would be our last day at the motel room I booked only made my worries escalate to a dizzying rate. Sleep was starting to be a luxury. I had booked the motel for five days and I can't book it for more than that. My money reserve was running at an awfully dangerous low, but Serenity was just a toddler so I couldn't withhold her from everything, which is why I decided to visit the bakery with her, just to spoil her a bit, regardless of the money struggle we were facing.

"Mommy, can we go to the park?" She asked, knocking me instantly out of my thoughts, but not out of my worries.

"Sure, Sweetie but eat first, then we can go, okay?" I asked her as I noticed the untouched food on the table that I had forgotten. We silently ate our food then out we went to the park opposite the bakery.

Luckily, I had her wear shorts and a pink shirt today so she was more or less fine for the park.  I wouldn't have to worry about stains that would never be removed. I know that anything else would have been terrible for playing and for washing later.

I sat under the shade on one of the benches and watched her play on the slide. My worries were literally eating me alive at that moment.

"May I join you?" Asked a masculine voice. My head instantly turned in its direction. I instantly regretted the fast speed when dizziness settled in along with slight nausea, but what I saw instantly killed both sicknesses.

My breath felt like it got knocked out of my throat as I stared at the most handsome man I had ever seen. He had brunette, short hair styled in a messy hairdo. His eyelashes were so long and curved that they accentuated his high cheek bones and his brought attention to sapphire blue eyes. His slightly bushy eyebrows were enviable. He had on a white fitted short sleeved top, a pair of black skinny jeans and black and white sneakers. His top graciously outlined his toned physique and left no muscle untouched. He was not buff but he was quite muscular.

"Yes, sure." I forced myself to answer as I tried to steady my breathing while trying to keep a steady smile.

"I'm sorry if this is invading your personal space or personal information, but are you okay? You seem overly stressed and I just couldn't help but to come and ask." He said, concern lacing his words.

For some reason, I felt so safe and comfortable around this man. It felt like I could trust him with all my secrets and problems which is probably why logic left my mind as I found my mouth sputtering out things I didn't want it to sputter.

"I'm not okay," I admitted with a weak and tired smile, "You see, my daughter and I just moved here. I checked into a motel five days ago and now I'm in desperate need of a job and an apartment because my reserves won't last us for long." I tiredly sighed, worry filling every word I uttered.

"Can I possibly help you in any way?" He asked, looking genuinely ready to help.

As to why such a handsome guy would be so willing to help a stranger is beyond me, but I appreciated his concern and generous offer. And to be quite frank, I couldn't help the feeling of familiarity as I spoke to. It felt like I've known him for years, which is insane but that doesn't mean anything. He's still just a stranger after all.

"No, it's okay. I'll figure everything out," I reassuringly smiled," I better go. Thanks for listening to a stranger's cries though." I teased.

He chuckled, making my heart spike in my chest at the deep but velvety sound. It had my heart fluttering as butterflies danced around in my stomach. It was so heavenly, featherlight and deep, making me want to bask in its glory forever.

"Anytime." He smiled.

With a smile, I walked to Serenity who was playing with a boy who seemed a bit too old to want to befriend a toddler. He looked to be around 10 to 13 and looked like the look alike of that man I just spoke to. He must be the man's son. Like father like son, I suppose.

"Hello there."I greeted with a smile.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am." Greeted the boy with a toothy smile, making me just want to squeeze him into my arms and never let go. I felt like a part of me connected with him then and there.

"Mommy!" Exclaimed Serenity excitedly as she jumped onto my legs and hugged them.

"I'm sorry, but Serenity and I have to leave now." I apologetically smiled at the little boy.

A look of disappointment settled over his cute features but he immediately covered it was a happy smile, "It's okay. It was nice playing with you, Serenity. I hope we can play together again soon." He told her with a cheeky grin.

Serenity turned around and asked, "Can Mommy and I take you home with us? I like you, I want you to be my older brother." She pouted as disappointment filled her features too. The ugly feeling guilty gripped onto my heart at her words and clearly sad expression. I hated hurting my baby with every fiber of my being, but something told me that the reason I was feeling so bad was not only because of Serenity. There was more to it than just that.

"I'm sorry," I apologised to them with a sad smile, "Come now, say bye, Ren." I coaxed her even as I wanted to take his hand and take him with me. What is wrong with me today? Maybe it's just my motherly instincts. 

"Bye, it was nice meeting you." She smiled, but it did not meet her eyes as other days. She must have really have taken a liking to this little boy. Even I have, like mother like daughter, it seems.

"Bye." He waved at her with a smile.

I took her hand in mine, "Bye Sweetheart." I said to him as Ren waved at him before we left the park. I gave the man a quick smile and wave, which he returned, making my stomach go mush.

At 25 years, I have a crush. Unbelievable.