It takes a couple of days before Sofia decides that now that most of the clean-up work at the bakery is done, she has to actually start going through her yéyé's recipes so she can fill up the display cases before being able to open again. A bittersweet endeavor but a necessary one. Not to mention going over the books and figuring out the finances. To think not long ago I was just a culinary student surviving off coffee and willpower.

Walking over to the big oak bookcase in the living room where he kept one of his handwritten recipe journals, Sofia picks it up and starts flipping through. Lola's Bakery is her grandparent's legacy and a staple of the community so she is determined to get all of the favorites right. In a way, it feels like she will be keeping her yéyé alive and well in everyone's heart if she can achieve it.

When Sofia comes across his recipe for Chinese snowflake cakes, she knows that is where she wants to start. They were always one of her favorites and her grandpa made them any time she would visit. After changing into some sweatpants and a comfy tank top, she secures her hair back with a headband. It takes almost no time to gather up the milk, cream, potato starch, coconut powder, gelatin, and raspberries. The process takes her back to being in the kitchen with her yéyé and it brings a watery smile to her lips.

The first bite when they are finally ready to eat a few hours later is like a soothing balm to Sofia's soul. She had been stressing so much, not wanting to ruin yéyé's memory that she had forgotten that these are all things she knows and loves. He taught her every single one of these recipes at some point and she will always carry them in her heart. The truth is, she simply has to trust herself and it will all work out.

She makes a quick mental note to take some to Javier, knowing they are one of his favorites. Briefly, she considers taking extra to give to Cassius. Biting her lip, she decides that throwing a few more into the package is just polite, there is no bigger meaning to it. With a new mindset, Sofia gets ready and heads to the bakery.

It is easy to get lost in the prep work and baking. It is part memory and instinct and another part following his recipes. Sofia had just started to wipe the work tables down while waiting for the last batch of sesame cookies when a knock is heard at the front door. Through the glass, she can see a sharp-dressed older man in a suit with salt and pepper hair.

He spots Sofia and smiles offering a friendly wave so she walks over to open the door. Most people in town she at least somewhat recognizes but she sure she had never seen him around. Then again, she hasn't been back for very long and could have simply just not run into the man before. "Hello, would you like to come in?" Sofia asks in an attempt to be friendly.

"I'd love to! I know it is rude of me to just drop by but I am opening an antique shop just across the road and heard this bakery was getting back up and running soon." Being alone in the shop with a stranger makes Sofia feel so uneasy that she casually goes over and lifts the blinds of the main storefront area. Not only does it let more light in but the fact that people walking or driving by can see them just helps put her more at ease. It's possible that she is being unnecessarily paranoid but there is something vaguely threatening about the man even as he smiles calmly.

"You heard right! I'm just taking over from my grandfather and it's taking me a bit to get all of our ducks in a row so we can open up again."

"Yes, of course. Oh! forgive me, my name is Ian Gregor. I must have forgotten my manners."

Sofia smiles, offering Ian a seat at one of the tables and taking the opposite one herself. "Not at all! I'm Sofia by the way. Is there something I can do for you?"

The older man crosses his legs clasping his hands together over the table and leans in "Actually, there is. I understand that you are not up and running yet but everyone I have asked says this is the best bakery in town. I am helping set up a soup kitchen in town, wanting to get involved in the community, and was hoping to place an order for some desserts or pastries to have at the opening."

Just then the kitchen timer goes off and Sofia excuse herself. As she takes the cookies out, Sofia takes a moment to ponder over his request. Despite her previous worries over living up to the standard everyone expects of Lola's, Sofia knows she can do this and make everyone happy to see the bakery getting back on its feet. Taking one of the sesame cookies, she sets it on a small plate and brings it out for Mr. Gregor before sitting back down.

"As I was going to say before the timer went off, I would love to be a part of it. I'm never one to turn down the chance to help the community." Sofia says and takes a sip of tea as Mr. Gregor takes a bite of his cookie. The older man closes his eyes and makes a sound of satisfaction "I am so glad to hear it and if everything is as good as this cookie then I may need a few extra to take home."

Overall it was a pleasant interaction and they were able to work out the details. Phone numbers are exchanged before saying their goodbyes. Less than a minute after Ian Gregor walks out, Sofia goes to lock the door when a hand stops her, gently pushing the door back open. Of course, it is Cassius and the familiar flutters start up in her stomach.

"Oh, Cass. Look, I kind of wanted to apologize. I've been a little all-" In the middle of her talking, he grabs her hand, dragging her towards the back. When he finally let's go Sofia turns to ask what's going on with him but stops short. For the first time since he invited himself in, she takes the time to look at his face and Sofia has never seen him look so serious.

"I really do want to hear what you had to say love, but this is important. That man that just walked out of here, did he want something?"

Sofia shrugs her shoulders, still not understanding this mood he seems to be in "He wanted to place an order for some charity thing he's setting up. Why? Is something wrong?"As she asks, that unsettling feeling she had when Gregor had first walked in comes back to mind and she wonders if her subconscious had picked up on something.

Taking a few steps forwards, Cassius drops his voice to just above a whisper looking straight into her eyes "Sweetheart, he is not a good man despite how he may look. Fill the order but that's it. You shouldn't be anywhere near him, do you understand? This is not me wanting to control you darlin' but I need you to be safe."

The urge to keep asking questions is there but one look at his face makes it clear that he is not playing and this is extremely serious. Sofia may have a lot of conflicting feelings about Cassius but, confusion aside, ever since she came back he has helped her even when he hasn't needed to. That is largely why Sofia nods in agreement, choosing to trust Cass in that moment.

Seemingly satisfied he closes the gap, wrapping an arm around her waist, and kisses her left cheek then her right before his lips barely brush over her forehead. Sofia feels frozen in that moment, everything falling away except this gorgeous man. Her eyes close and she allows herself to melt in his arms, pressing against his body and taking in the comfort of his presence that she still can not explain.

"I have to go but if he comes around, call me. Your safety will forever be my greatest priority." The ghost of another kiss is placed on her temple then just like that, Cassius is gone just as quickly as he arrived. His sudden departure leaves Sofia feeling cold and something in her chest aches. Uselessly trying to rub the phantom pain away, Sofia decides that with that unexpected turn to her day, it is best that she heads home. Boxing up the rest of the cookies, she plans to add them to the box of snowflake cakes.