❝Oh, I've been dazed and confused

From the day I met you

Yeah, I lost my head

And I'd do it again ❞

- Ruel, Dazed and Confused.

My eyes fluttered open and I was immediately met with River's sleeping face. His breathing was slow and not exactly steady, but I understood it was because of his cold. His lips were a bit curved, making it appear like he was smirking. I reached up and stroked a finger along hi jawline.

Okay, but, why was he so gorgeous?

I grabbed my phone, squinting at its brightness as I caught a glimpse of the time. 6:23pm. Remembering that I had school tomorrow, I sat up, throwing my hair into a bun.

"Are you leaving?" I heard River ask, followed by a shuffling sound beside me.

"Yep, it's almost 6:30," I answered, turning to face him.

"So? You could always stay over."

"I have school tomorrow."

"I can take you to school, that's not a problem," he shrugged.

"What? Do you want me to go to school without clothes?" I asked, amused.

"Heck no," he replied immediately and I grinned, "Do you feel better?"

He sat up, nodding as he ran his fingers through his hair. "I should feel fully better by tomorrow. Are you ready? I'll take you home?"

"Uh, no you won't. I got myself here, I can take myself back home," I caught a glimpse of the box of donuts which now had four donuts left in it. "Hey, sweet tooth, make sure Riley has some donuts." I kissed his forehead.

"Thanks for coming over, babe—" he paused. "That just rolled off my tongue, but I absolutely loved it," his face held a teasing smile.

"I like it," I chuckled.

*

"So, we'll be needing over a hundred and fifty cupcakes, donuts, gourmet brownies... I'm thinking cheesecake—" Sky was saying.

"How about strawberries covered in chocolates? I'm just thinking," Marnie suggested, and Zuri nodded, writing it down when Sky approved, saying that would be a great idea.

"How about drinks?" I asked.

"Definitely the smoothies are a must. We could have ice cream, but in cones. Um, milkshakes too. There'll be older people. So, fresh beverages and coffee would be great," Sky answered, eyes on Zuri as she wrote those down too.

"Now that we've gotten all those down, we've got to divide the labour. Renée, Zuri and Nolan, I think, should handle the cupcakes, donuts and brownies." Sky pressed her lips together. "Marnie can work on the chocolate covered strawberries, and since Nolan is superfast at working, he can help Marnie when he's done with what he has to do. I'll work on the drinks woth the others. Is that okay?"

Me, Zuri and Marnie nodded, while Nolan asked, "Are we going to get paid extra? I mean..." His voice trailed off.

Sky facepalmed. "Yes, Nolan. Yes, you will all be paid extra," she let out a breath. "I know we've got a busy week ahead of us, and today's already gone, but we have to get everything ready and done by Friday evening. I know you can all get it done, and I genuinely appreciate all of you."

It truly was going to be a busy week. The bakery was hosting a little party on Saturday. That was also the day when the art River had worked on will be unveiled, and as excited as I was, I already felt tired for the all the work I would have to do this week.

My head snapped up when I heard a familiar voice say, "There you are!"

"Kaleb? What are you doing here?"

He raised an eyebrow, confused. "You called me."

"Me? No, I didn't."

"Yes, you did."

I took out my phone from the front of my apron, my eyes on him as I wondered when I called him, until he burst out laughing under my scrutiny, "You didn't call me, silly."

I rolled my eyes. "So, your goal was to make me look like a lunatic?"

He reached to ruffle my hair, and I slapped his hand away as he laughed.

"What's your problem?" I queried.

"Uh, nothing. "

"No, something is definitely wrong. Why on earth did you come in here wearing two different socks, Kaleb?"

"Wait, what?" He looked down at his shows and his eyes widened. "Shit, I didn't realize."

I facepalmed. "I'm embarrassed for you."

"Hey, you're my best friend. Nothing wrong in dealing with the second-hand embarrassment."

"You're a mess." I countered.

"You love me."

I started to chuckle when Sky cane along, "Hey, Renée, do—" her gaze fell on Kaleb. "Oh hi! How are you?"

"Very well, thank you," Kaleb smiled back at her.

"Renée, do you know if River is coming over this evening?" Sky asked me.

"I have no idea, but I could ask him if you want?"

"I mean, it'll be an excuse for you to text your boyfriend, right?" She wiggled her eyebrows.

"I'll tell him," I laughed softly.

"I have to admit, I'm still surprised," Kaleb stated, watching me.

"About?" I looked at him briefly before texting River.

"Months back, you couldn't even feel this way for a guy, and now you're all boo'd up."

I chuckled and sighed dreamily, "He makes me so happy."

"That's what's important. How have I never met the great River, though?"

"Well, if he decides to come, you could meet him. It'll be great."

"Then I might have to come back. I have to get Harper home."

"Okay, sure— Wait, did you say Harper?"

He nodded, "Yeah, as in, that Harper," he looked back and I followed his gaze. There Harper was. Seated. A cute smile was on her face when she waved at me. I smiled back, waving in response.

I looked at Kaleb. "So... Harper, huh?"

"What? No. Don't be assuming anything now. I was leaving school when I saw her looking agitated. Apparently her mom said she had to wait an extra 2 hours to come get her, so I offered to take her home."

I smiled teasingly, "Yeah, of course. This sure looks like her house. You can tell me if it's a date, Kaleb. "

"Jeez, no. I was going to stop by for a smoothie even before I knew I would have to take her home."

"Fine. I do believe you," I told him. "So, you want a smoothie?"

"Two, actually."

"Ooh, one for me?" I grinned.

"No. For Harper." He rolled his eyes.

"Wow. Totally not a date," I muttered loud enough for him to hear me.

"Oh, come on. I'm not about to get a smoothie for just myself since I literally brought her, when I should have taken her home. Mom taught me better than that."

"Well, you have a point there," I said as I fixed two cups of smoothie and handed them to him, picking up the money he placed on the counter.

"Thanks, you're the best," he said before walking away.

My phone buzzed, indicating I had a text. It was River who had replied.

~I guess so. Sky asked.~

*

It was a few minutes past six and I started packing up to go home. My gaze landed on River who was laughing at something Sky had probably said.

Ugh, that damn dimple.

"Hey, are you ready to leave? I'm taking you home," River stated as he came by the counter.

"Yep," I nodded. "Wait, one second." I grabbed my backpack and the cup of smoothie I'd gotten for myself as I worked.

"Do you feel better today?" I asked River as soon as we got into his car.

He placed a soft kiss on my lips, "I feel brand new. You're aware of the party Saturday?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "It's a really busy week for us. "

"Yeah?" He took a sip of my smoothie. "I can imagine there's a lot of baking."

"Mhm," I nodded, taking the cup from him and taking a sip as well. "I'm already so tired thinking about it. Plus, I'm thinking I want to get a dress."

"I mean, I could always to with you to get a dress, but I bet doing all that baking will drain you. Do you have to do it alone?"

"Nope," I shook my head. "I get to work with Zuri and Nolan."

"Well, look at the bright side then. Working with people will make the work faster, and I'm sure it'll be fun. Plus, think of what you might benefit from it. You're a hardworker, babe, but just don't overwork yourself."

I let his words sink in. I thought of working with Zuri and Nolan. They were pretty fun people to be around. I thought of the extra pay, which of course would be worth it, and I suddenly felt better about it all of a sudden.

When River pulled up to my house, I flung my arms around him. "You're the best."

In response, he placed his lips over mine softly before kissing me hard. I smiled into the kiss, feeling light headed, before he pulled away with a big smile on his face.