Page 77 of Love in Mission City

“Are those sugar cookies?” A woman pointed to my miniature paper cups with bites of cookies in them.

“Yes.” I held out the tray to her. “Well, pumpkin spice cookies.” I grinned. “I provide the recipe when you buy a jar of my super-secret-recipe pumpkin spice.”

She popped the cookie in her mouth and her eyes lit as she chewed. After she swallowed, she pulled out her wallet. “Five. I’m giving one as a gift to everyone in my book club.”

We concluded the transaction, and she tucked the five jars into her bag.

She eyed the cookies.

I happily gave her another one. I’d baked enough to feed most of Mission City. Had taken me several weeks while managing my burgeoning career as a marketing professional.

Noel Barker hired me right out of university and was making good use of my talent in his company. He had several bigcontracts, and he’d had tons of work for me on day one. Fortunately, he was fine with me working from home and only visiting his home office or client sites when necessary.

His husband, Aaron, managed the Grand Hotel on First Avenue.

Huh. Another gay couple. More acceptance.

Noel wheedled out of me that I had this super-secret recipe and had cooked up a batch of the cookies for Aaron.

Another two fans who spread the word. Once I had the proceeds from this market—if all went well—I’d manufacture more jars. Enough to open an online sales site for Christmas.

Noel joked this might become a full-time gig for me.

I pooh-poohed him.

All the while hoping he was right.

“Hi.” A petite young woman with wavy brown hair offered me a smile. “My mom just bought, like, five jars.”

“Ah, yes, I remember.”

She leaned in. “Well, she didn’t buy one for herself. I don’t know if she forgot or just didn’t think about it. She’s a little distracted that way.”

“Okay.” I didn’t know either woman—judging this daughter to be in her mid-teens. Her mother, with her straight black hair, had appeared South Asian to me.

“So I want two jars. One for Mom and one for my teacher.”

Something clicked. “Your mom is Ms. Lee. The vice principal at Mission City Collegiate.”

The young woman smiled. “Right. I’m her adopted daughter, Katie.” She hadn’t needed to add the adopted part. All kids belonged to the people raising them. Titles didn’t matter.

“My older sister had your mom for…chemistry?”

Katie grinned. “I’ve heard she was a brutal teacher.” She glanced around. “And a disciplinarian when it comes to being a VP. But the kids love her.”

“Except the ones in trouble.” I held the tray out to her.

Her grin widened. “Yeah, pretty much.”

“I’m Clay.”

“Clay.” She tried the name out. “Very nice to meet you.” She popped the small piece of cookie into her mouth.

I loved watching people’s reactions. They weren’t expecting the flavor, which was unique for certain, but also the richness of the treat.

“Okay, I need to buy one for Mr. Clayton as well.”

“Oh, Principal Clayton?” I’d tolerated many jokes over my four years in high school. Yes, I had the same first name as the principal’s last name. No, I wasn’t his love child.