Broken Dreams Stories

Chapter 79

Ethan followed his brother Melvin into the cozy bakery cafe, inhaling the delicious scents of freshly baked bread and pastries and brewing coffee, which wrapped around him like a warm hug.

He hadn’t been thrilled about the errand, but Melvin had insisted, claiming his pregnant wife had a craving that only Ray’s Bakery could satisfy Ethan had never been to the place before, but as he stepped inside, he found himself appreciating the inviting atmosphere with its wooden beams and cheerful floral arrangements

Melvin, on the other hand, walked in like he owned the place. He moved with the case of familiarity, waving at the young woman behind the counter, who greeted him with a bright smile..

“Hey, Melvin Back so soon?” she called, her eyes sparkling with recognition.

“You know my wife,” Melvin said with a good–natured chuckle.

ckle. “She’s craving Bay’s croissants again. If I don’t bring them home, I’m a dead man!

The barista laughed, nodding in understanding. “I’ve g

got you covered. Fresh batch just came out of the oven

“Awesome! Is Rayna in?” Melvin asked hopefully

“She stepped out to get something down the block, but she’d be back soon”

Ethan watched the exchange with mild amusement, his curiosity piqued. He hadn’t realized his brother and his wife were regulars here. “So, the famous bakery that Sarah keeps raving about.” Ethan commented, looking around. “Not bad”

Melvin grinned, nudging Ethan’s shoulder. “Not bad! This place is a lifesaver. They have the best pastries in town.

“Easy with the exaggeration, Ethan said, and Mekan chuckled.

trial will convince you. Come on, let’s grab a table and have some muffin and coffee before we head out Melvin suggested, nodding to the barista

muffins, cinnamon

mouth watering at the sight of the display case filled with an array of

ordering some muffins and two cups of coffee, they slid into one of the

involuntarily as he savored the taste.

it with approval.

really good. I didn’t know a muffin could taste

said with a grin, taking a bite of his cart. “Best in

here more often. The owner, Rayna, is a really lovely lady. She’s single, too:

his coffee cup. “Oh? Are you trying to set me up, Mel! Is that why

playful glint in his eyes. “Just saying, you’ve been single for too long. Rayna’s great. She’s beautiful smart, and kind, and she makes a

or about you and Sarah wanting a sister–in–law who can make a mean chocolate cake for you!” Ethan asked. He had yet to tell his brother about his plan to put up an

you’re the one who gets to have an amazing woman,” Melvin said with a

respond, the door to the bakery swung open, and Rayna walked in, dressed

the devil,” Melvin said with a

eyes scanned the room briefly before she spotted Melvin, who was waving

and his stomach dropped. He recognized her instantly the same woman he had argued with at the club–the

Ethan’s displeasure. Melvin grinned as Rayna approached, “Beautiful, isn’t

pained, her smile fading as she took in Ethan’s presence. “You?” she asked, wondering what he was doing these and if perhaps

12:15 PM dd.

Chapter 79

are you doing here?” Ethan dernanded at the same time, his voice

same thing.” she said,

looked between the two of them, clearly confused. “Wait,

Melvin