Chapter Text
You looked around at your creation. After all your hard work you finally opened the shop of your dreams. Although, it was a little small. And barren. And dirty. Okay, it's not the best. However, when you found this quaint run down place, you were so overjoyed. The owner even left you some of his old equipment to get started. You knew for a long time you wanted to open your own bakery and now you actually do. However, business hasn't been the best so far. You've only been open for a few days but you haven't had much customers. Or a customer at all really. Only a few browsers and a lot of thrown away pastries. You wondered how the other shop owners do it. One of the restaurants, an Italian place down the street, seemed to have people in it all the time. You suppose you could just ask him how he does it. That's a great idea actually. You'll be able to introduce yourself and figure out his secret. It's perfect.
After your slow work day ends, you clean up a little, pull off your apron and get walking towards that restaurant. Opening the door, you can immediately hear the chatter of customers. A few groups were scattered throughout the restaurant. You look around to try and spot the owner when you see the bar. An older man who could even be described as handsome was working there. You walk towards it and take a seat.
"I was just wondering if the owner was here today and if I could speak to him."
"You'd be lookin' at him." He smirks at you. You could see why this place had such an arrangement of women around. He was a charmer.
"Well, My name is y/n and I had just opened a bakery down the street-" Before you could finish a man, the same age as the one in front of you, barged in. He was clearly angry and stomped right towards you. "Jimmy Pesto, I know what you did."
He chuckled. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about. Care to explain?"
You didn't quite know what to do. You debated sneaking away but, you were slightly intrigued.
"I know that review in the paper was yours. Saying my place is filled with insects and vermin. We had one raccoon that snuck in" Jimmy rolled his eyes. "Bob, maybe if people are saying that about your restaurant, you need to call an exterminator. We see those pests disguised as your children walking around."
You mistakenly gasped, calling the attention of the men.
"You! Have you seen that review in the paper?" Bob asked you. You felt nervous at the sudden question even though you had your answer.
"Not at all. You run Bob's burgers right? My sister loves that place. She's always begging me to try it sometime." Bob has a proud expression on his face, mixed with a little shock as if he isn't used to getting that much praise about his restaurant.
"If you like it so much why don't you just eat over there." Jimmy calls out, clearly unhappy with your answer. You feel as if you've messed up your introduction along with any chance of learning his secret.
"Yeah! Well maybe she will!" Bob answers before you can even try to argue.
"Fine! That's what I want!"
"Fine! Then she will!"
"Good!"
The argument dissolves into pointless bickering until the attention is moved back off of you. Since both men are in each others faces you take this as your chance and slip away. You feel a little silly for getting involved but if, Jimmy was going to react like that it seems like it's for the best not to get to know him. You can always ask another restaurant, hopefully without witnessing another argument like that. You decided just to call it night and head home.
------------------------------------------------------
A few weeks had passed since the opening of your small bakery. Thankfully, you've been getting more customers. Word has gotten around thanks to Bob. He visited after your interaction and said he'd recommend your place. Especially since it's not any competition to a burger restaurant. You didn't want to point out than an Italian restaurant also isn't competition for him. You've been busy but happy with your work. It doesn't leave much time for a social life though. Since moving into town you really only talk to your sister and the Belchers. You cant really call any of them your friend though.
The door jingles and you're pulled out of your thoughts to see Jimmy walk in. You force down the surprise and smile at him.
"So, this is the place Bob's been kissing up to. Ha!" He says out loud, presumably to you. You can only hope you're not going to get bullied in front of your customers.
"Welcome to y/n's sweets! What can I get for you?" You're not going to cause unwanted trouble. If he wants to start something you're just going to provide the best customer service you can.
"Like I'd want my deserts to come from this place." He scoffs. "You know, Jimmy Pesto's has the best chocolate cake in town for half the price of whatever's served here" He says the last two parts louder than necessary but he causes some of the people waiting behind him to look curiously at him. No doubt considering it.
"Do you want something or not?" No more playing nice, you decide.
"No, no. I'll be going. Just wanted to check this place out." He says it like he's already sank his claws into this place. You were not looking forward to being a target today. As he leaves, you sigh as the small group follows him and you're left alone in your shop. Reminding you of when you first opened. This doesn't last long though as someone you actually recognize walks through the door. It's Bob's kids. Those kids sure can eat, you think to yourself
"A donut please! No, a danish. No, cake. Actually, i'll just take the muffins." You jokingly act annoyed as the kid barks out his orders. You hurry to get it ready before Louise speaks up.
"Gene! We're here for a reason, Dummy." Gene mutters in understanding and you put the deserts back.
"What's up, Louise?" You ask.
"We were just wondering if you've heard of the big party Fischoeder is throwing. Everyone is talking about it but, for some reason kids aren't invited" Louise grumbles. You've definitely heard of it. It's for the New Year or whatever. Some rumors that he's just to announce that he's raising the rent.
"Oh yeah, but i'm not going. Too much to do."
Tina's eyes almost pop out of her skull. "Do you know how many boys will be there?! All of them, probably! And you're just going to pass it up!"
Boys didn't really interest you. Somehow though, Tina's right. You do need to meet some new people. And it might even be good for business. The you can finally afford to clean up this place a bit.
"When you put it like that... I guess I could make some time." Louise just rolls her eyes but Tina beams at you.
"Don't forget to mention me!" She says.
"Great. Another person to be able to enjoy all the fun while we sit at home and do absolutely nothing." Louise pouts.
"How about, I let you kids eat all the leftovers you want. For exchange of helping me prepare for the party." They seemed to cheer up after that and hung around until you finished up. You didn't mind them around. You had quite a soft spot for kids, you'd never admit it though. Tina talked you though all you had to do to get ready for the party. You were going to need to get a pretty dress, do your hair, find something interesting to draw boys in, like a barrette. You indulged the kids ideas and walked them home after they ate so much they could barely keep their eyes opened. You were a mix of excited and nervous for this. It's been awhile since you'd been to an actual party. This could be fun.