It was a ten-minute drive home with an uncomfortably awkward silence.
"Okay, we're here," I said, happy to finally get out of the car. I could tell she was relieved by the sigh she let out.
"Is this your house?" she asked.
"Indeed. You are very much welcome to my humble abode."
"I haven't been in this town for too long, but yours greatly surpasses most I've seen."
"Well, what can I say? I'm a busy man. Why stand here when you can admire the inside?"
"You want me to come in?"
"You can't live at the front door, can you? I was joking, come in."
She shyly stepped into the house, her face absolute awe. "It's much bigger on the inside and very beautiful. So much detail—the artwork and the color combination are exquisite."
"Well, not more beautiful than you," I teased.
"I don't quite follow."
I laughed. "Come on, I'll prepare a hot bath."
"You have **baths** in your house?"
"Uhm, I believe everyone does. What are you? A princess from an ancient land?"
"Me? Princess? What makes you say that? Why would you say that? I'm, I'm just a normal human citizen."
"Okay, Mrs. Normal Human Citizen. How about a normal human bath?"
"I guess that's acceptable."
I led her to the bathroom, handed her a towel, and some of my clothes. "Sorry, I don't have any clothes which would be to your liking."
"No, please. I should be the one apologizing for being such a burden."
"I don't really mind."
"Besides, these clothes are much better than the ones I have on right now. I'll shower now."
"Okay, then take your time. Everything you need is in there."
"Thank you for your kindness."
She stepped out in my oversized shirt and jeans, looking even more beautiful and adorable. I couldn't stop smiling as she waved her hair, trying to dry it.
"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?" she asked.
"No, no, it's just perfect."
"So why the stare?"
"Nothing, it's just that..."
"That?"
"I never knew my clothes could be this cute."
"Uhm... thank you, I guess. So, do you live alone?"
"Well, I used to."
"Huh, but I don't see anyone besides you here."
"I'm talking about you, silly."
"Me? But"
"No buts, it's final. And like I said, it's not free."
"So, how do I pay?"
"You'll work for me, of course, as my personal assistant."
"Work? Where and how?"
"At my bakery, where else?"
"But I don't know how to bake anything."
"Well, you're looking at the best baking teacher there is."
"But, what if I don't get it right?"
"For heaven's sake, enough with the buts, or do you have any other ideas?"
"Well, no, but"
"No buts. It's decided. Get some sleep; you start work tomorrow."
She nodded.
"Your room is the first one to the right. I'll go to bed now."
"Okay, good night and thank you."
"I'll be upstairs if you need anything."
She nodded again.
Beep, beep, beep. I was woken up by the sound of my alarm clock at exactly 7:00 a.m. It was Saturday, so it was going to be a busy day at the bakery. I got ready quickly and went downstairs to check on my guest.
"Wakey, wakey, princess."
She stretched her hand, a confused look on her face, and yet she still looked beautiful. "Can you please, refrain from calling me princess."
"Why? I think it suits you."
"Just don't."
"Feisty, I like that. You should get ready now, or you're going to be late on your first day."
"First day?"
"Work, remember?"
"Oh, it's tomorrow already. I'm so sorry, I'll get dressed immediately."
"Here, I got you this." I handed her a bag.
"What's this?"
"Well, look inside."
She opened it. "When did you"
"This morning. I rushed to a store and got it. You can't wear my clothes to work, though it looks cute on you."
"This is beautiful, I love it. You really didn't have to."
"I think I did. After all, you're my PA."
"PA?"
"Personal Assistant."
"Oh, okay, I knew that."
"Sure you did. Now get dressed, or we'll be late."
She stepped out in a blue gown, looking like royalty. It felt like there was a glow surrounding her. I was stunned.
"Wow."
"What's wrong?"
"I certainly have great taste."
She giggled. "I guess you do."
"You finally smiled."
"Let's get going."
"Okay, Your Highness."
"Stop with the royalty."
"Into the car, m'lady."
We both got in, and soon we were at the bakery. "I formally welcome you to **Moon Light Bakery**, where every bite is a trip to the moon."
"You own this place?"
"Indeed, I do."
"I'm starting to think you're the one who's royalty."
I smiled. "I'm just a guy who loves food and baking and customer satisfaction. So what exactly am I going to do here?"
"First, I'll introduce you to the staff." I clapped. "Gather here, everyone."
About thirty people rushed out and gathered on the main floor. "Good morning, everyone."
"Good morning, boss."
"Okay, today I'll be introducing our newest member. This lovely lady here will be joining us as my personal assistant. So be nice to her and be sure to teach her the ropes, okay?"
"Yes, boss."
"Anything you'd like to say, princess?"
"Uhm... thank you all for having me. My name is Anastasia, and I'll be honest, I have no experience whatsoever, but I'll do my very best, and I'm looking forward to working with you all."
"You are highly welcome to our esteemed bakery, where every bite is a trip to the moon."
"Thank you for having me."
"Okay, that's that. You are all dismissed, except you, Lyra."
"Yes, boss?"
"Ana, this is Lyra, my head of staff, and she'll be overseeing your training. Lyra, you're in charge of her for now. Teach her how to take orders and attend to customers, okay?"
"Yes, boss."
"Good. I have some errands to run. I'll leave you two to work. Have a good day," I said, smiling as I left the bakery.