Julia Reed cautiously turned the ignition key in her vintage Volkswagen delivery van she had affectionately dubbed Olive. The vehicle started up with a cough. “Come on, Olive. Don’t fail me now. Just one more delivery, please.” She gingerly patted the dashboard of the car as if that would soothe it. Owner of the Whisk Me Away bakery located in the heart of downtown Copper Creek Haven, Julia was on her way to deliver a three-tiered lemon wedding cake with buttercream frosting and 12 dozen of her specialty cupcakes. White chocolate raspberry champagne was always a crown pleaser. She hoped this wedding would boost her sales. With the Bailey family having opened a competing company called Humble Pie located directly across the street from her bakery last year, her business took a considerable loss in profits. Tapping her iPhone screen sitting on the dash she relaxed a bit. 10:15. She had 45 minutes to get to the wedding venue. She could do this. Ten minutes later her confidence deflated like a pinprick to a balloon when her caravan stalled on the side of the road. Rescue came in the form of Caleb Bailey, her nemesis pulling up in his jet black Batmobile-looking mustang. Great, she’d rather be saved by aliens than be indebted to Caleb Bailey. “Car trouble, Jules?” Caleb asked congenially as he met her at the open hood of her car. Julia tried not to cringe as his use of her nickname only reserved for family and close friends. “Yep,” she nodded. “I don’t know what’s wrong.” “Let’s see if we can figure out the problem.” Caleb offered. “I...I really appreciate your help, but my window of time is shrinking.” That wasn’t too hard. The words only tasted a little like vinegar when she said them. “Do you have a delivery?” He asked. “Yes.” “Are you always this forthcoming?” Caleb teased. “Only when I’m being aided by a competitor.” She challenged. “The quickest option would probably be that we load your order in my car, and I’ll drive you where you need to go.” “Seeing as my buttercream frosting is melting as we speak. I accept your help.” Her voice was laced with sarcasm. Her cynicism seemed to slide off Caleb like water off a duck’s back. “Always the baker. Lead the way.” He indicated with a sweep of his hand. Julia and Caleb made quick work of loading her treats into his vehicle. The clock on his mustang read 10:45. Time was running out. “So,” Caleb was the first to break the silence. “Whose wedding are these for?” “The Beck and the King wedding.” “Ruby and Elliot, nice. I’m glad they picked your bakery. Wedding cakes aren’t our forte at Humble Pie.” Glancing over at Caleb she observed his profile. Searching for any signs of irony in his voice, but only saw an easy, content expression on his face. Instead, she noticed his square jawline with a slight 5 o’clock shadow. Focus Julia! He’s your competition. “Why do you see my family’s bakery as a threat to you? Isn’t Copper Creek Haven big enough for two bakeries?” Caleb’s questions went straight for her jugular vein. “I...” Julia hedged then stiffened her spine, determined to ask her own questions rather than answer his. “Did your family send you to spy on my bakery? Considering we are 'supposed' to be competitors, you seem to frequent Whisk Me Away. Why is that?” “Well...” It was Caleb’s turn to be uncomfortable, I’m not a local of the town and you seem to have created a place where people of all ages can meet and bond over a cup of coffee and a pastry. You have something special.” “You can understand why I’m suspicious. It seems every time I come up with a new recipe like my apple streusel muffins, Humble Pie has similar baked goods.” “I can assure you Jules, I’m not spying on your bakery.” “Look, I”m sorry, but it’s just that the bakery is my livelihood and my grandmother left it to me. Failure is not an option.” Caleb took a deep breath, realizing that his words had struck a nerve. "Julia, I get it. This place means the world to you. But you can't let fear of failure paralyze you. Sometimes, the best things come when we push through the challenges.” She regarded Caleb for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You know," she began slowly, "I didn't expect that from you. I thought you were just some rival baker who liked competition and sharp remarks." Caleb chuckled, a warm and genuine sound that echoed in the quiet street. "Well, there's more to me than flour and pastries," he replied, a glint of sincerity in his eyes. " Arriving at the site not a moment too soon, Julia bolted the second he put in park. ‘Thanks,” she mumbled hurriedly. With her carefully crafted cake in hand, she paused, “Oh no” she muttered, her brow furrowing. “I forgot the cupcakes.” Without missing a beat, Caleb reached into the back seat, producing the massive box of neatly arranged cupcakes. "Lucky for you, I've got your back," he said, handing them to her with a lighthearted smile. "Wouldn't want your customers missing out on these." "Thanks," she said genuinely.“ Caleb, it’s humbling for me to admit needing help and I appreciate the way you graciously helped me today despite my ungrateful attitude.” “I was happy to help.” He said genuinely. “So? Can we be friends?” “After today, I’d rather be your friend than your enemy. Yes, Caleb. I’d very much like to be friends with you.” “Good. I’m glad.” He smiled and stuck out his hand. “Let’s shake on it.” Shaking his hand, Julia couldn't help but wonder where else the door of friendship would lead to. | 
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