It all started when Carmen took a walk to calm down on his way home.

Taking over The Beef wouldn’t be easy, and he knew it wouldn’t, but the constant fighting, the debt, the accounts that made no sense, it was all getting to him. So, one day, he didn’t go home right away and instead decided to walk a portion of the way before getting on the L. After about ten minutes of walking from The Beef (or really stomping), he spotted a bakery. He was tentative, but without really realizing it, he walked in. He sat until closing, drinking a coffee and eating a croissant that was surprisingly incredibly well made.

After that, he made the choice to go there on his way to The Beef and not on his way back. He adjusted his schedule to be there for opening, telling himself it wasn’t for the incredibly cute owner that he was too aware he was developing a crush for. You’d let him in even if you weren’t open yet, give him the first coffee and the extra from the baker’s dozen to whatever your favorite was of the day. You’d talk to him, sometimes as you worked and sometimes you’d actually sit with him to talk if someone else was also working. Carmen had realized he had a bit of a problem when his heart would flip at the sound of your voice.

The bell chimes as he steps into the newly opened bakery at 6AM, looking behind the counter where some collage kid returns his gaze with an unimpressed look before calling for you in the back of the shop. Carmen’s eyes brighten when you step out, thanking the employee then moving to sit with him on one of the few tables. He tries really hard to keep a smile from his face, he’s usually grumpy in the mornings but not with you, so the smile wins as he looks at you.

“Morning,” he gives you a smile as you place the coffees and pastry down on the table.