Run: 2026-10-07-01M4AVRN5N3JY944E0J03TDXM4

The bell above the door jingled as the scent of cinnamon and fresh bread wrapped around them. "Morning. The usual?" "Please. And maybe one of those new almond croissants—if they’re as good as the rumors say." "Rumors? In this town, everything’s a rumor until it’s a scandal." "True. But I heard these pastries are worth the gossip." "From who? Old Man Higgins? He’d call a burnt biscuit a masterpiece if it was free." "Fair. But I trust your baking more than his opinions." "Smart. Though I can’t promise these won’t sell out before noon. Half the town’s already been in." "Then I’ll take two. Just in case." "Two? Planning on sharing, or just stocking up for the next scandal?" "Let’s say I’m hedging my bets." A laugh, warm as the oven. "You always do. Here you go—fresh out. And if you’re wrong about the rumors?" "Then I’ll have an extra croissant to drown my sorrows in." "Deal. But if you’re right, you owe me a coffee next time." "Done. Though I suspect you’ll find a way to make me pay either way." "Perks of the job."