The Treacherous Deed

Fall in Pennsylvania is magical. The trees, the golden light of the sun... and then the lovely autumnal confections of pumpkin, apples and spice. Pumpkins and apples grow here in abundance and there are plenty of festivals throughout September and October to usher in the season properly. It's an exceptionally difficult time for the waistline. Three years ago, Evelynn started dance. And three years ago, we began our weekly tradition of visiting the nearby Pennsylvania Bakery while the girls danced their jigs. That place is heavenly, their offerings lovingly made to enhance the season. I'm not one to always jump at whatever pastry beckons from those glass cases but it is very difficult to turn down a great coffee or tea, and I love their Pumpkin Chai Latte. It's a beautiful thing and only if it's made by Amber.

Yesterday was dance and so I found myself in the PA Bakery, but Amber was not the one to take my order. I usually walk in and Amber asks me if I'm up for my Pumpkin Chai Latte, and the answer is an immediate "Absolutely." I have three months to enjoy that before I have to wait another year, so it must not be refused. I have never seen the lady who took my order yesterday and another girl offered to make it for her. My heart sank and I held back the "No!!! I had what you call Pumpkin Chai Latte once last year and it was poison!" I scanned the PA Bakery employees and saw Amber in the back sweeping. I begged the woman in front of me to let Amber do it. I'm not sure if I offended the other woman but her concoction truly is disgusting. I don't know what Amber does to make the chai latte so heavenly, I don't even know what size I normally get. The woman taking my order must have thought I was insane. For at least two years I have asked Amber to make my Pumpkin Chai Latte and it just appears and it's perfect every time. I told my cousin about this on the phone and she says I'm spoiled. Maybe. But it's only for three months.

Loyalty has paid off. I have great conversations with Amber. After making my latte, she told me that it was heavenly with a pumpkin cream cheese cannoli and made up a small box with one for me. She said I had to try it with the latte because it would be perfect. As I turned to leave she also said she put in a small square of the pumpkin cheese cake to try with my latte as well. Amber truly is the best. It was amazing. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

I decided to wait until I was back at the studio waiting for Evelynn to try drink my latte and the goodies she added. When I got there I noticed some kids coming out and wondered if she were done earlier than expected (which never happens) but I decided to check any way. I left Caelan, McKenna and Paxton in the car watching Return of the King. I was gone maybe 30 seconds. I walked back to my car and saw Caelan through the window DRINKING MY PUMPKIN CHAI LATTE IN THE BACK SEAT. Ohhhhhhh, noooooooo.... I ran around the car and tried opening the door. SHE LOCKED ME OUT OF THE CAR. I ran back around to my side and thank goodness I knew the code for my pad. I got the doors unlocked and ran back around the car to her side. The "No" I uttered was long and inhuman. I found myself pulling a Galadriel and in a firm shriek saying "TREACHEROUS IS THIS DEED." Caelan said "What? I was thirsty." I pointed out the water bottle sitting next to her and she said "Oh, yeah, I forgot about that." Yeah. I might have an issue. Or two. I will not share my Pumpkin Chai Latte with my children. EVER.