#this is just a sample header design

[loislanecoree]

Okay but look how fun my next Joe series is 😂🤭

[punkypiscesell-writes]

when it comes without a warning - ch. 2

previous chapter

Javier Peña x plus size f! reader

summary: first dates and revelations.

tags (updated after each chapter): fake dating AU, strangers to lovers, romcom, 90’s vibes, angst, small town dynamics, casual sexism, slow burn, pining, insecurities, drinking, smoking, food related descriptions, mentions of family, innocent touching, flirting. The picture in the header is just for the visual and isn't an indication of the reader's skin color. Not beta read.

word count: 22k

notes: Hello and happy spring!! Firstly, thank you if you’re keeping up with this fic even after my inactivity here. It means the world to me. If you’re following this fic and have followed me bc of it, have reblogged the previous chapters, or have commented, please know I’ve seen your lovely messages and reactions. My ADHD has been ADHD'ing pretty hard these past couple of months and I've been dealing with a lot of overwhelming feelings. Even though I haven't answered you personally yet, just know that I’ve seen your feedback and I appreciate every single one you who has been reading this story so far. I will eventually answer you all. Thank you for the patience and I hope you'll enjoy this extra long chapter <3

dividers by cafekitsune

The knot under your shoulder blade throbs as you listen to Abigail speak. She has a thick folder open against her thighs, the front cover reading ‘wedding inspiration’ written in swoopy cursive. There’s everything from pictures to pieces of fabrics and laces, writing here and there, post-it notes in different neon colors, and paint sample cards glued on the pages to indicate the theme for each section.

The different tabs on the edges of different pages are already worn out, telling you that this folder isn’t new but well-loved and thoughtfully collected. She flips through each spread effortlessly, going back to the tabs to find a specific flower and table setting style that should inspire you to create a cake fitting for whatever she wants.

Your pen presses against the notebook in your own lap, ‘Abigail and Noah’s wedding’ written neatly on the top of the page. You already drew a couple of drawings for possible cake designs and decorations after Abigail showed you pictures of buttercream roses and tall and wide five-tier wedding cakes.

“They’re just for inspiration, focus on the details here,” she traced her finger against the glossy, thick paper and you looked at the white frosting and the style the ribbons had been piped on the cake.

Under the pictures in your notebook, you’ve written down questions about the flavors and wishes they have for the cake. After all, it’s an important part of the reception. So far, you’ve managed to figure out the general style and some color options yet haven’t found answers to any of the other questions you have asked Abigail. She’s so excited about the possibilities that it’s almost overwhelming to go through them all.

“There was this lemon and raspberry tart,” she starts, her wistful eyes looking towards the patio doors.  “We had it when we were in Laredo. Noah had some business meetings there and I wanted to join him.” She smiles at you, her thoughts in that moment between her and her future husband. “It was like biting into a cloud. It was so light, but creamy and just melted in my mouth. The lemon was so tart in the custard, it was almost like a spritz of fresh lemon juice that just burst with flavors when I took a bite. And the raspberries were as fresh as they come. They were sweet and gentle, almost soft in how they tasted.” She opens a new page from her binder and shows you pictures of different types of lemon and raspberry tarts. She pushes it towards you for you to see all kinds of desserts with the same concept. Your mouth waters even thinking about the tart she’s describing.

“You know, when I sat with him and we shared that tart, I think it was just a normal workday too, nothing special, and suddenly I knew that I could marry him. We had been together for a couple of years by then, but I had never really seen him as husband material.” Abigail looks almost incredulous as she tells you how she felt in that moment. “I had always imagined marrying someone who isn’t like Noah and suddenly I just kinda knew I could marry him too. That he is someone who I could imagine the rest of my life with.” There’s a bittersweet undertone in her words, unbelieving how she came to understand her feelings and wants for her future. Just a random day like any other and there Abigail was having dessert with her boyfriend and everything changed. You would probably reminisce at that time the same way she does.

 You write down a short description for the flavors and why they’re important.

Abigail’s mom comes back into the wood toned living room that is now tinted gray. It’s one of those cooler, humid days when rain falls steadily from the sky. She’s carrying a hefty pile of bridal magazines in her arms and her footsteps write a rhythm for the constant downpour that hums against the roof.

“Okay, so,” Abigail begins with her excited voice that reminds you of blowing bubblegum bubbles and popping them against your lips.  Your focus shifts back to her immediately. “You know how much I love peppermint, Noah loves oranges and we’re both obsessed with that chocolate cake you sell every Christmas time?” Abigail demands you answer her rhetorical question with a nod that mirrors hers. “We want an orange peppermint chocolate cake!” Abigail’s sweet smile is a little too sweet considering what you just heard.

The flavor combinations draw all the moisture from your mouth and sour in the back of your tongue. Her eyes get that Abigail-like innocence in them again, bordering on forcing you to accept her suggestion without questions. The knot in your upper back burns and your knowledge is screaming at you to speak up.

“I haven’t heard anyone using peppermint and orange together with chocolate before.” Abigail’s face drops immediately. “Maybe I could find a way to combine them in the decorations? Fresh mint leaves and candied orange would look beautiful together. The cake could still be chocolate. The color options are great too, we can use something natural, white chocolate, or even dark chocolate. It’s also easy to use colorings to make it exactly as you wish.” Your voice is soft as you try to gently let her down and urge her to find a more palatable cake.

“We’d appreciate if something would also taste like orange and peppermint, we don’t want a cake that is like cardboard after all,” she giggles and you smile with her, unsure about why you’re smiling after hearing her backhanded remark. Does she think your cakes taste like cardboard? You can’t fixate on that right now.

How on earth are you going to make it all work if she insists on this one specific cake? Abigail’s mom flips through the pages of one of the bridal magazines with carton thick covers. She’s looking for something, trying to decipher the writing on post-it notes riddling the edges of the pages.

You turn your focus on the notebook in your lap. You don’t want to write the words down under each other, but you do; peppermint, orange, chocolate. Maybe you just have to follow her wishes and make a cake like any other. Let her taste what it’s all like together. Or maybe, just maybe, you’ll make the flavors work like never before.

“I could make orange chocolate and peppermint chocolate cakes. They’d look identical of course, but that way the flavor profiles will be a bit more agreeable, and they might also work better together that way.” You turn your notebook to Abigail and quickly draw a two-tier cake, separated by arrows that point to the words you’ve scribbled down.

“The problem is that we want a three-tier cake and all of them have to be similar by looks and how they taste.” There’s an edge in Abigail’s tone.

“Sweetheart,” her mom sounds calm. Her presence is like a balm not only for the bride’s stress but also for the static in the air between you and your longtime friend. You didn’t think she was really listening to your conversation, only preoccupied by the magazines, as she opens a new one on a spread with aesthetically pleasing pictures of table settings.

“She has been baking cakes for years now, you have to trust her when she says something doesn’t work. You want the day to be perfect, don’t you, pumpkin?” She brushes her daughter’s hair behind her ear. Abigail sighs, and it draws all tension out from her shoulders.

“Then let her come up with the cake. You’ve given her a lot of inspiration already.” Abigail’s mom nods at you in a way that reminds you of your own mom. When she’d know something everyone else also knew, but she still managed to make it seem like a secret that only you had the privilege of realizing.

“Yeah, okay, you’re right. Professionally, what do you think could work then?” Abigail softens. Her mom smiles and gets back to the magazine in her hands.  

“You said something about cream being one of the main colors?” She hums in agreement. “What if the cakes had white chocolate butter cream? I could look into making a Swiss meringue buttercream as well if you’re not into the idea of white chocolate, and the decorations could include orange slices in some form and mint leaves?” The ideas come to you fast, a steady stream of possibilities.

“It could also be a dark chocolate cake with a bourbon and orange syrup that could highlight the orange flavor?” You have to write it down. Abigail reaches for something on the table, a post-it note and a pen, to write your suggestions down into her folder.

“If you really want the cakes to taste like oranges and peppermint and chocolate, I will try to make it work but I can’t make any promises of it working out well. For the tasting I’ll make a few different versions that you can choose from.” Saying it all out loud starts a checklist in your head that you try to write down as fast as possible, in an effort to not forget anything.

The few things you wrote about the memory Abigail shared earlier peeks out under your thumb when you’re about to turn the page. “You didn’t ask for it, but can I make something with lemon and raspberries?” You suggest. Abigail’s mom perks up immediately.

“You caught onto the story too, huh?” She winks at you. Another secret between the two of you, just like you used to have with your own mom.

“The dessert story?” Abigail almost rolls her eyes. “It’s so boring, there’s no sparks or excitement, just a boring realization!”

“Isn’t that what’s the exciting part? That you found out your true feelings for Noah in such a mundane moment?” You ask her, smile on your lips, surprised to hear her dismiss the special moment.

“I guess?” She surrenders with a shrug and matches your smile. She fills her words with emptiness. “What would you make from lemons and raspberries?”

You draw Abigail in by giving her the details of gentle vanilla and tart, but sweet lemon, with fresh raspberries that would round out the flavors and bring everything together. You try to keep her earlier wish in mind, but the more you talk about the second option and the emotional connection the ingredients have, the more excited you get about baking a tester cake with the ingredients. Maybe you imagine it all, but Abigail doesn’t seem to hate your ideas. On the contrary.

Her mom brings you homemade lemon and orange lemonade after a few hours of throwing ideas around, with chocolate chip cookies that you brought from the bakery. Abigail grimaces when the sweet citrus and buttery chocolate crumble together in her mouth.

“If chocolate is like this with lemon and orange, I’m not sure if I want it after all.” You all laugh. The joke wrote itself. You try not to smile too wide to hide the satisfaction her reaction gives you. You’ll follow Abigail’s wishes, but maybe your job as a professional baker isn’t going to be as difficult when you try to convince your customer which flavors work together and which don’t.

After hours of planning, the knot under your shoulder blade is spreading its flames to the back of your neck and base of your skull. Your notebook is thick with inspirational pictures and notes, better indicating what you’re asked to do than what you could’ve illustrated with your blue ballpoint pen. Your calendar has all the important dates and deadlines marked down, now you just have to write them down into the order schedule too.

Standing up from the too soft couch makes you roll your shoulders back when you say goodbye to Abigail’s mom. The tightly wound muscles complain harder and burn with blood flowing through them. 

“I heard a crazy rumor the other day,” Abigail laughs out of nowhere as she walks you to the door. You hand her your shoulder bag while you put on your jean jacket. It’s dry, at least, after the rain colored the light blue denim dark on the shoulders.

The rain hasn’t eased up. It was drizzling lightly early in the morning when you got to the bakery, and got heavier when you left Lili by herself, and you made the drive to come meet Abigail. It has turned into white noise in your ears over the hours. You’re really not looking forward to driving in rain when the roads have a layer of water on them.

“Hmmm?” You swap the slippers Abigail’s mom borrowed for you to the flat-bottomed sneakers you had on when you got here.

“That…” Abigail laughs again, harder like she just told you a hilarious story you should already know about. “That there’s something between you and Javier Peña.” Her laugh is still friendly, a little giggly, but there’s a layer of forcefulness and hardness that she wouldn’t normally have if she actually thought something was funny.

You can’t help the smile that also spreads on your face. Nerves start to sizzle in your belly, bubbling deep and rising steadily towards your chest where it spreads and makes you forget about the pain in your shoulder. You fix your necklace, run the small links between your fingers to make sure it’s not snatched on anything.

“Where did you hear that?”

“Lili saw you two getting cozy, at your bakery no less!” Now you’re both laughing. The tickles of butterflies lift the sound easily through your vocal cords, effortlessly twining with Abigail’s high-strung snickering.

It worked. You reach for your bag which she happily gives you while you avoid her searching eyes. The floor is much more comforting of a companion. You’re not sure what Lili has told people. How Abigail worded it though, the interaction might’ve caught some extra legs along the way. 

“Well?” Abigail pushes. Her mouth is tight and her brows high up. She has always been bad at hiding her impatience.

When you’ve been with her, the demanding tone directed at someone else, she has always come off as powerful and straightforward, someone who gets answers and things done. But now that you’re at the receiving end of her insistence, she is more intimidating than anything else, even with a smile on her face.

“Well, we’re going out this weekend, it’s not a big deal.” You remember every word from your unwritten script you prepared in case Abigail asks you about Javier. Even with your friend waiting for you to tell her more, the smile on your face isn’t hard to keep intact. Your cheeks start to ache from it.

“What do you mean you’re going out? Like on a date?” You didn’t prepare for this. You had only planned to tell her about how Javier had asked you out and Lili had seen something private. Abigail isn’t privy to anything you had planned with Javier.

How you told him when people would be most likely to get baked goods from you. Or how he made sure to walk in at the peak of morning rush hour and stand in line. You had prepared a small order for him to pick up, some breadcrumbs Chucho had asked for a while ago and a couple of cream puffs, with salted caramel pastry cream. You were interested to hear what Chucho thought of the new version of his favorite pastry.

“Trust me, it’ll get people talking,” Javier assured you on the phone the night before, when you finessed the scheme. It was silly, like you were part of a play, and you were the only two actors who knew about it.

He came in the bakery at the right time, just as you had planned. What you didn’t expect was the shit eating grin on his face and the head nods at people looking at him, greeting each with a soft “mornin’”.

He stood in line with his freshly groomed mustache, in a red plaid button-up shirt that was a little heavier than his usual t-shirts. He stood tall, shoulders squared, chin proudly high and his aviators on his eyes. You waited impatiently in the bakery, the little bag of breadcrumbs in your hand and the small box of cream puffs in the other.

Lili called for your name, and you were in the shop before she could say anything else. You met him at the register. Javier took his sunglasses and looped them on his shirt. There was easiness in his eyes and a rumbling coffee tinted good morning on his lips.

The secret between you two made you smile. He answered it by taking a piece of paper from the back pocket of his jeans, a pen from a little cup on the counter, and wrote something on it. Lili followed the interaction like she was looking at zoo animals, her neck stretched to catch a glimpse of his note and a bug-eyed stare when he paid, left a generous tip, and held the piece of paper between his index and middle fingers like a cigarette, taking the order from you with the rest of his hand.

Your fingertips brushed against his when you took the note. His brows jerked up when you held your hand still against his for a second longer than he had anticipated. The seed was already planted. Lili was intrigued. There was no harm in showing her, and the people behind Javier, that it wasn’t just any note. It held meaning.

“See you Friday,” slipped from his mouth. The bakery stood still for a breath and a second after that and then he was out the door. The sun was on his hair, sticking to the brown that curled on his temples and the back of his neck, right above the neckline of his shirt.

“I told you,” the note read. It’s still in your jeans’ back pocket even though he gave it to you a few days ago. You just haven’t had the chance or reason to change your jeans. You’ll throw it away when you put them in the laundry anyway.

“Yeah, like on a date,” you answer Abigail a little taken aback. Maybe it was wishful thinking, but you expected even a hint of excitement, maybe some thrilled questions since you going out on a date is such a foreign thing to happen.

“How?” is the only thing she asks. You stare at each other, disbelief on her face while your smile shrinks and gets replaced with confusion that pulls your brows together.

“He asked me out?” You shoulder your bag. This conversation with Abigail is like you’re freefalling, the floor suddenly gone under your feet.

“Out of nowhere? You don’t know him. Have you even met him?”

“We got to talking on New Years, at your engagement party.” Every word sounds like a defense, like you’re building a case for yourself against a ruthless prosecutor.

“But you were supposed to be hanging out with John. You’ve gone out with him too?”

“Oh god no!” You laugh, but Abigail’s question was genuine. “Why would I? He’s an asshole.” You have no remorse saying it out loud.

“Hey, that’s not fair. I know he can come off as a little harsh at first, but you just have to get to know him more.”

“I don’t think so…” you roll your eyes at her, the words huff out with a snort. You try to push past her towards the door, but she grabs your arm. Her fingers press into your bicep.

“Clearly there are things you don’t know about Javier.” There’s urgency in her voice. She looks almost… scared?

“What don’t I know?”

“Javier is… He’s not a good man. I know many women whose hearts he has broken, and I don’t want to see you on that list.” Abigail’s forcefulness dissipates and is replaced with empathy that sweeps across her features.

The arch of her brows is a little too downward, her eyes a little too soft, her mouth a little too sad. Like you’re a child who must be told what to do, who doesn’t understand what’s good for her. Why you get a sense of being pitied by her, you can’t be sure, but it’s burning the nerves away and the bubbles in the pit of your stomach aren’t fun anymore. They’re popping one by one into teeth grinding annoyance.

“Can I make that decision on my own?” Your voice stays even, even with the irritation tightening the back of your jaw and locking it defiantly. Her hand softens against your arm. She swallows, a new type of determination settling in her eyes.

“Javier is a player,” she rushes to reveal, puffing air from her lungs that still has the tart sweetness of lemonade laced through it. “He has a very particular type and none of his relationships have lasted longer than a few months, if that. I’ve also heard that when he was in Colombia, he was sleeping around a lot.” Her words hold weight that she probably doesn’t even understand.

“Okay, so he was in Colombia and he got around… don’t you think it’s a bit weird you’re accusing your fiancé’s good friend of being promiscuous? Why do you even care about that?”

“Oh god no! No, that’s not what I mean! I don’t care who he sleeps with in the future or how many women he has slept with in the past, but I don’t want you to become just a conquest for him.” She shakes her head almost shocked that you’re turning the question on her rather than swallowing what she’s saying without any questions.  

“What did you mean then?”

“I’m saying this because…” Abigail takes another breath, preparing herself for whatever she is about to drop on you. Her cheeks blush and she looks at you straight in the eyes, wide like she’s once again asking you for something and making it sound like it’s your idea.

“I’ve known him for a long time. You know how I and Noah met? Because Noah was his best man at his wedding!” She pauses and waits for you to react. You can only stare at her, speechless by her reveal. “Javier left his bride at the altar, in front of all our families and friends, humiliating her. He didn’t even show up!”

Each word that Abigail shushes from her mouth is full of venom, her anger and unresolved disappointment so clear that they throw you into a church, in the audience as one of those family members who had to bear witness to whatever happened at that wedding.

Abigail urges you to believe her, standing close, her hand still gripping your jean jacket against her palm, hanging onto hope that you understand what she’s saying. That the warning isn’t meaningless and she’s not saying any of this out of nowhere.

“The next thing I know, he’s on his way to Colombia trying to save the world or whatever. You have to know this because you can’t trust him. You’re too nice! You’re not protecting yourself from him so I’m doing it for you. He’s not good news and I think he’s using you.” She breathes deep, a heavy weight visibly drops off her shoulders as she straightens her back, calmness settling over her features.

What the hell are you supposed to do with this information? How on earth can you defend someone who has betrayed someone’s trust by not coming to their own wedding? The burden Abigail sheds from her shoulders now lays harshly on yours, the reality of not knowing Javier at all sinking in. You can’t let that show through, not now when your plan with Javier has barely even taken off. Not when the other option is someone you don’t want to see ever in your life. You have to suck it up and then bring it up with Javier. You’ll either figure this out and ask him to explain himself. Or you’ll tell him you don’t want to be in any more contact with him than what is necessary.

This is exactly the reason why you don’t date. You don’t want to end up in the middle of people’s messes. You don’t want to deal with people’s dirty laundry. You don’t want to deal with hurt feelings or broken promises. Worst of all, you don’t want to be dealing with broken families.

You have enough experience of that of your own, you don’t have to have that from someone on the outside as well. Your body is trying to admit defeat by making yourself small in front of Abigail, who is chipping away at your confidence by standing taller every second that passes.

“What’s he using me for?” You try to gain back some standing in this conversation. Abigail huffs out a breath and throws her hand in the air from your arm.

“Are you serious?” The frustration is so thick in her hushed voice, and in the air, that you could cut it with a knife. Every time she breathes the heavier it is for you to be standing in front of her.

You never expected to be opposite from your friend, stubbornly asking a question that makes you a teenager who is begging to make her own mistakes even when someone is warning her that she’ll only get hurt if she doesn’t open her eyes and take the warning seriously.

“I don’t know,” she speaks too loud. Abigail looks over your shoulder immediately, expecting to hear her mom say something in the living room. “I’m trying to protect you here. If I were you, I wouldn’t trust him. I don’t want to see you wasting your time on someone who doesn’t care about you, at least not in the way you deserve.”

Your jaw twitches and you swallow but your mouth is so dry that it’s almost like your body is rejecting your wishes to get the uncomfortable tightness away from your throat. What a nightmare. You should’ve considered asking Javier if he has any skeletons in the deepest corners of an empty, dark closet.

Being cornered by none other than Abigail of all people isn’t something you want to experience ever again. You never wanted to be on the receiving end of her frustrations but here you are and you’re going to be making a fool of yourself for a man you don’t even know. 

“I don’t need your protection, Abigail.” You clear your throat. “We’re just going out on a date. I’m not marrying the guy. I can handle myself.”

“I’m just worried he’s –“

“I don’t need you to be worried. I’m an adult, I can take care of myself.” Maybe it’s your inexperience of never really having dated anyone or never experienced being in a relationship with anyone. Maybe Abigail is genuinely being protective. You just have a gut feeling that something isn’t adding up here.

No matter how many times she says she’s trying to protect you, you’ve never seen her like this. Abigail is fiercely loyal, you know that. You’ve known that this whole time you’ve been friends. She will defend the closest to her until there’s no one else standing. It’s part of her nature. To care in a way that reassures you’re one of a kind in her life and she won’t leave you on your own.

She has proven that time and time again. Like when you were in college and someone stepped on your feet at a house party. Abigail pushed the guy away, her finger against his chest, making sure everyone in hearing distance heard how the guy didn’t even have the decency to apologize.

Or how she always made sure to tell you how pretty something looked on you when you were insecure about it. A new shirt or a dress that was shorter than your usual dresses. She built your confidence up word by word, like a sister, always standing by you and ready to psych you up until you believed it yourself. Until you were able to psych yourself up as well.

Being against her, against her warning, and trying to stand here on top of the building blocks of confidence that she helped you find, suddenly they’re wobblier than you’d want them to be. You try to keep your shoulders open, your back tall, eye to eye with her.

The more you watch her, see the flustered twist of her mouth, her skin pale and an unexplainable hardness flaming in her eyes, the more you’re convinced she’s not necessarily protecting you. She’s warning you, but not because she’s afraid of you getting hurt. She’s trying to say something. She’s trying to make you see it. But no matter how hard you try to see through the troubled look on her face, no matter how you listen to her, you can’t catch it between her words.

“Where are you going at least?” She finally breaks the tension. It deflates, so do your shoulders while she gathers determination to not make this into a disagreement.

Abigail is still standing in the doorway when you get to your car and shut the door behind you. The rain-streaked windshield distorts her figure, with more drumming against the roof and hood at a steady rhythm. You take a deep breath, and then another before you start your car. As soon as the engine roars to life, Abigail is out of the doorway.

The rain falls heavier when you turn to the road leading back to town, and even harsher when you’re in the middle of nowhere. It forces you to lighten your foot against the gas pedal when your wipers are working overtime, and you still can’t see a thing outside the window.

The car jerks forward and keeps on going until you’re not the one slowing your pace to a crawl. It’s the engine too. A red light blinks on the otherwise dark dashboard warning you of what’s to come. Your hands immediately sweat against the black leather on the wheel when the car tangibly slows down.

You try your best to get it on the side of the road safely before it shuts off. The tires bump down from the asphalt onto the gravel, before driving over the thick grass that only leads into a ditch. You breathe through your mouth as you steer your car to stay on the flat edge even when you’re blinded by the downpour.

You shake your head. This can’t be happening. You listen to the rain beat against the metal cage around you, head empty of any thought that might help you find a solution. The red light on the dashboard… The battery. Of course it would do this on a day when you’re stranded on a lonely road.

It’s an older car, the seller even told you that you might have to check on the battery at some point after driving a specific amount. There are still miles left until that point, yet here you are. Your shoulder complains when you lean your head backwards and close your eyes against the headrest.

Something approaches. The rain gives way to a heavy rumble that suddenly gets closer and closer. You hit the emergency light button on your dashboard and not even five seconds later a massive semi-trailer barrels past you, shaking the car and leaving it in a cloud of water that pillows behind the freight.

You rub your fingers against your eyes, and up towards your hairline. No matter how long you sit here, nothing will change until you do something. Your phone. You rummage through your bag, take out your notebook and your calendar, then your wallet and CD-case for car ride tunes. Your bag is empty, your phone nowhere in sight.

“Fucking shit,” you mutter, seeing your phone on the bakery table. You called the wholesale earlier when you ordered a few different jams. Strawberry, apricot and raspberry. “Fuck!” You hit your head against the steering wheel, bumping your hand against it and setting the horn off. It startles you, like you’re not allowed to wallow in frustration even for a few minutes.

Your options are limited. You can walk to town and get drenched while doing that. You can wait until the rain calms and then start walking. Or you can cross one of the fields to call for a tow truck, risking getting bitten by a snake or something. None of those choices appeal to you.

You close your eyes and lay your head against the steering wheel again. You can only think of the look on Abigail’s face. The worry that honestly looked like she was more annoyed than really worried. If you didn’t have to think about this dating thing at all, there’d be nothing to stress about. If she hadn’t sprung this all up in the first place, you could be burying yourself in work and everyone would be happy.

The rain seems to only get stronger. It’s pouring from a bucket, alienating you on the road, making you an island with no bridges to anyone. You can’t shake Abigail’s story from your mind. How foolish of you to think this wouldn’t kick you in the back at some point.

You haven’t even had a proper conversation with the man yet and here you are, sitting miserable in your car, forced to mull over someone’s life choices based on what you heard from an outsider. There’s only Abigail’s word to believe and you’re still trying to think of possible reasons why Javier ended up leaving his bride at the altar.

The rain waves over you. It quiets and makes you believe it will finally give up when another, heavier wave rolls in and envelopes you in its arms. Through the white noise of your car’s roof being beaten, you hear a motor.

Your side window is streaked with water, the side mirror is covered in a damp haze. The headlights of a car blink through it, approaching in a crawl. At least it won’t splash you like the truck did or swing you off the road and into the ditch that is most likely already full of water.

The car, a pickup truck, drives past. The taillights flash red when the car slows even more and parks in front of you, backing up until it’s only a couple of feet from your bumper. Great. Either they’re going to help you, or it’ll be someone who will only creep you out. The truck though. It looks familiar. The rusty maroon and the blocky white stripe on the side. You’ve seen it in town so at least you’ll most likely know the driver.

The driver’s door opens. You can’t make out who it is through the rain, only a tall, wide frame that jogs towards your door. You recognize Javier’s face only when he’s about to knock on the window. His hair is already dripping. His eyes are squinted even though it doesn’t help much in this downpour. You roll the window down, your head suddenly empty.

“Need a ride?” It’s a quick question. Water pours over his face, sticks to his moustache and trickles into his open mouth. You don’t have to think long. “Take your stuff,” he orders, and you happily comply.

He’s already by his truck when you lock your car doors and rush to the passenger’s side with your bag in your arms. The warning lights blink against the wet ground as your shoes get soaked and through your socks in an instant.

Javier opens the door for you from the inside and you pull it open the rest of the way, falling in with your things in your arms. You pant, from the adrenaline of getting saved from your four wheeled island and rushing to his car as fast as you can. It doesn’t help that suddenly Javier makes your head spin and uncertainty stir your gut when you look at him. The damp of your clothes turns into wetness as the water from the rain seeps through the layers of your jean jacket, your t-shirt, through your jeans, right to your skin and under it.

“Hi,” he sighs, looking at you with a smirk on his lips, even his eyes glinting in the grey of the weather that tries to suck the warmth from the brown.

“Hi,” you breathe out and it relieves some of the tension that stirred in your head.

“You like to hang out here just for fun or…?” He starts the car and gets it going on a crawl. His hands squeeze the steering wheel loosely, almost relaxed, unlike you.

“Yeah, sure. I was having a party with the blinking lights, didn’t you see?” The breathed-out chuckle makes you bite your lip, to keep your smile under control.

“Trust me, I saw. And it looks like that party has ended.” How ironic of him to tell you to trust him. You still smile but tension builds up in your jaw immediately.

“Thanks for stopping, I was kinda losing hope out here.” You try to put on your seat belt, but the clutch doesn’t want to stay in place.

“Happy to help.” He shakes his head slowly, from one side to the next, his eyes flashing on your hands as you battle with the belt. “Let me get that.”

He keeps his focus on the wet road, while pushing your other hand away by just covering yours with his. His thumb presses the loop down. His palm covers your hand easily as you keep the latch in place. His skin is so warm, sucking the cold right out of your bloodstream. The buckle finally clicks into place. He draws his hand back, a quick glance your way as his fingertips accidentally slide against the outside of your hip.

“Thanks.” You don’t want to make it weird. You focus looking out the window and the rain-streaked windshield.

 “Where are you going, the bakery?”

“Well, no, not anymore. I need someone to come and tow my car. The battery is fucked.” 

“Gary’s it is.” You’ve never been there. You got your car checked over in the next town over, where the seller had it. Since then, you’ve always gone there to get your car cleared, twice every year since you got it. The mechanics there are older, who know cars inside and out, understanding every sound and every hiccup. There hasn’t been a time when they’ve failed to give you a good deal if something has to be fixed. This time it doesn’t matter. You need your car.

“What were you doing out here anyway?” Javier sounds conversational, casual with his question.

“I met up with Abigail, to talk about their wedding cake.”

“They ordered one from you?” He switches the wipers to go back and forth a little slower, as the rain finds a lazier rhythm.

“I’m giving them one.” Javier nods and you think he hums in understanding. You remember the story about the tart. Raspberry and lemon fill your senses. Even the thought of them wets your mouth and the idea of a sweet, gentle lemon-flavored cake with fresh raspberries and vanilla frosting puts your brain to work. Maybe you’re hungry.

As fast as you remember the tart, your thoughts shift from cakes to Abigail’s reveal.

You glance at Javier from the corner of your eye. It’s hard for you to imagine him walking down an aisle to wait for his fiancée to join him. Let alone standing at an altar in a black suit next to someone in a white dress and bouquet of flowers in her hands while a bunch of people stare at them and wait for them to vow to be together forever. That idyllic life and Javier Peña in the same sentence are like water and oil in your mind.

Maybe you can’t say anything about him in his drying hair that is curling at the ends. The mustache that he hasn’t trimmed in a couple of days and the five o’clock shadow on his jawline that is now at least a couple of days old. The neck that could be carved by someone with a chisel, long and strong, richly tan even in the cold lighting.

How many button-up shirts does this man own, as you’re seeing him once again in a new one, this time in dark blue with long sleeves. His fingers tap against the steering wheel, a rhythm only in his head, the radio silent.

You can’t judge a man you don’t know. You can only see the surface, not what he’s really like. He could want that idyllic family life and a big wedding, but he keeps a low profile about them.

He tilts his head towards you, a minor movement, like he wants to hear you better. His dark lashes frame his focused eyes, looking even thicker in the gloom of the rain. His head leans more towards you. Maybe you need to just ask him about it, the wedding, his failed marriage that wasn’t even a marriage. It’s on your mind. It’s better to get rid of it now than let it simmer and keep you wondering.

“What?” His chin leads the turn of his head, suddenly catching you red-handed in taking him in. For the first time you’ve really gotten a chance to look at him. If you would’ve known better, you would’ve made sure to not get caught because you don’t stand a chance against the deep brown of his eyes that read you in a heartbeat.

The question is on the tip of your tongue. You’re about to ask if he can explain himself, tell you more about his past.

You sigh, “Nothing, was just thinking about this arrangement of ours.” You let the questions slip from your grasp.

Technically you’re not lying. Abigail’s words are under your skin and your candor about something else on your mind is only a way for you to avoid turning a stone you’re not ready to. The road turns and buildings are finally appearing through the downpour.

“I’ve been thinking about it too.” His unexpected confession spikes your heartrate instantly. His voice goes a bit lower, a little shakier. Javier is still as confident as ever, but there’s a light tinge of ‘what if’ coloring it.

“What about it?” You sound a bit more worried than you’d like to.

“Look, when you said yes to this whole circus, I’m grateful for that.” You already hear the but in his voice.

Immediately you’re on a carousel, going over the few instances you’ve been in contact with Javier. If you’ve told him something that would make him second guess you and your intentions. You have no secret intentions. You just want to get through this wedding without any extra attention.

Though, how Abigail reacted, that might’ve been a useless wish.

“I just can’t stop thinking how we have to fake something just because someone is being a little… eager.” The shake of Javier’s head is the cherry on top of the irritated thought that makes it sound like he has been thinking about this for a while.

“You think we should still do it?” Him saying no would release you from any stress you’re already predicting to experience the closer the wedding is getting. You wouldn’t have to think about keeping your stories straight or how you literally have to seem like you like this guy any more than just as a friend.

Are you even friends, you can’t put a finger on that.

But him saying no would also end this new connection you’re having. Even though you don’t have time for dating, Javier’s presence and knowing he’s in this situation with you does give you a sense of comfort. If he became your friend in this town that sometimes manages to shove your face in loneliness, you wouldn’t say no to it.

“Yeah, I’m in. Won’t mean I’ll be happy about people pushing their noses into our business.”

“I’m with you on that.”

“What have you been thinking?” He asks. His other hand drops from the steering wheel, and he glances at you, trying to dig into how you’re dealing with all this.  

“I…” The words get stuck in your throat. This is a perfect chance. Ask why he left his bride at the altar, a little voice in your head urges. Your mouth goes cinnamon dry and your jaw clenches, not letting any words out.

You can’t help the uncomfortable laugh that makes the mood shift from open honesty to awkwardness immediately. “I’m gl—” Your voice catches and you have to swallow before trying again, “I’m glad I can do this with someone who understands what we’re pretending, that’s all.”

“Yeah.” Javier isn’t dumb. You can hear how he knows you’re hiding something. He knows you’re not telling him what’s really on your mind. He doesn’t have time to get into it as you reach Gary’s Garage. As soon as he turns the car off, you open your seatbelt and jump out, briskly walking in through the front door.

The smell of gasoline and oil hits you immediately, the second smell being air freshener, closely followed by tire rubber. You’re taken back to childhood, and your grandpa’s garage where every spring you checked your bike over.

He helped you paint it more than once, always allowing you to use whatever colors were your favorite. There you stood, with the bike’s skeleton turned upside down with some parts covered in tape and plastic to protect the colors you already liked and the parts that had to stay bare.

Your grandpa stood beside you with paint respirators on both of your faces, spray paint cans in hand. When you were younger, the can was so big that you had to hold it with two hands, and it still kept slipping from your grasp. When you got older, you could hold it easily.

Being around Javier is like being around a magnet. You hear him get in through the door. You take a step back, like he’s able to pull you towards him. He doesn’t say anything, you don’t even hear his footsteps. He hovers, like two same poles rejecting each other. You look at him and immediately he comes closer, to stand right behind your back.

“Ah, Peña! What can I do for you?” A younger looking guy wearing a dark grey overall stained with black oil appears from behind a hood of a car. He rubs his hands on a rag tied to his belt loop, before scrubbing his hand through his dirty blond hair that’s in need of washing.

“Follow my lead,” Javier whispers in your ear before placing his arm loosely over your shoulders. You meet the guy at a small service desk. It’s covered with a plastic desk cover that has yellowed at spots and has different car brand logo stickers glued to it. People have tested a pen at the corners, random loops and something that looks like boobs cartooned on the mechanics’ side.

“I’m cashing in that favor your dad owed us.” You immediately turn to Javier, but he shuts you up by squeezing your shoulder. His thumb is right at the edge of the knot under your shoulder blade, pressing against it in a way that makes you pull your shoulders back and wince in discomfort.

“My girlfriend is having some car trouble.” He says at the same time, notices your pain and backs off from the squeeze, only having his hand lay gently against the tight muscle. It’s warm and it seeps through the layer of damp denim and cotton on your skin.

The mechanic looks at you with wide eyes, then at Javier, then back at you with his brows lifting and an unbelieving smile forming on his lips. You know him. He’s a flirt. You’ve had to deal with him before, when he has come to the bakery with his wife.

“Javier, I believe my dad can only do favors for you or your dad, no one said anything about a girlfriend.” He says the word like it’s a joke. You breathe against Javier’s hand, which in this moment manages to keep you calm.

“No worries, I can—”

“Rick,” Javier cuts you off. Another gentler squeeze forces you to listen to him, just like he commands Rick. “I believe your dad said that he owes me one after I helped him fix that fence you had promised to help him with. He didn’t say anything about there being conditions.” Rick looks between you two once more, until he focuses back on Javier.

“So, what’s the problem, what happened?”

“Ask her, it’s her car.” Javier’s hand slides off your shoulder, leaving you to stand on your own two feet. The wide shadow of him behind you moves away and as he does so, you gain confidence. The heels of his boots hit the concrete floor, and with each step your confidence bursts to life, like he’s pulling it out of you to deal with a nuisance just like any other day. You hear the door, you’re alone.

“I was driving, and the battery light came on and then the car stopped, J—” You catch yourself, his words fresh in your ears, “My boyfriend picked me up, but the car is still on the side of the road.”  You can tell Rick doesn’t believe you when you use that word for Javier.

No wonder. Only a couple of weeks back you had to deal with him, and you didn’t use Javier’s status as your boyfriend in one of your jabs back at him.

“Your boyfriend,” Rick starts and leans forward with a sly smile on his face, against the small counter that separates you from him. You can smell it on him, the low blow that he’s going to serve. “Are you two really together? Because I know a sweet thing like you could do so much better.” He raises his brows at the same time, thinking he got you.

You stare at him. Your mind drains of every possible comeback that you’ve perfected over the years when thinking of different scenarios where you’d need to have a snarky comment at the ready. Rick is one of those men who will look at you once, insult you, and think you’ve fallen head over heels in love with him based on that one interaction. Even when he’s married.

Your head blows up with all the ideas what you could say to him, mixing into a ball of nothingness that makes you mute. The longer you stand still, the more he’s convinced he has won you over, finally.

You take a step forward, even shaking yourself up with the bold move. You lean your hip against the counter, curving your back in the process, and smile at him, just like a sweet thing would. The door opens and lets in fresh air. Javier. He stops a bit further away; his presence isn’t enveloping you. But there’s still that pull.

It’s just you, and Rick, you tell yourself.

“Is that so?” You place your hand right next to his and tilt your head.

“Mmhmm,” he hums, ecstatic about the attention you’re giving him.

Javier’s slow steps echo from your left to your right side, until he’s standing where you can see him from the corner of your eye. It shouldn’t be hard for you to keep up with the act with him there, but suddenly your focus wavers and the fearless imaginary conversations, where you know every single word, you want to say, are pointless.

“I really like when little ladies like yourself know their customers. I still remember when you recommended that creamy thing to me, just because you knew I’d like it.” Rick blabbers on. Javier’s eyes narrow, but you keep your cool like it’s an armor.

“I think I recommended the cream doughnuts to your wife, when your in-laws were coming to visit?” You ask innocently. Javier hides his mouth behind his hand immediately, turning from you.

Maybe with this guy you don’t even have to try coming up with something snappy. Rick chuckles. He almost manages to trace his fingertip against your wrist, but he’s not close enough. You make yourself stand still. What you’d really want to do is slap him.

“I know it was meant for me. You don’t have to hide it. Listen…” Rick stands back up, a cocky look in his eyes. “I bet I know why you recommended them to me.” Your face must tell him to continue.

“I bet you’d love to try my doughnut, and my cream.” The way he says it, sleazy and so full of himself, with his tongue licking his lips to emphasize the very obvious double meaning, is supposed to be the thing to make you fall on your knees in front of him.

Instead, it takes everything in you not to burst out laughing right at his face, or to keep yourself from slamming your fist in his eye. The smile Javier was trying to hide earlier isn’t there anymore. He’s far from it. His eyes are hard and venomous under his brows, dark in a way you haven’t seen yet even from the corner of your vision.

“You know what I’d love?” Rick perks up at your question, thinking you’re finally catching the bait with a smile. He wishes.

“I think I’d give you exactly what you’re looking for, sugar.” You can’t help the laugh that finally makes you break. Rick chuckles with you and he reaches his hand towards your face. You step back right before his dirty fingers make contact with your cheek, and you drop the smile, the cute voice and look him straight in the eyes.

“I want you to get my damn car and change the battery. Then you’ll call me when it’s done because I need my car. Please.” You emphasize the word with a smirk that only appears for a second, until you’re giving him stone and ice again. Rick’s face turns to disappointment and annoyance. Javier takes a step forward, pulling out a folded map from his back pocket and smoothing it against the table.

“It’s here,” he says, his voice low, his finger pointing at the road where he picked you up in a demanding manner.  

“You can call the bakery when it’s done.” You tell Rick with finality in your voice while Javier folds the map back up. You don’t want to stay in the garage any longer than necessary. As soon as Javier is done, you grab his hand and pull him along with you.

“Bitch,” you hear Rick mutter under his breath when you’re almost at the door.

“Thank you!” You singsong to him, rolling your eyes just as you step outside into the humidity. At least the rain has calmed, but it seems like it has gathered in the air, like a weighted blanket on top of everything. Your heart is pounding in your chest, barely staying in place rather than jumping through your throat. You breathe in the watery air and blow it out slowly.

“I think you deserve a drink after that,” Javier bumps his arm against yours. You look up at him, your hands still linked together and see the impressed smirk on his face.

“What?”

“You don’t come across as someone who’d have that in you.” He speaks nonchalantly, like it’s just a normal day at the office to witness you talking back to a slimy guy like Rick.

“You have no idea.”

“Come,” he says, pulling you along with him across the street. You match your steps with his.

Javier opens the door for you. A red-themed, all-day breakfast diner welcomes you in with the smell of pancakes and bacon, the complete opposite of what’s on the other side of the street. It doesn’t smell poisonous, or like you’ll lose brain cells after inhaling the smell for long enough.

Javier finally lets go of your hand and you walk in front of him towards the line. The diner is full. Booths with red tables and worn-down red leather couches are occupied with families and workers from all over the town.

The waiters and waitresses are wearing the same uniforms, red pants and white t-shirts, with little aprons on. Orders are getting yelled out from the kitchen, the mood an exciting mix of delight and stress. People are getting welcomed in by name, asked how they’re doing, and their usual orders are placed without them having to say a word.

“Did it really happen?” Javier asks against your ear, his presence like a backpack. “With the cream doughnuts?”

“Oh yeah, the guy comes in with his…” You look around yourself, see a couple of little kids nearby, and turn more towards Javier, “Fucking wife and she asks what pastries would be good for the in-laws. I remember her saying that it can’t be anything too fancy, but something more interesting than cookies. And he takes the suggestion as a double entendre,” you huff and shake your head. Either she doesn’t know her husband is like that or then she’s just turning a blind eye. Or maybe she likes it.

More people walk in as a new wave of rain rolls over the town and forces the line to squeeze together. Javier steps a little closer. His warmth and broadness hover right behind you, brushing against your back every few seconds.

Someone tries to walk past you and forces you to squeeze yourself right against Javier. A puff of warm air hits your neck, right above the collar of your jean jacket. You almost apologize to Javier for stepping so close, but his proximity drives you to forget about it. The darkness in his eyes isn’t like in the garage, but it burns in a different way. It’s not scary, but open, bordering on vulnerable, and it punches against your chest in a way that manages to draw all air from you.

“Thanks for coming with me and using your favor on me.” You say instead, heavy debt sitting on your shoulders as the line stands still. There’s something happening in the kitchen, after you hear a great splash.

“It’s nothing, we rarely go to Gary’s anyway. Had to get that favor out of the way somehow. But I don’t think you needed me.”

“If I was alone, I don’t think I could’ve been like that to Rick, and I also would have to pay full price for the battery.” Javier chuckles. It’s a small sound, light and airy, like he’s hiding a real laugh behind it but not ready to reveal it yet.

“You’re welcome then.” A waitress announces they’ve dropped a gravy canister in the kitchen and will need a few more minutes before they can resume serving all the customers.

“He deserved it,” Javier says after a moment of people rumbling their disappointment and understanding. Someone pushes past you again. Javier’s hand instinctively lands on your shoulder to guide you.

“I should’ve asked you earlier, if it was okay for me to touch you?” He almost takes his hand off you but someone else makes their way through the crowded diner as well, and once again he’s guiding you to squeeze closer to him, away from their fast feet and body that would otherwise bump into you.

“Yeah, I mean, I guess we can’t be afraid of some hand holding and casual touches, right?”

“Yeah,” he agrees. He doesn’t pull his hand off you, which you expect. He’s tentative with his touch, unlike in the garage. It lingers lightly, but then presses steadily against you, his thumb on that damn knot, and once again your shoulder complains. You flinch and turn your head away from the pain, gasping out a breath in discomfort.

As on cue he lifts his hand even though you can still feel the heat of it. “You okay?” You roll your stiff shoulders even though it doesn’t seem to help at all.

“I’m fine. Just a tight musc—” your words cut out with a sharp inhale as he finds the spot instantly.

“Here?” His thumb rubs against it in a tight circle, presses gently but enough to cause the knot to burn.

“Uh-huh,” you squeak, and tilt your head away from his hand.

“I had the same problem, always when I was stressed it would lock back up, right here.” He presses on the muscle and makes you gasp for air. He almost sounds like he’s talking to himself rather than you in the full diner. You wouldn’t hear his voice if he wasn’t as close as he is.

Javier massages the spot over and over, slowly bringing blood flow back into it. You could get used to it, his touch, the large hand on your shoulder, the thumb that manages to circle the pain exactly at the right point, coaxing the tension onto the surface. 

“Why don’t you go to Gary’s often?” You could close your eyes. You’re already leaning against Javier’s palm, almost against him, but the question stuck with you.

“Because of his son.” You giggle as the knot starts to open and his answer hits you at the same time.

“You?”

“No, I never go there.”

“Wonder why,” his voice sounds like it’s right next to your ear.

“Yeah, the tip jar won’t be full after my car is fixed.” The soft vibrations of Javier’s chuckles run in through your ear and spikes your skin with goosebumps. You tip your chin against your chest, unable to hold in your own gentle laugh.

Your shoulder is still a bit sore a few days later, but it doesn’t complain anymore when you need to turn your head. You can pull out the hanger with the little black dress you haven’t worn too often and when you get your head through the neckline and zip up the back, the muscle doesn’t burn like you would’ve just spent hours in the same position decorating a cake or sitting by a desk typing out orders and invoices.

You smooth out the dress and look at yourself in the mirror. Is it too short? The hem falls on your mid-thigh, covered in see-through black pantyhose.

You turn and run your hands over your backside. It’s okay, not too short.

Your phone rings once before it stops completely. Javier. You told him to call and let the phone ring once to let you know when he’s downstairs at six. You look at the clock. He’s five minutes early.

Your heart starts to slam against your ribs. You blot lipstick on your lips and rub your finger against them to spread the red more evenly. You check your purse for the umpteenth time since you packed it right after work.

You step into your black pumps, giving your posture a boost. You check your necklace in the mirror last, the chain empty against your chest. You really should find a fitting pendant for it. To replace the one your mom had but lost right after your grandpa died.

You turn your keys in the lock and as soon as your door clicks, nerves spike.

“It’s an agreement, nothing more,” you repeat to the irrational side of your brain that keeps telling you that you’re going out on a date.

A pungent, odd smell drifts to your nose as you pass your neighbor’s door. That same irrational voice says you forgot to wear deodorant. No, you didn’t, as you smell your pits. And it also doesn’t smell like sweat, more like some heavy duty cleaning product. It must be your neighbor. There’s some pumping, 70’s disco music playing in his apartment and the vacuum cleaner is on, clanking against the wall closest to the corridor.

A buzzing wall scone illuminates the corridor in dim yellow, leaving the stairs dark until another, flickering wall scone welcomes you into its sepia toned embrace at the bottom of the stairs. You take steps carefully down, holding onto the handrailing with your dear life, your feet getting used to the high heels after wearing sneakers for months.

You can’t even remember the last time you wore heels. This time it’s appropriate. The restaurant Javier has reserved your table at is a fancier one, right outside of town. You’ve never dined there, but you once delivered a cake there for the 60th birthday party of the richest family in town. You’re not sure whose birthday it was, but the place looked dressy.

The steps descend into darkness and your legs turn into cement. You have to stop and hold your hand against the wall for a moment. The light at the bottom of the stairs doesn’t illuminate this far and the narrow window on top of the door is a joke at letting in light. Though there’s no natural light left anyway. Evening and twilight have already fallen.

It’s not the dark that holds you in place. It’s the voice in your head. The irrational one, the one that likes to live in a fantasy from time to time. The one that made up all the images of a soulmate who you’d buy a traditional home with and where you’d have a mantelpiece filled with family photos.

The one that made you wake up with a smile on your lips when it was barely morning because you dreamt about Javier. In the dream you were sitting next to him, and you were happy. You knew he was the one. When reality finally caught up with you, you were horrified of what your mind had concocted in your sleep.

This time the voice likes to remind you that you’re going out on a date. When you get down the stairs and open the door, Javier is going to be standing next to his car and there’ll be no turning back. You’re pretending something that will hold meaning to some people and others won’t bat an eye.

You shut that voice down immediately. You’re only helping each other out, taking care of a joined problem and that’s it. No matter what people think or don’t think, you’ll be done with this act immediately after Abigail and Noah’s wedding.

You can go back to normal. You can forget it ever happened even when people would ask why you two parted ways. It will probably give you some good, shared laughs with Javier every once in a while, when you bump into each other around town or if he happens to come and pick up something for his dad from the bakery.

You take a deep breath and take the steps down. Under the flickering wall scone you tell the voice that it’s not a date. You’re just seeing each other to get the ball rolling. People have to see you two in public so your scam will be more believable. That’s all it is, and that’s all it’s going to be.

You open the door. Javier isn’t next to his car like you thought he would. He’s standing behind the door, a palette of emotions running over his face at once. Surprise, calm, nervousness? Until his eyes take you in by looking you up and down from your eyes to your dress to your pantyhose glad legs to your shoes and back up again to your eyes, settling on a soft smirk.

“I was going to ring the doorbell,” he points at the buzzer with his thumb, your name written with bulky letters on a sticker.

“Sorry, I had to make sure I had everything.”

“That’s fine!” He stands still, in front of you, a sudden silence filling you with awkwardness.

“Well…” And you laugh a short laugh, one that could be mistaken for a confused ‘huh’.

“Ready?” Javier melts into action, letting you walk out of the doorway.

“Yeah, let me just lock this.” He waits patiently for you to lock the door behind you. He’s hovering again. You see him from the corner of your eye, his black boots that shine dimly under the streetlights.

He’s not wearing jeans, as you somehow thought he would. He’s in dark slacks, his white shirt a crisp contrast to the shirts he usually wears. He opens the truck door for you, and waits patiently for you to get in.

He offers you his hand when you’re about to take support of the car door to sit on the worn leather of the front seat. You smile and take it, his skin burning hot against your warmth, gentle yet firm as he holds it until you’re in.

You try to smooth the hem of your dress under you, but it’s already in place. The leather imprints against the backs of your thighs, the only saving factor is your pantyhose, keeping your skin from sticking to the seat that gets toasty from body heat in no time.

Javier waits for a car to pass until he hops in on the driver’s seat.

“You got your car back,” he says, the lights on his truck flashing on the rear of your car.

“I got it the day after we went to the garage. Apparently, Gary had to send his son to pick up the battery from Laredo.” You still made sure to personally tip only Gary. Rick wasn’t getting any of it. No matter how it was a favor for Javier and Gary was adamant in following through, you couldn’t leave without paying something.

“Good.” Another silence falls between you two.

Javier drives in a way that is secure, even on the darkest roads, where the only sweeping light illuminated against the asphalt is from the headlights. He’s relaxed. His other elbow rests on the open window where warm wind blows in at the comfortable speed he’s driving. His other arm lays against his thigh, yet both his hands are on the steering wheel. He knows these roads. He has driven them countless times over the years.

The restaurant is like a mirage in the distance. It appears through the dark with a golden haze. Javier fixes his back against the leather seat the closer you get. Your heart rate spikes when he parks the truck in the far end of the small parking lot, full of cars.

Cicadas chirp as the engine shuts off, your door towards the solitude of night. He’s out the door before you’ve opened your seatbelt buckle, and he opens the door for you just as you lay your hand to open it yourself. His white shirt illuminates against the restaurant lighting, working as a safety barrier between you and the vast emptiness where there’s nothing else than miles of farming land.

He's still not saying anything, neither do you. Your mind is blank, and the only sound that echoes in your ears are your matched footsteps. Your heels click and his boots scuff every few steps against the ground. The sound of the cicadas drifts off the further away you get from the tall grass and bushes.

The hem of your dress caresses against the back of your thighs until there’s another feeling. It’s very soft, barely there, but it’s still there, on the small of your back. Javier’s hand. It’s not intrusive or forced, but careful and measured. His fingers drag lightly against you when he pulls his hand back to open the door for you and let you walk into the restaurant first.

“Welcome to the Velvet Fig, how can I help you tonight?” A chipper, blonde woman asks, her hair in perfect curls and her teeth as white as the pressed tablecloths.

“I have a reservation, under Peña.” You stand next to him clutching your purse in your hands. You scratch the fabric with the nail of your thumb, standing with your back straight and a tingling in your lower back.

Javier’s arm is almost against yours, still far enough that you’d need to lean towards him if you wanted to truly press against him, but still close enough that the hair on your arm is standing still and reaching for the feel of him. The hostess runs her finger along the page of her reservation book, taps it twice and then lifts her face to smile at the two of you.

“This way Mr. Peña.” She takes two menus with her and leads you through the restaurant. Javier lets you go first, following behind you. You get the same sense of him as you did when you met him for the first time.

His warmth radiates towards you, like you’re attracting it, and he’s happy to make you feel it. It makes you aware of him, almost hyper aware of how close he is and how he follows each of your steps with his own, matching them so he won’t step on your heels.

You catch someone’s eye as you walk past them. An older lady with graying hair. She’s possibly with her husband, who is sawing through a well-cooked steak. She observes you from your head to the hem of your dress. If she was wearing pearls, she’d clutch them.

The judgmental look in her eyes is enough to give you a few extra inches of confidence and you smile sweetly at her with a little head tilt, passing her by without giving her a second thought. The whole restaurant is full of people like her. Older couples. People with money. People who will look at you down the bridges of their noses, giving you a mental score to decide how deserving you’re to be in here.

“Here you go,” the hostess presents a round booth table for you and Javier at the far end of the restaurant. It’s quiet here, even with the other booths full. A small bouquet of red roses sit in a small vase in the middle of the table, a candle in a frosty glass candle holder next to it. Javier waits for you to get seated before he slides in from the other side.

The velvet of the seat catches against your pantyhose, and you try to fix your dress the best you can in the narrow space. The hostess places the menus in front of you on the table and claps her hands together gently, to not draw attention to herself with a loud noise.

“A waiter is going to come take your drink orders in a few minutes.” Her pleasant attitude is so well crafted that you could almost believe that’s what she’s like when she takes off her black pencil skirt, high heels, and white little collared blouse.

You’ve seen her before though.

She has come to the bakery a couple of times. You never forget the faces of those who complain. She didn’t see you at first, but you sure heard her laughing about how she would’ve added more butter to the brioche and made the brownies cakier than fudgier if the bakery was hers.

She also found some big words to critique your choice of opening hours, thinking the bakery would do better if it stayed open until late in the evening since no one can come in during the day like she did, right before closing, while looking at the empty shelves and discounted brown paper bags with the last bread rolls in them. Luckily she’s not in charge of your business.

“Thank you,” both you and Javier say at the same time, immediately locking eyes right after. The hostess leaves, and so does your confidence. Once again, you’re in a game against Javier, the game of who breaks under pressure first. He looks at you with unblinking eyes. They’re honey dipped in the warm mood lighting, almost melting in the way he’s keeping you nailed to your seat.

“I don’t know why, but I’m nervous,” you throw the towel in immediately. You can’t win against this guy, you don’t even have a chance. A smile appears slowly at first, from the corners of his eyes, until it breaks through and spreads onto his lips.

“Me too, this isn’t something I do often.” He smooths his hand against the tablecloth and brings the folded thick cotton napkin closer to you.

“Fake date women to keep people from asking too many questions about your personal life?” You crack the joke and immediately regret it when he turns his attention back to you with a smile on his face, but seriousness in his eyes.

“No, take women out on dates.” A vague sound that resembles an “ah” comes out of your mouth as his answer strips you of any other words. What can you even say when his answer sounds like a lie. Or at least if you look at Javier, it seems impossible that he wouldn’t be going out on dates. A thought crosses your mind. Maybe, just maybe him ditching his bride at the altar had another reason entirely.

“You mean… You’ve…” Your slow words make his brows get a quizzical arch in them. You have to clear your throat and make sure no one else will hear you.

There was a guy once who you had a crush on. You had just started college and he sat next to you in one of your classes. You once asked to borrow a pen from him, he once asked to see your notes from the previous class that he had missed.

Since then you became friendly, your thoughts racing ahead of you a million miles an hour. Once, when you were having lunch in the cafeteria, there was another guy who came to sit with you. Andrew and Christopher, Andy and Chris for short. They tried to be subtle, but the sentences they finished for each other and them sitting like they were glued together only told you that Chris was off the market. The last you heard they live in San Francisco now.

“I totally get it if you’re trying to hide and I would never let anyone know…” you whisper to Javier, almost apologetic he has to be in a position like this with you.

“What?” He leans closer to you, clearly not catching onto what you’re trying to imply with your unsaid words.

“If you’re… you know…” A waiter walks past your table with a big, expensive looking wine bottle in hand. You lower your voice even more. “Gay?” Your voice is barely above a whisper, protective of his privacy and secret already. He leans back, stares at you, and then breaks into a rich baritone laugh. He finally looks away with his cheeks tinting pink in the low lighting.

“No,” Javier breathes out the word between chuckles and shakes his head. “I’m not gay, I just haven’t been out on dates. With anyone.”

Your mouth goes dry. “Oh, fu—” you break the curse word with a light exhale as the waiter briskly appears from the shadows.

“Good evening, I’m Jonathan and I’m going to be your waiter this evening.” He smiles at you both and whips out a little notepad and a pen. You reach for the glass in front of you, ready to take a sip of anything to make the sandpaper feel of your tongue go away. It’s empty.

Javier eyes at the motion from the corner of his eye. “If you haven’t had time to look at the menus yet, you can find the drinks on the last page, and I can tell you about some cocktail options as well if you’re interested?”

“We’ll start with a bottle of water, thank you. Would you like some wine?” Javier asks, the pink on his skin settling down.

“Rosé?” Your voice is begging for some moisture.

“And a glass of your best rosé for my date,” Javier orders effortlessly. Jonathan writes it down swiftly, already a seasoned veteran in his job even though his skin is still smooth and there’s a boyish twinkle in his eyes.

“Water for the table and a rosé for the lady, I’ll be back in a moment.” He leaves just as smoothly as he appeared.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to make assumptions, I just thought I had put two and two together and… I’m sorry, it also wouldn’t be my place to even know if you were,” you ramble while your palms start to sweat.

The gentle smile on Javier switches to his eyes narrowing while getting stuck on words that start the game up again. The way he listens to you, intense and all his focus on you, makes you shut up. He doesn’t care that Jonathan comes back with a thick glass bottle of water in one hand, which he places on the table next to the flowers, and a tall wine glass in his other hand, which he places in front of you.

You smile at him while Javier’s acknowledgement is mostly just a quick side look and a quiet “thank you”, that he says to you rather than the server. It doesn’t take too much investigating to know what exactly he heard between your words.

“You had put two and two together, huh?” There’s no backing out now.

“There’s something I heard…” He’s somehow even closer now, leaning his forearm against the table, crowding you with his broad shoulders, his smell that’s somewhere between leather, soap and cigarette smoke and his voice that’s still ringing in your ears.

To some his presence could be intimidating. It could make them cower, make them lose their own voice and submit to him. Yet when you sit next to him, you don’t get the urge to back down. You see the softness in his jaw, the curiosity that twinkles somewhere in the smooth crow’s feet next to his eyes, in how he patiently waits for you to keep on going no matter what it is.

“Abigail said something about you almost getting married?” Javier’s sudden, but subtle inhale is an answer in itself. He turns from you and busies himself pouring water for you and for himself.

“So that’s what was bothering you in the car the other day.” He doesn’t even look at you. It’s only an observation.

He most likely saw how relieved it made you to say it out loud after holding onto questions you know you’re not going to get answers to anytime soon. He’s a brick wall and he’s not going to say another word.

“Should I know something, so I won’t be blindsided with whatever people tell me?” If you’re still playing the game you two have been unconsciously playing, you’re winning by heaps. This game just seems awfully unfair and not something you’ll celebrate winning.

“You already have something on your mind?” The cold look on his face could shut up anyone.

“What happened between you and her, your ex-fiancée?” Javier lifts his chin almost in defiance. He breathes through his mouth, his lower lip puffing out under the now well-groomed mustache. Then he looks at you, crowds your personal bubble again.

He holds his arm over the back of the velvet couch you’re both sitting on. His eyes are unfocused just past you, his thoughts taking him back to another time in his life. To another version of him.

“We had a rough patch for a few months because of a job I applied for, and we were talking about splitting up. She told me she was pregnant and that changed everything.” His voice is monotonous, like he’s reading a script.

Then his eyes focus on you and a mirthless little smile invades his face with pain. You’re instinctively ready to plant your palm against his cheek, to let him lean on you for a moment. You press your hands together tighter to keep yourself from exploring that action.

“We were going to get married, until the night before the wedding when she told me she made it up. She was holding out hope I would still marry her but we both knew that wasn’t going to happen. I left, she stayed, life moved on.”

“Where did you go then?”

“I took a job in Colombia.”

“Tell me about it,” you urge him without a pause.

His shoulders stiffen instantly. He takes you in, watches you with unblinking eyes, and like he gets zapped by an electric shock, he notices how close he is to you.

As he pulls himself slowly away from you, the first thing you notice is how the heat from his body leaves you as well.

Then it’s his breath from his parted lips that doesn’t blow gently against your face anymore.

Then it’s his smell.

His arm slides against the back of the dark velvet of your seating, his hand against the thick tablecloth.

Then, it’s his knee. When he pulls the last few inches of his body away from you, his knee leaves yours under the table. It was a steady pressure, a connection of clothed skin against clothed skin, yet it was branding you hot.

You hadn’t even noticed it until now when it’s gone. Almost like his knee had always pressed against yours under tables, in secret but still in plain sight if you knew what you were supposed to look for.

Your knee cools fast, even in the comfortable warmth of the restaurant.

Last, he turns his face from you. You’re sensitive to the loneliness next to him when he shuts himself off from you. Milliseconds tick away and each gives your brain a jolt of restlessness.

You’d want to reach your hand out, not necessarily to even touch him, but to get closer to him. Not for your sake, but his.

The hurt he doesn’t want to talk about hangs heavily over him and the longer he’s quiet, shut away from you, the likelier it is that the topic is off limits. Never something for you to know about, or something for you to even ask about. It’s a hard line and he’s drawing it in the sand.

Jonathan strolls in, breaking the tension in the air.  “Have you had time to decide on the menu options or would you like me to tell you about our specials?” You scramble to open your menu and straighten your back, fixing a smile on your face to tell him that he’s not disrupting anything. The worry in his eyes calms instantly.

“What are the specials?” You ask him just as Javier takes the menu in his hands, opens it slowly and drifts back to the present moment.

Jonathan starts to repeat a list of dishes from his little note pad, pointing at each with his pen. The ingredients and options fly right through your ears, and nothing sticks to the Teflon of your understanding.

You nod your head while reading the menu at the same time, hyper aware of Javier’s tight jaw and presence next to you, heavily pressing against your right side. He wants to say something, but Jonathan is still reading the list he has written down.

“I’ll have the pasta, please,” you tell him before he can start with the desserts.

“The lemon and shrimp pasta?” Jonathan raises his brows, his pen immediately ready to write.

“Sure!” You smile, only remembering hearing the word pasta, but not any of the other ingredients.

”Steak for me, medium rare, please,” Javier shuts the menu and hands it to the server.

“Anything else you’d like?”

“We’re waiting for that rosé we ordered?” Jonathan’s face flashes bright red, immediately going back to his notepad and finding the right ticket.

“I’m so extremely sorry, I’ll be back with it right away.” He ducks his head low and speedwalks away.

“You don’t have to know more about Colombia than what you’ve probably already heard from people and their big mouths,” Javier’s low voice mumbles as he turns back to you.

It’s deep enough to vibrate into your ears and send shivers down from the back of your neck to the small of your back. There’s an intensity in his eyes that melts immediately when he sees you run your necklace between your fingers and the wide-eyed shock as he’s suddenly talking to you again.

The assumption hits you like a slap across your face. “I haven’t heard anything, just that Chucho’s son is back in town. How would I have known the guy I met at a party would be him? Or that he’d ask me to fake date him so people wouldn’t ask questions? And you really think I go around seeking gossip and making decisions about others based on those?” The words flow fast and sting in the back of your throat as you try to calm the odd tension between you two.

Jonathan flies in with a fancy full bottle of wine in his hand and another tall glass between his fingers.

“As compensation we’d like to offer you a free glass of wine, if that’s okay. I’m incredibly sorry I forgot to bring this earlier.” His boyish features carry shame in a self-deprecating way that manages to zap even more energy into your annoyance.

“Yes, thank you.” The smile on your face is tight, but you can’t let the irritation spill into your voice. Javier is still sitting turned towards you. His figure relaxes. His arms visibly lose their hard stiffness even in the corner of your eye.

You don’t have enough patience for tantrums from a man who you’re on a pretended first date with. Instead, you watch Jonathan pour the rosé into the tall, high-rimmed glasses. The drink flows in like the time has slowed down, your questions to Javier hanging between you two. Yet Jonathan doesn’t seem to notice or care that now his presence isn’t welcomed. You want to hear what Javier has to say.

“I’m sorry,” Javier says immediately when Jonathan is out of earshot. He takes a deep breath and taps the fingers of his right hand against the table. “I’ve been…”

“Your dinner will be served shortly.” Jonathan comes back once more with utensils and places them onto your napkins.

“Thank you,” you repeat in unison with Javier, relieved Jonathan leaves. The whole restaurant is booming with chatter, your conversation with Javier staying under the volume. You take a deep breath and take a sip of your wine.

“Good?” The sweeter notes hide the first signs of dryness in the warm pink wine, until they spread around your tongue like a blanket.

“Good,” you answer and set the glass down. You turn towards Javier as well, finding him once again closer than you expected. “What were you about to say?” He bows his head down and shakes his head lightly.

“I’ve been waiting for you to ask me something that I don’t want to talk about since I took you to town earlier and you still managed to surprise me.” He calculates each word, his voice slow and soft, each word following each other in a careful manner.

Slowly they bring out his confidence again. His knee taps against yours and then settles there. This time you’re sensitive to the feel of him, unexpected and still completely expected from him to use his body to ground you.

“You’re welcome?” The bite in your tone has shifted into sarcasm. The wine spreads warmth through you. Your second sip gently relaxes you in the moment.

“People like to talk here, that’s how they’ve always been and will always be. I’m sorry that I was too much in my own head to give you the benefit of the doubt.” He’s sincere. It’s obvious from his unwavering eye contact and the determination that has settled between his brows.

He leans slowly against the back of the couch. His other arm rises naturally behind you, to rest on the velvet. He’s taking up his space while still making your little booth a bubble just for the two of you. He’s not demanding you to be in it, he’s also not forcing you to even stay still with your knees knocked together, yet here you are, with no intention to move.

“Now I know you haven’t dated anyone in a while.”

Him sitting like that, relaxed and his attention on you and your words, in the nervous tick of you touching the minimal links of your necklace, gives you enough confidence to bring the conversation back to something that surprised you as well. He chuckles. It’s an action he might not do too often as he hides his smile by looking away from you.

“How did you know about this place then, if you’ve never been here before?” He brings himself back to you and leans forward. You don’t know how he does it, but once again he’s closer. So much closer. He drops his left hand behind you onto the seat, and the length of his arm presses across your back, like an extra support.

“See that man over there?” He pointedly looks at a table in the middle of the room, the same one where the judgmental woman was sitting earlier. She has left and has been replaced by a much younger woman in a tight top and her hair in a perfect updo with strategic flyways curled on her temples and the back of her neck.

Across from her sits a man with salt and pepper hair and a body that is wide and round. He smiles at the woman who is holding the menu in her hands, an uncomfortable server standing next to them with her notepad open. You don’t hear them, but you can imagine the man urging his date to order anything she wants from the list, while she’s struggling to make a decision between a salad or fries to go along with her rib eye. You nod your head and lean your ear a little closer to Javier. He inhales right next to it and breathes out so slowly that the air gets trapped between you two. He does it without tickling your ear.

“He caught his ex-wife cheating while he was away on some cruise with his girlfriend. Guess who won the court case because the judge knew him in school and is now flaunting his alimony to make the ex-wife jealous.”

“You serious?” Javier hasn’t fallen far from the tree of this town.

“Yeah. Little does he know the ex is going to sue him for the alimony and will most likely win because he has been hiding his assets. Or that’s at least what people have been saying, because he comes here every week with the girlfriend.”

“You know what?” The younger woman gives her menu back to the server, and she folds her hands under her chin. The innocent move with the smile she has on her face is so rehearsed that the performance could be from a low budget movie that gets people talking for about a week because of the age difference between the actors and then everyone will forget about it.

You turn to look at Javier, your noses only inches away from each other. You can count every pore on his face, the deep brown of his eyes like burnt candy, aware of your proximity before you even focused on him, his attention on you like it had never even left.

“You’re a great gossip,” you say jokingly, but not really joking.

“Ugh,” he gasps out a chuckle and turns back to the other guests with a shake of his head. “You can thank my dad for that, he always tells me what’s going on around town. I don’t really care what people are doing unless someone I know is involved.”

“Have you heard any juicy rumors about someone you know lately?” Curiosity takes over.

“You,” he says, almost proud when you whip back to him with your eyes wide.

“Me?”

“Yeah, a little bird tells me you’re seeing Javier Peña.”

“Oh great, haha, very funny.”

“That’s what I’ve heard.”

“Wait, are you serious? People are actually talking about us?”

“Yes,” Javier laughs. “And now they’ll be talking even more.”

“How would you know?” You bring your wine glass to your lips. A couple of tables over is a woman, probably in her forties, who stares at you two intently.  She looks like someone who you’ve seen at the bakery before too, but you can’t remember her name.

With a jolt she notices you’ve caught her, and she immediately looks away. A few tables from hers a couple of older people are both looking at you from the corners of their eyes, shamelessly whispering to each other every once in a while, while still watching you. Have these people been watching this the whole time you’ve been sitting here, or did they just start?

“This place has a reputation. If you want others to know about your status or you just want to be seen, you come here, and everyone will be talking about it in a few days if the gossip’s juicy enough.” Javier explains into your ear.

“And the note trick, at the bakery? You knew that as well”

“Outsiders will always want to know what a note says if it’s given to someone visibly enough to make it seem like a botched attempt at trying to be sneaky.”

“You know awful lot about things like that,” you wonder out loud while you scan the whole restaurant. Your eyes sweep past someone very familiar.

“Abigail and Noah are here,” you whisper to Javier, and smile at him. He catches on immediately.

Even though you’re not looking at her anymore, you can still sense her eyes drilling into you. She’s making your date with Javier something that’s forbidden. You can already hear her voice in your head tell you off for not cancelling the date even after her warnings about him being untrustworthy.

“Like I said, this place has a reputation. Some people come here just to see what they could talk about for the next week.” he says into your ear. His breath tickles against your skin. So, she’s here to check if you’re really going out with Javier. Maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe she’ll let her obsession of you finding a date for the wedding go and she won’t bat an eye when you show up there with a date who she hasn’t chosen for you.

“Relax. They might be watching us, but we don’t have to care about any of them.” As soon as he says it, any of them, you notice that it’s not just a couple of people who have noticed you. It’s everyone.

Some are more discreet, hide their prying eyes into checking the time on their wrist watches or hiding behind their hands as they fix their hair. The booth you’re sitting in might be by the back wall, in the dim lighting, but it doesn’t mean that you would be invisible to others. On the contrary, it seems like you’re sitting at the perfect spot for others to see you two sitting almost skin to skin, his arm behind you, still pressing against your back and giving you something to lean on when the dread hits.

This isn’t about a date for a wedding anymore. This is something that will follow you to the bakery, to grocery shopping trips, to the post office. The only ones who will stay in the dark are people who don’t live in your town, and even those who might hear rumors but won’t understand who are the two who have now apparently found each other. This was supposed to be simple, an arrangement so the people who won’t get off your backs about a date would stop talking. Now, everyone else will be doing the talking instead.

“Why are they all so nosey?” You try not to show distaste on your face with the question. You still have to school your nose and upper lip to stop wrinkling.

“Maybe they’re bored,” Javier questions out loud, sounding like he has thought about this before too. “Or then it’s because it’s you and it’s me. They know me well enough, they know my history. Do they know yours?” It’s a genuine question which you don’t know the answer to.

“I’ve lived here for years now, I shouldn’t be a stranger.”

“Maybe not, but you’re not from here either.”

“And that’s a problem?”

“No,” Javier laughs, almost too obvious for him to even answer you. He shakes his head and a smirk settles onto his lips that makes the other side of his smile crook up bringing out a playfulness that tells you this isn’t the first time he has used his knowledge to create such scenarios where you’re at. He knows the patterns and details, he knows how to get under people’s skin. Most importantly, he knows how to use those details to his benefit.

“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” You ask him genuinely curious to know what’s going on inside his head. He doesn’t hide it either, the mischievous glint in the burnt amber of his eyes that are searching for your reactions every second as you take in the situation you’re in.

“It beats the sweaty farm work.” You can’t help but laugh and he joins you.

“Can I ask you something?” the laughter ripples into gentle smiles where you try to hide your fear he’ll lock himself away from you again. He waits, still relaxed, not showing any signs of pulling away from you this time.

“In Colombia,” you pause to see how he responds. He swallows and breathes out a long breath, all the air from his lungs, but still refuses to leave you stranded. “What did you do there? What were you working on?”

“You really haven’t heard?” He asks instantly. His brows dip lower and his eyes narrow. His knee is locked against yours.

“No, I haven’t.”

“What are you thinking I did there then?” Flipping the question to you.

“Hmmm,” you sigh out and lean back a little. His arm presses against your back almost like he’s making sure that you won’t fall off the couch even though there’s no risk of that happening. Or then he’s keeping you from moving away too much.

You look at him, truly look at him. You’ve seen him before too, but those have been times when it has almost been like watching him through a curtain. You’ve been too afraid to show him that you’re truly seeing him for who he is.

The face is a given. All the freckles from staying out in the sun for long, the gold flecked eyes, the well-trimmed mustache, the plushy lips that are about to crack into a wider smile as he watches you watch him. The thick arches of his brows and the lines between them from frowning tell you he has spent a long time stressed, even worried. His tanned skin is another.

But then there’s the strong neck, the chest that wants to peek through the neckline of his button-down, his wide shoulders that protect and support, the strength of his biceps bulging through the cotton of his shirt. He turns his head a little and his nose reminds you of those roman historical figures you read about in school. He’s fit, but in the way that he does a lot of physical activities, rather than hitting the gym seven times a week.

“I honestly don’t know. You could work in IT based on your extensive shirt collection, maybe an engineer of some sort, or then you were, I don’t know, in military? You seem disciplined enough.” He actually laughs at that, and it pulls you back in. He sighs, mutters “disciplined enough, hmmm,” to himself and watches you, in similar manner as you did him.

It’s impossible for you to decipher what he sees when he looks at you like that, with his eyes a little squinted, slowly moving from one part of your face to the next, looking at your hair, then down your neck, to the necklace, and down still, moving quickly past your chest to stop at your middle and the hem of your dress that rests high up your pillowy thighs.

He’s kind with his observations. You could easily fall into insecurity and unease, but he makes sure he’s soft with his expression and how he handles you while you’re sitting so close to him.

“I think I’ve heard a joke somewhere, about a baker and an ex-DEA agent walking into a restaurant…” You immediately tut at him and almost roll your eyes too, shaking your head, when he takes your wrist into his hand and presses gently, forcing you to focus.

“That’s why they care, because of the life I’ve lived somewhere else, the people I’ve come to contact with.” His answer makes the sarcasm drift off from your answer to him. He’s not joking. The hand on your wrist stays, but it forces you to take in the information he has given you.

“So you were…” How do you even ask someone about a life that included, maybe still does, so much danger. He finally looks away, to his hand locked around your skin. “You were in Colombia working as a DEA agent?”

“Yes.”

Of course you’ve seen the news over the years, about cartels and drugs. Of drug lords and the complicated power play people have had to play either as outsiders or as participants.

No wonder people were talking about Javier coming back home after everything that went down there. The whole town must be proud of him. He looks up, through his lashes, somehow the light in his eyes darker.

The people in town, even in this restaurant, might feel proud of him, but the look in his eyes tells a different story. The others might put him on a pedestal, see him as a hero of some sort. He disagrees.

“You want to ask me about it?”

“Do you want me to?” it’s not your choice or decision. He has to be the one to tell you about it, in his own time, if he ever feels comfortable enough.

“Not now,” Javier straightens his back and lifts his chin, his eyes following something.

“Okay!” Jonathan strolls back in just as you turn to look at what Javier was already following. “The pasta for the lady,” he places the plate with steaming fettuccine pasta topped with parsley, thin lemon slices and fat shrimps in front of you.

“And here’s the steak, medium rare,” Jonathan turns the plate in front of Javier, the piece of meat glistening in the low lighting, green beans and a creamy dollop of mashed potatoes next to it, a quenelle of what looks like seasoned butter melting over it.

“Thank you,” you repeat at the same time with Javier again, like little kids trained to say the right words at the right times. Jonathan nods and sweeps past your table, head held high like an ostrich looking around with its tall neck. He observes his surroundings and immediately moves faster when an older man’s hand raises up a couple of tables over.

You follow Javier’s lead in taking your cutlery in your hands and twirl pasta around the fork. It’s salty, tangy, a little sweet, and the shrimp comes through with a fishy meatiness that you wouldn’t have missed until at the last moment.

Javier eats slowly, enjoying each bite, forcing you to pace yourself as well. If you were alone, and at home, you would probably listen to the rumble in your stomach and be done with the plate in a record amount of time.

While you eat, you forget about the others around you. There’s only you and Javier. The silence between you two is comfortable, almost soothing you to forget about your friend sitting on the other side of the restaurant with her fiancé, still keeping an eye on you and your every move.

Javier is cutting a piece off his steak when the knife slows down in thought. You help more pasta in your mouth when he sets his cutlery down completely and reaches for his wine glass. Now Abigail’s observing eyes aren’t the only ones you can feel on you.

“You asked me questions, I think it’s fair if I ask you something as well.” He’s calm and collected, while you nod with your mouth full. You wipe some of the sauce from the corner of your mouth hastily and try to chew so he doesn’t have to wait for an answer for long. You’re an open book, whatever he asks, it can’t be worse than what you asked him.

“You wanted to know if there’s something you could be blindsided with. Is there anything like that I should know about you?” There’s a last little bit of pasta waiting between your teeth and you stop chewing immediately when you hear his question.

Maybe you were being a little naïve, thinking he’d ask something specific about where you grew up or how you ended up in this town, how you met Abigail or how your bakery came to be. An open-ended question like his, it makes your thoughts spiral out of control. Your fingers reach for your necklace, and you can’t look at him.

“Uhh,” you mumble when your mouth is finally empty. “I’ve never dated anyone before.” It seems like the safest answer. His eyes are fixed on your necklace, until they’re not. Disbelief settles on the lines between his brows.

“You’re joking.” He’s not even asking, only stating his disbelief.

“There just hasn’t been anyone who was special enough. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve gone out on dates but those have never evolved into anything more serious.” Javier huffs out a breath at your answer.

“What?”

“Seems hard to believe you would’ve never dated anyone.”

“Well, you better start believing.” The song with the similar lyrics starts playing in your head. He shakes his head, and then focuses back on your hand that’s still playing with the golden chain against your chest.

“That’s a beautiful necklace.”

“Oh, thanks!” You press it against your skin with your palm.

“Has someone given it to you?” You blink at him, head emptying immediately. You try to smile but have tears pricking at your eyes instead.

“From my mom.” Your voice is eerily steady, so much steadier than you usually would have it.

“It must be special then?” Javier’s voice drops. His observing nature doesn’t miss the change in your mood or the way you look away from him. Your hand drops to your lap, but your throat is filling with heaviness.

“Yeah,” you manage to choke out before you clear it. There hasn’t been a moment when Javier’s presence would’ve been too intense, too observant or too close. Yet now he’s too close.

The knee against yours is still pulling you in like a magnet and the pressure is too deep. His watchful eyes see too much, and you have nowhere to hide. Your discomfort is too palpable that even you’d want to get away from it.

You force yourself to pick up the fork and collect the last pieces of pasta onto it. You put it in your mouth and chew slowly in hopes of getting your throat to understand there’s no reason to be afraid. Javier won’t push it. If he would, he already would’ve done it.

He sits silently next to you, his hand resting on his thigh. You focus on it and the way his fingers curl against the dark fabric of his slacks. His knuckles are only a fraction of an inch away from your thigh. Luckily he doesn’t reach you.

“Are the toilets where?” You turn to him suddenly, catching him off guard. The gentle sadness on his face could break your heart if you weren’t so determined to leave for a moment. He’s sensitive to you, how you want to physically get away from his questions.

“It’s fine, she is living a good life. Sometimes I miss her. I… I’m sorry if I’m being weird about it but I don’t think about her that often really. We are doing our own thing.” You’re sensitive to him as well. You can’t leave him hanging or give him the impression that something is completely wrong with you or your mom.

“Okay,” he nods, accepting anything from you at this point.

“The toilets?” You ask again and he looks past you.

“I think they’re behind the corner there,” he points a finger towards the host’s table. You smile at him, a reassurance that you’re okay, before you make your way to the ladies room.

There’s no one else in the small toilet. Two stalls with open doors and a sink with a round mirror on the wall make you sigh out long. Your eyes sting with salty tears, so does your nose. You lock yourself in one of the stalls and take a wad of toilet paper from the dispenser, dapping at your under eyes frantically to not make the tears smudge your mascara. You take deep breaths in and blow them out slowly through your mouth.

The door to the toilet opens and closes. Heels click against the tiled floor. The woman on the other side of the stall opens the faucet and water starts splashing against the ceramic bowl. The normalcy of the action, even when you can’t see the other person, calms your racing memories. You dry the last remnants of wetness from your cheeks and flush the toilet paper.

Abigail is turned towards you when you open the stall door.

“What did he do?” She asks immediately when she sees you. You stand in the doorway, unable to move. This is the first time you’re talking since you last saw her at her house. What she said still stings, how she thinks Javier is using you and you’ll only be a conquest for him. Little does she know you’re both using each other and not for what she thinks.

“Nothing, I’ve just been a bit stressed.” You walk past her to the sink and start washing your hands in the running water. When you turn the faucet off, Abigail’s attempted calm breaths sound too loud in your ears.

“Please be honest with me. He clearly hurt you someway already, proving my point.” She places her hand on your shoulder and the too sweet look in her eyes, too much empathy, wipes away any sincerity she might’ve otherwise had on her face.

You shake your head and wipe your fingertips along your lower lash line. Your reflection in the mirror looks decent still, the tears haven’t turned your eyes red, and your makeup is still intact.

“Abigail,” you turn to her and look at her in the eyes. “He didn’t hurt me. We are having a good time together. I’ve been stressed lately, and it has nothing to do with him.” Your lies seem pretty believable to your ears. If confronting her wasn’t as serious as it now is, you’d be laughing how the last sentence couldn’t be farther from the truth.

“Are you sure? Because it looked like he said something that upset you and I don’t want to see him do that to you.” She rubs her hand against your shoulder, exactly where you’ve had the tight muscle. It’s not comforting for you, instead it makes you tighten your shoulder, and it complains immediately.

“Yes, I’m sure! You don’t have to be worried about me. I love you, but let me handle this on my own, okay?” Abigail sighs and drops her hand. She looks disappointed, almost like she was looking for the juiciest gossip just like Javier said.

“Okay then. But there’ll come a day when you will be hurt by him, and I’ll be there for you when that happens.” She tilts her head, and the empathetic downturn of her eyes almost makes yours roll a complete 360.

“Will you be there for me even when nothing happens?” You ask Abigail. Her empathy resolves into a smile that you’ve come to recognize as insincere. She still looks warm, just like a friend would. But there’s a tightness in her cheeks and the corners of her mouth that makes your alarm bells go off in your gut. You realize why that is. The smile doesn’t reach her eyes, they’re hard and keeping an eye on you. Just like out in the restaurant, when she was watching you and Javier eat.

“Come here,” she coaxes and pulls you in for a hug. You wrap your arms around her and feel her stiff body against yours. “Of course I’ll be here for you, no matter what goes down! You can always count on me.” She squeezes you against her one last time before she lets go but keeps her hands on your shoulders.

“I’ve missed you!” She gushes and shakes you gently. It has always made you laugh when she has done that. Almost like it’s a tradition for her to tell you she has missed you, driving every word home by shaking you by the shoulders. The tension between you to reminds you of the sweet times you’ve had together but you don’t get that sense of relief of someone missing you now.

“I’ve missed you too,” you tell her. For the first time ever it’s only a half truth. There have been times when you’ve missed Abigail a lot, and there have been times now that you’re not as close friends anymore, where you’ve found yourself to be missing her. Saying those words makes unease fall to the pit of your stomach and it stays there. Almost like this is the last time things will be somewhat normal between the two of you.

“Will you be ready soon?” She asks.

“No, I don’t think so.” You try to find smooth mellowness as you walk back into the restaurant hand in hand. “We might order some dessert still.” You tell her. You shouldn’t look at her, but you do and there’s no smile or empathy on her face. Only cold doubt that she tries to hide with a laughed out “aha!”.

“I hope you enjoy the rest of your date night,” you tell her and move to let go of her hand.

“Remember what I told you,” she holds on tight, forcing you to turn to him.

“I’m okay, there’s nothing to worry about.” She nods and lets go.

Javier is watching you when you turn to come back to your table. His eyes follow Abigail as she walks behind you to the opposite direction. When you’re only a few steps away from sitting down, he looks up at you and smirks.

“What was that about?”

“Nothing, she’s worried you’re going to use me.” You scoff and scoot back next to him. Were you really sitting this close to him? Your knees knock together again and stay there. The pressure that radiated against you earlier has disappeared and you easily welcome his physical touch again.

“Is that so?” His eyes linger on your thighs when you fix the hem of your dress after you’ve settled back in your seat.  

“I think you were right. She just wants gossip.” He quickly glances at her, then shakes his head.

“That doesn’t surprise me.”

“Where are the plates?” You were almost ready to fix yours up for taking.

“The server got them and offered me this,” Javier gives you the dessert menu bound in dark leather.

“I was just thinking we could get something!” Your enthusiasm about a possible dessert is contagious. He leans closer to see the pages of the little booklet in your lap. You turn it towards him. Javier leans his other hand behind you again. It would be so easy to bend towards him, to make space for yourself against his shoulder. It doesn’t seem right, you don’t know how he’d react. How even you would react.

“Find anything interesting?” He mumbles against your ear. The sound makes you swallow instantly.

“The triple layer chocolate cake sounds interesting.” Heat rises up with chills on the spot where his breath gently tickles your skin.

“I agree.” He signs for Jonathan to come by your table, and he takes the lead naturally. Javier takes the menu from you when you hold it out for him and his back straightens when he speaks with the server, ordering two pieces of cake.

“Actually, let’s share a piece, if that’s okay with you?” You ask Javier. His lips part as he looks at you and his lower lip naturally puffs out.

“I’m fine with that.” He turns back to Jonathan and changes the order. His eyes glint as he looks at you two, a little mischievous edge to them. You’re not sure if Jonathan is from town or from somewhere else, but the knowing look he gives you two is a good indication of your plan working. Maybe you just need to lean into the flirty gestures and weirdness of going out with someone only for show.

Javier turns back to you as Jonathan makes his way to the kitchen. There’s disbelief in the low smirk of his, intrigue in the few smile lines next to his eyes.

“I was looking forward to eating a slice by myself,” he accuses, clearly more offended he didn’t come up with the order on his own, but you outshone him in his own game once again.

“I was thinking, let’s give them all what they want. I can give you more chocolate cake from the bakery any day anyway.”

“I chose wisely. Not everyone has a bakery and access to chocolate cake at all times.” He makes you laugh, genuinely bursting a bubble of restriction and bringing out a sound that starts with gentle giggles and ends with your teeth showing and your eyes scrunching shut for a second.

When you open them, Javier’s smirk has evolved into a gentle smile, almost proud of his success in finding what kind of humor works on you.

“Look,” he begins and brushes his fingers against the lines between his brows, smoothing them. “I didn’t want to overstep with my questions, I’m sorry.” The words hold meaning. How many times have you been apologized to, sincerely? You can’t remember. There are no expectations, only honesty.

“I forgive you.” You let go of the rest of the heaviness. Javier smiles and nods. He moves his hand behind you, so his arm is gently pressed along your back again.  

Jonathan comes back with the chocolate cake. It looks decadent, moist, the layers thick and the filling creamy. There’s a generous dollop of Chantilly cream next to it on the plate. The taste isn’t bad either, even though you would’ve added a little espresso in the cake to bring out the flavors of the chocolate more. It doesn’t matter in the end.

You notice Javier taking a piece and close his eyes for a second after tasting the cake. His spoon hangs from his fingers and he eats slowly, even more so than his dinner.

“You like it?”

“Your chocolate cake has to be a hundred times better than this or I’ll be disappointed we didn’t order that second slice.” Maybe it’s the wine, it most likely is the wine, but you laugh again. He’s milking them from you now, and it’s almost unfair you haven’t managed to make him laugh yet.

The thought freaks you out. You can’t be thinking about making him laugh. This arrangement needs some structure. That way there’s no danger of emotions getting in the way. You can’t get attached.

“What do you say about coming up with some ground rules for our little deal?” You drop your voice. He automatically leans closer and looks around you to make sure no one else hears you two from your little bubble of privacy.

“What do you have in mind?”

“Hand holding is fine, so is cheek kisses. Public touching in general.”

“What about what we’re doing now?” Javier looks between you two, the little proximity you have to each other.

“I think this is fine. Are you okay with it?”

“Yeah, it’s fine.”

“I also want us to have fun. This is a silly thing anyway, no need to make it complicated and weird.” He nods at your words and takes one more bite of the cake. He has left the best part, the middle, for you with plenty of cream still on the plate. “And dancing! We have to dance at the wedding at least.”

“I don’t dance.”

“What! Sure, you do! And even if you didn’t, you can’t be much more helpless than I am.” He blinks slowly and nods, not being able to argue back.

“I have a request…” Javier almost reaches for the water but then decides to go for the wine. He washes the cake down with it while his glass still has plenty left. “I want you to talk to me. Don’t keep things to yourself if something bothers you. We have to be on the same page about things and if we’re not honest, this won’t work.” What a way to bring the silly mood down.

“You’re right,” you can’t deny it. “Okay, so honesty, dancing and physical touch, I think we’ve covered our bases.”

“I agree.” He holds the wine glass in his hand and brings it towards you. Automatically you take yours into your hand as well and go to clink it against his. Javier pulls it back, a little naughty spark lighting his smirk and spiking your nerves.

“Just try not to fall in love with me,” he says under his breath, then clinks his glass against yours. “I could corrupt you.” He drops his chin but never drops his gaze. It stays on you from the shadows of his lashes that line those wickedly dripping, burnt honey eyes.

You clink your glass against his for the second time, surprising him. “You might corrupt me,” you try to match his mood, dropping your chin while mirroring his moves and keep your voice low. “But I won’t be the one falling in love.”

The grin on his face falters, the corner on one side shaking slightly before it falls, revealing something else in the confident exterior. A crack, a hairline fracture in the well-constructed personality of one Javier Peña. The chuckle that you laugh out loud surprises even you, but he immediately joins you, and takes a sip of his drink, now mirroring you.

There’s two bites of the cake left. Carefully you take a spoonful and smother it in cream. You bring it to your mouth and even from that angle you can see some of the whipped Chantilly fall from the edge. Immediately you drop your spoon and lean back against Javier’s arm and check your dress. Of course it landed on the hem. You sigh out a disappointed grunt and push the plate towards him.

“You can have the rest,” you nod towards the cake and take the napkin off the table to clean your dress.

“Wait,” Javier’s voice makes you look up. He stares at the corner of your mouth, almost fixated on it.  With his thumb and forefinger, he brings your cheek against his palm.

It’s the cream, a light and airy dollop of it stuck on your face. Javier reaches his thumb towards your mouth and takes the rest of the cream onto his finger, running the tip of it gently against your lip, more than is necessary.

His eyes are focused on your lips, how you swallow. His mouth opens instinctively with yours. You feel an exhale on your face, a little shaky, sweet from the dessert. Your face burns and your skin prickles with his touch, with him being so close that you can count his lashes.

Like a sudden realization his eyes lock with yours. “Is this okay?” You’re frozen in place, held by him, by his hand and by the dark in his eyes. By his breath and by his smell. By his body and his voice that rings in your ears. You nod, shutting up the voice in your head that is screaming at you that this isn’t just a fake date. It’s a real date.

No, it’s not.

Javier pulls his hand back, leaving you shaken and your skin tingling. You take a sip of your wine, much larger than it needs to be, and the dryness burns in your throat for a moment. You expect him to wipe his thumb on the thick, fancy napkin, but instead, and without a second thought, he brings the tip of his thumb against his lips and licks it clean.

“You can have the rest,” he tells you, pointing at the last piece of the cake. He lifts his hand when Jonathan walks past your table. “Can we have the check, please.” He writes with an invisible pen in the air and the server nods. You eat the last piece and make sure there’s no cream left on your face this time around. It would only be embarrassing if it happened again.

He digs out his wallet from his back pocket, picking out cash while looking at the piece of paper.

“I can pay my half of the bill.” Your purse pops open with a satisfying softness of the magnets separating.

“It’s my treat,” he waves his hand towards you, still focused on reading the bill. With neat handwriting he scribbles the tip amount on the receipt. “You can pay next time.” He looks back up at you when he has attached the money under a small paperweight on the little metallic platter.

“Ready?” He asks and you nod. He lets you scoot out of the booth first and then follows close behind. His hand lands, gently, on the small of your back and guides you to take a detour. You go where he leads you to. It doesn’t surprise you, but it does make you nervous. His hand snakes to take yours in his. His palm heats your skin up instantly, pressing an imprint in your hold.

“What’s little brother doing here, out on a date?” Javier jokes when you slow down and stop right in front of the engaged couple. Noah laughs and grabs Abigail’s hand. She smiles but her eyes are tightly on you and Javier.

“We heard someone might be coming here for a date as well, had to make sure I wasn’t hearing a bunch of hogwash. And here you are,” Noah swoons at you two.

They have dessert plates in front of them, a devoured crème brûlée for him, half a cheesecake still left for Abigail. Her hard eyes travel between you and Javier, up and down, until they focus on your linked hands.

Maybe it’s out of spite, maybe you’re looking for support, maybe it’s the wine giving you a little extra confidence, but you twine your fingers through Javier’s. You look up at him. His hand tightens around yours at the same time as his jaw flexes. He smiles, his shoulders a little more pulled back. He catches you in the corner of his eye. He squeezes his hand once.

“A special girl deserves a special date.” Fire flames against your cheeks immediately and you all laugh. Abigail’s voice is shriller than you’ve ever heard before. Javier squeezes your hand once more, then a second time, like a quiet “this okay?”. You reassure him by squeezing his hand back and lifting your other hand to cradle his bicep in your palm. Abigail notices it immediately.

“You’re coming to Laredo with us, right? All the ones in the wedding party and their partners are coming there for a weekend.” Noah asks. Javier tenses next to you.

“You have a lot of work and stress though, maybe it’s not the best idea.” Abigail opens her mouth immediately, talking for you.

“I think I can spare a weekend.” You smile at her and try not to let the sting of her putting words in your mouth cloud your genuineness. Abigail smiles back, but in that too sweet way to hide whatever she is thinking.

“Good!” Noah looks as excited as ever, his cheeks a little pink and his eyes sparkle in the golden mood lighting.

“We have to get going now, enjoy your desserts.” Javier takes a side step, letting you find your place next to him without having to detach from his arm and hand. With a final “bye!” you let him lead you out of the restaurant. His bicep tightens against your palm.

“Are you flexing your arm?” Javier laughs at the question, slipping away from your reach. Maybe that’s enough of an answer. His hand finally lets go of yours as you get closer to the doors. It effortlessly lands on the small of your back again. A gentle pressure, not invading or forceful, only spreading heat to your back.

“You’re perfect at that, so good.” He murmurs into your ear before he opens the door for you. You smirk up at him as you move past him. The words tickle in your ear, as does the look in his eyes and the smug smile on his face.

[galdra-studios]

Hi everyone!

Spring is here! Which of course in Denmark means it's time for the last annual snow storm ahah! Our poor flowers... Hopefully they will get the sunshine they deserve soon.

With a Kickstarter campaign looming on the horizon, most of our efforts right now are focused on putting together a great demo for everyone to enjoy. We've been working on the game for a while now and created a lot of content, but it’s when you connect all that content together to make something playable that the struggle truly begins xD 

Here’s a little game development fun fact: There’s a saying when you make games, that making the last 20% of a game takes as much time as the first 80%, which is why you end up cutting 10% ^^0 We’re still only making a demo, so the things we cut now might still make it into the final version. 

However, since we’ve already done this once before, we’re a lot more conscious about rating tasks as essentials and nice-to haves in case we don’t have time to finish everything. For example, a pretty CG image showing a scene can-be temporarily replaced with descriptive text and the story will still make sense, but a character needs to have at least one sprite, otherwise it will just be empty air talking - not ideal ^^

One of the most time-consuming art tasks we have is creating the player character sprites. As the player’s representation in the world, they are basically on-screen in every scene, and therefore need to be of the highest quality. 

For the original Arcadia Fallen, we ended up redrawing the female body type three times to make it perfect, but that was also because my art skills improved while we were working^^0 This month, I’ve drawn expressions for the androgynous body type and I fear I might repeat the same pattern again, because I still think I can improve them. That will have to wait until after the Kickstarter though. 

For now, the sprites are in the game, which is a good milestone to be at. I’m not sure we’ll have all three body types ready for the demo, as there are other tasks that have higher priority, but the plan is to have the same three body types with two hairstyles that we had in the first game by the time we’re ready for launch!^^

Another cool thing we worked on this month is the player’s dorm room. Josefine did a wonderful job designing a room that changes depending on who you choose as a roommate. Can you guess which one is Soren’s and which is Nina’s? :P

Jesper is in full swing composing music for the demo, so here’s a sample with this month's header image speed paint!

That’s about it for this month, so we’ll just leave the pre-launch page for our Kickstarter here if you still haven’t seen it. We’re almost at 200 followers!^^

Thank you so much for following our journey! And we’ll see you in May for another DevLog!

Cheers!

- The Galdra Team

[fenrislorsrai]

Hey, saw your reblog of the post about flyers being a good way to reach not-so-online folks. Do you have any examples to draw on for inspiration? I'm no graphic designer so appreciate some examples. No matter what I promise not to use Comic Sans or Arial. 😀

Ironically, Comic Sans and Arial are some of the best font choices because they're easier for people with dyslexia to read! They're also widely available on most machines, so if you're going to send an editable version to other folks to print on a home computer, they'll generally render correctly. (you can also export a PDF and force it to do the same if you don't want them to edit)

Some sample full page flyers.

This is a two up, where I printed on a single page and split the page in half for hanging

Conveniently, one of the things in the twoup is the same as the full page. We did a smaller, less detailed one for this as it was a mini-event, so we hang in a much more limited area where folks likely already knew a lot of details about the venue as they walked past it.

It's not obvious with these, but generally the smallest text on here is 14 point. These are all in Arial.

The initial header is at least 34 point and some are up to 50, if I had space. The subheading is generally in range of 20-30

Bigger is better! People are generally going to see these while walking so need a really big, clear headline to get attention. You still want to keep it overall large because often walkers are older folks who may not have their reading glasses with them. GO BIG.

Less is more for this type of flyer.

Event Title

date and location

Other info

That's it! That's the basics! Use declarative sentence. One clause per sentence. If you can present things in a list, even better!

If you're doing a BIG event that had sponsors and stuff, you'll want to use fancier posters with their logos and stuff in prime locations and then these little guys that are just "event, date, location" in outdoor locations with low traffic.

If printing at home, buy yourself a light colored pack of card stock in a bright color. I personally use a safety orange. If you're getting them copied somewhere, spring for the card stock. It'll withstand getting rained on a few times and if it's pinned to an indoor bulletin board, you can hang with a single pin without worrying about it curling.

If it's going to be a flyer for recurring event or just info about a local resource like where the food pantry is, put a small "hung on X/y/z" on the very bottom. Some places require a date on posters for hanging and they'll take them down after a certain point to make sure they're still current. If you date them, they may stay up longer, because they know when they were hung instead of going on vibes of "oh that's been here forever" and it was actually only two weeks.

QR codes are something some people like on posters, but I personally am old and suspicious about anything I can't see the destination URL on, so don't use them. If you do use them, look at the place generating them carefully. If you can't figure out how they make their money making free QR codes... you're the product. Be suspicious, don't sell out folks data via QR code data harvesting.

My top spots for hanging flyers:

Bulletin boards at grocery stores

Laundromats

Coffee shop

Library (you will probably have to take it to circulation for approval, so make sure its All Ages appropriate as there are free range children in that library)

trailhead or parking pulloff by a trail.

Transfer station/dump (you may need approval there as it's town property, but you will get ONLY town residents there. It's worth asking at the booth! Same rules as library.)

Good luck with the flyers!

[voilavoilecurtains]

Custom Curtains: The Ultimate Guide to Personalized Window Treatments

Curtains are more than just window coverings—they’re an essential element of home design that can transform the look, feel, and functionality of any space. While ready-made curtains offer convenience, they often fall short when it comes to the perfect fit, unique style, and specific needs of your home. That’s where custom curtains come into play, offering personalized solutions that reflect your style, enhance your home’s aesthetics, and meet your functional requirements.

In this blog, we’ll explore the world of custom curtains, including the benefits, popular services available, and design considerations that make them a valuable investment for any homeowner.

Why Choose Custom Curtains?

Custom curtains stand out because they’re tailored specifically to your windows and preferences. Here’s why so many homeowners and designers choose custom over ready-made:

Perfect Fit Every Time

Custom curtains are made to your exact window measurements, ensuring a seamless fit.

Ideal for unique window shapes and sizes, including bay windows, arched windows, and extra-tall windows.

Personalized Style

Choose from a wide range of fabrics, colors, and patterns to match your décor.

Select curtain headings (pleats, eyelets, tabs, etc.) that suit your style and preferences.

Add decorative trims, tiebacks, and details for a unique touch.

Enhanced Functionality

Tailor your curtains to meet specific needs, such as blackout lining for bedrooms or thermal lining for improved insulation.

Layer different curtain types (like sheers and heavier drapes) to achieve day-to-night versatility.

Superior Quality

Custom curtains are crafted with care and attention to detail, using high-quality materials that stand the test of time.

Reinforced stitching and premium hardware ensure durability and longevity.

Popular Services Offered for Custom Curtains

Investing in custom curtains typically involves a range of professional services that guide you through every step of the process. Let’s take a closer look at what’s usually included:

In-Home or Virtual Consultation

A design specialist visits your home or meets with you online to understand your vision and needs.

Provides fabric samples, color recommendations, and style advice based on your home’s architecture and décor.

Discusses different header styles and functional options.

Measuring Service

Accurate measurement is crucial to ensure your curtains fit perfectly and function as intended.

Professionals consider factors like window height, width, sill depth, and stacking requirements.

They also assess rod placement, ceiling height, and any architectural features that might affect the fit.

Fabric and Material Selection

Access to a wide selection of fabrics, from luxurious velvets to breezy linens and practical cottons.

Includes guidance on fabric weight, durability, maintenance, and how they’ll look in your specific lighting.

Option to order fabric swatches to see them in your home before committing.

Curtain Fabrication

Custom curtains are meticulously crafted by skilled artisans using your chosen fabric and specifications.

Various heading styles are available, including:

Pencil pleat

Pinch pleat

Goblet pleat

Eyelet

Rod pocket

Wave heading

Linings can be added to enhance blackout, thermal, or sound-insulating properties.

Hardware and Accessories

Assistance in choosing curtain rods, tracks, and finials that complement your curtain design.

Includes a selection of modern or classic hardware finishes like brass, chrome, matte black, or wood.

Recommendations for tiebacks, holdbacks, and decorative trims.

Professional Installation

Ensures curtains are installed properly, hang evenly, and operate smoothly.

Includes steaming or pressing on-site for a polished finish.

Installation also accounts for proper spacing, fullness, and overlap for functionality and aesthetics.

Design Considerations for Custom Curtains

When planning custom curtains, it’s essential to think about both the design and the function. Here are some key factors to consider:

Fabric Type

Choose lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen for a casual, airy feel.

Opt for heavier fabrics like velvet or brocade for a luxurious, formal look.

Consider how the fabric drapes and falls, as well as how it filters or blocks light.

Color and Pattern

Neutral colors blend seamlessly into any space and can make small rooms feel larger.

Bold colors and patterns create a focal point and add personality to a room.

Think about how your curtains coordinate with other elements like wall color, furniture, and flooring.

Curtain Length and Fullness

Floor-length curtains create a sophisticated, polished look.

Puddling at the floor can add drama in formal settings, while a clean break at the floor is more modern.

Consider the fullness (gathered fabric) to achieve the desired look—typically, 1.5 to 2 times the window width is recommended for an elegant drape.

Functionality

Blackout lining is perfect for bedrooms and media rooms.

Thermal lining helps insulate your home and can lower energy costs.

Sheer curtains can be layered for privacy while still allowing light to enter.

Best Rooms for Custom Curtains

Custom curtains can be tailored to suit any room in your home, but some rooms particularly benefit from personalized design:

Living Room

Custom curtains can make a statement and tie together the overall design of the space.

Sheers or layered curtains add softness and allow for flexible light control.

Bedroom

Blackout or room-darkening curtains help create a restful sleep environment.

Luxurious fabrics can transform your bedroom into a cozy retreat.

Dining Room

Adds an element of elegance and enhances formal dining experiences.

Choose fabrics that complement your dining room’s color scheme and furnishings.

Home Office

Custom curtains can reduce glare while allowing for natural light.

Choose practical yet stylish fabrics that align with your work environment.

Nursery or Kids’ Room

Blackout lining for better naps.

Fun colors or playful patterns that reflect your child’s personality.

Maintenance and Care

Custom curtains are an investment, so it’s essential to care for them properly:

Regularly vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris.

Spot-clean small stains with a mild soap and water solution.

Dry cleaning may be recommended for delicate or lined fabrics.

Periodic steaming or pressing can keep curtains looking crisp and neat.

Where to Find Custom Curtain Services

Finding the right professional is key to ensuring a seamless and satisfying experience:

Local drapery showrooms and fabric stores often have in-house design consultants and workrooms.

Interior designers often have relationships with trusted curtain makers.

Online custom curtain companies offer virtual consultations, fabric swatches, and delivery services.

Some upholstery and home décor shops also provide custom drapery services.

Final Thoughts

Custom curtains are the perfect blend of style, functionality, and craftsmanship. They give you complete control over every detail, from the fabric and color to the fit and finish, ensuring that your window treatments are a true reflection of your home’s style and your personal taste.

With the help of expert services—covering design consultation, precise measurement, fabric selection, and professional installation—creating the perfect curtains for your space has never been easier. Whether you’re updating a single room or transforming your entire home, custom curtains offer a tailored, luxurious, and timeless solution that elevates your home’s beauty and comfort.

[chris-continues]

uhhh hi! so gonna indulge you with livio rq, but dates with livio? (any au of your choice, go nuts)

Dates w/ Livio

He’s the lead singer <3

NOTES: so because I’m biased I’m doing band au Livio (he has been on my brain a lot lately) thank you for the ask! Also I made the header on my own lmao, I couldn’t find any exactly how I wanted. If you note the pictures there are HC’s for each one hehe <3

TAGS: @linkdedruid @macncherries @captaintweet @h4venpha @millionsvash @beanibon @vashfantasy

-a date w/ Livio most of the time means a chill hangout, preferably inside. He’s a pretty introverted guy and wants to have you to himself for a bit! The band is nice but he does like alone time with you and your shared other partners.

-I think he had the idea of a band and shyly spoke up with lyric ideas- of which he jots down in a cute mini notebook (he uses his notes app when he’s in a rush)

-in said notebook, he may or may not have done the little heart with both of your guys’ initials. Seeing your names so close makes his chest tighten and his mouth dry. Razlo teases him about this, and when Wolfwood discovers it he just simply cackles at how enamored Livio is with you.

-shyly pressing closer to you, until you’re side to side. You share headphones while he tries to compose lyrics with the sample music sent to him, tapping his thigh in thought. Ever since the band started, he’s been studying what works with what- he’s got a sense for it, practiced and cultivated.

-If you have a creative outlet yourself, dates with him where you’re body doubling and doing your own thing is absolutely amazing <3

-although if you ever want to go out, he isn’t opposed. Although he will prefer somewhere quiet- cafe dates are something you both enjoy. Shyly sharing pastries- despite his edgy appearance he’s so very soft.

-I think one thing he’d like is doing those cute couple pottery classes <3 he’s got large hands but they’re oh so gentle- making tableware for you. Later, if you’d like, he’d love to have you over at his place or go over to yours and cook with you, putting your new creations to use.

-The tableware is cute, the rim of the bowl is a bit wobbly but there are small cute designs with a lot of care put into it, or a mug, or a plate… (this becomes a new favorite date idea)

-that evolves into a cooking date^^, sometimes you just skip the pottery and cook though. Livio does order takeout from time to time, however to ensure Nico didn’t end up living off of pizza pockets and frozen garlic bread (call it an Italian special, if you will) he had to learn to cook. Which he does pretty well >:)

-a usual: pasta is something simple. He likes pesto with his pasta, but it’s fine if you don’t! Whatever you like, he will do anything to please you. He loves cooking with you, however on days where he’s noticed you look a little tired or your week has been rough (or if he just plain wants to treat you) he will suggest you sit down while he takes care of dinner.

-some dates, you end with dessert! Sometimes, he’ll make something. A personal favorite you both like is mini chocolate chip pie cookies in a ramekin with ice cream <3

-he often wears jewelry he gets from Nico, which if you’d like to wear some of his pieces he most definitely isn’t opposed to it. On some dates, you’ll thrift and he’ll shyly see something he likes for you, double check with Nico, etc. he has your sizes for clothes somewhere in his notes app <3

-overall, a date with Livio is a comforting, healing experience and never fails to disappoint. He’s so soft and gentle that he’s never unpleasant or tiring, and always cares for you and your needs- whether it be supporting your creative efforts, gifting you something small, or cooking with him/him cooking for you, it’s absolutely wonderful.

[sanjaytech01]

Why Website Development Still Matters in a Social Media-Driven World

With so many businesses active on platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook, it’s easy to wonder do you really need a website anymore? The answer is a clear yes. In fact, a well-designed website is more important than ever in today’s digital world. It’s not just a place to showcase your brand it’s the foundation of your online presence.

While social media helps you reach and engage with audiences, your website is where serious business happens. It’s where people go when they want more than just a quick scroll. It’s where trust is built and decisions are made.

Your Website = Your Brand’s Online Home

Think of your website as your digital headquarters. Social platforms come and go, algorithms change, but your website is yours. It’s a space where you control the message, design, user experience, and functionality.

A clean, fast, and mobile-friendly website tells visitors: we’re professional, trustworthy, and serious about what we do.

Whether it’s a startup landing page or a large eCommerce store, professional website development ensures your site isn’t just live—it’s working for you.

First Impressions Matter

Studies show that users form an opinion about a website in under 5 seconds. If your site loads slowly, looks outdated, or isn’t mobile-responsive, visitors may leave without ever learning what you offer.

Website development isn't just about coding—it’s about user experience (UX). Smooth navigation, clear structure, and fast performance all help guide your visitor to take action, whether it’s filling out a contact form, making a purchase, or booking a service.

Designed for Your Goals

A good website isn’t just pretty—it’s built with intention. Whether your goal is to generate leads, sell products, or share information, custom website development ensures your site supports those goals.

Here’s how:

A service-based business can benefit from simple, fast-loading pages with clear CTAs.

A product-based business needs an intuitive shopping experience and secure checkout.

A portfolio website should highlight visuals and work samples with minimal distractions.

Off-the-shelf templates might look fine, but custom development gives you more control, better scalability, and tailored functionality.

SEO Starts with Development

Many people think SEO is all about content and keywords, but strong technical SEO starts during development. That includes:

Fast loading times

Clean URL structure

Mobile optimization

Proper header tags

Secure (HTTPS) protocols

If your site isn’t built with SEO in mind, even great content may struggle to rank on search engines. That’s why smart web development isn’t just a tech decision it’s a marketing decision too.

Built for the Future

Technology changes quickly. Trends evolve. A professionally developed website ensures you can update, scale, and improve as your business grows.

Need to add a blog? Launch a new product category? Improve site speed? A flexible, well-developed site allows you to do all that—without starting from scratch.

Conclusion: Invest in Your Digital Foundation

Your website is often the first serious interaction people have with your brand. It's where browsing turns into buying. Interest turns into inquiry. It's not just a page on the internet it's your most important digital asset.

If you're serious about growth, investing in professional website development is one of the smartest long-term decisions you can make.

[transcuratorsblog]

Understanding Different Types of Editing: Copyediting, Line Editing, and More

Writing a great first draft is only the beginning. What transforms that draft into a polished, professional piece is editing—and there’s more than one kind. From fixing grammar and improving sentence structure to refining flow and tone, each type of editing serves a unique purpose. Understanding these different stages is key to choosing the right Proofreading and Editing Services for your needs.

If you're looking to perfect your writing—whether it's a novel, thesis, website, or business document—our professional Proofreading and Editing Services are designed to support you at every stage of the editing process.

Why Different Types of Editing Matter

Not all editing is the same. Each type focuses on different layers of the writing process, starting from the overall structure down to the smallest punctuation marks. Confusing or combining these stages can leave important aspects of your content overlooked.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the major types of editing and how they work together to improve your writing.

1. Developmental Editing (or Structural Editing)

What it is: This is the big-picture edit. Developmental editing focuses on the overall structure, content, and flow of your writing. It’s often used for long-form writing like books, academic theses, or business reports.

What it includes:

Reorganising chapters or sections

Strengthening arguments or storylines

Identifying gaps in content

Ensuring clarity of purpose

Aligning tone and target audience

Best for: Authors, researchers, and marketers who want to refine structure before polishing details.

2. Line Editing

What it is: Line editing focuses on how ideas are expressed at the sentence level. It aims to improve the style, rhythm, and clarity of your writing.

What it includes:

Rewriting awkward or unclear sentences

Improving transitions between ideas

Eliminating redundancy

Enhancing vocabulary and tone

Ensuring emotional impact or persuasive tone

Best for: Writers looking to make their content more engaging and readable without changing the overall structure.

3. Copyediting

What it is: Copyediting ensures grammatical accuracy, consistency, and style. It’s one of the most detailed stages of editing and focuses on technical correctness.

What it includes:

Fixing grammar, punctuation, and spelling

Checking word usage and syntax

Ensuring consistency in tense and tone

Enforcing style guide rules (APA, MLA, Chicago, brand guides, etc.)

Fact-checking basic details

Best for: Writers preparing their work for publication, submission, or print who want it to be polished and professional.

4. Proofreading

What it is: Proofreading is the final polish. It’s done after editing to catch surface-level errors and formatting issues before publishing.

What it includes:

Correcting typos and minor grammar errors

Fixing punctuation and spacing

Checking page layout and consistency

Ensuring clean formatting (headers, footers, fonts, etc.)

Best for: Final drafts that are ready for publication, submission, or distribution.

Choosing the Right Type of Editing

The editing stage you need depends on where you are in the writing process:

Rough first draft? Start with developmental editing.

Revised draft, but clunky language? Opt for line editing.

Well-written draft, but needs polishing? Go for copyediting.

Final version ready to submit or publish? Get it proofread.

If you're not sure which stage you're in, many professional editing services can evaluate your content and recommend the best approach.

How Services Are Often Bundled

Some editing providers combine these services. For instance:

Line + copyediting together for mid-stage drafts

Copyediting + proofreading as a final polish package

Full editing package: structural + line + copyediting + proofreading

Always review the scope of the service before you commit, and ask for sample edits if available.

Final Thoughts

Editing isn’t just about fixing grammar—it’s a layered process that brings clarity, flow, and polish to your work. Whether you need help shaping the structure of your manuscript or just want to catch the last few typos before hitting “submit,” understanding the different types of editing is key to getting the right support.

If you're ready to refine your writing, our expert Proofreading and Editing Services cover every stage—from developmental edits to final proofreads—ensuring your work is clear, correct, and ready for your readers.

[ithealthbyimbibetech]

In the fast-evolving world of medical diagnostics, pathology labs face increasing demands for speed, accuracy, and efficiency. From data management and patient reporting to compliance and analytics, today’s laboratories need tools that are more than just software — they need intelligent systems that transform lab operations. Enter ItHealth by Imbibe Tech, India’s leading diagnostic lab software. This article explores how ItHealth empowers laboratories to automate, analyze, and accelerate — driving growth and performance like never before.

The Challenges Labs Face Today

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand the key pain points faced by modern pathology labs:

Manual Processes: Many labs still rely on spreadsheets or outdated systems, increasing human errors.

Time-Consuming Report Generation: Lab professionals often spend hours on repetitive tasks.

Compliance Complexity: Meeting standards and certifications can be stressful without digital records.

Data Inaccessibility: Without cloud-based solutions, labs struggle to access or share data in real-time.

This is where ItHealth offers a game-changing advantage.

Automate with ItHealth: Say Goodbye to Manual Work

Automation is at the core of ItHealth’s pathology lab software. From test entry to report delivery, ItHealth automates every major function:

Auto-generated Lab Reports: Generate reports for FNAC, Biopsy, Fluids, and more in just two clicks.

Real-Time Notifications: Automatically send reports to patients via WhatsApp, email, or SMS.

AI-Driven Workflows: Smart automation eliminates repetitive tasks and minimizes human error.

ItHealth’s automation isn’t just fast—it’s reliable, precise, and designed with real-world lab challenges in mind.

Analyze with ItHealth: Turn Lab Data into Insights

ItHealth isn’t just a lab report software, it's also a powerful analytics engine. With built-in reporting tools and data visualization, labs can:

Track patient trends, test volumes, and diagnostic patterns

Generate audit-ready compliance summaries

Forecast inventory needs and reagent usage

Analyze TAT (Turnaround Time) for operational improvement

Whether you run a small diagnostic setup or a multi-location network, having such laboratory software ensures smarter decision-making and proactive management.

Accelerate Lab Operations: From Sample to Report

Speed matters in diagnostics. Delays can cost lives and clients. ItHealth helps labs accelerate operations by:

Providing one-dashboard control of all lab functions

Seamlessly integrating with lab equipment and EMR systems

Offering multi-user access to reduce bottlenecks

Enabling remote access for instant data review

These features combine to drastically reduce the time from sample collection to report delivery.

Why ItHealth is the Best Path Lab Software for Indian Labs

Out of all the options available, ItHealth is consistently rated among the best pathology lab software in India. Why?

WHO-Aligned Protocols: Data quality and medical accuracy are non-negotiable. ItHealth aligns with WHO-certified formats.

Made in India, for India: Designed in close consultation with Indian pathologists.

Affordable Plans: Starting at just ₹490/month, ItHealth is ideal for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Customizable Templates: Labs can fully personalize test formats and headers.

Cloud-Backed: Secure cloud-based backups protect against data loss.

If you're searching for the best pathology software, best lab software, or diagnostic lab software that actually meets your daily needs, ItHealth is the answer.

Comprehensive Features of ItHealth Lab Software

Here’s what sets ItHealth apart from other lab software providers:

Descriptive & Editable Reports

Custom Fee Calculation Engine

24/7 AI-Powered Support

Cross-Platform Compatibility (Web, Tablet, Mobile)

Multi-Lab Support

This functionality makes ItHealth an all-in-one pathology lab management software and a true best laboratory information management system for labs of any size.

Who Can Benefit from ItHealth?

ItHealth is tailor-made for:

Independent Pathology Labs

Multi-Location Diagnostic Chains

Hospital-Based Laboratories

Health Checkup Centers

Corporate Wellness Clinics

Wherever there’s a need for better reporting, faster processes, or compliance-ready workflows, ItHealth delivers.

FAQs

Q1. What is the best laboratory information management system in India?

The best LIMS system should combine automation, compliance, customization, and affordability. ItHealth offers all of these, making it ideal for Indian labs.

Q2. Can ItHealth be used in small labs or clinics?

Absolutely. ItHealth is designed to scale, making it perfect for labs in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

Q3. Is ItHealth compliant with NABL and other regulatory bodies?

Yes. ItHealth’s software is built with WHO and NABL-aligned standards, ensuring smoother audits and certifications.

Q4. How secure is patient data on ItHealth?

ItHealth uses end-to-end encryption and cloud-based data backups to ensure the highest levels of data protection.

Conclusion: Upgrade Your Lab, Upgrade Your Future

Whether you’re dealing with overwhelming patient load, struggling with slow systems, or aiming to go paperless, ItHealth provides the right set of tools. As a popular laboratory information management system, ItHealth is trusted by 100+ labs across India for its unmatched reliability, user experience, and performance.

If you’re looking to automate, analyze, and accelerate your lab processes in 2025, don’t just upgrade your software — upgrade to ItHealth by Imbibe Tech.

✅ Book Your Free Demo Today

🌐 ImbibeBest Pathology Lab Management Software in India | Just 490/Month

📞 Call Now: +91 70271-70275

[cloudministertech]

How to prevent a DDoS attack

"Securing Your Cloud Infrastructure: Proven DDoS Prevention Methods"

Introduction

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks represent one of the most persistent and evolving threats in cybersecurity. At CloudMinister Technologies, we implement a robust, multi-faceted defense strategy to protect our clients' digital assets. This guide provides an exhaustive examination of our DDoS prevention methodology, detailing the technical implementation and strategic rationale behind each protective measure.

1. Cloud-Based DDoS Protection Services: Technical Implementation

 Architecture and Operation

Our cloud-based DDoS protection operates through a distributed network of scrubbing centers that process all incoming traffic before it reaches client infrastructure. The system employs:

Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): Analyzes packet headers and payloads to identify malicious patterns

Behavioral Analysis Engines: Establish baseline traffic profiles for each client environment

Real-time Signature Matching: Compares traffic against known attack signatures

Platform-Specific Implementations

AWS Shield Advanced:

Integrated with Amazon CloudFront, Route 53, and Elastic Load Balancing

Provides always-on detection of network layer (Layer 3/4) attacks

Custom mitigations for application layer (Layer 7) attacks

Azure DDoS Protection:

Leverages Azure's global network infrastructure

Implements adaptive real-time mitigation policies

Provides attack analytics through Azure Monitor

Third-Party Solutions (Cloudflare/Akamai):

Anycast network architecture disperses attack traffic

TLS termination at edge locations reduces origin server load

Custom rulesets for industry-specific protection

2. Web Application Firewall (WAF) Configuration Details

Rule Set Composition

Our WAF deployments utilize a layered ruleset approach:

Foundation Rules:

OWASP Core Rule Set (CRS) 3.3

Protocol compliance checks

HTTP request validation

Custom Rules:

Application-specific allowlists

Business logic protection

API endpoint security

Rate Limiting Policies:

Granular controls by:

IP address

Session tokens

Geographic location

Dynamic adjustments based on traffic patterns

Bot Mitigation Techniques

JavaScript challenge verification

TLS fingerprinting

Behavioral analysis of mouse movements and interaction patterns

Progressive hardening for persistent threats

3. Advanced Traffic Monitoring Systems

Data Collection Framework

NetFlow/sFlow/IPFIX: Sampled at 1:1 ratio during normal operations, increasing to 1:10 during attacks

Packet Capture: Triggered by anomaly detection for forensic analysis

Log Aggregation: Centralized collection from all network devices

Analytics Pipeline

Pre-processing:

Traffic normalization

Feature extraction

Machine Learning Models:

Isolation Forest for anomaly detection

LSTM networks for time-series prediction

Supervised classifiers for attack categorization

Decision Engine:

Confidence thresholding

Mitigation action selection

4. Scalable Infrastructure Design Principles

Auto-scaling Implementation

Horizontal Scaling:

Instance groups with pre-warmed pools

Predictive scaling based on historical patterns

Vertical Scaling:

Dynamic resource allocation

Hot standby instances

Load Balancing Strategies

Geographic Load Distribution:

DNS-based geolocation routing

Anycast IP implementation

Application-Aware Routing:

Content-based routing

Session persistence management

5. Zero Trust Architecture Components

Network Segmentation Model

Micro-perimeter Creation:

Software-defined perimeters

Per-workload firewalls

Traffic Flow Policies:

East-west traffic controls

Default-deny posture

Access Control Mechanisms

Identity Verification:

Multi-factor authentication

Device attestation

Policy Enforcement:

Attribute-based access control

Just-in-time privilege elevation

6. Incident Response Protocol

Attack Mitigation Workflow

Detection Phase:

Threshold crossing alerts

Correlation engine output

Containment Phase:

BGP flow-spec announcements

On-premise scrubbing activation

Recovery Phase:

Traffic normalization monitoring

Post-mortem analysis

Forensic Investigation Process

Attack timeline reconstruction

Malicious payload analysis

Attacker attribution techniques

Countermeasure effectiveness evaluation

Conclusion

CloudMinister Technologies' DDoS protection framework combines cutting-edge technologies with proven security practices to deliver comprehensive protection. Our defense-in-depth approach addresses all layers of potential attack vectors while maintaining operational flexibility and performance.

We offer customized security assessments and implementation services for organizations seeking enterprise-grade DDoS protection. Contact our security team to discuss your specific requirements.

Take the Next Step

Contact CloudMinister today for a free cloud security assessment or to learn more about our advanced DDoS protection solutions.

Visit www.cloudminister.com or speak to one of our security specialists

[sktthemes1]

How Can the Music Producer WordPress Theme Elevate Your Online Music Brand?

In today’s music industry, talent alone isn’t enough to get noticed. Whether you’re an indie beatmaker, a studio engineer, or a professional DJ, your digital presence has to communicate your identity and skill with precision. And when it comes to building an online brand that resonates, your website plays a central role.

That’s where the Music Producer WordPress Theme becomes more than just a layout—it's your personal stage on the web.

This article explores how this premium theme can help you create an unforgettable music portfolio, attract collaborations, and grow your fanbase—all without needing a web development team.

First Impressions Count—Here’s How This Theme Nails It

Your homepage is your handshake, your business card, and your album cover all in one. You want something that stops visitors in their tracks and encourages them to explore.

With bold typography, eye-catching hero sections, and built-in media support, this theme ensures your first impression is unforgettable. Use the header area to feature a music video, a welcome message, or a looping snippet of your latest release. It sets the tone—literally.

The vibe is clean yet edgy, making it perfect for trap, lo-fi, EDM, hip-hop, jazz, or even experimental music producers looking for a standout look.

Designed Specifically for Music Professionals

What sets this theme apart is its focus on what matters to music creators:

Integrated audio players to showcase singles, albums, or EPs

Video sections for music videos or live recordings

Discography layouts that sort your work by year, genre, or mood

Social media integration to connect fans to your Spotify, YouTube, or Instagram

Merchandise and ticketing options with WooCommerce compatibility

This is not a generic business theme trying to serve musicians—it’s made with your needs at the forefront.

Let Your Sound Speak with Seamless Audio Integration

You don’t want your music buried behind clunky widgets or external links. This theme puts your tracks front and center with multiple ways to integrate sound into your pages.

Upload MP3 files directly or embed links from SoundCloud and Spotify. Add background loops that play on entry. Create playlists that match your brand mood. And because the audio players are optimized for mobile, your fans can listen to your work while browsing on the go.

Gain Trust and Build Credibility with Visual Proof

Music is emotional—but your professional credibility is built on visible proof. That’s where a sleek portfolio section helps. This theme lets you create categorized showcases of:

Studio production work

Behind-the-scenes videos

Collaborations with other artists

Sound design for film, games, or podcasts

Client testimonials and press quotes

Use custom layouts to tell your story through visuals, not just sound. You can even include sliders or grid galleries with hover effects for extra visual appeal.

Bookings, Inquiries, and Collaborations Made Easy

The theme comes with well-designed call-to-action sections that direct visitors toward working with you. Whether you offer mixing/mastering services, live DJing, or licensing for beats, the built-in forms and contact tools simplify lead generation.

You can:

Embed inquiry forms with custom fields

Add CTA buttons that link to your email, phone, or booking page

Create sections specifically for services and rates

Display a calendar with open booking slots

It’s everything a serious producer needs to turn web traffic into revenue.

Customize Everything Without Code

Want to shift your branding to match a new album release? Or need a darker aesthetic to fit a seasonal vibe? This theme makes that easy with full compatibility with popular page builders like Elementor.

Update colors, fonts, headers, and sections with just a few clicks. Add new features like:

A blog for production tips or tour diaries

An event calendar for upcoming shows

A store for selling sample packs or merch

The flexibility lets you stay fresh without hiring a designer every time you want a change.

Mobile and Speed Optimized for Music Lovers on the Go

Fans browsing on mobile will enjoy an equally immersive experience. This theme is mobile-responsive and performance-optimized to load quickly—even with media-heavy pages.

Whether someone finds you through a QR code at an event or clicks your bio link on Instagram, they’ll get a fast, clean experience that keeps them engaged.

Key performance features:

Lightweight design with compressed assets

Lazy loading for images and videos

SEO-optimized HTML structure for better discoverability

Compatibility with caching and speed-enhancing plugins

Integrates Perfectly with Music Marketing Tools

To grow your music brand, your site needs to work with the rest of your digital marketing stack. The Music Producer theme is built for easy integration with:

Email marketing tools like Mailchimp for fan updates

Social media feeds from Instagram and Twitter

YouTube embeds for vlogs, studio sessions, or tutorials

Google Analytics for performance tracking

WooCommerce for selling beats, lessons, or branded merchandise

You’ll be able to turn your website into a true hub for all your music business activities.

Stand Out in a Crowded Space

Whether you’re an aspiring producer or an established name, your website can elevate your reputation. It’s your digital portfolio, press kit, and sales page rolled into one.

By choosing the Music Producer WordPress Theme, you're not just getting a template—you’re investing in a platform that amplifies your reach, supports your services, and builds your brand with professionalism.

[voilavoilecurtains]

Custom Made Curtains: The Perfect Blend of Personal Style and Function

Curtains are far more than just window coverings—they are essential elements in defining the personality, comfort, and functionality of a room. While ready-made curtains may be convenient, they often fall short in terms of fit, design, and quality. That’s where custom made curtains come in. Offering a perfect balance of style, practicality, and individuality, custom made curtains provide homeowners with tailor-made solutions that enhance their living spaces down to the last detail.

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of choosing custom made curtains, the range of professional services available, and how to make the most of this bespoke window treatment solution.

What Are Custom Made Curtains?

Custom made curtains are created specifically for your windows, based on your unique measurements, fabric preferences, and design choices. Unlike off-the-shelf curtains, which come in standard sizes and styles, custom curtains are crafted to perfectly suit your space, style, and needs.

From luxurious drapes to minimalist panels, every aspect—from fabric and color to header style and lining—is selected by you, with the guidance of curtain experts. The result is a high-quality, perfectly fitted product that enhances both aesthetics and performance.

Why Choose Custom Made Curtains?

Custom made curtains offer a wide array of advantages over ready-made alternatives. Here are some of the top reasons why they’re worth the investment:

Perfect Fit

Designed to match the exact measurements of your windows.

Ideal for uniquely shaped windows, large bay areas, or floor-to-ceiling panes.

Eliminates issues such as gaps, dragging, or excessive bunching.

Tailored Style

Choose from thousands of fabrics, textures, colors, and patterns to suit your interior design.

Customize every detail, including header type, length, lining, and embellishments.

Create a cohesive look that complements your furniture, wall colors, and home décor.

Superior Quality

Handcrafted by skilled professionals with attention to detail.

High-quality materials ensure long-lasting beauty and durability.

Enhanced functionality, such as light control, insulation, and noise reduction.

Enhanced Home Value

Adds sophistication and character to your home.

Appeals to potential buyers by showcasing a polished, well-designed interior.

Services Offered with Custom Made Curtains

When you opt for custom made curtains, you're not just buying a product—you’re receiving a full-service experience. Here’s a look at the various stages and services involved in creating your perfect curtains:

1. Consultation and Design Assistance

Professional consultants evaluate your space, lighting, and décor preferences.

Assistance in selecting fabric types, colors, and patterns.

Recommendations for curtain styles, hardware, and accessories.

2. In-Home or Virtual Measuring

Accurate measurements are crucial for a perfect fit.

Specialists assess window dimensions, rod placement, and any architectural factors.

Advice on curtain fullness, pooling, and draping options.

3. Fabric Selection

Access to a wide range of high-quality fabrics, such as:

Cotton, linen, silk, and velvet for varying textures and finishes.

Sheer materials for light filtering or layering.

Blackout and thermal fabrics for functionality.

Sample swatches may be provided to test in your home lighting.

4. Custom Fabrication

Curtains are professionally cut, sewn, and finished to your exact specifications.

Options for different header styles, including:

Pencil pleat

Pinch pleat

Eyelet

Wave

Goblet

Integration of appropriate lining for insulation, privacy, or blackout performance.

5. Hardware Selection

Selection of curtain rods, tracks, brackets, and finials to match your design.

Advice on finishes such as brushed nickel, matte black, brass, or wood.

Optional features like motorized tracks or smart home integration.

6. Professional Installation

Expert installers ensure your curtains are hung precisely.

Includes pressing or steaming for a crisp and clean finish.

Final adjustments made to ensure perfect operation and visual balance.

Design Considerations for Custom Curtains

Choosing the right custom made curtains involves balancing aesthetics with functionality. Here are some key factors to consider:

Fabric Type

Linen and cotton offer a light, casual feel ideal for relaxed living areas.

Velvet and silk add elegance and richness, suitable for formal rooms.

Sheers allow natural light in while maintaining a soft, layered look.

Blackout and thermal fabrics provide energy efficiency and privacy.

Color and Pattern

Neutral colors like white, grey, or beige create a timeless backdrop.

Bold hues or prints can make a design statement or enhance themed interiors.

Consider how the fabric interacts with natural and artificial lighting.

Curtain Length

Floor-length curtains add height and sophistication.

Puddled curtains offer a luxurious, romantic touch.

Just-to-the-sill or apron-length curtains work well for kitchens and bathrooms.

Fullness and Draping

Fullness refers to how much fabric is used compared to the window width.

More fullness results in richer, more gathered drapes.

Choose based on the look you want—sleek and tailored or soft and voluminous.

Lining Options

Blackout lining blocks light and enhances privacy.

Thermal lining improves insulation and energy savings.

Interlining adds weight, volume, and protection for delicate fabrics.

Benefits for Different Rooms

Custom made curtains offer tailored solutions for every room in your home. Here’s how they can be applied in various settings:

Living Room

Create a focal point with elegant fabrics and coordinated accessories.

Layered curtains offer day-to-night light control and a cozy ambiance.

Bedroom

Use blackout lining for restful sleep and optimal privacy.

Soft textures and rich colors create a soothing, luxurious atmosphere.

Dining Room

Elevate the formal look with pinch pleats and heavier fabrics like brocade or velvet.

Consider tiebacks and valances for a traditional aesthetic.

Home Office

Choose functional, minimal designs that reduce glare and maintain privacy.

Neutral tones enhance concentration and avoid visual distraction.

Nursery or Kids’ Room

Blackout curtains help regulate sleep schedules.

Fun colors or patterns can add character and creativity to the space.

Caring for Custom Made Curtains

To keep your custom curtains looking their best, follow these maintenance tips:

Regularly dust or vacuum using a soft brush attachment.

Spot-clean minor stains promptly using a mild detergent.

Many high-quality fabrics require professional dry cleaning.

Avoid prolonged sun exposure for delicate materials to prevent fading.

Use curtain tiebacks or holdbacks to prevent wrinkling and wear.

Finding a Custom Curtain Provider

When selecting a service provider for custom made curtains, look for:

A portfolio or gallery of completed projects.

Access to premium fabric collections.

In-house design consultation and installation services.

Transparent pricing and clear timelines for delivery.

Strong customer reviews and personalized support.

Whether working with a local design studio, a dedicated curtain retailer, or an online provider offering remote consultations, prioritize companies that emphasize craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail.

Conclusion

Custom made curtains offer a unique opportunity to express your personal style while enhancing the functionality and comfort of your home. With complete control over design, materials, and fit, these bespoke solutions ensure that your window treatments are anything but ordinary.

From concept to installation, the services that accompany custom curtains transform your ideas into a reality—down to every last pleat and panel. Whether you’re redecorating a single room or furnishing an entire home, investing in custom made curtains is a decision that delivers timeless beauty, long-lasting value, and personalized elegance.

[honda-wheel-size-chart]

Editable Dentist Resume Format with ATS Optimization and Real Examples

A dentist resume should combine clinical expertise, certifications, and professional presentation to effectively convey your qualifications to hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS). This editable dentist resume format is designed to help you present your skills, dental education, clinical experience, and licensure clearly and concisely. With ATS optimization and real-world examples included, this resume template ensures compatibility with hiring software while showcasing your dental specialization, whether general dentistry, orthodontics, or pediatric care. Downloadable in both DOCX and PDF formats, the template empowers dental professionals to customize layout, language, and design elements for their job applications in 2025.

Download Editable Dentist Resume (DOCX & PDF)

This professionally designed dentist resume is available in editable formats for maximum customization and ATS readability.Download DOCX FormatDownload PDF Format

Available in editable format (.DOCX / .PDF) – compatible with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and ATS platforms.

Below is a thumbnail preview of the editable dentist resume template to give you a quick visual of its professional layout and section structure.

Editable Dentist Resume

How to Optimize Your Dentist Resume for ATS Systems

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by most dental clinics and healthcare recruiters to screen resumes before a human ever sees them. ATS optimization ensures your dentist resume is readable by these systems and ranks highly for relevant keywords, certifications, and job titles. Without ATS formatting, even a highly qualified dentist may be filtered out. This section offers a step-by-step guide to make your resume ATS-friendly, helping it pass through digital filters and reach hiring managers efficiently.

ATS Optimization Checklist for Dentist Resumes:

✅ Use standard fonts like Calibri or Times New Roman (11–12 pt)

✅ Save in both DOCX and PDF formats (PDF must be text-based)

✅ Match resume keywords with job description (e.g., “general dentist,” “BLS certification”)

✅ Include full job titles (e.g., “Pediatric Dental Resident”)

✅ Avoid graphics, tables, or columns that may confuse parsing

✅ List certifications and licenses in plain text

✅ Use consistent section headers like “Professional Summary,” “Education,” “Work History”

✅ Include your full name and contact info in the resume body (not just header/footer)

Below is a visual sample of how an ATS system scores and reads a dentist resume—highlighting keyword matches, readability issues, and formatting errors.

ATS Resume Scan for Dentist Resume

How to Include Clinical Experience in Your Dentist Resume

Clinical experience demonstrates your hands-on dental skills and patient care background, essential for both early-career and experienced dentists. On a dentist resume, this section should highlight real-world treatment exposure, dental procedures, and interactions with patients across various specialties. Employers look for specific examples of clinical practice, including restorative treatments, diagnostic procedures, and patient communication, to assess your practical readiness. Use clear formatting, bullet points, and descriptive language to ensure this section meets ATS readability and hiring manager expectations.

Bulleted List of Clinical Experience Examples

🦷 Root canal procedures performed under supervision

🦷 Pediatric dental rotations with behavior management training

🦷 Chair-side assisting during cosmetic treatments (e.g., veneers, bonding)

🦷 Surgical extractions in community dental clinics

🦷 Oral cancer screenings and dental chart documentation

🦷 Digital X-ray positioning and interpretation

🦷 Preventive care education sessions for underserved populations

Quote from the ADA (American Dental Association):

“Clinical experience during dental education and residencies is a critical factor in hiring decisions, reflecting a candidate’s readiness for independent practice.” — American Dental Association (ADA), Career Planning Resources, 2024

Top Resume Keywords for Dentists

Including targeted resume keywords improves your chances of passing ATS scans and aligning with hiring criteria. For dentists, these keywords reflect essential skills, certifications, treatments, and patient care competencies that employers prioritize. By incorporating them throughout your resume—especially in the summary, experience, and skills sections—you ensure keyword matching with dental job descriptions and increase visibility in applicant tracking systems.

Download 50 Essential Dental Resume Keywords (PDF)

Download Keyword List PDF

Includes categorized keywords for skills, procedures, certifications, and technologies.

What to Include in the Skills Section of a Dentist Resume

The skills section of a dentist resume plays a critical role in capturing the attention of both hiring managers and ATS systems. It should present a blend of clinical competencies, technical tools, and soft skills that define your ability to provide comprehensive dental care. This section must be clear, scannable, and tailored to the job description, with grouped categories that reflect your real-world capabilities in diagnostics, procedures, patient interaction, and digital technologies.

In this part, we reference a screenshot that visually shows an optimized skills section with inline annotations pointing to:

Clinical Skills (e.g., “Oral surgery,” “Restorative procedures”)

Technical Tools (e.g., “Intraoral camera,” “Digital radiography”)

Soft Skills (e.g., “Patient education,” “Team coordination”)

The skills section is crucial for both ATS and hiring managers. It determines how effectively your resume ranks in systems that scan for job-specific competencies and influences first impressions with recruiters reviewing dental applications manually.

Download Editable Dentist Resume (DOCX/PDF)

This editable dentist resume format is crafted for maximum flexibility, allowing you to tailor layout, design, and content based on your dental specialty. Whether you're applying as a general dentist, orthodontist, or pediatric specialist, the template includes ATS-friendly formatting, keyword-optimized sections, and professional design. Available in DOCX and PDF formats, it supports seamless editing in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice. Customize every section—from clinical experience to certifications—while maintaining a clean, recruiter-approved structure.

Download Editable Dentist Resume (DOCX & PDF)

Choose your preferred format below to begin customizing your job-ready resume.Download Editable Format (DOCX)Download Editable Format (PDF)

This dentist resume is available in editable format—ready for Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or PDF-compatible editors.

Offering Multiple Design Formats:

Choose Your Resume Design Style

Modern Layout: Clean lines, sans-serif fonts, bold headers

Minimalist Design: Simple formatting, no graphics, ATS-optimized

Traditional Style: Serif fonts, formal layout, classic tone

Key Dental Skills for Your Resume

Listing the right dental skills helps demonstrate clinical proficiency, patient care capabilities, and your readiness to operate in a professional practice environment. Dental employers look for specific skillsets that span technical treatments, hands-on procedures, and interpersonal communication. A well-organized skills section not only boosts ATS visibility but also signals confidence in areas such as diagnostics, restorative care, and digital tools.

Categorized Bulleted List of Dental Skills

🦷 Clinical Skills

Cavity filling

Root canal therapy

Dental impressions

Oral surgery

Periodontal maintenance

🧠 Soft Skills

Patient communication

Team collaboration

Empathy

Conflict resolution

Chairside manner

💻 Technical Skills

Digital radiography

Intraoral scanners

Practice management software (Dentrix, Eaglesoft)

CAD/CAM technology

Electronic health record systems (EHR)

These dental skills are often scanned by ATS software and closely reviewed by hiring managers, making their accurate inclusion essential for resume success.

Expert Commentary:

“In 2025, top dental employers are prioritizing digital skills like intraoral scanning and CAD/CAM restoration, alongside patient-centered communication.” — Dr. Karen Liu, DDS, Director of Dental Hiring Insights, ADA Journal

Relevant Dental Certifications for Your Resume

Certifications demonstrate compliance with industry standards, ongoing dental education, and a commitment to high-quality patient care. Including dental certifications on your resume not only reinforces your credibility but also helps meet state licensure and institutional requirements. Employers and credentialing systems increasingly expect to see verified certifications listed clearly and consistently, particularly in ATS-driven environments.

Bulleted List of Dental Certifications

🪪 Basic Life Support (BLS) – Required by most dental employers

🪪 CPR Certification – Often paired with emergency readiness training

🪪 Dental Anesthesia Certification – Vital for oral surgery and sedation practices

🪪 Radiology License – Mandated for dental imaging in many U.S. states

🪪 Board Certification – From ADA-recognized dental specialty boards

🪪 Infection Control Certification (ICE) – Especially valuable in multi-practice clinics

🪪 Nitrous Oxide Monitoring – For pediatric and sedation-heavy practices

These dental certifications add authority to your application and provide assurance of safety, compliance, and professional excellence to both hiring committees and ATS filters.

Dental Certification Resources

American Dental Association (ADA)

California Dental Association

Download Certification Checklist (PDF)

How to Write a Strong Professional Summary for Your Dentist Resume

Experienced general dentist with 8+ years in private practice, specializing in preventive care, restorative procedures, and digital diagnostics. Proven ability to manage patient treatment plans, lead interdisciplinary dental teams, and maintain compliance with ADA clinical standards. Committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based dental care in high-volume practices.

The professional summary sits at the top of your resume and introduces your clinical identity in 2–3 concise lines. It should summarize your career length, specialties, and core strengths while aligning with the job role. Use clear, impactful language that reflects your experience, clinical focus, and practice style.

Download Summary Samples by Specialty

General Dentist Summary Example (PDF)Orthodontics Summary Example (PDF)Pediatric Dentist Summary Example (PDF)

How to Present Work History in a Dentist Resume

Work history in a dentist resume should highlight clinical responsibility, treatment expertise, and growth over time in your dental career. It must include your official job title, clinic or institution name, dates of employment, and core duties. This section should follow a reverse-chronological format and emphasize quantifiable achievements that showcase your impact in previous roles. A structured timeline or table layout increases ATS compatibility and readability for hiring managers.

Table Format Example (for Clarity and ATS Alignment)

Job Title

Clinic / Location

Dates

Key Responsibilities

General Dentist

SmileCare Dental, Chicago, IL

Jan 2020 – Present

- Performed restorative procedures and oral surgery - Managed treatment planning for 25+ patients weekly

Pediatric Dental Resident

Children's Dental Group, NY

Jul 2018 – Dec 2019

- Conducted pediatric oral exams and behavior-focused care

Dental Intern

University Dental Center, Boston

Jan 2018 – May 2018

- Supported clinical procedures and assisted with sterilization

A clearly formatted work history section allows ATS to scan your job progression while providing hiring managers with a focused view of your clinical contributions and consistency.

Download Pre-Formatted Work History Section

Download Work History (DOCX)

Top Technical Skills for a Dentist Resume

Technical skills showcase your ability to operate specialized dental tools, diagnostic software, and digital systems required in modern dental practices. Including technical competencies on your resume not only improves ATS keyword matching but also demonstrates your adaptability to evolving clinical technologies. Employers in 2025 seek dentists skilled in digital workflows, radiographic imaging, and practice management platforms.

Bulleted List of Technical Skills

📸 Digital radiography – Accurate image capture and analysis

🖥️ Intraoral scanning – 3D imaging for diagnostics and restorations

🗂️ Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems – Documentation and patient tracking

🧠 Dental software platforms – Proficiency in Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental

🛠️ CAD/CAM technology – Chairside crown and bridge design

⚙️ Practice management systems – Billing, scheduling, and case documentation

📡 Teledentistry tools – Remote consultations and diagnostics

The technical skills section is highlighted to help ATS systems detect relevant software proficiencies and procedural competencies like “intraoral scanning” and “CAD/CAM tools.”

These technical skills distinguish you as a digitally proficient clinician, capable of navigating complex systems that enhance patient care and clinic efficiency.

Compare Dental Software Tools & Skill Requirements

Download Software Skills Chart (PDF)

How to Highlight Achievements in a Dentist Resume

Achievements help you stand out beyond job duties by proving measurable impact and clinical success. Unlike generic responsibilities, quantified accomplishments show how you improved patient outcomes, increased efficiency, or led meaningful initiatives. Dental resumes that include achievement-driven bullet points are more likely to impress both ATS systems and hiring managers looking for top-tier candidates.

Bulleted Examples of Dentist Resume Achievements

📈 Increased patient retention by 30% over two years through personalized care strategies

♻️ Led clinic-wide initiative for eco-friendly sterilization protocols, reducing supply costs by 15%

📅 Reduced average patient wait times from 20 to 10 minutes through improved scheduling workflows

🧾 Implemented electronic charting, improving documentation accuracy and saving 10+ hours/month

👩‍⚕️ Mentored three dental interns during their clinical rotations at a university-affiliated clinic

These achievements should be listed in a dedicated resume section or embedded within your work history to reinforce your value with tangible evidence.

Build Your Dentist Resume Achievements

Use our guided worksheet to quantify your accomplishments and turn them into standout resume points.Download Achievement Builder (PDF)

Download a Customizable Dentist Resume Template

Edit layout, colors, sections, and format based on your dental specialty and experience using this customizable dentist resume template. Whether you're targeting general practice, orthodontics, or pediatric dentistry, this template provides editable sections that let you tailor content and design to match job listings and personal preferences. Built for compatibility with Microsoft Word and Google Docs, it balances ATS optimization with visual flexibility.

Download a Customizable Dentist Resume Template

This flexible template allows you to change fonts, reorder sections, and personalize your resume for different roles or clinics.Download Customizable Resume (DOCX)

Choose Your Preferred Mode

Light Mode: Clean, white background with dark serif font

Dark Mode: Professional dark layout for reduced screen glare

FAQ Entry

Is a PDF Format Suitable for Dentist Resumes in ATS?

Many modern ATS systems can read PDF files, especially if they are text-based and not image-heavy or overly designed. However, for maximum compatibility, it's best to use a clean and simple layout without tables or columns. Saving your dentist resume in PDF format preserves formatting across devices and ensures your sections display consistently to hiring managers.

Is the Chronological Format Best for Dentist Resumes?

Yes, the chronological format is recommended for dentist resumes because it highlights steady professional growth and clinical continuity—two qualities that hiring managers value highly. This structure allows you to demonstrate experience over time in a reverse-chronological order, clearly showing career progression from internships to independent dental practice. It also aligns well with ATS parsing rules and is the most expected format in healthcare resume screening.

Chronological Format vs Functional for Dentists

Chronological Format Advantages:

Emphasizes consistent employment and skill development

Preferred by most dental recruiters and healthcare institutions

Easy for ATS systems to parse and evaluate

Showcases licensure and specialization over time

Functional Format Limitations:

De-emphasizes work dates, which can raise red flags

Less effective for licensed clinical roles requiring timeline validation

Risk of ATS misreading grouped skills and experience sections

The resume timeline should start with the most recent position—such as “General Dentist at SmileCare Dental, 2022–Present”—and work backward to educational or internship roles. Each entry should include job title, clinic, location, dates, and 3–5 bullet points outlining clinical duties and achievements.

Visual Toggle Feature – Layout Comparison (Chronological vs Functional)

How Should I Include My Dental License on My Resume?

List your active dental license clearly in its own section or within the certifications area of your resume. Include the state of issuance, license number (if applicable), and expiration date to demonstrate legal eligibility for clinical practice. Properly formatting licensing details is essential, especially for compliance with healthcare hiring protocols and ATS keyword scans.

Licensing should be formatted in a consistent style under a heading such as “Licensure” or included within “Certifications & Licenses.” For example:

Licensed General Dentist – California License #D-54321 | Expires: December 2026 Issued by: California Dental Board

Multiple state licenses should be listed separately to support multi-state practice eligibility.

Always ensure that licensing info is up to date and formatted as searchable plain text—this avoids disqualification in ATS filters and meets clinical verification requirements.

Verify Your Dental License

California Dental Board License Verification

Download Dentist Resume (PDF Format)

Ensure consistent formatting and professional presentation with our ready-to-send PDF version.Download PDF Format

Graphic (PDF vs DOCX ATS Compatibility)

How to Write the Summary Section in a Dentist Resume

The summary section should concisely showcase your clinical focus, years of experience, and patient care approach. Positioned at the top of your resume, it acts as a quick elevator pitch that communicates your strengths to both ATS systems and hiring managers. An effective summary should be tailored to your dental specialty, highlight core competencies, and reflect your value proposition in two to three impactful sentences.

General dentist with 10+ years in family practices, skilled in restorative procedures and pediatric care. Proven ability to manage multi-patient schedules while maintaining high patient satisfaction. Committed to continuing education and delivering evidence-based dental treatment.

Downloadable Summary Templates

Download Dentist Summary Section Templates

General Dentist Summary

Cosmetic Dentist Summary

Pediatric Dentist Summary

Resume Formatting Tips for Dentists

Proper resume formatting ensures that your content is easily readable by both ATS systems and hiring managers. For dental professionals, a clean, structured layout improves scanability and highlights your clinical experience effectively. Avoid dense blocks of text, use clear section headers, and maintain visual consistency throughout your document to meet both technical and aesthetic expectations.

✅ Checklist: Formatting Best Practices

✅ Use 11–12 pt font size (e.g., Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman)

✅ Keep 1-inch margins on all sides

✅ Use bold headers for each resume section (e.g., Skills, Licenses, Education)

✅ Apply consistent spacing (line height 1.15–1.5x)

✅ Use bullet points for clarity under Work History or Skills

✅ Avoid text boxes, images, and multi-column formats that disrupt ATS parsing

✅ Save in both DOCX and text-based PDF formats

✅ Name your file descriptively (e.g., “John-Doe-Dentist-Resume-2025.pdf”)

Following these formatting tips boosts your resume’s clarity, professionalism, and ATS compatibility—key factors in landing interviews for dental roles.

Before/After Image: Formatting Mistakes vs Optimized Layout

Free Dentist CV Template Download

Use this professionally designed CV template tailored specifically for dental roles. Whether you’re a recent dental school graduate or an experienced practitioner, this free download offers a clean, ATS-optimized layout ideal for academic, clinical, or private practice applications. The template includes dedicated sections for education, licensure, clinical experience, certifications, and professional summary—fully editable in both DOCX and PDF formats.

Free Dentist CV Template Download

This CV template is crafted for clarity and compliance with modern ATS standards, making it ideal for both entry-level and seasoned dentists.Download Dentist CV (DOCX / PDF)

Choose Your CV Version

New Graduate Dentist CV

Experienced Dentist CV

How to Structure the Education Section in a Dentist Resume

The education section validates your academic background and credentials in dentistry, which are essential for clinical licensure and employment. Dental hiring managers and credentialing bodies expect this section to include your degree, institution, graduation year, and any honors or relevant coursework. A well-structured education section supports ATS compliance while signaling professional legitimacy.

Example Entry Format

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) NYU College of Dentistry — Graduated 2019 GPA: 3.8 | Honors: Cum Laude Relevant Coursework: Oral Pathology, Restorative Dentistry, Dental Radiology

Be sure to format your dental degree consistently with full program titles (DDS or DMD), and avoid omitting graduation year or university name—two critical fields scanned by both ATS and recruiters.

Download Dental Education Section Checklist

Download Checklist (PDF)

Best Layout Designs for Dentist Resumes

A clean, consistent layout improves both readability and ATS compatibility in dentist resumes. Design should guide the reader’s eye through key resume sections—summary, skills, experience, and education—while preserving a professional aesthetic. Choosing a layout aligned with your target role, whether clinical, academic, or private practice, helps emphasize your qualifications and presentation style.

Image Gallery Layout Examples (Descriptive)

Layout Name

Description

Modern Clinical Focus

Balanced white space, sans-serif fonts, subtle color accents for headers

Academic + Research

Structured for CVs with publications, conferences, and institutional detail

Private Practice Appeal

Classic layout with serif fonts and well-defined experience timelines

Three resume layout designs tailored for dental professionals: Modern, Academic, and Traditional.

The right layout enhances scannability and reflects your brand as a professional dentist—choose one that aligns with your career goals and clinical specialty.

Preview Resume Layout Styles

Switch between single-column and two-column formats to choose the best layout for your dentist resume.

[Toggle Component Placeholder]

Powerful Action Verbs for a Dentist Resume

Start each bullet point with an action verb to clearly show your contributions and clinical impact. Action verbs bring energy and specificity to your resume, helping you stand out in ATS scans and making your accomplishments more persuasive to recruiters. For dental professionals, these verbs should highlight leadership, precision, communication, and treatment delivery.

Bulleted List of Action Verbs (Thematic)

🩺 Diagnosed – Used for identifying oral conditions and treatment planning

🛠️ Implemented – Applied new tools, protocols, or systems

👥 Managed – Oversaw teams, clinic workflows, or patient flow

📚 Educated – Provided oral hygiene guidance and staff/intern instruction

🛡️ Prevented – Conducted proactive care and preventive treatments

🔬 Examined – Performed patient evaluations and screenings

📊 Analyzed – Interpreted radiographs or patient data

⚙️ Developed – Created custom care plans or treatment guides

💬 Communicated – Interacted effectively with patients and colleagues

Diagnosed oral conditions and developed personalized treatment plans for 30+ patients weekly.

Downloadable Glossary Resource

Dentist Resume Action Verbs Glossary

Access a curated list of 100+ action verbs categorized by communication, leadership, diagnostics, and procedural relevance.Download Glossary (PDF)

How to Include Internship Roles in a Dentist Resume

Internship roles are crucial for early-career dentists, especially when showcasing clinical exposure and hands-on learning. Including your internships properly helps employers understand your foundational skills, procedural training, and patient care involvement during dental school. Internships should be listed similarly to full-time roles—with job title, clinic name, dates, and a few key responsibilities.

Example Resume Entry Format

Dental Intern – University Dental Clinic, Boston January 2023 – May 2023

Assisted in restorative procedures, including fillings and sealants

Coordinated patient intake and appointment prep

Performed sterilization and hygiene station maintenance

Shadowed licensed dentists during oral surgery and prosthetic fittings

Use precise dates and describe real clinical actions—this strengthens credibility and helps ATS systems recognize internship experience as valid early-career training.

Downloadable Template for New Grads

Download New Graduate Resume Template

New Grad Resume (Pre-Built Internship Section)

Dentist Cover Letter Example

Full Sample Letter:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the General Dentist position at [Clinic Name]. With over 7 years of clinical experience in restorative care, pediatric dentistry, and preventive treatments, I bring both technical proficiency and compassionate patient care to every appointment.

At SmileWell Dental Group, I managed treatment plans for over 30 patients weekly, implemented digital radiography tools for diagnostics, and contributed to a 20% increase in patient satisfaction through patient education initiatives. I am licensed in California, certified in BLS, and proficient in Dentrix and intraoral scanning technologies.

I welcome the opportunity to bring my dedication and clinical expertise to your practice. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, Dr. Melissa Chen, DDS melissachen@email.com (123) 456-7890

Download Dentist Cover Letter Example

Download This Cover Letter (DOCX Format)

Auto-Generate Cover Letter Tool (Optional Component Placeholder)

Add a short form where users can input their dental specialty, years of experience, and clinic type to auto-generate a personalized cover letter.

Download Dentist Resume in DOCX Format

DOCX format is ideal for dentists looking to edit, personalize, and tailor their resumes for different roles or clinics. Compatible with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice, DOCX files maintain structural integrity and are easily parsed by most ATS systems. Downloading your dentist resume in this format ensures maximum flexibility, clean layout control, and readiness for professional submission.

Download Dentist Resume in DOCX Format

Download Editable DOCX Resume

Fully editable in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice. ATS-friendly layout and text-based formatting included.

Two Template Options Available

Choose Your Preferred DOCX Resume Style

Modern Template

Traditional Template

[this-is-resume]

Editable Dentist Resume Format with ATS Optimization and Real Examples

A dentist resume should combine clinical expertise, certifications, and professional presentation to effectively convey your qualifications to hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS). This editable dentist resume format is designed to help you present your skills, dental education, clinical experience, and licensure clearly and concisely. With ATS optimization and real-world examples included, this resume template ensures compatibility with hiring software while showcasing your dental specialization, whether general dentistry, orthodontics, or pediatric care. Downloadable in both DOCX and PDF formats, the template empowers dental professionals to customize layout, language, and design elements for their job applications in 2025.

Download Editable Dentist Resume (DOCX & PDF)

This professionally designed dentist resume is available in editable formats for maximum customization and ATS readability.Download DOCX FormatDownload PDF Format

Available in editable format (.DOCX / .PDF) – compatible with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and ATS platforms.

Below is a thumbnail preview of the editable dentist resume template to give you a quick visual of its professional layout and section structure.

Editable Dentist Resume

How to Optimize Your Dentist Resume for ATS Systems

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by most dental clinics and healthcare recruiters to screen resumes before a human ever sees them. ATS optimization ensures your dentist resume is readable by these systems and ranks highly for relevant keywords, certifications, and job titles. Without ATS formatting, even a highly qualified dentist may be filtered out. This section offers a step-by-step guide to make your resume ATS-friendly, helping it pass through digital filters and reach hiring managers efficiently.

ATS Optimization Checklist for Dentist Resumes:

✅ Use standard fonts like Calibri or Times New Roman (11–12 pt)

✅ Save in both DOCX and PDF formats (PDF must be text-based)

✅ Match resume keywords with job description (e.g., “general dentist,” “BLS certification”)

✅ Include full job titles (e.g., “Pediatric Dental Resident”)

✅ Avoid graphics, tables, or columns that may confuse parsing

✅ List certifications and licenses in plain text

✅ Use consistent section headers like “Professional Summary,” “Education,” “Work History”

✅ Include your full name and contact info in the resume body (not just header/footer)

Below is a visual sample of how an ATS system scores and reads a dentist resume—highlighting keyword matches, readability issues, and formatting errors.

ATS Resume Scan for Dentist Resume

How to Include Clinical Experience in Your Dentist Resume

Clinical experience demonstrates your hands-on dental skills and patient care background, essential for both early-career and experienced dentists. On a dentist resume, this section should highlight real-world treatment exposure, dental procedures, and interactions with patients across various specialties. Employers look for specific examples of clinical practice, including restorative treatments, diagnostic procedures, and patient communication, to assess your practical readiness. Use clear formatting, bullet points, and descriptive language to ensure this section meets ATS readability and hiring manager expectations.

Bulleted List of Clinical Experience Examples

🦷 Root canal procedures performed under supervision

🦷 Pediatric dental rotations with behavior management training

🦷 Chair-side assisting during cosmetic treatments (e.g., veneers, bonding)

🦷 Surgical extractions in community dental clinics

🦷 Oral cancer screenings and dental chart documentation

🦷 Digital X-ray positioning and interpretation

🦷 Preventive care education sessions for underserved populations

Quote from the ADA (American Dental Association):

“Clinical experience during dental education and residencies is a critical factor in hiring decisions, reflecting a candidate’s readiness for independent practice.” — American Dental Association (ADA), Career Planning Resources, 2024

Top Resume Keywords for Dentists

Including targeted resume keywords improves your chances of passing ATS scans and aligning with hiring criteria. For dentists, these keywords reflect essential skills, certifications, treatments, and patient care competencies that employers prioritize. By incorporating them throughout your resume—especially in the summary, experience, and skills sections—you ensure keyword matching with dental job descriptions and increase visibility in applicant tracking systems.

Download 50 Essential Dental Resume Keywords (PDF)

Download Keyword List PDF

Includes categorized keywords for skills, procedures, certifications, and technologies.

What to Include in the Skills Section of a Dentist Resume

The skills section of a dentist resume plays a critical role in capturing the attention of both hiring managers and ATS systems. It should present a blend of clinical competencies, technical tools, and soft skills that define your ability to provide comprehensive dental care. This section must be clear, scannable, and tailored to the job description, with grouped categories that reflect your real-world capabilities in diagnostics, procedures, patient interaction, and digital technologies.

In this part, we reference a screenshot that visually shows an optimized skills section with inline annotations pointing to:

Clinical Skills (e.g., “Oral surgery,” “Restorative procedures”)

Technical Tools (e.g., “Intraoral camera,” “Digital radiography”)

Soft Skills (e.g., “Patient education,” “Team coordination”)

The skills section is crucial for both ATS and hiring managers. It determines how effectively your resume ranks in systems that scan for job-specific competencies and influences first impressions with recruiters reviewing dental applications manually.

Download Editable Dentist Resume (DOCX/PDF)

This editable dentist resume format is crafted for maximum flexibility, allowing you to tailor layout, design, and content based on your dental specialty. Whether you're applying as a general dentist, orthodontist, or pediatric specialist, the template includes ATS-friendly formatting, keyword-optimized sections, and professional design. Available in DOCX and PDF formats, it supports seamless editing in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or LibreOffice. Customize every section—from clinical experience to certifications—while maintaining a clean, recruiter-approved structure.

Download Editable Dentist Resume (DOCX & PDF)

Choose your preferred format below to begin customizing your job-ready resume.Download Editable Format (DOCX)Download Editable Format (PDF)

This dentist resume is available in editable format—ready for Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or PDF-compatible editors.

Offering Multiple Design Formats:

Choose Your Resume Design Style

Modern Layout: Clean lines, sans-serif fonts, bold headers

Minimalist Design: Simple formatting, no graphics, ATS-optimized

Traditional Style: Serif fonts, formal layout, classic tone

Key Dental Skills for Your Resume

Listing the right dental skills helps demonstrate clinical proficiency, patient care capabilities, and your readiness to operate in a professional practice environment. Dental employers look for specific skillsets that span technical treatments, hands-on procedures, and interpersonal communication. A well-organized skills section not only boosts ATS visibility but also signals confidence in areas such as diagnostics, restorative care, and digital tools.

Categorized Bulleted List of Dental Skills

🦷 Clinical Skills

Cavity filling

Root canal therapy

Dental impressions

Oral surgery

Periodontal maintenance

🧠 Soft Skills

Patient communication

Team collaboration

Empathy

Conflict resolution

Chairside manner

💻 Technical Skills

Digital radiography

Intraoral scanners

Practice management software (Dentrix, Eaglesoft)

CAD/CAM technology

Electronic health record systems (EHR)

These dental skills are often scanned by ATS software and closely reviewed by hiring managers, making their accurate inclusion essential for resume success.

Expert Commentary:

“In 2025, top dental employers are prioritizing digital skills like intraoral scanning and CAD/CAM restoration, alongside patient-centered communication.” — Dr. Karen Liu, DDS, Director of Dental Hiring Insights, ADA Journal

Relevant Dental Certifications for Your Resume

Certifications demonstrate compliance with industry standards, ongoing dental education, and a commitment to high-quality patient care. Including dental certifications on your resume not only reinforces your credibility but also helps meet state licensure and institutional requirements. Employers and credentialing systems increasingly expect to see verified certifications listed clearly and consistently, particularly in ATS-driven environments.

Bulleted List of Dental Certifications

🪪 Basic Life Support (BLS) – Required by most dental employers

🪪 CPR Certification – Often paired with emergency readiness training

🪪 Dental Anesthesia Certification – Vital for oral surgery and sedation practices

🪪 Radiology License – Mandated for dental imaging in many U.S. states

🪪 Board Certification – From ADA-recognized dental specialty boards

🪪 Infection Control Certification (ICE) – Especially valuable in multi-practice clinics

🪪 Nitrous Oxide Monitoring – For pediatric and sedation-heavy practices

These dental certifications add authority to your application and provide assurance of safety, compliance, and professional excellence to both hiring committees and ATS filters.

Dental Certification Resources

American Dental Association (ADA)

California Dental Association

Download Certification Checklist (PDF)

How to Write a Strong Professional Summary for Your Dentist Resume

Experienced general dentist with 8+ years in private practice, specializing in preventive care, restorative procedures, and digital diagnostics. Proven ability to manage patient treatment plans, lead interdisciplinary dental teams, and maintain compliance with ADA clinical standards. Committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based dental care in high-volume practices.

The professional summary sits at the top of your resume and introduces your clinical identity in 2–3 concise lines. It should summarize your career length, specialties, and core strengths while aligning with the job role. Use clear, impactful language that reflects your experience, clinical focus, and practice style.

Download Summary Samples by Specialty

General Dentist Summary Example (PDF)Orthodontics Summary Example (PDF)Pediatric Dentist Summary Example (PDF)

How to Present Work History in a Dentist Resume

Work history in a dentist resume should highlight clinical responsibility, treatment expertise, and growth over time in your dental career. It must include your official job title, clinic or institution name, dates of employment, and core duties. This section should follow a reverse-chronological format and emphasize quantifiable achievements that showcase your impact in previous roles. A structured timeline or table layout increases ATS compatibility and readability for hiring managers.

Table Format Example (for Clarity and ATS Alignment)

Job Title

Clinic / Location

Dates

Key Responsibilities

General Dentist

SmileCare Dental, Chicago, IL

Jan 2020 – Present

- Performed restorative procedures and oral surgery - Managed treatment planning for 25+ patients weekly

Pediatric Dental Resident

Children's Dental Group, NY

Jul 2018 – Dec 2019

- Conducted pediatric oral exams and behavior-focused care

Dental Intern

University Dental Center, Boston

Jan 2018 – May 2018

- Supported clinical procedures and assisted with sterilization

A clearly formatted work history section allows ATS to scan your job progression while providing hiring managers with a focused view of your clinical contributions and consistency.

Download Pre-Formatted Work History Section

Download Work History (DOCX)

Top Technical Skills for a Dentist Resume

Technical skills showcase your ability to operate specialized dental tools, diagnostic software, and digital systems required in modern dental practices. Including technical competencies on your resume not only improves ATS keyword matching but also demonstrates your adaptability to evolving clinical technologies. Employers in 2025 seek dentists skilled in digital workflows, radiographic imaging, and practice management platforms.

Bulleted List of Technical Skills

📸 Digital radiography – Accurate image capture and analysis

🖥️ Intraoral scanning – 3D imaging for diagnostics and restorations

🗂️ Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems – Documentation and patient tracking

🧠 Dental software platforms – Proficiency in Dentrix, Eaglesoft, Open Dental

🛠️ CAD/CAM technology – Chairside crown and bridge design

⚙️ Practice management systems – Billing, scheduling, and case documentation

📡 Teledentistry tools – Remote consultations and diagnostics

The technical skills section is highlighted to help ATS systems detect relevant software proficiencies and procedural competencies like “intraoral scanning” and “CAD/CAM tools.”

These technical skills distinguish you as a digitally proficient clinician, capable of navigating complex systems that enhance patient care and clinic efficiency.

Compare Dental Software Tools & Skill Requirements

Download Software Skills Chart (PDF)

How to Highlight Achievements in a Dentist Resume

Achievements help you stand out beyond job duties by proving measurable impact and clinical success. Unlike generic responsibilities, quantified accomplishments show how you improved patient outcomes, increased efficiency, or led meaningful initiatives. Dental resumes that include achievement-driven bullet points are more likely to impress both ATS systems and hiring managers looking for top-tier candidates.

Bulleted Examples of Dentist Resume Achievements

📈 Increased patient retention by 30% over two years through personalized care strategies

♻️ Led clinic-wide initiative for eco-friendly sterilization protocols, reducing supply costs by 15%

📅 Reduced average patient wait times from 20 to 10 minutes through improved scheduling workflows

🧾 Implemented electronic charting, improving documentation accuracy and saving 10+ hours/month

👩‍⚕️ Mentored three dental interns during their clinical rotations at a university-affiliated clinic

These achievements should be listed in a dedicated resume section or embedded within your work history to reinforce your value with tangible evidence.

Build Your Dentist Resume Achievements

Use our guided worksheet to quantify your accomplishments and turn them into standout resume points.Download Achievement Builder (PDF)

Download a Customizable Dentist Resume Template

Edit layout, colors, sections, and format based on your dental specialty and experience using this customizable dentist resume template. Whether you're targeting general practice, orthodontics, or pediatric dentistry, this template provides editable sections that let you tailor content and design to match job listings and personal preferences. Built for compatibility with Microsoft Word and Google Docs, it balances ATS optimization with visual flexibility.

Download a Customizable Dentist Resume Template

This flexible template allows you to change fonts, reorder sections, and personalize your resume for different roles or clinics.Download Customizable Resume (DOCX)

Choose Your Preferred Mode

Light Mode: Clean, white background with dark serif font

Dark Mode: Professional dark layout for reduced screen glare

FAQ Entry

Is a PDF Format Suitable for Dentist Resumes in ATS?

Many modern ATS systems can read PDF files, especially if they are text-based and not image-heavy or overly designed. However, for maximum compatibility, it's best to use a clean and simple layout without tables or columns. Saving your dentist resume in PDF format preserves formatting across devices and ensures your sections display consistently to hiring managers.

Is the Chronological Format Best for Dentist Resumes?

Yes, the chronological format is recommended for dentist resumes because it highlights steady professional growth and clinical continuity—two qualities that hiring managers value highly. This structure allows you to demonstrate experience over time in a reverse-chronological order, clearly showing career progression from internships to independent dental practice. It also aligns well with ATS parsing rules and is the most expected format in healthcare resume screening.

Chronological Format vs Functional for Dentists

Chronological Format Advantages:

Emphasizes consistent employment and skill development

Preferred by most dental recruiters and healthcare institutions

Easy for ATS systems to parse and evaluate

Showcases licensure and specialization over time

Functional Format Limitations:

De-emphasizes work dates, which can raise red flags

Less effective for licensed clinical roles requiring timeline validation

Risk of ATS misreading grouped skills and experience sections

The resume timeline should start with the most recent position—such as “General Dentist at SmileCare Dental, 2022–Present”—and work backward to educational or internship roles. Each entry should include job title, clinic, location, dates, and 3–5 bullet points outlining clinical duties and achievements.

Visual Toggle Feature – Layout Comparison (Chronological vs Functional)

How Should I Include My Dental License on My Resume?

List your active dental license clearly in its own section or within the certifications area of your resume. Include the state of issuance, license number (if applicable), and expiration date to demonstrate legal eligibility for clinical practice. Properly formatting licensing details is essential, especially for compliance with healthcare hiring protocols and ATS keyword scans.

Licensing should be formatted in a consistent style under a heading such as “Licensure” or included within “Certifications & Licenses.” For example:

Licensed General Dentist – California License #D-54321 | Expires: December 2026 Issued by: California Dental Board

Multiple state licenses should be listed separately to support multi-state practice eligibility.

Always ensure that licensing info is up to date and formatted as searchable plain text—this avoids disqualification in ATS filters and meets clinical verification requirements.

Verify Your Dental License

California Dental Board License Verification

Download Dentist Resume (PDF Format)

Ensure consistent formatting and professional presentation with our ready-to-send PDF version.Download PDF Format

Graphic (PDF vs DOCX ATS Compatibility)

How to Write the Summary Section in a Dentist Resume

The summary section should concisely showcase your clinical focus, years of experience, and patient care approach. Positioned at the top of your resume, it acts as a quick elevator pitch that communicates your strengths to both ATS systems and hiring managers. An effective summary should be tailored to your dental specialty, highlight core competencies, and reflect your value proposition in two to three impactful sentences.

General dentist with 10+ years in family practices, skilled in restorative procedures and pediatric care. Proven ability to manage multi-patient schedules while maintaining high patient satisfaction. Committed to continuing education and delivering evidence-based dental treatment.

Downloadable Summary Templates

Download Dentist Summary Section Templates

General Dentist Summary

Cosmetic Dentist Summary

Pediatric Dentist Summary

Resume Formatting Tips for Dentists

Proper resume formatting ensures that your content is easily readable by both ATS systems and hiring managers. For dental professionals, a clean, structured layout improves scanability and highlights your clinical experience effectively. Avoid dense blocks of text, use clear section headers, and maintain visual consistency throughout your document to meet both technical and aesthetic expectations.

✅ Checklist: Formatting Best Practices

✅ Use 11–12 pt font size (e.g., Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman)

✅ Keep 1-inch margins on all sides

✅ Use bold headers for each resume section (e.g., Skills, Licenses, Education)

✅ Apply consistent spacing (line height 1.15–1.5x)

✅ Use bullet points for clarity under Work History or Skills

✅ Avoid text boxes, images, and multi-column formats that disrupt ATS parsing

✅ Save in both DOCX and text-based PDF formats

✅ Name your file descriptively (e.g., “John-Doe-Dentist-Resume-2025.pdf”)

Following these formatting tips boosts your resume’s clarity, professionalism, and ATS compatibility—key factors in landing interviews for dental roles.

Before/After Image: Formatting Mistakes vs Optimized Layout

Free Dentist CV Template Download

Use this professionally designed CV template tailored specifically for dental roles. Whether you’re a recent dental school graduate or an experienced practitioner, this free download offers a clean, ATS-optimized layout ideal for academic, clinical, or private practice applications. The template includes dedicated sections for education, licensure, clinical experience, certifications, and professional summary—fully editable in both DOCX and PDF formats.

Free Dentist CV Template Download

This CV template is crafted for clarity and compliance with modern ATS standards, making it ideal for both entry-level and seasoned dentists.Download Dentist CV (DOCX / PDF)

Choose Your CV Version

New Graduate Dentist CV

Experienced Dentist CV

How to Structure the Education Section in a Dentist Resume

The education section validates your academic background and credentials in dentistry, which are essential for clinical licensure and employment. Dental hiring managers and credentialing bodies expect this section to include your degree, institution, graduation year, and any honors or relevant coursework. A well-structured education section supports ATS compliance while signaling professional legitimacy.

Example Entry Format

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) NYU College of Dentistry — Graduated 2019 GPA: 3.8 | Honors: Cum Laude Relevant Coursework: Oral Pathology, Restorative Dentistry, Dental Radiology

Be sure to format your dental degree consistently with full program titles (DDS or DMD), and avoid omitting graduation year or university name—two critical fields scanned by both ATS and recruiters.

Download Dental Education Section Checklist

Download Checklist (PDF)

Best Layout Designs for Dentist Resumes

A clean, consistent layout improves both readability and ATS compatibility in dentist resumes. Design should guide the reader’s eye through key resume sections—summary, skills, experience, and education—while preserving a professional aesthetic. Choosing a layout aligned with your target role, whether clinical, academic, or private practice, helps emphasize your qualifications and presentation style.

Image Gallery Layout Examples (Descriptive)

Layout Name

Description

Modern Clinical Focus

Balanced white space, sans-serif fonts, subtle color accents for headers

Academic + Research

Structured for CVs with publications, conferences, and institutional detail

Private Practice Appeal

Classic layout with serif fonts and well-defined experience timelines

Three resume layout designs tailored for dental professionals: Modern, Academic, and Traditional.

The right layout enhances scannability and reflects your brand as a professional dentist—choose one that aligns with your career goals and clinical specialty.

Preview Resume Layout Styles

Switch between single-column and two-column formats to choose the best layout for your dentist resume.

[Toggle Component Placeholder]

Powerful Action Verbs for a Dentist Resume

Start each bullet point with an action verb to clearly show your contributions and clinical impact. Action verbs bring energy and specificity to your resume, helping you stand out in ATS scans and making your accomplishments more persuasive to recruiters. For dental professionals, these verbs should highlight leadership, precision, communication, and treatment delivery.

Bulleted List of Action Verbs (Thematic)

🩺 Diagnosed – Used for identifying oral conditions and treatment planning

🛠️ Implemented – Applied new tools, protocols, or systems

👥 Managed – Oversaw teams, clinic workflows, or patient flow

📚 Educated – Provided oral hygiene guidance and staff/intern instruction

🛡️ Prevented – Conducted proactive care and preventive treatments

🔬 Examined – Performed patient evaluations and screenings

📊 Analyzed – Interpreted radiographs or patient data

⚙️ Developed – Created custom care plans or treatment guides

💬 Communicated – Interacted effectively with patients and colleagues

Diagnosed oral conditions and developed personalized treatment plans for 30+ patients weekly.

Downloadable Glossary Resource

Dentist Resume Action Verbs Glossary

Access a curated list of 100+ action verbs categorized by communication, leadership, diagnostics, and procedural relevance.Download Glossary (PDF)

How to Include Internship Roles in a Dentist Resume

Internship roles are crucial for early-career dentists, especially when showcasing clinical exposure and hands-on learning. Including your internships properly helps employers understand your foundational skills, procedural training, and patient care involvement during dental school. Internships should be listed similarly to full-time roles—with job title, clinic name, dates, and a few key responsibilities.

Example Resume Entry Format

Dental Intern – University Dental Clinic, Boston January 2023 – May 2023

Assisted in restorative procedures, including fillings and sealants

Coordinated patient intake and appointment prep

Performed sterilization and hygiene station maintenance

Shadowed licensed dentists during oral surgery and prosthetic fittings

Use precise dates and describe real clinical actions—this strengthens credibility and helps ATS systems recognize internship experience as valid early-career training.

Downloadable Template for New Grads

Download New Graduate Resume Template

New Grad Resume (Pre-Built Internship Section)

Dentist Cover Letter Example

Full Sample Letter:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the General Dentist position at [Clinic Name]. With over 7 years of clinical experience in restorative care, pediatric dentistry, and preventive treatments, I bring both technical proficiency and compassionate patient care to every appointment.

At SmileWell Dental Group, I managed treatment plans for over 30 patients weekly, implemented digital radiography tools for diagnostics, and contributed to a 20% increase in patient satisfaction through patient education initiatives. I am licensed in California, certified in BLS, and proficient in Dentrix and intraoral scanning technologies.

I welcome the opportunity to bring my dedication and clinical expertise to your practice. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, Dr. Melissa Chen, DDS melissachen@email.com (123) 456-7890

Download Dentist Cover Letter Example

Download This Cover Letter (DOCX Format)

Auto-Generate Cover Letter Tool (Optional Component Placeholder)

Add a short form where users can input their dental specialty, years of experience, and clinic type to auto-generate a personalized cover letter.

Download Dentist Resume in DOCX Format

DOCX format is ideal for dentists looking to edit, personalize, and tailor their resumes for different roles or clinics. Compatible with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice, DOCX files maintain structural integrity and are easily parsed by most ATS systems. Downloading your dentist resume in this format ensures maximum flexibility, clean layout control, and readiness for professional submission.

Download Dentist Resume in DOCX Format

Download Editable DOCX Resume

Fully editable in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice. ATS-friendly layout and text-based formatting included.

Two Template Options Available

Choose Your Preferred DOCX Resume Style

Modern Template

Traditional Template