by Sophie Kaye
“That may be. But you can't ask me to compromise my ethics for you. We're not even married yet.” He winked.
“Can you look over the numbers again? Maybe if you try to see it from the town's perspective-”
“Let me stop you right there. There are thousands of dying small towns in this country. I can't save them all.”
“Please?” Jessica grabbed his hand.
Cory groaned. “Fine. I'll look into it.” He pulled his hand back and held up a finger. “But I'm not promising anything else.”
Jessica smiled. “That's all I'm asking for now.”
“You know,” Cory said and took her hand again. “Since I'm doing this for you, maybe you could do something for me?”
Jessica pulled back a bit. “What?”
“Don't look so scared, it's nothing unsavory. I was just wondering if you wanted to go to the gala with me?”
“The Cancer Gala?”
“The very one.”
Jessica took a moment. What harm could there come from going to a gala with him? She was already going.
“Fine.” She smiled. “But I'm not promising anything else.”
Cory threw his head back and laughed. “Fair enough.”
Chapter Eleven
“I feel exhausted.” Maggie slumped down in the chair opposite Jessica in the kitchen.
Jessica took a sip of coffee and studied Maggie's oversized necklace with green stones and her fifties-inspired yellow dress. “Rough day?”
“Lots of people today. And my roommate got dumped yesterday, so we stayed up late eating ice cream and watching The Exorcist.”
Jessica raised an eyebrow.
Maggie shrugged. “It's how she copes. I've seen more horror movies in the year I've lived with her than my twenty-five years before then.”
Rita came into the kitchen and made a beeline for the coffee pot.
“How is everyone today?” she asked without looking at them.
“Tired,” Maggie said.
“Fine,” Jessica chimed in, almost choking on her words as Michael appeared in the doorway.
“Looking forward to the party,” Maggie said and beamed at Michael.
Michael stiffened. “The party?”
“Yes, silly. You invited us over for pizza tomorrow evening. Remember? A couple of weeks ago. When you bragged about making your own.”
“Right.” Michael ducked away to the coffee maker. “You still want to do that?”
“Of course we do,” Maggie said.
“Sounds like a good way to take our minds off the bank closing,” Rita said and sat next to Maggie.
Michael cleared his throat. “Well, tomorrow night it is.” He sat down next to Jessica.
There was a faint jingle. “Shoot.” Maggie swiped the last of her coffee. “That's the door. I told you,” she turned to Jessica, “rough day today.” She grimaced and hurried off.
Jessica sat staring at her coffee mug. Michael was so close to her she was breathing in the scent of his soap. He moved a little and their arms touched. For just a second, Jessica felt the muscles through his suit. Then he cleared his throat again and turned slightly towards her.
“You're welcome to come.”
“Hmh?” She drowned in his brown eyes.
“To the pizza evening. It won't be anything special. But you're welcome to come.”
“Oh.” Jessica swallowed. “Thank you.”
They sat in silence. Jessica looked up. Rita's eyes went from Michael to her and back again.
“I have work to do.” She stood up. “Enjoy your coffee.”
“How's work going?” Michael asked without looking at her.
“Fine, I think I'm getting the hang of it.”
“Good. That's good.”
“Michael?”
He looked at her, making her forget what she was about to say.
“Yes?”
“I... I spoke to my mom. About the bank. There might still be a chance to save it.”
“Are you sure she would do that?”
Jessica shook her head. “It's not up to her. It's a bit more complicated. But she promised she'd talk to some of the other members of the board.”
Michael's stern face made her quiet.
He sighed.
“It's nice of you to try.” He turned to look straight ahead.
“Bellfrey is my home. And the bank is an important part of the community. I don't want to see anything happen to it.”
Michael snorted. “It's not like you don't have options.”
Jessica paled. “I love Bellfrey.” Jessica blinked to force back the tears that threatened to rise. “I've been working in the diner for almost two years. I bet I know more people here than you do.”
Michael stared at her. “Sorry. I didn't mean you don't care. I just meant that for many of us moving and starting over would be too difficult.”
“Oh, please. I bet you could get a job anywhere.”
“I didn't mean me. I expect I'll move on eventually when I can get a better job. But how many banks do you think would hire Maggie and let her dress the way she does? And Rita... Well, things are difficult for her. She's comfortable enough here that her talent shines, but put her in a new environment and she breaks down.”
Compassion and caring radiated from Michael.
“I didn't know about Rita.”
“Don't let her know you know. It's difficult enough for her.”
“I won't.”
“I should get back to work.” Michael got up and took his own and Maggie's mug to the sink. He rinsed them both.
“I'll do what I can for the bank,” Jessica said quietly.
Michael nodded at her.
“I HAD TO SEE IT TO believe it.”
Jessica looked up from her work. “Hailey. What are you doing here?”
Hailey sat down in front of the desk. “I had some banking to do, so I figured I'd come to see if you were actually working here.”
Jessica grimaced. “I can't wait to get back to the diner. And the bakery, I miss helping you out.”
Hailey shrugged. “Timing-wise it's perfect. January tends to be a slow month. People are still thinking of their New Year's resolutions.”
“That's a bummer.”
“Not to worry, by mid-January they slowly start dropping back in and by Valentine's Day it's back to normal.”
“That's good.”
“Speaking of Valentine's, how are the preparations for the festival going?”
Jessica grabbed a stack of papers and moved it aside. “Pretty good. We're having a meeting this evening.”
Hailey loosened her scarf a bit. “So you're free for an early dinner?”
Jessica lit up. “I am.”
“Great. Sam has plans with his brother, and Myra insisted on some time with Sage, so I have an evening to myself.”
“Sounds like a girls' night,” Jessica said and winked.
“Except I have to be back in time to tuck Sage in. But a girls' late afternoon or early evening, maybe?”
“I'll take it. I could use some girl talk.”
“Great, how long before you can leave?”
Jessica checked her watch. “About ten minutes.”
“Then I'll let you get on with it. I'll go say hi to Michael.” Hailey got up.
A smile spread on Jessica's face as she tried to focus on her work. Her parents were wonderful, but she missed going out with friends and just chatting away a few hours. She used a pencil to scratch an itch under the cast. At least she knew never to play tennis in heels.
After staring at the same piece of paper for several minutes, she sighed and decided to call it a day. She buttoned up her coat and placed her bag over her shoulder.
Hailey's soft, bright laughter erupted from Michael's office. Jessica took a deep breath and listened as Michael's deep rich voice joined in.
She stood for a minute, unsure if she should interrupt them.
“I see you're also sneaking off a bit early,” Rit
a said as she turned the corner from her office. She was all bundled up in a hat and a large scarf.
“I...”
Rita shrugged. “It's Friday. I've been trying to get Michael onboard with my half-day for Friday's idea for years, but he seems determined to put in the hours.”
Jessica smiled. “Any big plans for the weekend?”
“Not really, but I'll see you at Michael's gathering tomorrow?”
“I'm not sure yet.” Jessica bit her lip.
“Well, he does make good pizza so try to make it.” Rita raised a hand and disappeared into the front room.
“Ready to go?” Hailey came up to her.
Jessica nodded. “Ready. Where do you want to go?”
Hailey laughed. “There aren't that many options. How about the diner?”
“Perfect.” Jessica smiled as Hailey held the door open for her.
“Are you OK to walk there?” Hailey frowned.
“I think so. It might take a while though.”
“That's fine. The weather is beautiful today. Not too cold.”
Jessica slowly made her way down the sidewalk.
“So... I have an... issue,” she said.
“Tell me.” Hailey leaned in closer.
“Well, it's Michael.”
“Is he not treating you right? I can't see him being mean, but he does sometimes seem to be lacking a bit in the people skills department.”
“No. Nothing like that. I just- I don't know how I feel about him.”
“What do you mean?”
“I told you I broke my leg playing tennis, right?”
Hailey nodded.
“Well, Michael was there.”
“You better start from the beginning,” Hailey said.
By the time they reached the diner, Hailey was all filled in on what had happened between Michael and Jessica up to the invitation to the pizza party.
“Are you going?” Hailey asked and helped Jessica get situated at a table in the back.
“I don't know. Whenever I'm around him I get all... flustered. He gets under my skin. I don't think I've ever been in an argument like that with anyone else. At least not that made me feel so bad.”
“Jessica.” Jenna came up to them looking panicked. “When are you getting that awful thing of your leg so you can come back here?”
“Not for another five weeks or so. Are you OK?”
“This is madness. Everyone expects me to serve them straight away. I barely have time to cook.”
“You'll do fine.” Jessica smiled at her. Jenna hated being in the diner and was prone to exaggerate the things she didn't like.
“I'll have the chicken burger with extra bacon and fries and water,” Hailey said.
“Same for me.” Jessica smiled at Jenna, who scribbled down their orders. “But could you put some gravy on the fries?”
Jenna nodded and retreated to the kitchen. Jessica smiled and looked around. Only three other tables were occupied, and they seemed to be either eating or waiting patiently to get their food.
Hailey got a dreamy look on her face. “What if you and Michael became a couple?”
“What?” Jessica's eyes went wide.
“Well, you obviously like him. And when I asked how you were doing, he couldn't change the subject fast enough. I think he even blushed a bit.”
“Your imagination must be overloaded from all the stories you tell Sage.”
Hailey shrugged. "I think you should go to the party."
“I don't think it's a party, it's just a gathering. With pizza. Did you know Michael cooks?”
“Yeah, he brought some appetizers for our New Year's party.”
Jessica squinted. “Were they any good?”
“Delicious. Like really, really good. And perfectly symmetrical.” Hailey let out a short giggle.
“Symmetrical?”
“You'll see.” Hailey raised an eyebrow.
Jessica was about to ask what she meant when Jenna brought them two plates full of food.
“Here you go.”
She hurried off before they could say anything, retreating to the safety of the kitchen.
Chapter Twelve
“I'm sorry I can't pick you up,” Jessica's mom said as they arrived at the house where Michael lived. “I'd skip the whole thing if I could, but with everything going on... Cory and I just have to be there.”
“It's fine. I can take a taxi.” Jessica took a shaky breath. “I probably won't stay that late. When will you be back?”
“Wednesday at the latest. I hate that you have to be alone until then.”
“It's fine. Rosa will be there to feed me. And Dad will be home on Tuesday.” Jessica smiled at her mother.
“Who's that woman in the yellow coat?”
Jessica looked around. Maggie was waving at her from the door to the building.
“She works at the bank.” Jessica opened the door.
“What an interesting sense of fashion.” Priscilla leaned forward to get a better look.
Maggie was wearing big fluffy white boots and a pink and black striped scarf that hung down almost to the ground. A fluffy white hat that matched the boots completed the outfit.
Jessica smiled and struggled to her feet. “She's quite the character.”
“Have fun.”
Jessica closed the door and waved as her mom drove off.
“Is that a Mercedes-Maybach S 650?” Maggie was staring after the car.
“No idea. It's very comfortable.”
“Your mom must be loaded.” Maggie sighed as the car disappeared.
“I suppose.”
“Are you ready for some pizza?”
Jessica smiled while Maggie pressed the buzzer.
“Yes?” Michael's voice said a few seconds later.
“We're here for pizza,” Maggie said and laughed.
“Come on in. Third floor.” The door lock buzzed and Maggie held the door open for Jessica.
“Oh good,” Jessica said. “There's an elevator.”
“Oh, right.” Maggie switched directions. “You probably don't want to take the stairs.” She smiled and pressed the button.
Jessica took a deep breath. Why were her palms so sweaty? She removed her hat while they waited for the elevator and ran her fingers through her hair.
“After you,” Maggie said.
Jessica checked her hair in the mirror in the elevator as she got in. It was long and blond and didn't look too messy. She sighed. Winter was not good for it.
Maggie removed her big hat as the doors closed. Her hair was styled in two braids, one on each side. A perfect way to avoid hat hair.
“Have you been to Michael's before?” Maggie asked.
“No.” Jessica shook her head.
“It's kind of... organized. I don't know if you've noticed, but Michael likes things just so.”
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped into a hallway with four doors. The last one on the left was open.
“This is it,” Maggie said and peeked inside. “Hello?”
Michael appeared looking relaxed in jeans and a beige jumper.
“Welcome.” He took the bag Maggie offered him. “What's this?”
“Hostess gift.” Maggie's attention was already on the apartment and she was taking off her coat, showing a pretty red dress and a long black cardigan. “My mother told me to always bring something.”
Michael opened the bag and looked puzzled. He pulled up what looked like a flattened cat.
“It's a tea cozy,” Maggie said, unperturbed by his confusion.
“Thank you. That's very kind.” He put the tea cozy back and turned his attention to Jessica.
“I just brought wine,” Jessica said and fished the bottle out of her bag.
“Ah, thank you.” Michael smiled at her
Jessica's stomach fluttered. “It should go well with pizza.”
“I'm sure it will.” Michael put the gifts aside. “Here.” He reached out for Maggie's coat. “I'll pu
t that away. Rita is in the living room.”
“Great.” Maggie dumped the coat in his arms and left them in the hallway.
Jessica propped the crutches against a console table and started taking off her coat.
“Let me help you with that.” Without warning, Michael stood behind her, so close she could feel his warmth.
“Thanks.” Jessica slid out of her coat. “I think I might have to take up yoga again when my cast comes off. I'm noticing that my balance isn't as good as I had hoped.” She handed Michael her scarf and hat.
“I'm really sorry about the leg.”
The tone of his voice made her look up.
“I feel a bit guilty. If it hadn't been for me, you never would have played tennis in heels.”
Jessica smiled. “You don't know that. Maybe it's something I do regularly.” She reached for her crutches. “It wasn't your fault.”
She turned around and found him standing right in front of her. She could feel his breath. Her eyes were level with his collarbone. His hand was on her waist, heating the fabric of her red shirt. He took a step closer.
Her breathing quickened as she looked up. His eyes were dark and focused on her lips. She could sense his chest rising and falling in tune with his breath. She looked down in confusion.
“Michael?” Maggie raised her voice in the living room. “How long for the pizza? I'm starving.”
Jessica looked up. A faint smile played on Michael's lips.
“Coming,” he said and took a step back, slowly taking his hand off her waist.
Jessica blinked a few times before she followed into the living room.
The first thing Jessica noticed was a large comfy sofa aimed straight at a huge flat-screen that was mounted on the wall to the right. The coffee table was dark wood, simple and sturdy, and on top of it was a decorative narrow bowl filled with wrapped candies.
To the left was the open kitchen where Michael headed.
“You know this place could use a potted plant or two,” Maggie said. “Maybe a picture on the wall. Something that says the person who lives here is not a robot.” Maggie sat down on the sofa next to Rita.
“Hello, Jessica.” Rita pulled her cardigan closer around herself.
“Do you want some wine while I make the pizzas?” Michael asked from the kitchen.
“Sure.” Jessica crossed the room to sit on one of the barstools at the kitchen island.