by Elder, Jan;
She had so much to consider. Running a business was not nearly as easy as she’d thought. A business degree had not prepared her to be an entrepreneur. She started making a list in her head of supplies to order. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, fruit purees, nut pastes, an assortment of dipping forks, decorating tools…the list went on and on. And then there was the packaging. Boxes, bags, pricy and upscale, even the ability to make their own. There were hundreds of options.
She had no idea if she should give up and move back to Chicago. What she did know was this was not the time to make decisions. Or move any more than necessary. And if she didn’t shut her brain down now, it would explode. Blood pounding, she prayed for peace. She broke out into a cold sweat, her stomach coiling into a ball. Dear Lord, her head hurt!
Gracey quietly crept closer and bedded down in the crook behind her legs.
Cassidy’s racing pulse slowed and she drifted, praying for sleep.
~*~
With all the goat kids safely in the barn, Hunter latched the doors of the delivery truck, and watched as Mr. Green turned the truck around. “Thanks, Stanley. I appreciate your taking the time to deliver them yourself.”
“This lot was weaned a couple of weeks ago, and they’re double their birth weights already. I guarantee healthy, happy goats, each one fully vetted and socialized. Their mothers, the does, are hearty milkers from superior bloodlines. But I’m positive Shirley told you all the details.”
“Yes, she did. I can’t wait to turn that remarkable milk into cheese and yogurt.” Hunter handed him a check. There wasn’t much money left in his bank account, but he had a barn full of alfalfa, corn, barley, and oats, and the kids were old enough to be turned out to pasture.
“Thanks for the quick payment. My daughter’s getting married in June. Those things aren’t cheap, if you know what I mean.”
“That’s what I hear, and you’re welcome. Please say hello to your wife and tell her she’s a good sales woman. I’m pleased to get such well cared for goats. Thanks again.” Hunter waved as Mr. Green headed out.
The year before, one of his buddies had gotten married and thrown a pricy bash equaling the cost of Hunter’s college education. He didn’t want to do that. He might be in the minority, but in his mind, marriage was about what happened after the wedding.
Whistling, he sauntered back toward the barn, hands in his pockets. He’d worked hard to chink every hole that might let in a draft, so each baby goat would be warm, safe, and dry. He’d doubled the barn’s square footage, too. The cute little animals would have plenty of room to bond with their friends.
He hopped onto the paddock fence and watched as the kids gamboled and frolicked. He wished he could share this simmering joy with someone. Maybe when Cassidy woke up, if she felt better, she’d be interested in checking out his new acquisitions. She might pretend she wasn’t fond of animals, but he had a sneaking suspicion Marigold had won her over to the winsome ways of barnyard creatures. Maybe the baby goats would burrow their way into her affections, as well.
When he’d brought her home this afternoon, her pain-filled eyes had torn holes in his chest. He’d left her at her door, and he’d ached to do more than kiss the top of her head. He’d wanted to spin her around and kiss those pretty, red lips. What could he do to help her? Would she be hungry when she woke up? He didn’t know much about migraine triggers. He pulled out his phone to research the malady. He didn’t want to make her feel worse.
He leapt to the ground. It was getting late and he didn’t have time to make something. He’d get take out. Katie’s Eats would have something good.
~*~
When Cassidy woke, the room teetered on the edge of darkness. Good grief, she’d been sleeping for hours. Her phone chimed, signaling an incoming text. There were two texts from Hunter. Gabby must have given him her phone number because she certainly hadn’t.
The first text had come in two hours before.
This is Hunter. You OK?
The second text was more practical.
In case ur up to eating, dinner is on ur front porch.
Surprisingly, she was hungry. She hadn’t eaten a thing since the scones in the wee hours of the morning. She switched on a light and blinked. Better.
Gracey skittered into the room licking her lips.
Had Cassidy remembered to fill the dry food bowl that morning? She made her way down the stairs, swung open the front door, and picked up the paper bag resting on the welcome mat. She opened the care package and sniffed. Chicken. A note was stuck to the top of the first plastic container.
I researched migraine triggers, so this meal is cheese, wine, chocolate, and citrus fruit free. I hope you feel better. Call u later, Hunter.
Aww. Cassidy trekked to the kitchen, filled the cat food dish, grabbed one of Savannah’s homey dinner plates, and popped open the first container. A crispy chicken breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, and glazed carrots stared her in the face. In the second carton, a cherry berry cobbler with a crumb topping winked at her, the thickened juice glossy with sugary goodness. Hunter’s creation, no doubt.
She dug down to the bottom of the bag. Laughter bubbled out of her mouth. A note was taped to that box, too.
Voila. Whipped cream!
14
Gabby bounced up and down, her ponytail fanning out in a plume. “Do you think we have enough door prizes?”
After all the hard work, Cassidy was just hoping paying customers would show up. “Yes, we have enough door prizes. Why are you up? The store doesn’t open until ten.” Cassidy had planned to surprise her chocolatier and arrive at work before Gabby was even awake.
“I was so excited about the grand opening, I woke up early. Or maybe I never went to sleep. I’m not sure.”
Every morning except Sunday, Gabby experimented with recipes. Today was no exception. The special creation of the day was a blissful praline ganache with a caramelized hazelnut center.
All of that artistry had been accomplished while Cassidy had slept. “Way to pour on the guilt, thank you very much.”
“What did I do?”
“You’re just way too responsible.” Cassidy shook her head and grabbed Gabby in a half-hug. “In case you missed the memo, I’m kidding. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I almost closed up the house and headed back to Chicago after my car got trashed, but this is your dream, too. Yours, mine, and Savannah’s. Our dream.”
This was really happening. They had sixteen different flavors to offer, and she’d been eagerly awaiting that final taste test before the crowd she hoped for arrived. Mouth watering, she sneaked a hazelnut praline. With nervous energy zinging through her veins, Cassidy savored every speck.
Gabby’s face shone and her contagious joy warmed Cassidy’s soul. “I’m glad you kept the name. Savannah would be pleased. Did you see the morning paper?”
Cassidy slit open the package of truffle boxes embossed with the company logo. The burgundy foil glinted as a ray of sunshine illuminated the front window. She’d also bought cellophane bags with ribbons for those who wanted to buy only a few truffles. “Nope, haven’t seen it yet.”
“We’re on the front page!”
“Honest? Give it to me, give it to me.”
Gabby handed her the Crystal Falls Courier, and Cassidy spread it out on the counter.
Right there—a full-page spread about the shop. Her pulse ratcheted into overdrive. She tumbled into a chair and read the article aloud.
Savannah’s Sweets Grand Opening Today!
Savannah’s Sweets, a brand new chocolate truffle store located at 132 Main Street in the Crystals Falls business district, opens today. Owner Cassidy Cooper says, “We’re excited to announce the opening of our gourmet chocolate truffle shop. What makes our truffles extraordinary? Each truffle is handmade by our master chocolatier, Ms. Gabriela Reyes. Gabby is committed to creating an extra-creamy and unusually scrumptious truffle using the finest ingredients available. And what makes the perfect tr
uffle? A rich outer chocolate shell filled with sensuous, melt-in-your-mouth, goodness. Currently, we are offering sixteen different flavors featuring dark, milk, and white chocolate, and Ms. Reyes is hard at work developing exciting new creations every day.”
Cassidy skipped to the part about Savannah at the bottom.
This reporter asked Ms. Cooper how the store got its name. “The shop was my late sister, Savannah’s, idea and it’s my privilege to make that dream come true. In fact, the truffle of the month was Savannah’s favorite—an angelic white chocolate-dipped truffle with a creamy dark chocolate center studded with pecans. All proceeds from the sale of that particular truffle will go to cancer research.”
Cassidy dropped the paper onto the counter. “Now, that’s really something. Blake does good work.” Cassidy would have the article framed and hung in the shop. “Gabby, I’ve been wondering if I should have included the blurb on Savannah’s favorite truffle. Isn’t that playing on people’s sympathies? I don’t want people to buy our truffles because they feel sorry for us.”
“I don’t think that’s the case. You wanted to do something good in Savannah’s memory. Plus, we’re giving a worthy cause a donation. What could be wrong with that?”
“Blake said the same thing. We’re raising money to help someone else.”
A memory of Savannah’s musical laughter echoed in Cassidy’s mind. Savannah had been eleven or twelve and they’d been playing a video game together. Much to her sister’s delight, Savannah had beaten her soundly. Cassidy hadn’t really minded. They’d been friends, then. Back before everything got complicated.
Gabby plunked down next to her and draped an arm around her, breaking her reverie. “You were on Savannah’s mind a great deal in the last few months. She loved you, you know. She left you her house and the business, because she knew you’d take care of things. And you have. Now quit worrying.”
Cassidy hugged her, too choked up to speak.
Gabby flashed her a big grin. “Hey, nice picture of you and me, don’t you think? I’ve never been in the paper before.”
Cassidy peered at the photo of Gabby stirring ganache, surrounded by a few dozen artfully displayed chocolates. Cassidy hadn’t wanted to be in the picture at all, but Blake had talked her into posing. She had a crooked smile on her face, but at least her bangs looked straight. “Not half bad.” Cassidy wished her sister were here to see it. “How’d you get us on the front page?”
A flaming flush radiated up Gabby’s neck and bloomed hot on her cheeks.
Cassidy hid a smirk behind her hand. She’d never seen her friend flustered before. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing. When we were in church last week, we talked about the shop, and I asked him nicely. Blake, I mean. I didn’t think you’d mind.” Gabby grabbed a handful of boxes and a tray of glistening cinnamon pear truffles.
“I don’t mind. It’s good publicity.” And then it dawned on her. “Is he the guy you mentioned you had a thing for?”
“I didn’t say I had a thing, but yeah. He’s a great guy.” Her eyes shone. “And he’s not bad looking, either. I love his little goatee.”
Cassidy’s chest tightened. “I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I’m pretty positive he has a girlfriend.”
“Oh, you mean Lindsey? She broke up with him.”
“She broke up with him? Why?”
“He can’t dance.”
Cassidy stole another praline truffle, popped it in her mouth, and savored the silky sensation. So heavenly. “He can’t dance? That’s it? You’re kidding.”
“I kid you not. A white boy who can’t dance. Go figure.” Gabby smirked.
“No, silly. I mean she broke up with him because of that? She’s an idiot.”
“Yep. Apparently, being light on your feet was vitally important to her. But since I’m a Latina girl who can dance, I’ll teach him. That is, if he wants to learn.” She did a little two-step and twirled.
Cassidy stopped sorting truffles into groups of twelve and burst out laughing. “Has he asked you out yet?”
“Not in so many words, but I think he wants to. He mentioned getting together after church on Sunday, but he wasn’t specific. He’s a little bashful.”
“I’m sure it’ll work out. He’s a nice guy. Where’s Kayla, by the way? It’s 8:30 already, and she’s supposed to polish the cases and help set up.”
Gabby was opening her mouth to answer when a taxi pulled up to the front of the building and Kayla trundled out of the back seat. She knocked on the front door with her elbow, her hands full of what looked like a huge, clear plastic cake box.
Cassidy ran to the door to open it. “A cab? What’s wrong with your car?”
“That wretched old thing is on the blink again, but I wasn’t going to let you down on opening day.” Kayla started singing Happy Birthday in a high, clear soprano.
Cassidy seized the bulky cake box, placing it on a nearby café table. She planted a hand on her hip and turned toward her chocolate maker extraordinaire. “Gabby! Why didn’t you tell me?”
Kayla sighed. “She told me she didn’t want to spoil the grand opening with something as inconsequential as her twenty-first birthday. Can you believe that?”
A tiny grin blossomed on Gabby’s lips. “And I meant it, cuz. Today’s just another day. But I’ll take the cake anyway. What kind is it?”
“I know how much you love coconut cream so I did one better. I call it island fusion. Besides coconut, it has a pineapple, mandarin orange, and mango filling.”
Gabby squealed. “Yum! I didn’t have any breakfast. Can I have a piece now?”
Kayla cut the cake sprinkled liberally with fresh, toasted coconut and they all grabbed a quick break.
Cassidy accepted a generous piece and forked up a bite. “Kayla, this filling is fabulous! Where did you learn to bake?”
Kayla offered a shy smile. “I live with my grandmother. ‘Nuff said?”
“Well, not all grandmothers can bake, but I’m glad yours can. Will you tell her for me her granddaughter makes a mean cake?”
Gabby cheered. “I’ll second that. Thanks for making my day special, Kayla.”
The three worked double time to prepare for what they hoped would be an onslaught. Cassidy excused herself and sped to her car with her phone. She searched for Hunter’s phone number. She hadn’t saved it, but his text was still in her call history.
“Cassidy?” The warm notes of his rich baritone washed over her.
“Uh-huh. Do you have a sec?”
“Sure. What’s up?”
“I was wondering. How well do you know Blake, the newspaper guy?” Cassidy plucked slivers of coconut off her new peach sweater.
“Blake’s a good friend.”
“And you like Gabby, right?”
“Who doesn’t?”
Cassidy used a fingernail to lift a speck of pineapple filling from her new pants. Good thing it came off easily. Cassidy didn’t have time to go home and change. “Great. I have an idea and I need help.”
Hunter chuckled, the timbre of his voice shooting shivers up her back. “I’m in. What do you want me to do?”
15
Hunter dressed for his almost-sort-of-pseudo date with Cassidy. Should he wear a tie? No. Trying too hard. This was a double date, and it was supposed to be super-casual. Cassidy had asked him to call Blake to see if he was free to help celebrate Gabby’s birthday. And Blake was most definitely free. Blake wasn’t merely interested, he was very interested in Gabby. The perfect set-up.
Hunter dug through his closet until he found a pair of dress pants. Had Cassidy also wanted to go out with him? A man could always hope. She was so hard to read. One minute she was friendly, the next as prickly as a holly tree. And why was he so nervous? His hands were sweating. They were just going out for pizza. He grabbed his wallet and bounded down the stairs two at a time. He was late to pick up Blake but he hit the lights on the way to the restaurant. His truck cruised into the parking lot of Mam
a’s Pizza and Pasta at 7:02.
Blake applauded. “Who taught you how to drive? Mario Andretti?”
“What can I say? Natural talent.”
Hunter hopped out of the truck. He’d found a spot next to Gabby’s old clunker, but he didn’t see Cassidy’s little red car. Maybe they’d driven over together, too.
He and Blake walked into a mad house. After all, it was Friday night, a.k.a. date night.
Kyle lounged with a grungy-looking group of misfits at a table near the door.
Hunter raised a hand, but Kyle pointedly ignored him.
Scanning the far side, he saw the ladies already seated in a booth, one on each side. His spirits lifted. He waved to get their attention. When he caught Cassidy’s eye, she wiggled her fingers in greeting. He held her gaze for a moment, and then she blinked, gaze falling to the tabletop. He tried to catch her eye again, but the moment was gone. Hunter slipped into the booth next to Cassidy. She looked lovely, her peachy top giving her complexion a creamy glow. “Busy day? I was going to stop by but figured I’d hear all about it tonight.”
Gabby tapped the seat inviting Blake to sit next to her. “We had a great day, wouldn’t you say, Cassidy?”
“It started out a little slow but picked up around noon. Then we were slammed. The door prizes were a hit, and the contest we’re running generated a lot of interest, thanks to Gabby.” Cassidy unrolled the napkin holding utensils, positioned the flatware, and opened her menu.
The hostess had left only two menus. Much to Hunter’s delight, Cassidy scooted closer so they could share. He “accidently” brushed his fingers over hers when he pulled the menu closer.
Not to be outdone, Blake shuffled closer to Gabby. The boy learned fast.
The server arrived with ice water for everybody. The harried woman tapped her pen on her pad. “Ready to order?”
A pleasing jolt of warmth shot through Hunter’s body as Cassidy grazed a hand over his forearm.
“Is the pizza good here?” Cassidy asked.
“First-rate. Why don’t we order a large pizza for the four of us? And maybe some bruschetta?” Hunter said.