Love at the Salted Caramel Cafe

by Angie Ellington

  Love

  at the

  Salted Caramel

  Cafe

  Angie Ellington

  ©

  Copyright © 2018 Angie N. Ellington

  All rights reserved.

  Ebook-Kindle

  Cover Art © canva.com & istock

  with purchased digital use rights

  ©

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you for your support. Dedicated to my family and friends.

  All Rights Reserved

  This includes the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permissions from the author except in the case of brief quotation embodied in critical articles and reviews. Please purchase only authorized copies.

  Work of Fiction

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  E book Edition

  The electronic version is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. An ebook may not be resold. If you would like to share, please use the enabled lending program if available or purchase a separate copy for someone as an e-gift.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Epilogue

  More from the Author

  A Peek at Christmas in Fair Bend

  CHAPTER ONE

  Sierra Blake pulled into the small graveled parking lot outside of The Salted Caramel Cafe. A quaint establishment renamed after winning multiple regional and state awards for caramel concoctions. She watched an elderly couple making their way up the side entrance a few feet in front of her, as the man held his wife steady. She was using the wooden ramp's rail for additional support, donning a small burgundy hat with a yellow bird attached to the side. A long black dress swayed along her weathered ankles brushing over black orthopedic sneakers. She had a yellow shawl that matched the bird on the hat draped over her shoulders in perfect symmetry on either shoulder.

  As they reached the door, a handsome young man in his twenties held the door open and assisted them inside. The older gentleman removed his Fedora hat that completed his suit of full light gray, and as he turned to the side upon entering, Sierra spotted a small yellow handkerchief tucked neatly in his shirt pocket. No tie, but he still found a way to match his wife's attire, or possibly she had insisted upon the match.

  Sierra wondered if they had been to a wedding, church function, or possibly a funeral. It was the start of a Saturday afternoon in Mill Hollows, so any of those were possible. She knew much of the small town she had grown up in hadn't and wouldn't change. It was a predictable weekend of calendar events, she was sure. She had noticed the fruit stand had the usual gathering next to it as she turned onto the street behind the cafe.

  She had heard roars from the men watching a football game playing at Frankie's Brewhaus a little further down as she came to a halt at the stoplight. It was certainly Virginia Tech against a popular rivaled team, as college football in a town located within a half hour of the popular university created a reason for gathering together, consuming beer, and trading criticisms about the other teams. It was their version of a book club.

  Sierra placed her sunglasses in the holder of her silver Audi SUV, inhaling a full breath as she looked in the rear view mirror. She brushed her hair back out of her face. She had been driving for five hours after an overnight stay at a friend's house from college, and had let her window down when she came into Mill Hollows to feel the breeze upon her face in the 25 speed zone, soaking in the early Autumn combination of warm and cool air as they collided for domination.

  Sierra glanced over to the sports bar that was now in view as she exited her vehicle. She saw a small crowd standing in the doorway. A burly man in a full beard confirmed her assumption that it was, in fact, a college football game causing the boisterous voices, as he leaned forward, tucked his elbows inward, and began some type of odd chicken dance in his Virginia Tech sweatshirt. Sierra assumed Tech must have won the game or at least have scored a touchdown and were making a comeback. She shook her head and began to snicker as she casually waved toward the heavily bearded chicken-dancing-man. The happy, and possibly slightly intoxicated football fan, stopped his dance long enough to wave and yell “Ho---kieeesss” as Sierra gave two thumbs up and widened her mouth in a large smile.

  Growing up in a home of Hokies fans and having her younger brother play football there in college, she still enjoyed seeing the revelry and joy it seemed to bring out in the community. Although Sierra never got into football on a live-eat-breathe level, she had been a cheerleader for her high school football team and was the daughter of the coach. High school football games on Friday nights. College football on Saturdays, either at home or in the stands of the Hokies stadium. Sundays? Well, Sundays were for church and family lunches.

  The argument that football was only seasonal didn't hold water as Sierra recalled her mother saying, against family Sundays of church services, big meals, and evenings with one set or the other of grandparents.

  This was a typical Saturday in October for the town that could easily be the subject of a Norman Rockwell painting to a tourist passing through. Well, maybe not quite that lovely, but Mill Hollows was pretty close to the best place to call home as anywhere else Sierra could compare it to. She had missed this place. These people.

  She walked up to the cafe door, raising her sunglasses on her head above her loosely twisted dark blonde hair that she had brushed free from a top knot that had fallen almost free from the drive through town.

  The handsome younger man opened the door for another older couple who were on their way out, when he caught Sierra's half-uncertain, half-giddy, start of a smile as she approached the sign to the cafe and the sidewalk.

  “Sierra?! Are you really here?” The dark-haired man now beamed with delight as they embraced.

  “Yes, baby brother. I'm really here. I've missed you so much, Tom-Tom.” They both laughed.

  “Only you would still call your twenty-four year old brother, Tom-Tom,” he said slightly blushing with embarrassment. “Come on to the back. Roxie is working the afternoon shift today.”

  Sierra pulled back from her brother. “I don't want to bother her while she's working. I know how busy the cafe gets on Saturdays. Mom keeps me informed. She says Roxie is doing well managing the place. I'm glad.”

  They exchanged awkward glances toward the kitchen.

  “I just wanted to stop by and see the place for a minute on my way to the house. I don't think I'm ready to see Roxie just yet; nor do I think she will be as pleased to see me as you are. Thank you, little brother, for....well, just being the sweetheart you've always been. I love you kiddo!” Sierra gave Tom a little punch on the shoulder.

  “I love you, too. I wish you and Roxie would mend whatever fence has been broken between you two. Neither of you will talk about whatever happened with me and mom feels caug
ht in the middle. Dad, of course, just doesn't talk about anything unless he has to, but I'm sure he would have quite a bit to say to both of you if you probed him for advice,” Tom added policing for information from his oldest sibling.

  “Look at you becoming so wise. You must have learned something at Virginia Tech. Lord knows, you didn't spend much time actually attending classes from what you would tell me in the rare texts I would receive mid afternoon when you had just rolled out of bed. We'll catch up tonight. I'll see you at the house.”

  Sierra grabbed a chocolate brownie from the sample table. “Yum. Carlotta made these, didn't she?” Sierra quickly wiped her lip with a napkin as Tom grinned at the chocolate and pointed to the corner of Sierra's mouth.

  “Yep, you know Roxie doesn't do the baking. You're the one who inherited the baking gene for sure. I'm learning how to smoke meats and a few other things, but the desserts mom could make a cookbook out of definitely aren't going to be prepared by Roxie. She's very good at being in charge, though,” Tom replied with a snide grin.

  “Oh yes, I'm certain she has no trouble keeping everyone in line, if she doesn't cause them to quit first. It's amazing she hasn't lost Carlotta yet. I guess mom has given her the warning of where the line is drawn,” Sierra added.

  “Yeah, well, she's had seven or eight employees to walk off the job since she took over running the cafe, but I guess in two years, that isn't really that bad of a ratio for turnover.”

  They both snickered.

  “I'll see you tonight. Sneak me a full sized brownie if there are any left, will ya?” Sierra touched Tom's shoulder and patted him.

  “Bye sis. Anything for you after all the bowls and spoons you let me sample when mom and dad said no sugar near dinner.” They hugged again as Sierra grabbed another brownie sample. Tom cocked his head and raised his brow as his sibling covered the brownie bite with a napkin.

  “What?” Sierra asked bobbing her shoulder with a curled lip and a wink.

  “This bite is for mom.” Sierra waved as she scurried past the window outside and popped the brownie in her mouth. She tried not to laugh with a filled cheek as Tom tapped on the window from inside the cafe and threw his hand up.

  CHAPTER TWO

  The sun was shining brightly above the trees bursting through with light beams illuminating the rich leaves. At sunset, the light blue sky would be ablaze as it merged with the firestorm of rich colors surrounding the Blake's property in the heart of Mill Hollows. Sierra sat in her SUV in awe of the changing leaves and breezes blowing them around in a dance; a sight she hadn't seen in some time.

  Since moving to Tampa, she had longed for changing seasons that she had taken for granted. The summer temps and humidity that rarely took a break were beginning to bore her, although prior to moving to Florida a few years earlier, she would never have imagined she'd tire of wearing shorts and flip-flops year 'round.

  She closed her eyes and felt her fallen hair softly blow across her cheek, as the breeze tickled her eyelashes.

  Must I get out or could I possibly sit here for hours and avoid all thoughts other than those brought on by the sound of leaves rustling and descending gently upon my car?

  She was tired from the drive, but the comfort in sitting in silence was about so much more than sleep deprivation. She felt at peace in Mill Hollows. A peace that she knew would be fleeting in only a matter of time.

  Leaving home and choosing to pursue a career of her own after her mother became ill was not a well-received decision by everyone in the Blake family. Sierra had come home as often as possible during her mother's treatments and recovery periods; whenever she was permitted time off, but she wasn't able to be there for some of the most difficult days. That had hurt Sierra so deeply that after her mother's recovery, she didn't visit as often as she could have. There was such guilt in her heart, and she knew her mother wasn't the only one she felt guilt towards.

  Time had healed some of the tension and resentment, but distance had kept confrontation at bay. The few days she had returned for holidays and special occasions had allowed for temporary pleasantries and hollowed smiles. Although Miranda Blake had always supported and encouraged her children to make their own way in life, not all of her children felt they were treated equally.

  Sierra's younger brother, Tom, was the baby of the family, and the athlete. He was much too busy and unfamiliar with the chaos and frustrations that arose during his mother's battle with breast cancer. He was in his sophomore year of college when she began her treatments. Miranda Blake had insisted that her son remain in school and the family agreed to keep him in the dark during the worst of days. Miranda did her best to fight through the pain and lethargy during his time at home, and sheltered him as much as possible.

  He was a good kid. Star running-back of his high school football team and a top player at Virginia Tech. Richard Blake had dreams for his only son to become a football coach, and follow in his footsteps. He knew Tom wasn't quite strong enough of a college player to pursue a career in the NFL, even if they did their best to make him feel like a star. Staying grounded was also a must in the Blake household. Richard never missed a game; even when Miranda was having a difficult weekend, as she insisted one of them be there to support their youngest child.

  Often times, Sierra's younger sister, Roxie, was left to care for her mother, handle family affairs, and run the cafe that her mother owned. It had been Miranda's wish since she was a teenager to one day own a cafe and had become not only her pride and joy, outside of her family, but an outlet for creativity that gave her a sense of pride and accomplishment.

  She prided herself in her role as a mother and wife, but she relished in pleasing locals and travelers who would stop in for a meal and rave about the latest dishes and baked goods.

  When she became ill, she was devastated at the thought of letting the cafe go, as it kept her motivated during her lowest points of depression. She would work when she could, as often as her body would allow, and when she couldn't, her middle child, Roxie, and Carlotta, her right hand cafe employee and friend, would pitch in and do the best they could to keep customers happy, and Miranda comforted.

  The family was very fortunate that Miranda had recovered and won her battle against cancer. She had gone through a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and reconstruction. No signs of cancer had appeared in the past two years, after a year and a half battle, that they all knew she was lucky to have defeated. They prayed it wouldn't return and were thankful she was gradually regaining her joy in new ways outside of the cafe. Joining a gym and volunteering at the town's makeshift museum had become more fun than the cafe and she was happy to step back...a little.

  Still, the depressive state the disease had left her in lingered from time to time. Beating cancer wasn't the only battle that came from having it. She had returned to working at the cafe, but some days; some weeks even, she would continue to struggle to find her energy and positive spirit that went into making the Salted Caramel Cafe the popular dining spot that it was.

  Sierra knew she should have offered to come home and run the cafe, but Roxie was there. Although Sierra had been a natural in the kitchen with her mother, it made sense for Roxie to take over temporarily. It was supposed to be only temporary. Miranda wouldn't hear of it, as Sierra was working as a hotel manager in Tampa, and was only at the beginning of a successful future there. It would be a career pitfall too early on, according to Miranda. Sierra had only been in Florida for a year when her mother was diagnosed the first time. By the second round, she had been offered the management position with a well-known resort.

  She had studied business with a concentration in hospitality management in college at Radford, and had spent years in dead-end jobs in neighboring cities in low-end hotels, restaurants, and had worked two jobs most of the time to make ends meet. It was the perfect job for Sierra in her field if she wanted to relocate, and her mother had recalled how elated Sierra was at the opportunity. She had been blissfully happy in Tampa. There was
no way Miranda Blake would allow her daughter to give that up.

  ***

  Sierra awoke to a tap on her shoulder. Her father had walked up from the shed behind her. He had been reorganizing tools and cleaning up the storage room. Something he did once a year on a cool fall day.

  “Well, are ya going to sit there and nap all afternoon or get out and give your ol' dad a hug?” Richard asked as he opened the door to the Audi and took a step back for Sierra to get out. They shared a lengthy hug in silence while the breeze blew Sierra's hair around her dad's face.

  “I've missed ya, dad,” Sierra said almost in a whisper. She knew her father had wanted her to move back during her mother's illness, but had respected Miranda's wishes and not pressed her to do so. Sierra felt a tear roll down her cheek, as every time she came home for a visit, she felt regret, despite her many offers to move home in the past. This time, the sadness was part of something more.

  Her parents knew she was coming home, but no one else did. She hadn't said why; just that she needed a break and some time at home. She knew not everyone would be happy to see her, but the time had come to say things that needed to be said and mend fences or possibly tear them down permanently. Which scenario would win out was anyone's guess.

  CHAPTER THREE

  “Randa. Randaaa!” Richard called out in search of his wife. “That dang woman can disappear faster than the last ham biscuit at breakfast. I swear she was laying on the couch with Poppy watching one of them Lifetime movies where some woman's twin was pretending to be her and fool the husband into thinking she was his wife or something crazy like that. It makes a man nervous to see his wife watching too many movies about cheating and stalkers and such. If she's not watching that channel, it's those mystery series movies....oh, what's her favorite? Oh, darn. Wait a second. It's on the tip of my tongue. Shoot. Anyway, they've got desserts in the title.” Richard trailed off as he walked toward the back of the house. “Randa, you back here?”