Lulu's Café

by T. I. Lowe

  “I wouldn’t think of not wearing my exclusive Southern belle bracelet, Ana, dear.” Leah blew her friend a farewell kiss as she scooped up her goody bag and headed next door.

  The festival seemed to solidify Leah’s town membership. Thursday and Friday afternoons were spent helping with the festival. To her amusement, Leah had a continuous shadow of teenage girls. People even asked for her recommendations as to what shows to attend or what booths to visit, making her feel accepted.

  Lulu and Leah closed the café on Saturday for the festival but offered premade sandwiches and baked goods for sale at a booth near the contest tents. Lulu had a few part-time girls manning the booth while she and Leah occasionally popped in to help out.

  Leah spent the morning setting up the strawberry recipe contest tent. A table was set up for preserves and jellies. Another was set up for pies and one for cakes. Baskets of lush berries dressed tables with red tablecloths. Leah had grabbed white tablecloths earlier, but Lulu advised against it—strawberry stains were a pain to get out.

  Lulu, dressed in a white peasant blouse, denim capris, and her signature white Keds, swept in about midmorning to check on Leah. “How’s it going, dear?” she asked as she tied a red bandanna in her silver locks.

  “I’m not sure these things are safe with me.” Leah inhaled the delectable berry aromas perfuming the air and shook her head.

  Lulu chuckled. “You’re a tough cookie. You can handle it.” She scooted back out to check on the café’s food booth. Leah pulled identification cards from her strawberry-patterned apron pocket and placed one by each submission.

  The contest concluded late in the afternoon. Leah managed to only eat one slice of strawberry sour cream cake. She grabbed up a strawberry cream pie to present to Crowley, if she got to see him. She spent the day looking around, hoping to see the gentle giant hovering over the crowd. To her disappointment, he had not made an appearance.

  After wrapping up her festival duties, Leah headed to her apartment. She placed the pie in the fridge and hopped in the shower to wash away her newly acquired strawberry perfume. She took her time washing, taking extra care to shave her legs smooth and to scrub her face in preparation for the new makeup she was given at the Southern belle party.

  Once she dried off, Leah slathered her body with a scented lotion and spritzed the matching perfume, with notes of rose and crisp, clean citrus, all over. She wrapped the towel around her midsection and moved over to the mirror. After wiping the steam away, she inspected her eyebrows and plucked a few strays. Content with that, Leah stepped into her bedroom and admired the beautiful dress draped across her bed. She was determined to show off her new outfit with or without Crowley.

  Leah spent the next hour applying her makeup and arranging her hair in a romantic updo. She finished off the look with a light dusting of bronzing powder on her exposed shoulder and arms to highlight her tan.

  As she inspected herself one last time in the full-length mirror, Leah heard the town come to life outside with an explosion of festive music. The sound was followed shortly by a knock at her door. Relief and excitement flooded through her as she headed to answer it. The longing to reunite with Crowley made Leah antsy. She swung the door open to find a devastatingly handsome man leaning on her doorframe.

  “Ana said for me to come up here and sweet-talk you into joining us at the dance.” Jake smiled.

  Leah’s heart stung with disappointment at finding the wrong tall, dark, and handsome man outside her door. She tried to recover before Jake could pick up on it.

  “You talked me right into it with that handsome smile.” She smiled back at him as she wrapped her arm around his waiting one and allowed him to escort her outside into the crowded streets.

  The music filled the air with loud vibrations full of excitement and spirit. Sundresses twirled in every direction, heads bobbed to the timing of the music, and raised hands clapped to the beat of the song. The rhythm of the dance music had cast its spell over the filled streets, causing the crowd to let loose and let the fun take over them.

  She dropped her hold on Jake and started swaying to the vibrant melody. She gazed up to the clear evening sky, filled with glowing stars twinkling their approval down on the festival. Colorful paper lanterns, strung precariously over the streets, seemed to be dancing along to the music as well. The moonlight filtered through the trees and tickled the top of the joyful river. The energy in the air pricked at her skin and took over. With her eyes closed, Leah spun around, engulfed in the whimsy of it all.

  When she opened her eyes, Crowley stood before her, only a few feet away. The sight of him, so handsome in his white linen shirt and jeans, took her breath away. His stare was hypnotic, and she was instantly caught in his trance. Her body continued to sway to the rhythm as he eliminated the space between them.

  Without a word, Crowley pulled Leah to him and began to move to the music. The song crooned jubilantly about rocking in the dance hall. Crowley danced with grace and ease to the vivacious tones with Leah in his arms. He twirled her out and back as the song sent them flying away.

  A quick pause in the music froze the crowded street for a split second. When the song continued, Crowley spun Leah as if choreographed, causing her to giggle. He spun her back in and tucked her against his chest as he serenaded her with words about needing to go away but coming back for his love.

  Leah wrapped her arm around Crowley’s neck and twined her fingers in his hair as the pair danced in sync to the punctuated beat of the music. The song came to a close and was quickly replaced by the next lively selection. Leah noticed no slow songs were included. Time sped by unannounced as she danced an unending dance with Crowley. Two hours passed as song after vivacious song played.

  Crowley whispered in her ear, “Let’s go,” causing the unspoken emotional trance to end. He held firmly on to her hand as they wove through the congested street. They entered the back door of the silent café with their ears ringing.

  The cool air felt invigorating on Leah’s overheated body. She strode into the kitchen and poured a glass of water. She took a long pull from the glass, then offered it to Crowley. He drained the glass and set it on the counter.

  He gathered Leah in his arms and gently swayed to the melody of their heartbeats. As they slow danced, Crowley worked the pins out of Leah’s hair, causing the curls to cascade down her back. He ran his hands through her hair as they circled slowly around the kitchen until he gradually pulled her to the hallway. He danced her back up against the wall and stopped to admire her.

  “You look lovely tonight,” Crowley murmured, his eyes lingering on her bare shoulder. He ran his fingertips along her collarbone, sending shivers down her back.

  Leah was unable to respond. She stood in his embrace, watching him watch her.

  He placed his hand on her cheek and asked in a hoarse voice, “Leah, may I please kiss you?”

  “Yes,” she answered breathlessly, barely able to get the one word out.

  Crowley ran his thumb along her bottom lip as he leaned down slightly and placed a soft kiss there. He looked back up at Leah for permission. She gave it by leaning forward until their lips met. It was a delicate kiss without rush, making her melt into the sweetness of it. They kissed until Leah had to pull away.

  “What’s wrong?” Crowley whispered.

  She quietly chuckled and rubbed her neck. He sat on one of the steps of the staircase and pulled her to his lap.

  “Better?” Crowley asked as he rubbed her neck. Leah nodded. “Good,” he replied. “I’m not finished kissing you yet.” With that, their lips met indulgently once again—soft and slow, then gradually building.

  Crowley’s lips were so tender and attentive, making Leah feel as though this was her first real kiss in her entire life. Each touch of his mouth sent an overwhelming longing through Leah that she had never experienced. Feelings of hope and compassion filtered all over her body.

  The kiss lasted until both had to break away to catch their breath.
Leah’s pulse was racing and her lips felt swollen, giving her the overwhelming satisfaction of being thoroughly kissed. That was amazing. Why on earth don’t people spend more time kissing?

  Crowley noticed the smirk on Leah’s face. “What?” His voice cracked as he spoke.

  Too embarrassed to repeat her thoughts, Leah offered up another confession instead. “I’ve missed you terribly.” She tried to stand, but Crowley clamped his hands firmly around her waist.

  “Please don’t go yet.”

  Leah heard the strain in his husky voice. “Okay.”

  Crowley cradled her into his chest. She could feel his heart hammering away inside.

  Leah lay there as Crowley gently rubbed her back until his heart rate settled into a more normal pace. She snuggled into the crook of his warm neck, breathing in the alluring scent of him until she dozed off.

  Crowley was in no rush to leave her, so they sat for over an hour as he soothingly rocked her. He felt like he could spend the rest of his life perched right there on that stairwell with her in his arms. He held her close while recalling their first kiss. He knew it was the only first kiss he would ever have with her, and he’d been determined to make it count. Life served up only a small portion of firsts, and it was up to the person to not take them for granted. There were no do-overs with firsts.

  Crowley picked up a sleeping Leah and carried her into her apartment. He pulled the covers back and placed his Sleeping Beauty in her bed. He slid her gold sandals off and pulled the blanket over her. She woke to find him staring down at her.

  “I better go,” Crowley whispered as he placed a kiss on Leah’s forehead. He went to stand, but she grabbed hold of his arm, not wanting to be apart. “I have to hold on to my gentlemanly reputation, Miss Leah.” He leaned in and placed a delicate kiss on her lips. “I might not be able to if I stay much longer.” He kissed her once more before slipping out of her apartment.

  The music was long over by the time Crowley emerged from the café. He walked briskly around the corner and found Lulu sitting at one of the outdoor tables. The rest of the crowd had gathered down by the water’s edge for the midnight fireworks display that was about to get under way. He pretended not to see her and kept beating a path home.

  Lulu caught sight of Crowley strutting quickly in the direction of his town house. “Where you off to in such a hurry, boy?” she asked.

  “I need a cold shower!” He raised a hand in a passing wave.

  Lulu laughed. “TMI!” She settled into her chair as the first of the fireworks split through the sky and whispered, “Thank you, sweet heavenly Father, for the miracle of love.” She enjoyed watching the young couple’s relationship bloom. It made her feel hopeful that whatever Leah was holding on to would soon be let go.

  23

  LEAH AWOKE SUNDAY MORNING with a renewed sense of life. She lay under the chenille blanket and watched the warm sunshine filter in as she thought back over last night’s events. It felt like a dream. She might have even concluded it was, if her lips weren’t pleasantly swollen and Crowley hadn’t left a rash she could feel around her mouth from his beard stubble.

  Leah ran her finger over her lips and smiled. He’d finally kissed her. She felt as giddy as a teenage girl after her first kiss. First kiss . . . that was exactly what she had received from Crowley last night, she thought as she looked at the alarm clock sitting on her nightstand. It read eight, which meant Leah had two hours before meeting Lulu at church.

  Stretching her arms over her head, Leah reviewed the day’s busy schedule and frowned. It would not be allowing her any alone time with Crowley. The church was hosting a community-wide picnic after services in hopes of luring the over-danced townsfolk to get out of bed. After that, Crowley and Jake were scheduled to play in a charity baseball game to benefit the new children’s hospital in the next town over. Lulu had also asked Leah to accompany her on a visit to check on Jessup in the rehabilitation center, which was in the town in the opposite direction from the ball game. Yep. It was going to be a busy day.

  After lazing in bed for another thirty minutes, Leah reluctantly swung her legs over the side to start her day. The moment she stood, a cramp clamped down on her right calf. Leah fell back on the bed and rubbed it away. The ache made her smile at the memory of swaying with Crowley. She had never danced so much. Shaking her head, she slowly stood and headed to grab a few Tylenols and a long bath.

  She took special care to cover the pink rash around her mouth when she did her makeup. She left her curls casually down since Crowley liked her hair best that way.

  Leah made it to church wearing the black sundress. She thought it was appropriate since the picnic immediately followed the service. Crowley greeted her at the door and escorted her to their normal pew. He sat close beside her and draped his arm around her shoulders.

  He leaned in and whispered, “You’re making my mouth water.”

  Leah met his gaze. Her face grew hot as she glimpsed his lips. With as much willpower as she could muster, she turned her attention to the preacher. Focusing was difficult with Crowley lightly rubbing his thumb in a meticulously slow circle on her bare shoulder.

  The picnic tables filled quickly around the church courtyard, which was sheltered by ancient, moss-draped oak trees. By the time Leah helped set up the food tables and gathered her plate, she had to settle for sitting across from Crowley. Two teenage boys had claimed the places beside him and were discussing strategies for the highly anticipated baseball game.

  Ana and Jake sat on Crowley’s side of the bench as well. Leah’s side was filled with a few more boys and a couple of Southern belles. Crowley, his legs intertwined with Leah’s under the table, kept his eyes on her as he coolly conversed with the boys.

  Leah could barely eat. All she wanted to do was grab her flip-flop–clad gentleman and run off with him. She saw Crowley lift his fork toward her to remind her to eat.

  To Leah’s horror, Ana homed in on her. “Leah, what in the world happened to your face?” she asked, causing Leah to blush deeply. “It looks like a rash around your mouth. . . . Oh . . .” She grinned.

  The group erupted in laughter. The boys playfully punched Crowley in his arms in congratulations, and the teenage girls giggled. Leah placed her hand over her mouth and looked at Crowley, who didn’t help matters. His eyes were smoldering from the memory, so she was on her own. She could see the prideful smugness in his expression. Leah guessed he was happy to let everyone know about them.

  “It’s probably . . . all of the strawberries . . . I ate yesterday . . .”

  “I warned her they stain.” Lulu came up behind Leah and defended the young woman. “Leah, are you about ready to head out?”

  Thankful to have an excuse to flee, Leah nodded and quickly gathered her still-full plate.

  Before she could stand, Crowley held her captive with his legs under the table. “Will we see you two ladies at the game later?”

  “We should be able to make it to the last half,” Lulu said.

  The visit with Jessup went much smoother than Leah had thought. She had expected to find a filthy, drunken man; instead she found a humbled, clean man who was quite remorseful. She was glad to see he had put on a little weight. She brought him the strawberry cream pie that she had bought for Crowley. She wasn’t much in the mood to give it to Crowley, not after he didn’t rescue her in front of the group at the picnic earlier.

  Jessup seemed tickled over the pie and insisted the two ladies share a slice with him. Leah had finally regained her appetite, so she gladly accepted. Lulu took the remaining pie to the nurses’ station, leaving Leah alone with Jessup.

  “That pie was delicious, Miss Leah,” Jessup said.

  “Yes, it was. It won second place in the pie category yesterday.” She gathered their paper plates and tossed them. “I have to be very careful with sweets, though,” Leah said. She was sorry about how she had treated him, and she needed to let him know. She sat down and fiddled with one of the turquoise rhinestones o
n her dress. “It’s how I cope with pain.”

  “How’s that?” Jessup asked.

  “I . . . um . . . Before I came to Rivertown, I suffered . . . a terrible loss . . .” Tears filled her eyes, and she had to look away from his hollow ones. “I tried to make the pain go away with junk food binges,” she admitted hoarsely. Leah swept the tears off her cheeks and looked back at him. “Lulu made me realize it wasn’t working for me.”

  Jessup nodded as her words sank in. “You went to Lulu rehab, huh?”

  Leah smiled at his understanding. “Yeah. I guess I’m in an extended program. I don’t know if I will ever be cured, though.”

  Jessup placed his weathered hand on top of Leah’s. “I guess we just have to keep on trying till we figure it out.”

  Leah nodded.

  After promising Jessup another visit soon, Leah and Lulu headed to the ball field. Leah was surprised to find the stands packed with onlookers. People also lined up along the fence with folding chairs. She had not realized the grandness of the charity baseball game.

  Crowley’s team was mostly made up of lawyers. To participate in the game, each player donated three hundred dollars to the charity. Crowley had secretly paid for two teenage boys, Jacob and Brandon, to play. They were the star players of the high school baseball team, and Crowley was bettering his team’s chance to win the game with the two boys’ help. Leah smiled as she realized all of the fraternity friends were scattered between the dugout and field.

  The opposing team consisted of a few judges and nearly the entire local police force. At stake was mainly bragging rights for the winning team and a steak dinner bought by the losing team. Everyone was in good spirits and showed great sportsmanlike conduct.

  Crowley looked up from the outfield and spotted Leah making her way over to the dugout. He jogged over to speak to her while the other players got into position for the fifth inning. He was wearing a dark-blue baseball jersey declaring Lawyers Know Everything.