The Truth in Tiramisu (A Poppy Creek Novel Book 2)

by Rachael Bloome

  In just over five hours, Grant had completed the preliminary design for Landon’s website and sent him the link for his approval.

  As their video call connected, Landon’s magnetic smile filled the screen. “Hey, man. The design is awesome!”

  “I’m glad you like it.” Grant hadn’t been worried, confident it was his best work to date.

  “Like it? I love it. We’ll need to make a few minor layout changes and update some of the text, but the design is perfect. Well done.”

  “Thanks. Once I got the idea, it all came together pretty quickly.”

  “I knew you’d pull through. Although…” Landon grinned. “For a couple of days there, I thought you’d gone AWOL.”

  “I’m really sorry about that. I’ve been… going through some stuff. But I should have been in more frequent communication.”

  “No worries, man.” Landon shrugged, exuding a complete lack of concern. “The job got done. And it turned out even better than I expected. Besides, out of curiosity, I did some googling on your hometown. Seems like a cool place. I can see why you went back. I may even visit one of these days. There’s this café there that looks amazing. They have a whole line of desserts infused with coffee. Right up my alley. Hmm…” Landon tapped his fingers against his desktop. “Now that I think about it… I wonder if they’ll ship to the city? I’d be willing to pay any price.”

  “I’ll bring something back for you,” Grant offered, hiding a smile. He’d pushed publish on the website yesterday, as a surprise for Eliza’s grand opening tomorrow night. He hadn’t expected anyone to find it so soon, let alone Landon Morris.

  “So, you’re coming back to the city, then?”

  “Yeah.” The innocuous one-syllable word lodged in Grant’s throat. He hated to think about leaving. Especially now.

  After the men conversed for a few more minutes and exchanged goodbyes, Grant closed his laptop with a somber hand. His entire life existed in San Francisco. But now he had a child who belonged in Poppy Creek.

  When he’d woken up that morning, Grant wouldn’t have thought twice about moving back home to be with Eliza and Ben. But after what she’d done, Grant didn’t know how he could look her in the eye again, let alone live in the same town.

  Sharp heels clattered against the hardwood floor, growing louder as they neared the office.

  “Are you all right? What did she say?” Harriet burst into the room, her eyes wild and frantic.

  “I’m fine, Mom.” Grant forced a smile. How could he end this conversation quickly? He really couldn’t handle his mother’s current state of panic. He’d barely come to grips with his own.

  “I came as soon as I got your father’s voice mail. What exactly did she say to you?”

  Grant’s gaze fell to her hands, which nervously fidgeted with the leather handle of her purse. Drawing his gaze upward, he noticed stray tendrils of her overly processed hair plastered to her damp forehead. “Are you all right?”

  “What did she say?” Harriet hissed, about to come unraveled.

  “She said Ben is my son. But I imagine Dad told you that already.”

  “Is that all she said?”

  “I didn’t give her much of an opportunity to say anything else. The whole ‘Ben is your son’ thing came as a shock.” Why did relief flicker across her face? Grant expected her to explode. “You don’t seem particularly surprised.”

  “Of course I am!” she snapped before her features softened. “I’m sorry. This is all quite distressing. I suspect you’ll be heading home now.”

  “I haven’t decided, Mom.” Grant twisted the laptop cord around his finger, trying to work out why his mother’s reaction bothered him so much. She had a grandson. Why didn’t she seem to care? “I’m not sure what the future holds for me, except that I have a son. And from now on, he comes first.”

  Harriet blanched, her mouth coming unhinged. “You can’t seriously mean…” Her eyes widened as Grant stood, collecting his things. “You’re actually thinking of staying, aren’t you?”

  “Possibly.”

  “But what about your career? You’ve worked so hard to—”

  “I can build websites from anywhere.”

  “What about networking? Client lunches and wooing new accounts?” Looking visibly ill, Harriet clutched the opal pendant at her throat. “You know it takes more than good work to get ahead in this world. It takes sacrifices. Like—”

  “Your family?” Grant stared at his mother with startling clarity, harsh reality gripping his heart with cold, cruel hands. All this time, he’d resented his father’s blind ambition to climb the ladder of success no matter the cost, never once realizing he had someone dragging him up the rungs by his collar. Why hadn’t he seen it sooner?

  Harriet didn’t respond, but her pale, impassive expression said it all.

  Before today, the realization would have solidified Grant’s fear of parenthood, reaffirming he was damaged goods and had no business being a father.

  But as Ben’s face flickered through his mind, conviction crowded out his fear.

  He loved his son.

  With an unexplainable, deep-in-his-core kind of love.

  And Grant knew he’d only scratched the surface.

  Harriet’s lips parted before snapping shut. Without another word, she spun on her heel and stormed out of the room.

  As the haze of outrage settled in her wake, Grant sat down at the desk, flipping open his laptop again. His stomach churned as the idea formed in his mind.

  The next step would change everything.

  And he could only hope it was the right decision.

  Chapter 24

  The grand opening should have been one of the best nights of Eliza’s life.

  The renovations for The Calendar Café showcased beautifully beneath shimmering twinkle lights framing the windows and door, while candles flickered on every tabletop, softly illuminating the faces of friends and family members gathered to share in the celebration.

  The buzz of laughter and chatter mingled with the pleasant hum of the frothing wand as Cassie manned the espresso machine, creating unique and individualized latte combinations that filled the room with the heady scent of freshly ground coffee and spices. She looked radiant in a silvery cocktail dress, partially obstructed by an apron gifted to her by Dolores with the café’s name embroidered across the front in exquisite red lettering.

  “Are you having a good time?” Penny appeared by Eliza’s side, balancing a tray of mini tiramisu cheesecakes.

  Eliza had spent all afternoon drizzling each one with her special coffee sauce, followed by a generous dusting of cocoa powder and a single plump raspberry. “Yes, everything is perfect,” she lied, forcing a smile. Her thoughts had remained on Grant all evening, no matter how many people had offered congratulatory hugs and well wishes.

  “Are you sure? You seem a little… distracted.”

  “I think I’m just feeling overwhelmed. It’s been months of work culminating in one evening. But thanks for checking on me. And for helping out.” Eliza gestured toward the cheesecakes. “Do people seem to be enjoying them?”

  “Are you kidding?” Penny laughed, shifting the tray to her other hand. “Jack’s had three already. And Luke isn’t too far behind. By the way, Grant hasn’t shown up yet. And none of the guys have heard from him. Did he mention anything to you about arriving late?”

  “No.” Eliza glanced at her wrist, twisting the chunky beaded bracelet Ben made for her with Sylvia’s help. He’d been so excited to give it to her earlier that evening as a gift to celebrate the grand opening.

  Thinking of Ben caused an unbearable ache in her chest. What would happen now? Would Grant want custody?

  Suddenly, Eliza’s throat felt tight and tears swelled in her eyes.

  Mistaking her rush of emotions, Penny rubbed her arm. “Hey, don’t worry. I’m sure he’ll show up soon.”

  Sniffling, Eliza nodded. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m so emotional tonight.�
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  “Like you said, there’s been a lot of build up to this event. It’s completely understandable.”

  “Thanks, Pen. Maybe I need a little fresh air.”

  “Want me to come with you?”

  “No, I’ll only be a minute. Besides, I think Jack is still hungry.” Eliza nodded toward the other side of the room where Jack waved his arm over his head, mouthing the words, More cheesecake.

  “Seriously? Where does the man put it?” Shaking her head with an incredulous smile, Penny leaned over and planted a kiss on Eliza’s cheek. “We’re all really proud of you, Liza. Especially Maggie. I heard her tell Frank and Beverly that you and Cassie have surpassed her wildest dreams for this place.”

  Tearing up again, Eliza wrapped her arms around Penny, careful not to tip the tray of desserts. “Thank you,” she whispered, grateful for the support of good friends. She had a feeling she’d need them now more than ever.

  Pushing through the front door, Eliza stepped onto the cobbled sidewalk, relishing the crisp, cool breeze that rustled her loose curls against her bare shoulders. Closing her eyes, she leaned against the cold brick wall, finding solace in the shadows as she drew in a deep, cleansing breath.

  She’d almost cleared her troubled thoughts when distant chanting caused her eyes to flutter open.

  “Coffee and cake, a big mistake!”

  Startled, it took Eliza a moment to register the dark silhouettes marching down the street toward her, waving handmade signs.

  As they drew closer, the leader of the group materialized beneath the glow of the lampposts, stealing a gasp from Eliza’s throat.

  It was Harriet Parker.

  Grant slammed his car door and took a deep breath. While he was thankful his dad had informed him of his mother’s ludicrous plan, he hated having to confront her. They’d been on icy terms since their argument yesterday, and Grant couldn’t believe she’d stooped so low. Being upset was one thing, but protesting Eliza’s grand opening was beyond petty. Not to mention she’d roped a few of her friends into her juvenile scheme.

  As he strode toward the small group of women, he could hear them chanting, “The Calendar Café should go away!” while they waved their hand-painted signs in the air like pitchforks. To add to the menacing effect, the light from the street lamps cast an eerie glow across the glitter paint letters.

  “Mom, what are you doing?” Grant took in Harriet’s sign, which read Caffeine Kills. “Really? Don’t you think that’s a bit extreme?”

  Harriet lifted her chin. “Did you come here to stop me?”

  “Of course I did. You’re behaving like a crazy person.”

  “I’m doing this for you.”

  “Are you sure about that?” Grant crossed his arms, one eyebrow raised. “What exactly do you hope to accomplish, anyway?”

  Overhearing him, Clara Grossman, one of Harriet’s knitting club friends, chimed in. “Harriet says they’re trying to get our kids addicted to caffeine by sneaking coffee into their milk and chocolate chip cookies.”

  Grant flashed his mother a disapproving glare before directing his attention back to Clara, trying to calm his fury. “You’ve known Eliza her entire life. Do you really think that’s what’s going on here? Do any of you?” He let his gaze rest on each woman individually as they guiltily lowered their signs. “I’m sorry, but you’ve allowed yourself to get roped into a personal vendetta that, I assure you, has nothing to do with coffee.”

  The women murmured among themselves a few moments, appearing rightfully embarrassed.

  Finally, Clara said meekly, “I heard they’re serving free cheesecake….”

  “And Cassie’s making everyone a personalized latte,” another woman added.

  After a quick affirmative glance, the women stuffed their signs in the nearest trash can and headed for The Calendar Café while Grant marveled at how easily they were swayed.

  “Traitors,” Harriet mumbled, watching them desert her cause with a venomous scowl.

  “Not as dedicated as your New York friends?” Grant asked, recalling an occasion where his mother and her cohorts protested a dry cleaner for twenty-four hours straight because they’d left a stain on her one-of-a-kind Valentino gown.

  “I know you’re mocking me. But what that girl did to you was unforgivable.”

  Grant winced at the harsh, dispassionate use of that girl. No matter what Eliza had done, she deserved to be treated with more respect. “Mom, can we please not argue about this here?”

  “Then where?” Harriet gave a desperate sweep of her hands. “You won’t talk to me at home. Can’t you see I’m trying to help you?”

  “I’m sure you believe that… in your own strange way. But I’m asking you to stop helping.” Grant could barely resist putting air quotes around the word. “I need time to think and figure things out on my own.”

  Harriet wavered a moment before retrieving her car keys from inside her purse. Clutching the cold metal in her hand, she met Grant’s gaze, her eyes shimmering with unexpected emotion. “I do love you, you know.”

  Grant opened his mouth to respond, but Harriet clicked the sensor on her key fob, the BMW’s distinct beep cutting him off. As she retreated down the sidewalk, she cast one last glance over her shoulder before climbing inside the driver’s seat.

  Grant stood on the curb, watching his mother back out of her parking spot before pivoting slowly, heading to his own car.

  A few days ago, he’d looked forward to this evening more than anything, eagerly awaiting the moment he’d unveil the website to Eliza. He’d also planned to tell her how much he loved her. And confess his intentions to stay in Poppy Creek.

  But now…

  He’d do almost anything to avoid catching even a glimpse of her.

  “Grant, wait!” Emerging from the shadows, Eliza hurried toward him, extending her hand as if reaching for him.

  But as he turned, unable to hide his anguish at hearing her voice, Eliza froze, dropping her arms at her sides.

  “Thank you,” she whispered, staring at the ground.

  Grant stood motionless, wanting to look away, but unable to take his eyes off of her. The glittering, rose gold cocktail dress highlighted the subtle blush of her cheeks and made her dark, bewitching eyes stand out even more in contrast.

  Then his gaze fell on the beaded bracelet adorning her wrist, and his thoughts instantly flew to Ben. His own pain pushed aside any previous desire to rush to her side, gathering her up in his arms, shielding her from his mother’s spiteful attack.

  “There’s something I need to say.” Grant struggled to keep his voice steady.

  Glancing up, relief flickered across Eliza’s features. “I’m so glad. I’ve been dying to talk. I’ve kept calling but…” She shook her head, biting her lip. “Never mind. I’m sorry. You talk first.”

  “I…” Grant hesitated, finding the words harder to say than he’d thought. He lifted his chin, determined to get through this without caving. “I… want to take Ben back to San Francisco with me when school is out. I’ll bring him back for the wedding, but I’d like to keep him for the summer. I’ve already looked up a summer art program I think he’ll love.”

  Stricken, Eliza took a step back. “Grant, I—”

  “It’s my turn, Eliza. Please don’t make me fight for it.”

  His throat burning, Grant forced himself to meet her gaze. The utter devastation in her eyes made him shiver.

  And for a moment, Grant wondered if he was doing the right thing.

  Chapter 25

  The lamppost flickered, followed by a crackle, then darkness.

  Although every other lamp burned warm and bright, competing with the vibrant shop windows to light Main Street, everything around Eliza appeared inky black, mirroring her mood. Standing alone on the sidewalk, she fought the urge to slink back into the shadows and disappear from sight.

  She couldn’t go back inside and face everyone. Not when Grant’s words compressed around her chest, squeezing all the a
ir from her lungs like a rolling pin flattening dough. Take Ben? He wanted to take Ben away from her? This couldn’t be happening.

  Hot tears spilled down her cheeks, ruining her carefully applied mascara. How could she let Grant leave with her son? Ben was her entire world. For over seven years, it had been the two of them together. She’d be lost without him.

  Sobs ripped through her body, forcing Eliza to double over, clutching her chest.

  A door hinge creaked.

  “Eliza? Are you ready to give the toasts?” Cassie’s question preceded a loud gasp.

  Rushing to her side, Cassie threw her arms around her shoulders, propping up Eliza’s crumpled body as she continued to sob. “What happened?” Panic seeped from Cassie’s voice as she held her, smoothing back her hair.

  “Grant wants to take Ben. He’s going to take him away, Cass.” Her words muffled as she covered her face with her hands.

  “Shh… it’s going to be okay. Just breathe.” Cassie rubbed Eliza’s back, murmuring soft reassurances. “Let’s get you home, okay?”

  “What about the party?” Eliza hiccupped.

  “I’ll text Luke. He’ll tell everyone you weren’t feeling well and I took you home.”

  “No one will believe that.”

  “Maybe not. But it’s the best I’ve got right now.” Cassie slid her arm around Eliza’s waist. “Come on. We’ll take my car.”

  “No, you stay.” Eliza swiped at her tears, smearing the mascara tracks across her face. “I’ll call Mom to pick me up. She and Dad took Ben home an hour ago to put him to bed.”

  “Don’t be silly. I’m here. I’ll take you.” Ignoring Eliza’s protests, Cassie half carried her toward her car parked in front of Sadie’s Sweet Shop. Drawing her eyebrows together, Cassie gave her a pointed stare as she opened the passenger door. “Sit down and don’t make me buckle you in myself.”

  A small smile broke through Eliza’s tears. “I think my bossiness is rubbing off on you.”

  “I prefer to call it your perseverance.” Cassie grinned, shutting the car door before hurrying around to the driver’s side.