by Angel Moore
She pivoted one way and another looking down the sidewalk, searching for his lean frame and dark hair. Surely he’d stand out in his white chef’s jacket. Nothing. Until she looked at the pier and made out his shape leaning over the rail and staring into the dark waters below.
She locked her door and walked down to the pier.
“Hey.” She leaned against the rail a couple of feet from Victor with her back to the water.
“Hello.” He didn’t move at all.
“How did your day go? I saw a lot of traffic coming and going from your store.”
“Best sales since I came back. Memorial Day weekend was good, but today was a lot better.” There was no excitement in his voice.
“That’s good news.” She didn’t look at him, only stared across the pier at a cargo ship heading out to sea.
Silence hung between them for several minutes before he asked, “How about you?”
“I sold several pieces. Mostly small things, but one large table. If it keeps up at this pace, I’ll have to work a lot of hours at night to keep up my stock.”
“Good for you. I know you wanted to have a good weekend.” He was saying the right things, but his tone didn’t resonate any true engagement.
“The weekend is just beginning. I’m going to finish two pieces I have in the workroom tonight. I don’t want the shop to feel empty tomorrow.”
He grunted. “Sounds like a good idea.” Then he pushed away from the rail. “Well, I’m going to head home. Goodnight.” He was walking away from her again, and she’d come to apologize.
“Victor,” she called over the wave that crashed into the pier. He didn’t respond, but she knew he heard her. She trotted to catch up to him. “I’m sorry.” She matched his pace.
“You don’t owe me an apology. Or anything for that matter.” He kept his focus straight ahead.
She put her hand on his arm, and he slowed but didn’t look at her. “I do. What I said to Agnes didn’t sound nice to my own ears when I heard it come out of my mouth.”
He stopped then and dropped his arm so her hand fell away. “You only spoke the truth to a friend. I told you from the beginning that I didn’t have time for friendships. That includes relationships.”
“Please accept my apology and give me another chance. I can be a good friend.”
“Apology accepted.” He started to walk again. “And I owe you for the chairs. What kind of payment can we work out?”
She had to take this chance. For her future. “Help me find the treasure.”
He stopped so abruptly, she almost stumbled when she tried to back up to where he stood still. “I already told you I’m not interested in a treasure hunt. If there’s more than the handful of gold they already found on the beach, I’ll be surprised.”
“Don’t you see? You’re the person with the best chance of finding it. With all your dad did, you’ll know more about where it’s not than anyone.”
“Mallory, I don’t have the time, nor the inclination, to spend traipsing all over the beach trying to find something I wish never existed. The treasure – if there is one – destroyed my family. My father wasted his life with my mother and me searching for a way to find gold. He thought it would make us happy. But all we ever wanted was him.” They reached the front doors of their neighboring stores and stood on the sidewalk. “The thought of the treasure only brings up bad memories for me. And they’ve already proved that what’s been found wasn’t part of the legendary treasure.”
She took a deep breath. “Thank you for explaining it to me. I won’t ask you again.” There went any hope she had of paying the tax bill. “It wasn’t fair of me to persist.”
He shook his head. “You couldn’t have known. We tried to hide it from everyone.” He shrugged one shoulder. “With Mom in Florida and Dad still searching on his own, our family secret is out there for all to see now. I almost didn’t come back to Treasure Harbor because of it.”
“Why did you come back then?”
“It’s my home. All I’ve ever known.”
She understood that. “I get that. It’s why I didn't leave after graduation. I could have been a waitress anywhere. But the only memories I have of my parents are here. In a tiny apartment over a garage. I still ride by once in a while when I’m lonesome. Trying to hold on to their memory meant I couldn’t leave.”
“Seems we have that in common.” He rubbed his hand across the stubble on his jaw. “Look, I don’t want to hunt for treasure. But, what if I tell you everything I know about it? You can search on your own, and you won’t have to share the reward.”
“That would be perfect!” Mallory put her hand on his arm and stood on her tiptoes to put a kiss on his cheek. She didn’t realize she’d done it until she backed away from him, embarrassed and shy. “Oops.” She lowered her gaze to her hand on his arm and released her hold on him. “Guess I got carried away.”
His voice was kind when he said, “No problem. Let’s have a picnic supper on July 4th after we close. Everyone will be watching the fireworks, so I’m going to close by eight. What do you say?”
She kept her voice calm with great effort. “Sure. Wanna eat here on my pew? We’ll have a great view of the fireworks without being in the center of the crowd.”
“Sounds good to me. I’ll bring the food. You bring the drinks.”
“Tea. Sweet?”
“Is there any other kind?” He lifted a hand and waved goodbye to her as he walked to the opposite side of his store and took the alley that would lead him to his car.
She unlocked her door and went inside. Locking the door and setting her alarm without thinking about it, she made her way to the back room and picked up the wax she intended to use as the finishing step to restoring the largest table she had in her back stock. It would need to be front and center before she opened tomorrow.
Glad she didn’t have to think about the work as she polished the carved legs, she let her mind drift to Victor. Why had she kissed him? He had never given her any indication that he’d be open to her demonstrative ways. Most people were surprised to find her tendency to show affection. Many kids who grew up in foster care became adults who hid their feelings as a means of self-protection.
Letting others know she cared about them was her way of refusing to isolate herself even though life had left her alone.
Victor’s solitude seemed self-imposed. Another way they were opposites. She hoped it wouldn’t keep them from being friends. Especially now that she was beginning to care about him. In ways she’d never imagined when, as a teen, he’d hand her whatever candy she’d purchased on any number of trips to his store while simultaneously ignoring her.
* * *
Saturday was busier than Friday, and Vic didn’t have time to do more than restock the display cases while the two teens he’d hired sold candy and cookies as fast as he could put them out.
Two customers had asked about Mallory’s tables. He’d sent them next door, hoping she’d have as good a day as he did. When they didn’t return to get the tables, he was disappointed, though he used the busyness of the day to avoid searching for the reason he would be saddened for Mallory’s sake. Perhaps the cheery girl next door was wearing down his defenses against friendship. He wanted friends. Needed them. But Mallory Reed had already proved she wanted more from him than casual contact and conversations about the weather. She dug deep into her friends and wanted to know what made them tick. He didn’t want anyone trying to find the depths of his pain. Best to leave that hidden from everyone, including himself.
Her shiny hair and bubbly personality floated through his mind as he made another batch of candy for Sunday’s crowd. A knocking on his back door, followed by her lilting voice, warned him he wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about her tonight.
He opened the door to find her standing there, brown furniture stain streaked on her cheek, rag in hand, and begging him to let her make an after-hours purchase.
“Can’t you control that sweet tooth of you
rs?” He chuckled and opened the door for her to enter.
“Apparently not.”
“May I?” He took the rag from her and wiped the stain from her face. Their eyes locked as he pulled the cloth away. The silence between them was deafening. Without a word, he handed it back.
She slid the rag into her pocket. “Thank you.”
He cleared his throat and went to the sink to wash his hands so he could get back to work. “You’re welcome.” He picked up his spoon and began scooping out balls of nougat onto the wax paper that lined one of his largest trays. He’d put it in the refrigerator to set so the nougat wouldn’t lose its shape when he put it inside the chocolate clam shells that he’d already made.
Mallory walked to the opposite side of the counter where he worked. “That looks yummy. Is this the recipe for your best selling candy?”
“Second best. How did you know?” She seemed to pick up on all the details of his store. He didn’t know how. Not even his employees knew as much about Swashbucklin' Sweets and its history as she did.
“I’ve always thought those were the prettiest candies.” She held up a finger. “Though they aren’t my favorite, they always seem to be almost sold out when I choose those caramel-filled seahorses on the next tray.”
“No one could accuse you of not paying attention.” He slid the full tray into the fridge.
She pointed at her temple. “A keen eye is required for seeing beyond the surface to the beauty that is often hidden by life.”
“Your innate need to pry has a purpose.”
“I won’t deny I’ve been called nosy before. But knowing the history of things helps me in my business.”
He nodded toward the front room. “So you want caramel seahorses tonight? Something to get you through a long night of work after a long day of running your shop?”
“Tempting, but no. What I need tonight isn’t for me. I want to buy another tray of treats for the men from church who helped me move.”
He was confused. “I sold one to you the other day.”
“I used them in the store today. Everyone was so kind and pleasant yesterday after the ribbon cutting, but they were eating candy and cookies. I got off to a slow start today and decided samples from your store would help me soften up the clientele.” She gave a little giggle. “I know it isn’t fair to bribe people, but it did help. As a matter of fact, I saw several of my customers leave your store with goodies in hand.”
“I see. So you’re partly responsible for me having to work late tonight?” He flipped on the light to the store, and she followed him to make her choices.
“Oh, I do hope so. I think I owe you. The two people you sent me today made significant purchases after seeing the tables in your shop.”
“I was afraid they didn’t buy anything when they didn’t come back for the tables.”
“Just the opposite. They bought things in the store and put down deposits on the tables. I asked them to come back on Tuesday to pick them up so you wouldn’t be left without for Monday’s big crowds.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“And you didn’t have to let me buy candy tonight.” She smiled at him and began pointing out what she wanted.
When she headed out the back door, she stopped and turned to him. “Come to church with me tomorrow.” It seemed like a spontaneous invitation, but he didn’t think it was the first time she’d thought of inviting him.
“I don’t go to church anymore.”
“Come with me. For your business. I’m giving your candy to the men there tomorrow. It’ll be a good chance for you to gain new customers.”
“I’ll think about it, but no promises.”
She smiled and waved. “Text me in the morning. I’ll save you a seat.” When he raised his brows in question, she continued, “Near the back.”
He chuckled and waited for her to go inside before he shut his door. Walking back to the counter, he wondered why he hadn’t refused her flat out. Going to church was the last thing on his mind.
First agreeing to talk about the treasure, now considering going to church. Mallory was causing him to do all sorts of things he’d thought were behind him for good. What was next?
He went back to work and tried not to think of all the possible answers to that question.
Chapter Five
Mallory left the box of goodies on the pastor’s desk with a note of thanks and headed to the sanctuary for the service. She found a couple of seats near the back of the old sanctuary and settled in. The morning sun lit the stained glass windows and cast the antique wooden pews in a golden glow. Soft music played, and people drifted in a few at the time. Everyone seemed happy, and several stopped to speak on their way to their seats.
She said a silent prayer for Victor to come and relaxed as the choir came in from the side doors and the worship leader stepped to the front of the room and offered the opening prayer. Worship through music always fed her soul. She was standing and singing with the rest of the congregation when Victor stepped up beside her and nudged her arm to scoot her into the row so he could take the aisle seat.
A quick smile was all she had time to give him before he focused on the words of the next song. She was surprised when he sang along. Would he have known the words if they weren’t projected on the screen that had been discreetly mounted on the back wall in a way that didn’t detract from the beauty of the old church?
They took their seats after the music, and she offered him a bulletin. He waved it aside and listened as the pastor gave a message about seeking the kingdom of God.
Pastor Riggins had a strong voice that was filled with compassion. “We’ve all heard and seen the fervor over the treasure hunt.”
Mallory felt Victor tense beside her. Why would the pastor mention this from the pulpit? And why on a day when she’d convinced Victor to join her for service?
“I want you all to remember something as you think about the value of a few pieces of gold found on the beach. Matthew teaches us what has true value. ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.’ Don’t let the value of a possession cause you to lose sight of the things that have the greatest value in our lives.
“Jesus is the pearl of great price in these verses. But there are other pearls in our lives. The people, our families and friends, as well as our relationship with Jesus. These are the most valuable things we have.” He went on for several more minutes, and everything he said had the potential to comfort Victor.
Relief washed over Mallory – and gratitude that she’d given in to the small urge to invite Victor to church. The spoken Word for the day held invaluable truth for him.
And for her. She must remember that no tax bill or rent payment was more important to her than her relationship with Jesus. She wouldn’t allow money problems to cause her to lose sight of how good God was.
A closing song and prayer ended the service just before noon. She and Victor headed for the exit of the small church. Pastor Riggins stood at the back door, shaking hands with everyone as they left.
“It’s good to see you, Victor. How is your mother doing?”
He didn’t seem uncomfortable at all with the question. “She’s well. Enjoying Florida as a newlywed.”
“I know you must be glad to see her happy.”
“I am. Thank you, Pastor.”
“Mallory, it’s good to see you, as always.”
She shook the pastor’s hand. “I’ve left a box of treats from Swashbucklin' Sweets on your desk. Please share it as my meager thanks for all the help you and the men of the church were to me when I moved.”
“I will.” He smiled. “Victor’s candy is worth moving a few truckloads of furniture.” He nodded and turned his attention to the people coming behind them.
Mallory stepped to one side of the church yard and asked Victor, “Have you made lunch for yourself?”
�
��No. But I don’t open until one. I’ll whip up something when I get to the store. What about you?”
“I walked to church. I usually do. It gives me time to think and focus on God. I like to clear my head on Sundays. The rest of life has a way of creeping in and trying to crowd everything else out. A burger from Agnes on the way back to the shop will do me for today.”
“Don’t you cook for yourself? I’ve seen you with takeout almost every day.”
She felt her face flush red. “Oh, no. My secret is out.”
“You don’t cook at all, do you?”
“Not even toast.” She laughed. “I know it sounds silly, but no one ever took the time to teach me. By the time I got my job at the Ocean Breeze, I was hopeless. Agnes tried to help me, but, in the end, she thought I might burn the place down.”
“No one is hopeless. You’ll have to let me feed you lunch today. I keep things on hand for the days when I can’t get away to eat.”
“That’s not necessary. You’re already feeding me tomorrow night.” She gasped. She hadn’t meant to say that aloud. He might start to think she was fishing for ways to spend time with him. Even if that were true, and she was beginning to suspect that even of herself, she didn’t want him to know it.
“That’s business. Today, I’d like to feed you as a way of saying thank you for inviting me to church.” He looked over at the pastor. “Pastor Riggins and I have had many conversations. I’m a believer. Have been since my mother brought me here as a child. I just got out of the habit of going. It became easier to stay away when I went to school. Returning and watching everyone stare and wonder about my parents kept me from coming back. The message today proved that’s not how I need to handle life. Spending a few hours a week in church will probably be good for me. Maybe shake some of the negative image I’ve developed. Too many people are calling me the sour man who owns the sweet shop.”
Mallory put a hand over her mouth. “You knew that?” The words were muffled.
“I did.” He smiled and turned to stand beside her. He put his hand under her elbow and started toward their shops. “Let’s have lunch, and I’ll let you fill me in on the parts I didn’t know.”