He smiled to himself, remembering how much fun it had been to buy it. He’d done well with his surfboards and had only experienced a momentary pang at their loss. Looking at rings, and imagining Delphine wearing one, had improved his mood considerably.
Next on the agenda, an apartment. His real estate agent friend had called with a few possibilities. He had an appointment with him in an hour.
Brad jogged down the stairway, passing the living room on his way out the door.
“Son!”
Brad turned at the sounds of his father’s voice. “Yeah?”
Don Larsen walked into the hall and clapped a hand on Brad’s shoulder. “We haven’t talked about what you did concerning Delphine’s loan.”
He felt his face heat. “I’m sorry I went through your records, but I needed to get the dollar amount.”
“Why did you do it?”
He looked at his dad and knew his ears must be scarlet. “You know why I did it.”
His dad squeezed his shoulder. “Well, I’m glad, I really am. So, how long before the wedding? I recommend a short engagement and that you find a place to live immediately and—”
“Dad, slow down. I haven’t asked her yet.” He grimaced. “And I don’t even know for sure she’ll say yes.”
“Even if she doesn’t,” his dad said brusquely, “it’s still important for you to be established and on your own. Maybe Delphine is hesitant about you because you live at home with your parents. Doesn’t look good. Doesn’t look good at all.”
Brad rolled his eyes. “Yes, I know. But just to remind you, I was invited for the summer. At least by Mom.”
He raised a brow. “Summer’s practically over.”
He put up his hands and grinned. “You win! And don’t worry, I’m on my way right now to look at a couple of places.”
His dad rubbed his hands together, his face breaking into a smile. “I’ll come with you.”
****
It’s kind of sickening how much pleasure my dad is getting out of this. Brad watched his dad ooh and ahh over every detail Rob pointed out about the tiny house. It was the nicest of the three places they’d looked at, all in the Glendale area since Brad wanted to be close to work and Delphine’s shop. The first two were apartments, decent but with no real appeal.
The rental house was tiny, about seven hundred square feet, with a pocket garden, but somehow he knew it would be a place Delphine would love. It had one bedroom and bath, and boasted lots of wood trim and built-ins indicative of bungalows built in the thirties. The neighborhood was older, middle-class, and from the looks of it, mostly inhabited by retirees who spent their retirement money on their lawns and gardens.
His dad slapped him on the back so hard he winced.
“Well, son, what do you think?”
Rubbing his shoulder, Brad attempted a smile. “I like this place best of course, but it’s a little more than the apartments. Besides, I won’t be able to sign anything until after I get my first paycheck.”
His dad’s smile faded. “Huh?”
“Remember I liquidated everything for Delphine’s loan? I’m pretty much broke and only have enough money for gas until the end of the month.” He waggled his brows. “Don’t worry, it’s just a few more weeks.”
Don nodded, though his gaze was far away as mental cogs turned. After a moment, he cleared his throat. “Tell you what, as a late graduation present and possibly engagement congratulations, I’ll cover the first six months rent if you promise to move out by the weekend.”
Brad stared at his dad. It’s positively indecent how bad he wants to get rid of me. On the other hand, it would make me look better in Delphine’s eyes if she’d known I was out on my own—despite the fact that I have been for the last eight years! Sheesh!
He took a deep breath and looked at Rob.
Rob glanced at his tip sheet and nodded. “The owner says it’s ready for move-in.”
An image of living in the little house with Delphine seared itself into his mind, making his heart pound hard. Brad stuck out his hand toward his dad.
“Deal!”
****
Delphine spent the remaining days before the grand opening in a frenzy of activity of cooking, packaging, and displaying chocolates. Her few conversations with Brad had been by phone and he seemed either distracted or full of suppressed excitement.
He never mentioned whether he was aware that she’d deposited the check and she didn’t have the courage to ask. Anyway, she still felt weird about it. But remembering the Sunday service, Delphine reminded herself to accept the gift graciously and not worry it to death as she was wont to do.
Not actually seeing Brad over the past several days, however, did stress her out. She toyed with the idea of going to his house, but wondered what she would say. “Hello, Brad. Thank for the money, baby. Let’s work things out.” No, it sounded too much like she was motivated by cold, hard cash.
Thinking about the painting, flooring, the accounts and ordering system Brad had helped her with made her feel wistful—until she grew annoyed again that he hadn’t come to see her. What kind of guy goes broke on your behalf and then practically disappears? Infuriating man!
Deciding to try out her new understanding of faith, she gave her relationship with Brad to the Lord, entrusting it to His care. If He went to the effort to get them together in a foreign country, surely He had a plan to help them work out this latest obstacle. Either that or she’d march over to Brad’s house and clobber him until he relented and kissed her.
Her employees seemed to sense her wayward mood. Stephan kept making loud comments about her ‘French temper’ and Minnie rushed around the shop trying to keep up, but Delphine’s plans for the chocolaterie were coming along beautifully.
****
At last the eve of the grand opening arrived. Aside from a few last minute touches she’d do in the morning, Delphine had to admit the Chez Chocolates exceeded her wildest dreams. After Minnie and Stephan made their tired goodbyes, she stayed for a bit, trying to see how it would appear through the customer’s eyes.
Her shop indeed appeared intimate—even a little decadent with the romantic, lush blue color on the walls, highlighted by framed art prints of sepia-toned French chocolate products from the turn of the century and photos of her candy-making pedigree. Recessed lighting highlighted the glass cases, which held row upon row of dark, semi-sweet, and milk chocolate varieties. A side table also held an array of boxed chocolates, a size for every taste and budget. All the packaging had been done in pale blue and silver colors to complement the décor.
It had been Brad’s idea to add a coffee bar, along with tables and chairs and a bookcase with an eclectic collection of titles to encourage customers to linger. The five mismatched antiqued tables were positioned next to the windows. She wondered if the grand opening would be a success, if those tables would be filled with customers. Tomorrow she planned to add flowers to heighten the festivity of the occasion.
When she thought about all she’d been through to get to this moment, tears pricked the back of her eyes.
Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and helping me bring this about. Please also help me to honor You in this business and be a testimony of Your love to those around me.
When she felt satisfied all was in readiness, Delphine turned off all the lights and locked up. Out in the balmy evening air, she took a deep breath.
She had just one last task.
She called Stephan. “Would you mind coming by my place and picking me up early in the morning? There’s something I’d like to do before I open.”
Stephan responded with alacrity. “Minnie and I will be there with bells on. You just name the time.”
****
“Bradley, are you listening to me? This came for you today.”
Brad turned around from the stairway, his hand resting on the handrail and saw his mother holding out a card. The envelope was a pretty blue color, similar, he thought suddenly, to the wall color
of Delphine’s shop. Brad sat down on the steps and tore it open. He drew out a stiff card of the same color.
Welcome to Chez Chocolates Grand Opening Friday, August sixteenth at eleven am. Your presence is requested.
Scribbled at the bottom, Brad read: Directions will be supplied tomorrow.
He drew his brows together. Why would he need directions?
“What’s it say, dear?”
He looked over at his mom and smiled. “It’s an invitation to Delphine’s grand opening.”
“Oh, really? You’re going, right?”
“We’re all invited, Mom.” He glanced down at the card in his hands and wondered if he should tell her about his insecurity regarding Delphine. The notion she might reject him weighed heavily on his mind. He was still going to propose, but his grim determination lacked the romantic flair he’d always imagined.
She better say yes.
Brad discarded the idea of talking to his mom about it and sagged back against the step of the staircase. Besides, she’d probably make another remark about him blowing it with Delphine.
And she’d probably be right.
Twenty
Delphine was a nervous wreck the following morning after returning from her errand with her employees. Not only was today the shop’s grand opening, she also hoped Brad would be there. If he didn’t show, she knew she’d be certifiable.
Why is he avoiding me? I cashed the check just like he wanted. He can’t be upset about that! Worries flitted like crazed butterflies in her head.
Delphine shoved the thoughts away. She needed all her mental faculties to get through the day. After that, if he still hadn’t shown up, she’d give him a call. Beyond that, she didn’t want to think.
As she dressed, her hands shook a little. Striving for a formal, yet romantic look to her dress, she donned a sheer white poet’s blouse worn with a white camisole underneath, coupled with a black velvet skirt. Black high-heeled shoes completed the outfit. She swept her hair up into a loose chignon, leaving several strands down to frame her face.
Delphine regarded her reflection in the mirror, thinking back to just a few months ago when her only hope was a life of barely making ends meet. Now she had the real opportunity to make a good living doing something she enjoyed. The only problem was that so many things could go wrong.
She closed her eyes. Positive mental attitude, missie! Besides, she’d dedicated it all to the Lord. With His help, she knew she could walk through the good and the bad. Right, God? She smiled wryly and grabbed her purse.
Minnie and Stephan picked her up and drove her to the shop. Their enthusiasm nearly eclipsed hers, and they chattered with excitement as they made final preparations for the grand opening.
She also noticed that Stephan’s gaze grew soft whenever they rested on Minnie. Delphine hoped he was being good to her.
Their romance made her even more wistful and melancholy for Brad. Please let him be there today. I need him!
After they arrived, she went next door and picked up several pastel blue, green, and silver floral arrangements from the florist, along with matching balloon bouquets. Once they were placed about the shop, she checked each and every tray of chocolates to make sure they were properly displayed. Next, she double-checked to make sure she had enough change in the till and enough blue bags for purchases. Even her employees were subject to a last minute inspection. Their blue shirts and black slacks worn with white aprons complemented the over all décor.
“We look good, huh Boss?”
Delphine smiled at Stephan. “Yes, indeed.”
Minnie punched his arm. “Don’t primp.”
He winked at her, and her teasing attitude melted under a deep blush.
Delphine laughed and shook her head. Gazing around the chocolaterie, and seeing everything in readiness, she suddenly, desperately missed her father. She wished this day didn’t have to be tempered by grief.
Papa, I know you’d be proud of me. I miss you so. She closed her eyes. And Maman, too.
She took a cleansing breath and glanced at the clock. Only an hour to go.
Brad, where are you?
****
Brad kissed his mom on the cheek and went quickly out the door before she could ask him where he planned to go. She’d wonder why he was leaving early for Chez Chocolates grand opening and ask an inordinate amount of questions.
Then he stopped.
On the porch at his feet sat a pale blue bag with sparkly blue tissue paper peeking out of the top. He bent down to pick it up. Inside he found a blue foil wrapped chocolate. Only one place he knew of featured blue-wrapped candies. He opened it and popped it in his mouth. Chocolate cream. Pure bliss.
He walked toward his Jetta and found another bag on the roof of the car. So this is what she meant by directions. A tingle of excitement skittered up his spine. This could only be a good sign.
Once he was out on the road, he wondered if he’d see any more. Where would she put them? Brad had his answer at the end of the block. Hanging from a street sign was another bag with tissue paper. He got out and retrieved it, ignoring the disgruntled honk of another car behind him.
While he chewed on a chocolate caramel, his gaze scanned the area around him as he drove out from his neighborhood. A glint of blue caught his attention. This time the bag sat on top of a phone booth near town. Brad had to wait a full five minutes for a parking spot so he could obtain the candy.
Soon he had to merge onto the freeway to get to Glendale. If Delphine valued his life, she wouldn’t put any candy along the barriers for him to find. When he exited and turned toward downtown Glendale, he let out a whoop of exultation. On top of an electrical box near a traffic signal, he spotted another bag. Six blocks to go.
By the time he found a parking spot near the shop, he’d found four more bags filled with candies—and he ate every single one. Brad reached for the car door handle, but stopped as an idea came to him.
Spying the blue foil wrappers overflowing the cup holder in the console between the seats, he picked one up and grinned.
****
Delphine glanced at her watch. Nearly time for the opening. The newspaper reporter had arrived on schedule. She took him around the shop, describing her skills, experiences, commitment to quality, and even her special line of organic chocolates.
She and her employees posed for several pictures he requested, Stephan mugging for the camera in a disgraceful way. All the while, Delphine wondered if Brad would show up. Her stomach lurched and her heart palpitated in her chest. If he doesn’t get here soon, I’ll have an anxiety attack!
While the reporter interviewed Minnie and Stephan, Delphine heard a light tap on the door. Her pulse jumped when she saw the shadow of a person at the door. It better be Brad!
She walked over and peeked behind the shade and let out a huge sigh of relief. Brad stood glancing at his watch. Swallowing, she quickly pulled up the shades and unlocked the door.
“You’re here!” she breathed as she stepped aside to let him in, drinking in the sight of him. He wore black slacks with a blue shirt, unwittingly echoing what her employees wore, although his garments were much more stylish. The color of his shirt enhanced the intensity of his eyes—and it had been way too long since she’d looked into those eyes.
Brad pointed at his shirt. “Do you know how hard it is to find clothing in an Oceania color?” He glanced at Stephan and Minnie, and his eyes widened. “Hey, how’d that happen?” He wiggled his brows. “Must be some kind of chocolate vibe I’m in on.”
Delphine clasped her hands in front of her to stop from wringing them in agitation. “Thank you for coming.”
His gaze roamed around the space, pausing in the case packed full of trays of chocolates before returning to her. “You’ve been busy.” He lowered his voice. “Everything looks great. You look great. I’ve missed you, Delphine.”
Vaguely aware of the curious looks from Minnie and Stephan, she could only stare at him—and at the dark smudges on his l
ips. She stifled an impulse to giggle. “I see you found my candy,” she said softly.
He gave her a self-satisfied grin. “Yep. The realest chocolate I’ve ever tasted.”
“I’m glad you liked it.”
Delphine noticed Brad’s face turn a bright shade of red. He licked his lips, suddenly seeming unsure of himself. Swallowing, he took her hand in his.
“Do you really love me, Delphine?”
Surprised by his question, she put her other hand on his chest, feeling his wildly thumping heart beneath her fingers. “Of course I do,” she whispered.
“Did you cash the check?”
She nodded, finally understanding a little why it was so important to him. “But I haven’t spent the money yet. I wanted to talk that over with you first.”
The set of Brad’s shoulders eased and he smiled. “Okay.” He took a deep breath. “Now, tell me you love me in French. I’ve noticed you speak in French when you experience extremes of emotion.”
“You can say that again,” Stephan quipped. Minnie loudly hushed him.
Delphine wondered at the sense of calm that stole over her. She stepped closer and smoothed down his shirt collar. “Je t’aime, Brad.”
Brad closed his eyes and sighed, tempting her to laugh at his dramatics. He opened his eyes and looked down at her, his expression tender. “Zhuh tame, too, Delphine.” He put his hand in his pocket and pulled a blue object out. “I have something for you.”
She smiled and took the candy from his hand, noticing it looked rather worse for wear. And the shape didn’t seem right. She glanced up at him in disbelief. “You actually saved me one? I’m impressed.”
“Open it.”
How Sweet It Is Page 19