Cafe Love: Cupid's Cafe Box Set Books 2-4

by Ashley Lauren

  At about the halfway point Danny stopped and turned to Sarah. How had he been lucky enough to have a woman as amazing as Sarah love him? He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight. “Thank you so much.”

  Sarah kissed his cheek and urged him to keep moving. They made it to the top, and Danny looked out at the amazing view of Berkeley and the Bay.

  Sarah sighed and leaned her head on Danny’s shoulder. “I told you it was beautiful.”

  They stood quietly for a bit, and Sarah wondered if this was the right moment to bring it up. She’d urged herself to be patient, but Danny had admitted to loving her. If that were true, then he’d tell her if she asked.

  Sarah debated with herself for a few more minutes, but finally gathered her courage, saying, “You know, you never did tell me how you lost your leg.”

  Danny sighed but nodded. Maybe it was time he finally told someone and got the weight off his chest. He wanted to shield Sarah from the ugliness of the world, but how could he when she would have a daily reminder? She should know what happened and why he’d be reliving the nightmares for some time to come.

  “You really want to hear the story? It’s not pretty.”

  “Yes,” Sarah breathed. “But only if you want to tell me. Don’t feel pressured just because I asked.”

  Danny shook his head, running his fingers through Sarah’s soft hair. “After all that you’ve done for me, you deserve to know.”

  He took a deep breath, closing his eyes. He could remember it like it was yesterday. He rested his hand on his knee and moved down, feeling the cool plastic of the prosthetic. It was time he shared his burden with someone. It was time he finally asked for help.

  ***

  It was hot. Barely March, and yet, it was already so hot. The sweat rolled down from the base of my skull and into the collar of my body armor. I wanted to rip the armor off just feel some relief from the heat but settled for a swig of water from my canteen.

  Mitchel was driving, and we were the lead Humvee in the convoy. That put us on lookout duty for ambush opportunities and Improvised Explosive Devices or IEDs. Technically, it was everyone’s job but the view from up front was the best, so I watched the dirt road as we climbed through the mountain passes.

  The mission wasn’t anything special. It was just a routine escort of a tanker vehicle back to the base. Mitchel and I had done it over a hundred times with no incident, but hostiles had been reported in the area. So, I kept a vigilant lookout while Mitchel navigated the treacherous mountain roads.

  We were a few miles from the base's gate and heading down and out of the mountains. There was this one spot where the road had been carved between two rocky hills. It was wide enough for a single lane of vehicles. It was what we called a choke point. None of us liked driving through it. There were just too many ways for the enemy to attack and you had nowhere to go.

  I spotted a small white car alongside the road and very near to the choke point. The roads were littered with abandoned vehicles, but this one hadn’t been there when we’d come through earlier that day. It didn’t mean anything, but it was suspicious.

  I alerted Mitchel and signaled to the rest of the convoy to stop. Mitchel and I cleared the area around our Humvee, looking for IEDs. The hostiles liked to hide them just off the road. We found nothing and continued to clear the area, circling out from our vehicle.

  It was a slow process, and the sun was directly overhead, making me feel like I was roasting alive in my armor. I had to stop and wipe the sweat out of my eyes every few minutes. We were about twenty feet from the white vehicle when I saw it.

  There was a flash of light from something metallic set into the dirt. I squinted and could see what looked like wire extending out from it. I followed the wire and it sunk into the dirt, but there was a slight depression in the dirt in a long line leading back toward the rest of the convoy.

  Panic flared along my spine as I realized what it meant. There was an IED buried in the dirt, and it was most likely wired to a line of explosives that trailed back to the convoy and that tanker full of gas. Setting even one of those explosives off meant setting all of them off, and that would kill us all.

  I called to Mitchel and motioned to where I’d found the IED. Protocol stated we should clear the area and call in for the bomb guys to come and dispose of it. We had to get everyone back before using our radios. No telling what would set it off. Mitchel and I walked back and signaled for the rest of the convoy to back up. The Humvees weren’t a problem, but the tanker had more difficulty.

  Mitchel and I were clearing the area for the tanker and helping it to back up. I don’t know what he was thinking, but he was so focused on the IED’s wired together that he missed another one set into the dirt. It was like one of those movies. The world slowed down as I sprinted toward Mitchel. I screamed for him to stop, but his foot was already moving toward the pressure plate. I launched myself at him, tackling him to the ground. There was a roar and a blast of heat that burned white hot.

  The next thing I remember was waking up in a hospital next to Mitchel. He had a concussion and a few burns, but I had thrown him clear of the blast and taken the brunt of it.

  ***

  Danny laughed without any humor and rubbed his hand over his face. “I’d hated that body armor. Hot, smelly, and heavy, but it did a good job of protecting most of my body. My right leg just below the knee hadn’t been as lucky.”

  Sarah fought back the tears. He needed her to be strong. She had to be strong and prove to him that she could deal with this part of his life.

  Danny heaved out a sigh. “I think I’m going to go inside and lay down for a bit. Is that okay?”

  His face looked pale and his eyes wary. Sarah hated making him relive the moment, but it was important that they started this relationship on solid ground. The telling had cost him, and she knew he needed some time alone.

  “Of course, let me help you down, and I’ll make you some lunch while you rest,” Sarah offered. She’d take her time making lunch and let him decompress.

  “No, I can make it down on my own. This railing is better than the cane. You stay here and take in the view,” Danny protested.

  Sarah wasn’t sure if it was pride that made him refuse her help down or he really needed to be alone. Either way, it didn’t matter. Sarah would let him go. As long as he looked like he was doing okay on his own, she’d let him have his way. They both needed to learn to compromise, and this was something she could give him easily.

  “Thanks, I think I will,” Sarah said.

  Danny started down the ramp. The railing did work as well as his cane, and he managed the hike down without trouble.

  Sarah’s gaze moved out toward the horizon that was just beginning to turn pink with the setting sun. Danny was going to miss a fantastic sunset. Her lips curved downward, and she turned to glance at the house.

  Inside that house was her dear, brave Danny. How could he think he wasn’t whole? He really was the hero the newspapers proclaimed him to be. He’d made sure that the tanker full of gas hadn’t exploded and that his fellow soldiers were safe. How could he not see what an amazing person he was? He thought that a missing leg meant he was broken, but that wasn’t true.

  Danny’s heart and soul were pure and brilliant. He’d thrown himself on a bomb to save his friend’s life and not once had he stated that he would do anything differently. Mitchel was whole because of Danny’s actions, but Danny didn’t hold that against Mitchel. If anything, he’d sounded relieved that Mitchel only had a concussion.

  Danny may not see it now. He was still too raw and the wounds physically and mentally too fresh, but she’d help him. One day he’d see himself as the hero he truly was.

  Chapter Eighteen

  A few months later, Katy’s senses were tingling. She tried to brush off the feeling, but couldn’t. She looked around her restaurant. For once, it was rather empty. There was an older gentleman in one of the booths, enjoying a fresh cup of coffee, but other than th
at Cupid’s was deserted. She squinted at the gentleman deciding if he was the one setting off her radar. No, that’s Mr. Grubam. He was still married to his high school sweetheart, Anna.

  Katy wrinkled her nose, wondering what had her so jumpy. Her gaze swept over the dessert counter and she felt a ping.

  “Clarisse?” she called out. “Do you mind closing up this afternoon?”

  The young woman nearly gasped. “You’re leaving early?” Such a thing was unheard of. Katy never left the restaurant. “Are you feeling alright?” she asked in concern, trying to look the older woman over for any sort of illness, but as far as she could tell Katy looked perfectly healthy.

  “Yes. I’m quite alright.” She smiled. “Just thought I’d go visit a friend I haven’t seen in quite a while.”

  Katy took her apron off and slung it over her arm. Clarisse didn’t quite know what to do with herself. She had never been in charge of the diner before. Katy had always been there. It seemed so strange to see her go, but she was determined not to let her down.

  Katy smiled at the younger woman before disappearing into the kitchen, making her way to her office. There, she placed her apron on a chair and grabbed her jacket. She looked out the little window and noticed that it was raining. She grabbed her rain boots and umbrella. The weather wasn’t about to stop her from going out.

  Once outside, she was met by a torrent of rain. It came down in rough sheets as if determined to get her soaked, but there was still a bright smile on Katherine Cupid’s face as she made her way down the sidewalk.

  In the distance, a sign spelling out Sweet as Shortcake glowed, hurrying Katy along. Katy ducked under the overhang just as a crack of thunder clapped. Katy hadn’t seen weather this violent in a very long time.

  She opened the door, and a strong wind shoved it open, slamming it against the wall. The door chime rang loudly, nearly yanking it off its hook. “Dear me,” Katy grumbled, fighting with the door to try and shut it.

  “Let me help you!” A voice sounded behind her.

  Katy felt somebody’s hands on hers. Together they used their combined efforts to get the door closed.

  “Phew!” the voice said, breathing hard after the sudden burst of exertion. “Katy! Is that you?”

  Sarah stood there, staring at the restaurant owner in utter disbelief. “You actually exist outside of Cupid’s? Who would’ve thought?” she teased, taking the umbrella from her and propping it up against the coat rack to dry.

  Katy just gave her a knowing smile before she shrugged off her soggy jacket, hanging it up on one of the pegs.

  “Pretty nasty weather out there, huh?” Katy commented. She looked around the deserted bakery. “Not a lot of business today? Same at Cupid’s. I don’t think anyone wants to go out in this weather.” Katy took a seat.

  “Yeah. It’s not too bad, though. Gives me the time I need to bake. I’m getting ahead on some of my special orders, which is nice.” She smiled and got behind the display counter. On top was a beautiful wedding cake, still unfinished. There were intricate flowers on one side, slowly spiraling their way to the top.

  “Is that for your wedding?” Katy asked with a wink.

  Sarah turned bright red at her question, the frosting bag now frozen in midair. She could no longer remember what she wanted to do, her mind too filled with images of her own wedding.

  She shook her head to clear it and smiled. “Nope, it’s for the Ferguson wedding.”

  “Is that so?” Katy said with a grin. “Tammy and Jack met at Cupid’s you know. Tammy had just experienced one of the worst dates of her life. A real jerk if I remember correctly. The next day, Jack came in with his daughter Dixie and ran into her.”

  Katy left out the part that she had been the one to pressure Tammy into coming in for the breakfast special in the first place. Jack was usually in every morning. It had just been serendipity that his sweet daughter Dixie had come in with him. Dixie had taken an instant liking to Tammy. Fate had a wonderful way of working out. Katy just did her best to help it along.

  “You know,” Sarah paused and pointed the bag of frosting at Katy, “I’ve been wondering about that. It seems like everyone who gets married in Berkeley, met their match at your restaurant. Don’t you think that’s a rather strange coincidence? Maybe Cupid’s is magical or something.”

  Sarah laughed, realizing just how ridiculous it was to believe that a certain place contained magical powers. Yet, Katy didn’t respond to her taunt. Instead, Katy’s green eyes sparkled at her words.

  Sarah refocused on the cake and began to pipe the trim along the base. To distract herself she made light conversation. “Speaking of weddings, yes, it would be really amazing to decorate my own wedding cake. I know exactly how I want it.” She smiled ear to ear.

  “Oh?” Katy tilted her head.

  “One second.” Sarah put the frosting bag down and then rushed into her office, grabbing a little sketchbook she used to plan out certain pastries. She came back to the front and sat down next to Katy. “Look.” She opened it to one of the last pages. It was a beautiful drawing of a three-tier cake. The frosting was decorated to look like a sandy beach. There were little seashells and starfish covering it. “I want a beach-themed wedding. I’ve always loved the water.” She smiled brightly.

  “That’s a very pretty cake. I hope your dream wedding becomes a reality soon.” Katy smiled, squeezing her hand.

  “I do too. Danny and I are in a good place. We’ve both had to make concessions, a bit of give and take, but I’m completely head over heels in love with that man. And by happy coincidence, he feels the same for me.” Sarah smiled, her face glowing as she thought of Danny. He had been the best thing that had ever happened to her.

  “I’m so happy for you two,” Katy grinned, her eyes twinkling once again. “I had a hunch you two would make a nice couple.”

  “I mean, I had my doubts at the very beginning. I didn’t know if it would work out between us, but I took your advice. Danny needed a bit more care and consideration, but the effort was more than worth it.” She smiled happily. “Now, all I have to do now is wait for him to pop the question.”

  “All in good time,” Katy said, looking out at the rain. “You know, they say rain brings good luck.”

  Suddenly, the kitchen doors swung open, and Danny waltzed into the front of the bakery, a proud look on his face. Sarah stared at him, wide-eyed. Had he heard any of her conversation with Katy? Her cheeks turned red, and she found her heartbeat quickening.

  “How are you, ladies?” he asked, moving toward them. Katy noticed he didn’t have his cane.

  “I’m good, thanks.” She said politely. “What happened to your cane?”

  “I haven’t needed it in weeks. My knee has fully healed. The doctor says I can start running on it in another week or two. I can’t wait.”

  “Good for you. Though, I’m not sure I’ve ever been excited to run,” Katy said.

  “You should try it,” Danny said and began to tinker with a machine set to the right of the glass display cases.

  “I don’t think so, but…” Katy titled her head, staring at the machine. “What is that contraption?” She walked up to it to get a better look.

  “It’s a kiosk. If the place is crowded and both Sarah and Ming are too busy, people can come here to order and pay for their order. They can then choose whether they want the pastries now or if they want to pick them up at a later time. They also have the option for special ordering.” He tapped his finger to the black glass panel, and it lit up with the Sweet as Shortcake logo. “It’ll really help get the bakery running a lot smoother, especially since it’s just Sarah and Ming in here most days.

  “That’s pretty nifty,” Katy said. “But how does it work? There’s no keyboard.” She tilted her head, looking at Danny.

  He gave her a quizzical look. “Have you never used a touchscreen interface before?”

  “A what now?”

  Danny chuckled and pulled out his smartphone. “Touchsc
reen. Everyone has them now. It’s pretty common.” He unlocked his phone and demonstrated for her.

  “What is that thing?” Katy asked.

  “Maybe she really is from the fifties, trapped there like some kind of timeless love guru,” Sarah teased.

  Katy shot her a glance. Technology wasn’t her thing. People were.

  “Katy, it’s a phone,” Danny said.

  “That’s a phone?” she asked, bewildered.

  “Yes.”

  “This is my phone.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small flip phone.

  “That thing is ancient! Does it still work?” He grabbed the battered phone and opened it up. The screen was minuscule, and most of the buttons were worn out with age. “How old is this thing?” he asked. “We need to get you a new phone.”

  “Don’t bother.” She smiled. “I rarely use this one. Everyone I want to talk to usually has a way of showing up at the diner.”

  “She’s right on that front. Whenever she wants something from me, she just asks me to deliver some shortcakes,” Sarah said, chuckling a bit.

  Danny suddenly narrowed his eyes at the woman. Her dark hair framed her face, making her look innocent, but there was a certain amount mischief in her face which made him feel like there was more to her than meets the eye. “Is that why you asked Sarah to deliver my shortcake the day I came back?”

  As if by magic, Katy’s phone started to ring and she looked away from Danny’s stare.

  “I thought you said you didn’t use that thing,” Sarah said.

  Katy took the call. She didn’t say a word, only nodded, and then hung up.

  “It was Clarisse. She’s having some trouble back at the restaurant. I’ll see you two around. Don’t forget, tomorrow is our brunch special!” Without another word, she grabbed her jacket and umbrella and made it out the door. The storm had settled down into a soft pitter-patter of rain.