Nothing to Lose

by Darlene Fredette

  Chapter Six

  Jessie wiped the tables and washed the dishes. She checked the clock. Three hours to closing. Where had the day gone? Correction, where had the week gone? She’d been employed at Cooper’s Cakes for two weeks. The bakery was in full swing for summer event scheduling. All week, Travis and Heather had been decorating cakes nonstop. As one order went out the door, another two were added to the list.

  After paying her bills and giving Mr Moretti the rent a day early, Jessie still had money left in her account. She enjoyed every aspect of working at the bakery. Stacking the dessert cabinet, waiting on customers, taking orders, cleaning tables, and even sweeping floors. Chatting with customers, many she now knew by first name, was her favourite part. In the past, she hadn’t gotten along with most people she worked with, finding them snooty, impolite, and boorish. She loved this job. And for that reason, she avoided long gazes at Travis.

  Ignoring the increasing attraction to Travis had been the one difficulty of work. Did the guy have to look so hot in a cotton t-shirt? The apron jackets he wore hid his muscular chest, but highlighted his beefy arms. All week, their conversations had been minimal due to the demand of cakes to be baked and decorated. She didn’t want to disturb his concentration and only chatted briefly during her frequent trips into the baking area to place dishes in the dishwasher or to pick up a fresh tray of cupcakes.

  She’d thanked him again for treating her to pizza last Saturday evening. He’d been a gentleman by walking her to the car and also giving her the leftovers. An awkward silence had followed. Jessie thought for a fleeting moment she’d receive the kiss she’d been dreaming about. Nerves won the battle. She’d thrust her hand into his for an awkward shake then climbed inside her car, preventing further embarrassment. Straight away she regretted the graceless departure.

  Heather broke into Jessie’s thoughts. The older woman walked through the saloon doors and sank onto one of the chairs. She wiped her hands on her apron. ‘I’m done. No more buttercream, no more piping, and definitely no more roses.’ Heather closed her eyes. ‘I always forget how busy we get this time of year.’

  ‘I thought for sure we’d see Travis today. Is he at the fire station?’ Jessie hoped to not seem overly curious. ‘His buddy’s wedding isn’t until next weekend, right?’

  Heather set her elbows on the table and leaned her chin in her open palms. ‘No and yes.’ She chuckled. ‘I expected him here today as well, but I guess his date went well.’

  Jessie placed a hand over her mouth to hide a gasp.

  Heather raised an eyebrow. ‘Are you okay?’

  She coughed to clear her throat. ‘Travis had a date?’

  ‘Last night. His buddy’s fiancée’s friend.’

  Jealousy rippled through Jessie. She pushed aside the discomforting emotion. ‘Good to hear he’s getting back in the dating pool.’ She wiped the table a second time, ignoring the pressure in her chest.

  ‘He’s making a mistake.’

  The woman’s statement got Jessie’s immediate attention. She turned to meet Heather’s gaze. ‘Why? I thought you wanted Travis to find someone?’

  ‘She’s not the one.’

  Jessie hoped Heather was right. ‘Dating someone from a set-up is a bad idea.’ She caught the older woman studying her closely. She wiped the same spot on the table a third time. ‘Not that I’m an expert in the area.’

  ‘Travis isn’t either.’ Heather grabbed the dishcloth out of Jessie’s hand. ‘But, you can’t force love or control who you fall in love with.’

  Grimacing, Jessie shook her head. ‘I sense more to come.’ She guessed Heather was aware of Jessie’s attraction to her son, and expected a cease-and-resist conversation.

  ‘Sit.’ Heather pointed to a chair.

  She sat across from the woman whose intuition was too frightening.

  ‘During my last year of high school, I met a guy who moved into the apartment building next to mine. He’d walk with me in the mornings, and we’d meet at the coffee shop after classes. We became good friends.’ She stared at the black-and-white photographs on the wall. ‘He hinted at advancing our relationship. I didn’t feel the raging butterflies, but I thought if I brushed away his attention, I’d risk losing him as a friend.’

  Elbows on the table, Jessie sat on the edge of her seat, riveted by Heather’s story.

  ‘I was to give him my decision at a mutual friend’s party. Angelo had a family matter come up, so I went ahead, and we’d meet later. While waiting for Angelo, I met Harvey. The moment I gazed into Harvey’s dark green eyes, I lost all rational thinking.’ Heather raised an eyebrow. ‘I fell hard and fast.’

  Jessie stared, anxious to hear more.

  ‘I couldn’t think of anything else. I couldn’t see past his smile. I didn’t want to be anywhere but in his arms.’ Heather stared at the dishcloth wrapped between her fingers.

  ‘Love at first sight?’ Jessie held a breath.

  Heather nodded. ‘We left the party to go to a coffee shop, where we stayed until one in the morning.’ She folded the dishcloth. ‘I met with Angelo the next day. I didn’t return his feelings. He deserved to know the truth.’

  Sensing the highlight of the story was yet to come, Jessie prodded the woman to continue. ‘What happened?’

  ‘We said goodbye. I broke his heart, but the gentleman that he was … he wished me nothing but happiness.’ Heather wiped a tear under her eye. ‘Later that day, and I suspect trying to lift my mood, Harvey took me to his garage to see the motorbike he built. He spoke of us riding into the sunset together. Then, he kissed me. My heart exploded. We were soulmates.’

  ‘Wow.’ Jessie released a heavy sigh.

  ‘Harvey and I rode into the sunset on that bike he built. We travelled coast to coast. We were married at a small chapel along our journey. Life was carefree and fun.’

  Jessie pointed to the rose tattoo on the inside of Heather’s wrist.

  ‘Being too carefree can result in impulsive decisions.’ Heather smiled. ‘We worked odd jobs to pay for our next adventure. Two years later, we returned home.’ She swiped another tear. ‘Time for stability and a family. I worked as a baking assistant, and Harvey got a job as a mechanic. Travis was five when his father died.’

  Gathering Heather’s hands in hers, Jessie squeezed tight. ‘I’m so sorry.’ She bit her bottom lip to prevent an outbreak of tears.

  ‘I grieved, but I also held much anger because Harvey knew of his illness for months and hadn’t told me.’ Heather closed her eyes. ‘We could have seen another doctor. Considered other treatments. Been better prepared.’

  The waterworks broke. Jessie cried for Heather and Travis’ loss. ‘Travis said the cancer was aggressive. Your husband probably didn’t want your limited time together to be shadowed by the disease.’

  Heather pulled out tissues from her apron pocket and passed one to Jessie. ‘Therapy helped remove the anger and eased the grief. I had to be strong for Travis.’ She held a hand on her chest. ‘I hold no regrets. I wouldn’t change one single moment I had with Harvey.’ She stood and grabbed Jessie’s hand, pulling her to stand. ‘I told you my story because I don’t want you to miss out on love because you’re afraid.’ She tapped Jessie’s hand. ‘I see the way you look at my son.’

  Feeling warmth blaze her cheeks, Jessie stuffed her hands in the apron pockets. ‘I … umm.’ Words failed her.

  Heather winked. ‘I have a dozen naked cupcakes.’ She swiped a hand across her tear-stained cheeks then pointed to the counter. ‘Ready to help decorate?’

  Jessie stepped forward, still hiding her shaking hands.

  ‘You’ve been practicing at home, yes?’ Heather held up a piping bag.

  How does she know? Last weekend, Jessie went to the library and picked out a few books on baking. Each baking attempt achieved better results in taste and trimmings. Jessie wouldn’t refuse hands-on training. But would she refuse a chance with Travis? Expose herself to the possibility? Jessie felt a surge of hope f
rom the strong beat of her heart. Smiling, she joined Heather at the counter.

  An hour later, Jessie stared at the door, a permanent smile spread across her face. She couldn’t believe a customer had walked in and insisted on buying the cupcakes she’d decorated. A swell of pride made her stand tall, as did Heather’s pat on the back.

  Jessie helped tidy the kitchen then returned to the front counter to wrap up the last hour of the day. At the sound of the bell above the door, she rose from behind the glass cabinet, hoping to see Travis. ‘Mr Moretti?’

  ‘I hope you don’t mind, but I thought I’d stop by to purchase a few treats.’

  The Italian man looked dapper in dress pants and a cotton shirt. She’d only ever seen him wearing dirt-stained overalls and garden gloves. ‘I almost didn’t recognize you.’

  He chuckled. ‘I’ve been told I clean up nicely.’

  ‘You sure do, but I’m a big fan of garden trousers.’ She winked. ‘What can I get you?’

  His gaze drifted past her shoulder. He opened his mouth and gasped. ‘Heather?’

  ‘Angelo?’

  Jessie turned toward the whispered voice beside her.

  Heather had pushed open the saloon doors and stared wide-eyed at Mr Moretti.

  Through tense silence, Jessie put the pieces together. Her plant-loving landlord, and Heather’s friend, were the same person. She’d been too engrossed in Heather’s story to have guessed any connection. ‘Wow. He’s the Angelo you were talking about.’

  Heather covered her cheeks with her hands. ‘He is.’

  Mr Moretti opened his arms. Heather rushed across the bakery floor. They embraced in a long hug.

  ‘I can’t believe my eyes.’ He moved backward, but held onto Heather’s hands. ‘I haven’t seen you since—’

  ‘I should have contacted you, but I thought you wouldn’t want to see me.’

  Jessie didn’t have to see Heather’s face to know tears were involved. The woman’s shaky voice conveyed her emotional state.

  ‘You have no reason to apologize.’ Angelo brushed a thumb across Heather’s cheek. ‘You were meant to be with Harvey. Besides, I wouldn’t have met my Gina.’

  During one of their many chats, Mr Moretti told Jessie his wife died a few years ago. Both he and Heather had suffered great losses.

  ‘What are you doing here?’ Heather asked.

  Mr Moretti stepped back, pointing to Jessie. ‘This lovely lady is a dear friend and a tenant in my building.’

  Jessie smiled at his mention of friendship before her residency.

  ‘Such wonderful aromas of baked goods drift through the hallway outside her apartment door.’ He winked. ‘I had to taste a sampling.’

  Heather pointed. ‘I knew you’d been practicing.’

  ‘Nobody would want to taste what came out of my kitchen this week.’ Jessie scrunched her face in a grimace. ‘Baking is not my speciality.’

  The older couple joined in her laughter then reunited their gazes.

  She thrust her hands in her apron pockets, feeling like an awkward third wheel. ‘You two have lots to catch up on.’ She turned to Heather. ‘We only have a half hour left. I can take care of the shop.’ Jessie hadn’t closed the bakery by herself, but she knew the procedure.

  ‘If you’re sure?’ Not waiting for confirmation, Heather pulled loose the ties of her apron and ran into the baking room, returning with her purse and a key ring dangling on a finger. She tossed the key.

  Jessie caught it with a shaky hand then stared at the huge responsibility hanging on a silver and pink cupcake. The trusting gesture overwhelmed her. ‘Thank you.’

  Heather leaned close, whispering, ‘No, thank you for guiding a lost friend back into my life.’

  ‘Who knew my disastrous weekend cooking blitz would have a result other than meeting a trash can.’ Jessie pushed Heather and Mr Moretti to the door. ‘Now, get out of here and have fun.’ She watched them cross the parking lot, get into their separate cars, and follow each other out of The Crossing.

  She knew the pair would be in for a long night. ‘Not a bad way to spend a Saturday evening.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘Better than my plans of a microwave dinner-for-one.’ With a heavy heart, she went into the appointment room and put the design books on the shelf then dusted the mock cakes. ‘Dinner alone … again,’ she mumbled under her breath.

  ‘All alone?’

  She jolted backward, bumping into a shelf and almost tipping a five-tier, styrofoam wedding cake in the process. Steadying the frosted-glass pillars on the bottom layer, she glanced over her shoulder. She recognized the deep voice and expected to see Travis, but hadn’t heard the jingle of the bell to announce his arrival. He must have entered through the back door. ‘You nearly gave me a heart attack.’ Jessie picked up the dishcloth that had fallen from her hands.

  ‘My sneaky intent to scare you was a success.’ Travis chuckled.

  He easily caught the dishcloth she flung toward his chest.

  ‘You’re not funny.’ She stormed out of the appointment room, and shoved his shoulder as she stepped by to lock the front door. ‘You’re here to check on the shop?’ Deep down, she foolishly hoped he was there to see her. Disappointment clouded her heart like a thick fog smothering the sun.

  ‘Nope.’

  His blue-eyed gaze melted her artificial tough exterior. Jessie bit the inside of her cheek, hoping to still her racing pulse.

  Travis assembled two cardboard boxes. ‘I bought supplies for the cakes I have to make tomorrow. I also wanted to pick up the leftovers and drop them at the church on my way home.’

  His big heart made resisting him even more difficult. At the end of each day, Travis would pack the unsold desserts and take them to a local church who prepared meals for the homeless and less fortunate. On the days where the glass cabinet only had a few treats remaining, he’d bake a batch of cookies.

  He filled the boxes and closed the lid. ‘My mother sent me a vague text. Something about your landlord being a friend of hers?’

  She nodded. ‘I shooed them out. They’re having dinner to catch up.’ Jessie decided against asking him about his date until the question fell from her lips. ‘Your date went well?’

  His brow rose, causing a wrinkle below his hairline.

  ‘Maggie and I had a good time.’

  His blunt statement and the blank expression on his face did nothing to alleviate the anxiety sitting in the pit of her stomach. Jealousy vibrated head to toe. Jessie shoved the vision of Travis kissing another woman to the back of her mind. She had to protect her heart. She couldn’t allow herself to care. ‘Need help with those?’ She pointed to the boxes.

  ‘I’m okay.’ He tucked them under an arm. ‘I came in through the back and have to unpack my truck. I’ll head this way.’ He flicked a thumb toward the saloon doors. ‘If you could lock the front?’

  Jessie’s heart sank. Maybe he was meeting Maggie afterward. ‘Sure.’ She rushed to the kitchen to get her purse then walked quickly past Travis to the front door. ‘Enjoy the rest of the weekend. I’ll see you on Monday.’ The words tumbled out in one breath. She stepped outside and turned to lock the door, ignoring Travis’ frowning brows and questioning stare on the opposite side of the door.

  The warm evening air caressed her skin as she walked to her car. Or maybe the warmth was jealousy building a fire under her skin. ‘He should marry Maggie,’ she muttered then climbed inside the car and slid the key in the ignition. ‘I won’t put my heart on the line—’

  The car didn’t start. She tried again. Nothing. Saying a silent prayer, she turned the key. Nothing again. Jessie glanced out the window and to the blue sky. ‘Give me a break.’

  A knuckle hit the side window.

  She sat straight, smacking her head on the seat headrest. ‘Ouch.’

  ‘Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you … for real this time.’ Travis stepped backward. ‘I saw you having car trouble.’

  Jessie opened the door. ‘My car is dead.’
r />   ‘Pop the hood. Could be a simple fix.’

  She stepped out of the car, attempting to act aloof to Travis’ smile. Resistance is futile. She couldn’t ignore the feeling erupted by his handsome smile. Her hands shook. Damn. Somehow, Travis had snuck in and sugar-coated her protective wall, dismantling it into crumbs. She pushed aside fear, ready to take a leap of faith.

  Chapter Seven

  When Jessie left the bakery, she’d seemed somewhat irritated. Travis sensed she couldn’t leave the shop fast enough. He didn’t know if he had said or done something to upset her. ‘The battery is fine, you have oil, and the spark plugs are good.’ He walked to Jessie’s door and peered inside the car. ‘The fuel gauge says Full, and no warning lights are lit.’

  She balled her fingers into a fist. ‘My luck stinks.’

  A flush of red now stained her cheeks. He hoped the car was the cause of her anger.

  ‘I pay attention to due dates for regular maintenance, yet I still can’t win.’ She ran a hand over her forehead.

  He squeezed her shoulder. ‘One of the volunteer firefighters owns a repair station. I’ll give him a call.’ Travis fished his phone from his pocket.

  She mouthed the words thank you as he spoke to his buddy.

  ‘Your luck has returned. Brandon is five minutes away at the hardware store. He’ll be here shortly.’ He leaned on the car.

  Jessie held up a hand. ‘Oh, you don’t have to wait. You’ve already been so helpful. You must have someplace to go or someone to see. You don’t have to hang out here.’

  Chuckling, he waited for her rant to cease. He’d witnessed this characteristic more than once. When Jessie grew nervous, she spoke fast. ‘I have nowhere to be.’ He crossed his arms over his chest. ‘Besides, I have to stay to protect you.’

  ‘Protect me?’ She stood straight, entwining her fingers together. ‘Is your mechanic friend a greasy womanizer?

  ‘No.’ He shook his head. ‘Brandon is a great guy. You misunderstood. I’m here to protect you … from yourself.’ She squinted her beautiful green eyes.

  ‘I’m confused.’