by Casey Dawes
“It’s a deal.” With another glance at the bakery, he followed her into the shop.
Once he’d had the hot chocolate, he thanked her and promised he’d be back later in the week to pick up something for Valentine’s Day.
He was followed by a steady, if slow, trickle of early morning workers. Many asked for muffins or croissants to go with their hot chocolate. She handed each a piece of chocolate for lunch.
Shivers went up and down her spine. She was going to be a success!
By the time Julie arrived in the late morning for her shift, the fudge was almost gone and so was Sue Anne’s enthusiasm.
“Well, I’ve learned how to give chocolate away,” she said, “but I don’t think that’s a viable business plan.”
“Probably not,” Julie said.
“They all want breakfast.” She poured herself another cup of coffee. Hot chocolate was okay for the masses, but she needed something to cut the bitter sweetness that permeated her from head to toe.
“What about chocolate chip muffins?” Julie asked, grabbing her own cup.
“You mean bake them ourselves?”
“Why not?”
“It’s an idea. Chocolate croissants would be nice, too.”
“I can make a muffin, but a croissant is a whole different story.”
“They can’t be that hard, can they?”
Julie pulled out her smart phone and typed. “Ugh. Labor intensive.”
“So is everything else we do.” Sue Anne looked at the empty shop. “Besides, if we have this many customers, there’ll be plenty of time.”
“True. Think your buddy will come in today?”
“Who?” Sue Anne said, even though she knew exactly who her friend meant. She straightened the doilies that covered the top of the display cases, glass trays of chocolate confections covering them.
“Your hunky officer.”
“I dunno.” She shrugged her shoulders, trying to deny the memories of the kiss they’d shared the previous week. Just like the kiss at the airport, it had been followed by a quick wave, departure, and silence, almost like he was running away.
Was Zach afraid of her? Or commitment?
She shoved the thought from her mind. If she didn’t get customers, she’d have bigger problems to handle than a flip-flop guy. She’d invested everything she had in this building and business. If it failed, she’d have to go back to Texas and submit herself to her mother’s plan.
Not happening.
“We need more fudge,” she said. “Do you want to do it or wait on our nonexistent customers?”
“Oh, I’ll keep busy,” Julie said. “You can handle the front.” She put her hand on Sue Anne’s arm. “It’ll get better. It’s a freezing cold Monday in February, no one knows we’re here, and it’s only the first morning. People will be back. Especially for Valentine’s Day.”
“I hope so.”
“They will be back.” Julie squeezed her arm. “I’m going to make fudge.”
Sue Anne’s shoulders sagged a little as she stared through the window at the empty street. Julie was right. It was a gray winter day, the kind that inspired Edgar Allen Poe stories.
Shaking off her lethargy, she pulled out her phone. There had to be some groups she could join to get the word out. She stopped when she found a businesswomen’s group that met once a month and the cost was manageable. The next meeting was Wednesday, the day before Valentine’s Day.
It was worth a shot.
• • •
“Welcome to Missoula Women in Business!” a tall woman in high heels said as Sue Anne approached the door to the hotel ballroom. “Are you new to the area?”
Sue Anne put on her professional smile.
“I’ve been here since freshman year at the university. I’m here because I’ve just opened a new business, and I want to spread the word.”
“Oh. Fantastic. What kind of new business?”
“Sweets Montana. I make chocolate.”
“Great. Come on in and find a seat.” The woman’s attention went to the next person in line.
Women and a few men buzzed around her with smiles and hugs. The muted gray ballroom was packed with round tables, and a buffet table lined the back wall where women already stood in line.
Seat first? Food?
“Hi,” a heavy-set woman said. “I don’t think I’ve seen you here before. My name is Liz.” She put her hand out.
Sue Anne took in the brightly colored outfit, mass of reddish hair, mosaic glasses, and warm smile, and immediately took her hand. “I’m Sue Anne Devereaux. I make chocolate.”
Not very professional.
“Oooh. Chocolate. My favorite. Why don’t you sit here with me?”
Sue Anne allowed herself to be guided to a nearby table. Liz took her under her wing, made introductions, and walked with her to the buffet table, introducing her to every person on the way.
Her cheeks aching from smiling, she felt more at ease as she climbed the few steps to the podium to give her introductory speech. Oohs and ahs emanated from the audience when she mentioned what she did.
Head held high, she strode back to her seat, where a new woman had joined the group at the table.
Brittany Johnson lived up to Sue Anne’s image of a moneyed LA princess down to the blond hair and porcelain skin, and she wasn’t surprised to learn the Realtor had spent most of her life in California.
“The best chocolate shop in the world is on Rodeo Drive. Have you ever been to it?” Brittany asked after Sue Anne explained what she did.
“No, I grew up in Texas before moving to Missoula for college.”
“Welcome,” Brittany said, handing her a card. “I don’t know your living situation, but I’d love to help you out with your realty needs.”
“Thank you.”
“When’s your opening?” Liz asked.
“We’re open right now—kind of a soft launch—no big promotion.” She passed around her cards. “I invite everyone to stop in for a free sample.”
“Can I have your attention, please?” The woman who had greeted her at the door was at the microphone. “My name is Melissa Anton, and I’m president of this organization.” She introduced the speaker, a woman from the heart association.
Sue Anne vaguely listened while scanning the room, looking to see if there was anyone she knew. Missoula might be a city, but it was still a small town in the way most Montana cities were. The chances of running into someone you knew were high.
A few faces looked familiar, and others, obviously doing the same thing, smiled at her. This was a different group of women from the ones she’d known at the university. Time to take another step toward adulthood. She’d join.
“And now I’d like to have Brittany Johnson talk about the spring social,” Melissa said when the speaker was done.
Brittany walked to the podium spine ramrod straight, her bright smile and confident stride bringing everyone’s attention to her.
“We’re having our social a little early this year, but it’s going to be very exciting. We’ve made arrangements to hold it at the airport, and they’re going to give us a tour of the facility, including the old tower. It’s going to be the best ever.”
The woman knew how to take control of a room. It was the kind of presence Sue Anne was going to need to make her business more than a small-town shop. She studied Brittany’s flawlessly made-up skin, professional haircut, and glistening nails. Sue Anne’s mother could command that kind of attention.
It was time to stop dismissing Mom’s advice without looking at it first.
“We’re still looking for a few more of you to supply extras for the meeting. We have the main snacks covered, but it would be great to have some fill-ins—chips, cookies, that kind of thing.”
Once the meeting was over, she made her way to Brittany, who was standing with Melissa.
“Oh, hi there,” Melissa said. “Did you enjoy the meeting?”
“Very much.”
“I
forgot your name.”
“Sue Anne.”
“Sue Anne’s opening a chocolate shop. Isn’t that exciting?” Melissa said to Brittany.
“We’ve already met.” Brittany smiled—not a we’re-going-to-be-best-friends-tomorrow kind of smile, but one that bespoke professional control.
“I’d love to provide chocolates for your social. I could do a variety of styles and flavors—truffles, fudge, some spicy, some traditional.” Remembering Zach’s airport buddy, she added, “I’d provide some without nuts so people who are allergic could try. I use separate equipment for non-nut chocolates, so there’s no risk of contamination.”
She forced herself to stop talking. She could talk about chocolates for another half hour without stopping.
“You have to be a member,” Brittany said.
“I’ll join right now.” She dug in her leather purse for her checkbook.
“I think that would be wonderful,” Melissa said. “I’m sure we can find room for Sue Anne’s chocolates at our event, don’t you?”
“Absolutely...” Brittany answered.
“I do!” Melissa pointed to the check-in table. “I’m sure they can get you signed up right now.”
Putting sugar in her smile, Sue Anne said, “Thank you,” and walked to the table, allowing the debutant walk her mother had worked hard to instill in her take over. The shift in her own self-image caught her unaware. There was more to learning how to walk than she’d imagined.
She’d have to call her mother soon.
• • •
He really needed to stop kissing Sue Anne.
Zach pulled his radio from his belt. “Crippin.”
“We need your help by the upstairs gates. Two passengers inbound from Seattle appear to be escalating an argument that started on the plane.”
Zach pounded up the stairs to the second floor, his equipment jangling from the rush.
At last, something to break the monotony.
“You took the last vegetarian sandwich.” A slender gray-haired woman in a lavender pantsuit pointed an accusing finger at a slightly overweight, florid man. “You know I don’t eat meat, George. How could you do that to me?”
“Marsha, I didn’t do it deliberately. My stomach’s been acting up again.”
How could a grown man sound like a two-year-old? Sue Anne wasn’t the only one with strange ways of thinking.
“Your stomach is giving you trouble because you overeat and drink too much.” The finger jabbed his rotund belly. “You’re going to go and die on me. Then what am I going to do?”
“Spend the life insurance?” he suggested with a wry smile.
Marsha stopped jabbing. The muscles in her face twitched, as if she was holding back a smile. She lost the battle.
“You’re an idiot.” She put her arms around him. “I love you. But I’m worried. You need to take better care of yourself. I don’t want to be spending your life insurance without you.”
“Well, that’s going to be very difficult, isn’t it, dear?” He put his arm around her and led her toward the stairs.
They were totally oblivious to the team of security officers nearby.
Zach grinned at the other two members of his squad.
“That was easy,” Pat said, answering the smile with one of his own. “I wish they all could be like that.”
“Yeah.” For a moment Zach forgot Pat was supposed to be his rival. “Wonder what it would be like to have a relationship like that.”
“Bet it took time. I know you have to stick through the tough times as well as the good ones, but I’m going to get a chance to find out. My girlfriend is selling her business and moving down here to be with me.” Pat smiled.
“Congratulations.” The two men fell in step on their way back to the squad room, something about what Pat had just said nagging at Zach.
“Excuse me.” A young woman in boots and jeans hailed them. “I can’t seem to find my luggage. Where do I report that?”
“Let me show you,” Pat said. After a quick grin at Zach, he led the young woman to the back of the terminal.
Zach shook his head and headed back to the squad room. It was time to go over the fire truck and make sure everything was clean and in order.
As he detailed the inside of the cab, the friendly conversation replayed in his mind. The chief was right—he was being a jerk. Pat was a nice enough guy. Working as a team was important. He’d learned that in Denver but apparently not well enough. As soon as he’d made his mistake, the team had turned on him.
Still, he needed to get past his knee-jerk reaction that the men didn’t respect him because of his failure. No one had treated him badly.
All he had to do was pay attention to his job and avoid overwhelming distractions.
Like pretty women in candy shops.
Not happening, dude.
Great. Now his libido had a voice of its own.
Well, they didn’t have to do anything serious, did they?
He Q-tipped the radio, examining his work when he was done. He’d never admit it to anyone, but he had a deep sense of satisfaction when the equipment sparkled and everything was stowed in an orderly fashion. A sense of control when his world seemed out of whack. He’d had enough emergencies to know the critical importance of reaching for something and finding the item in working condition where it was supposed to be.
That’s what he’d liked best about Erin. As a nurse, she’d shared his need for order. But she’d never totally believed he loved her. Reassurances were a regular part of their life. That’s why he’d phoned her the day of the test.
It was his fault he’d missed the call, and he’d blamed her for her neediness, hitting her where it hurt. Their fights had escalated, and he’d finally moved out. Although he still justified the decision, he was beginning to suspect he’d made the wrong move.
An ache in his heart told him he’d made a mistake, but it was too late to fix. She’d found someone else fairly quickly, and from everything he heard, she was happy.
“Say, Zach.” Jim’s voice echoed through the large space. “Is that chocolate shop open? I gotta get something for Maryann for Valentine’s Day.”
Zach swung off the truck.
“I think she opened Monday.”
“You think? You didn’t go over there to support her? I thought you had the hots for this girl.”
“It’s not that kind of relationship.”
“And it’s never gonna be if you don’t get your priorities straight. You should bring her something. Flowers maybe. To celebrate her opening.”
“Never thought about it.”
“Get your head out of your ass, man. You’ll be a lonely old guy like Bob down at the coffee shop if you don’t watch out.” Jim slapped him on his upper arm. “I came to help. Chief says we’re due for an inspection soon, and he wants everything top-notch.”
“Sure thing.”
It was time to relax his guard.
Chapter 7
People in down jackets holding steaming cups of hot cocoa stuffed the chocolate shop when Zach walked in, carrying a flower arrangement he’d picked up at a shop on Higgins. The few chairs were taken, but people didn’t seem to mind. Everyone was smiling and chatting.
Chocolate must be magic.
“Hi, Zach,” Julie called out from behind the display case. “Sue Anne’s in back, making more hot chocolate. She’ll be right out. Would you like a cup?”
“Sure.” He reached for his wallet.
“It’s free today.” She smiled as she handed him the cup.
“Here it comes!” Sue Anne’s voice sang out from the corridor. She held a tray full of cups balanced in one hand and smiled as she slid them to the top of the display case. Energy vibrated from her as she handed out the tasty liquid to waiting customers.
“Make sure you get some chocolates for your sweetheart. Valentine’s Day is tomorrow! You’ll want to surprise him or her with the best chocolates in Missoula.”
“Montana,�
�� Julie added, although her volume didn’t quite reach the same level.
“They’re the best!” Zach chimed in. “Missoula Airport Security Squad stamp of approval.”
Sue Anne looked over and beamed at him.
He felt like he’d made the tie-breaking pin against the rival high school wrestling team.
People crowded up to get hot chocolate and peer at the display cases.
The women had been hard at work. Not only did they have the shelves full of fudge and truffles, but gaily-wrapped boxes were available for purchase too.
He sipped his chocolate and watched Julie ring up orders with efficiency. No wonder Sue Anne had chosen her. She could initiate the strangest conversations, but she appeared to be a savvy businesswoman.
“These are for you.” He handed Sue Anne the vased flowers when there was a lull in the customer traffic.
“Oh, that’s so sweet.” She took them and placed them at the end of the counter. “They’ll be perfect there. Brightens the place up.”
“I should have brought them earlier. I mean, you’ve been open since Monday.”
She came around the case. “That’s okay. It’s great that you brought them at all. It was very thoughtful.”
He couldn’t think of anything else to say. In an instant, he felt like he was leaning against a high school locker asking a girl out for the first time, his stomach doing a slow, steady flip.
“I see you got some hot chocolate,” she said. “How is it? Being our official taste tester and all.”
“Like everything else in this store, it’s delicious.” Suddenly aware of the double meaning, he stopped talking.
Sue Anne gave him a wink with her perfect lashes.
“Do you want to go to Lee Metcalf on Saturday?” he blurted, just as he had when he had approached a girl as a chubby teen.
“I can’t. Shop’s open.”
“What about Sunday? Or do you go to church?” Crap. He was sounding desperate.
“That would be lovely.” The smile returned. “I’ve been trapped in this place since the holidays.”
Tension released his muscles.
“Pick you up at nine.” He frowned. “Where do you live?”