Semi-Sweet Summer

by Elder, Jan;

  “After pounding the pavement for months, she just wants a job. She’s desperate to move out of the house. Mom is driving her crazy.”

  “I remember those days. Can she bake?”

  “She can always learn. Best thing about my sister is she’s easygoing and she loves people. She’s a good kid.” Blake popped half of an éclair into his mouth and moaned with pleasure. “First thing you need to do is teach her how to make these.”

  Hunter reached over and snagged a bite of Blake’s rapidly disappearing breakfast. “You have éclair on your glasses.”

  Blake pulled off his glasses and commenced polishing. “Hey, you want me to call Charity and see if she’s free for an interview?”

  The Cahills in Vermont weren’t expecting him until tomorrow. If he met with Charity, it would be time for dinner. Maybe he could catch Cassidy. He hadn’t seen her in a week. He missed her. Visions of her sparkling eyes disturbed his sleep. Were her adorable toes still painted with soft, baby-blue nail polish?

  17

  Cassidy turned over the closed sign on the shop and switched off the lights in the showroom.

  Gabby finished wiping down the counters and tossed the paper towel in the trash. “You want to go up to my apartment for a soda?”

  “Sure.” Cassidy trudged up the steps and eased onto the couch. She positioned her elbows on her knees and cradled her head in her palms.

  Gabby anchored a gentle hand on her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

  “I tallied the books, and it’s not looking good. I think the shiny newness of the shop has worn off. This week, we lost money.” Cassidy lifted her chin and caught Gabby’s eye. “Good thing we sent Kayla home early. I don’t know how long we can afford to have extra help.”

  And Kayla was a conundrum all on her own, but Cassidy held her tongue for now. The poor girl was definitely not a people person and Cassidy required someone who’d be a real asset in that department. Retail was all about customer service.

  Gabby’s features clouded. “Are you sure things are that bad? It’ll pick up. We just need to figure out how to get the customers in here.”

  “We can hang on for a bit, but something’s got to change. Somehow, we have to get the word out: We’re here and we have something wonderful. Being on the main thoroughfare through town certainly helps, but we need to call attention to ourselves. How do we convince people chocolate isn’t just for special occasions?”

  Gabby collapsed into a chair and propped her feet on the ottoman. “Right! It can be a daily treat. And once the customer stops in and sees our marvelous selection, they’ll think of someone else who’d love a good box of chocolates.”

  “But how do we do that without breaking the bank?”

  “Good question.”

  Cassidy’s phone chimed and she peered at the screen. “Hunter.”

  “Go ahead and get it. I have to call Blake back anyway and confirm our date for tonight.”

  Cassidy leaned against the back of the couch and flicked “answer.” She hadn’t seen Hunter for over a week, although she’d been keeping an eye out. “Hi, Hunter. What’s up?”

  “I’m on my way out of town tonight for a couple of days, but before I go, I thought maybe we could get a quick dinner?”

  Why not? She was too tired and too depressed to go home. “Sounds good. I’m at the store. Want me to meet you someplace?”

  ~*~

  Hunter passed Cassidy the basket of breadsticks accompanied by a spicy marinara dipping sauce. “Dance team?”

  Cassidy did a mental shake. “What?”

  “Were you on the dance team in high school?”

  She’d hoped this wouldn’t be another confounded fencing match. He’d lunge and thrust. She’d feign left and parry. En garde. Let the games begin. Her brain curdled at the thought.

  “No, Hunter. I was never on the dance team.”

  “Debate team?”

  “Nope.” Assuming he truly didn’t remember, couldn’t the man take a hint? And if he did remember…she didn’t want to play the fool the second time around.

  “Foosball team, then.”

  Cassidy huffed out a laugh and nearly spilled her drink. “OK, now we’re really reaching. Can we just have a nice dinner and skip delving into the past?”

  Hunter’s face softened. “OK. I’m sorry. I do have an idea for you, though. Can we talk about that?”

  “Maybe.” Cassidy ripped open a packet of sugar, poured the granules into her iced tea, and stirred. “Depends on what your idea is.”

  Hunter folded his hands and beamed. “I think you’ll like it. Remember when you said you and Gabby couldn’t take time off next weekend to come to the retreat?”

  “Uh-huh. Although it may not matter much anyway. We’re hurting for customers.”

  Hunter frowned. “I’m sorry to hear that. Hillary’s in the same boat.”

  “It’s a tough world out there for new businesses.”

  Hunter sipped his coffee and grabbed a breadstick. “We’ll think of something. I hired Blake’s sister Charity to help with CCC.”

  “CCC? Oh. The bakery. You did? Does that mean you’ll have more time to devote to the farm?”

  “Yes, and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me.”

  At least he’d get more sleep. She peered into his tired eyes, the corners crinkling with exhaustion. “So Charity starts soon?”

  “Monday. She doesn’t know how to bake, but she has the people skills down pat and she has money-handling experience from a previous job.” Hunter yawned and flung his arms over his head. “Sorry. Believe me, it’s not the company.”

  “Thanks. I was beginning to worry. Your idea?”

  “What if we loan you Charity for the day? Do you think she and Kayla can handle the store on Saturday?”

  The server brought their spaghetti and meatballs and freshened Cassidy’s tea. Hunter thanked her and picked up his fork.

  “What do you say? Then you and Gabby can enjoy the countless hours I’ve put into this glorious adventure.”

  Cassidy swiped a hand through her hair and reached for the salad dressing. She sprinkled a generous amount on her mixed greens, hold the onions. “I’m not even sure if I can use Kayla with business as slow as it is, but you may have something there. Let me talk to Gabby about it. I suspect she’ll say yes, though, especially since Charity is Blake’s sister. You know they’re officially dating, right?”

  “Yep. Blake can’t stop smiling.”

  “Gabby either. Seeing them together makes me happy.” She was happy for her friend. Blake was a catch. Kind, thoughtful, and those round glasses gave him a cute vibe. Good that somebody’s love life was slipping into high gear. “So, when are you leaving for Vermont?”

  “I’m leaving from here. It’s a ten-hour-drive so I should be there by morning.”

  “You’re driving all night?”

  Hunter huffed out a gentle laugh. “Have you noticed I’ve had three cups of coffee? I’ll be fine.”

  His hooded eyes belied his words. She sent up a prayer he’d be able to stay awake on the road. “Who’s taking care of the farm?”

  “The Nelson twins, Cody and Cameron, my on-call milkers. They used to work for my dad.” Hunter reached over and clasped her hand. “Please come to the retreat. It’ll be fun.”

  His fingers entwined with hers. Maybe she should just tell him the truth. But she did have her pride. She had to hold onto something. Dear God, help me.

  Hunter squeezed her hand, a mischievous smile creeping across his face. “I know. Ping-pong team?”

  ~*~

  Hunter blew past the state line, an oversized yawn stretching his lips. The Pennsylvania Visitor’s Center exit sign glinted in the headlights. Making a quick decision, he swerved into the right turn lane and coasted to a stop in a not quite empty parking lot. He needed more caffeine. Maybe leaving tonight wasn’t such a good idea.

  He bought a couple of sodas along with an extra-large bag of chocolate candy. Only nine-and-a-h
alf hours to go in his ten-hour drive. He plodded back to his truck and slid into the seat. Squeezing his eyes shut, he rubbed the base of his neck, wincing as his muscles bunched and relaxed. Well, he wasn’t getting anywhere sitting here. He twisted the key in the ignition…and the dreaded tick, tick, tick of a dead battery sounded.

  Hunter slapped the steering wheel and wished he hadn’t. His palms stung, as did his ego. He rolled his eyes heavenward and groaned. He turned the key again and this time the ominous sound of silence reverberated in the cab of the truck.

  Just whom was he going to call? He imagined the conversation. “Hello. This is Hunter. Could you come pick me up, please? Yes. My twenty-year-old rust-bucket died and I need a ride. And a tow. Yes, I am pathetic, thank you for noticing.” God, this is humiliating. I’m going to feel really stupid, really soon. At least he’d made it to the state line so he could claim he was in another state.

  He went through a list of people he could call. One thing was for certain. He wasn’t going to call Cassidy. He’d left her only an hour ago, after talking all about his big plans for the future. She’d been gracious, and it was possible she was softening toward him, but he’d bet her ex-boyfriend—Brad wasn’t it?—didn’t drive an ancient rattletrap. That Chicago boy no doubt had a great job, made lots of money, and had routinely lavished his honey with gifts and fancy dinners. All Hunter could afford was two spaghetti dinners at the local pizza joint.

  He was mulling over whether to contact Aaron when the Sunday school lesson he was working on whizzed through his mind. Joshua 1:9. Courage. Strength. He was in short supply of both.

  He shut his eyes again and rested his head on the steering wheel. Not sleeping well for weeks was taking a toll. When he bedded down for the night, his brain refused to shut off, and dollar signs danced a jig in his little gray cells. He’d crunched the numbers and he was taking a big gamble in working with specialized animals, the payoff not likely to come until next year sometime, if ever. He loved working with the animals but he was running out of funds.

  Worry and anxiety beleaguered his waking hours too, his rocky relationship with Hillary often muddling his mind. Sure, he could set boundaries and talk a good game and say his recent decisions were also best for her, but when it came right down to it, was he being selfish? He didn’t want to hurt her. She was so fragile at times. And so angry.

  And then there was Cassidy. He still didn’t know where he stood with her. He couldn’t be more mystified. She switched from cold to hot with astonishing agility. Sometimes she gazed at him with what looked like true affection. Other times, he caught a glimpse of anguish in those gorgeous blue eyes. She had his head in a whirl.

  He tried to get the engine to turn over one more time with the same result. Pointless.

  He heaved a sigh. Tonight, Cassidy had worn a silky aqua-colored blouse and swingy silver earrings. He could have stared at the pretty woman all night long. He enjoyed hanging out with her, liked listening to her thoughts and ideas, and he yearned to get to know her oh, so much better. He didn’t want to be relegated into the “friend” category, and he was afraid they were headed in that direction.

  Every time he was with her, he longed to touch her hand, maybe graze her cheek with his fingertip. And her luscious lips. His willpower was eroding. The next time they were alone, he was going to kiss her. He had to.

  He said the verse he’d memorized aloud. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” His voice rose as he said it again. It felt good to proclaim one of God’s countless promises. You’ve put me where I am for a reason. Now what?

  His phone rang.

  He laughed. “Gee, God, that was quick.” He stared at the screen. It couldn’t be. “Hi, Cassidy. Everything all right?”

  “I was almost asleep when I had the oddest urge to call you. You OK?”

  Hunter snickered. “Well since you asked, I’m not. My truck refuses to get up and go, so I’m sitting in the cab talking to God and eating candy.”

  A soft, snuffling laugh zipped over the line followed by a meow. “Then Gracey says I should come pick you up. Where are you?”

  “Get on I-81, go north, cross the PA line, and take the first exit into the Visitor’s Center parking lot. You can’t miss me.”

  “Be there as soon as I can get there.”

  “Thanks, Cassidy. Seems I bought an extra soda just for you. I promise to save you half the candy, too.”

  “You’d better.” Her throaty laugh purred as she hung up.

  Hunter rolled down the windows in his truck, the light June breeze ruffling his hair. He brought up the music app on his phone, leaned his head back, and munched his delicious, cheap chocolate.

  Twenty-seven minutes later, Cassidy pulled up next to him in her little red coupe and lowered her window. “Hey there, stranger. Wanna ride?”

  Before he could think it through, Hunter jumped out of his truck and sauntered over to her car. Heart thudding in his ribcage, he hauled in air, pulled her door open wide, and in one smooth movement, swept her into his arms. With infinite tenderness, he pressed a soft kiss on her lovely mouth, savoring the moment to the fullest.

  A startled gasp escaped her lips and she dipped her head.

  But she didn’t pull back. Instead, she sidled closer and rested her forehead on his shoulder.

  Gently, he lifted her chin with his index finger and gazed into her eyes.

  Tentatively, she circled her arms loosely around his waist.

  He whispered in her ear. “Cassidy, I’ve wanted to do that since I first met you.” He clutched her close and held on tight. She rested in his arms, her breath coming in tiny puffs until she relaxed. Hunter lightly kissed her forehead, the fire inside him settling into an easy, warm glow. He could get used to this.

  18

  Cassidy tugged a few clean shirts out of the laundry pile to pack for the retreat before folding the rest of the clothes. Her fingers grazed a soft, greenish-blue blouse and her hands stilled. She’d worn this top last week when Hunter kissed her. The feel of his lips had lingered for hours afterward, but the sparks had lasted for days.

  She conjured up the heady sensation of his low voice in her ear, his hands sliding through her hair, making her quiver with delight. With trembling hands, she arranged the blouse in her suitcase, being careful to smooth the edges to keep them from wrinkling. If she wore it this weekend, would he notice?

  When his truck broke down, she’d picked him up and let him drive her car back to the house. Probably best since she was in such a state that she didn’t think she could have found her way home. And then like a scared rabbit, she’d sprinted up the porch stairs and called goodnight, bolting the door behind her.

  She was such a coward. She’d been avoiding him ever since.

  Cassidy finished packing and grabbed her phone to call Gabby.

  The phone rang half-a-dozen times. She was about to hang up when Gabby huffed out, “Hold, please.”

  The clatter of something metallic carried over the line followed by a bang. In the background, Gabby muttered, “Oh dear.”

  Cassidy pressed the phone to her ear. That couldn’t be good. “Gabby! What’s going on?”

  A few moments later, Gabby came on the line. “I can’t believe I burned the cookies. It’s all Blake’s fault.”

  Relieved it was nothing worse than blackened baked goods, Cassidy started a walk-through of her house, checking that all was secure. “How is it Blake’s fault?”

  “I got to daydreaming about him and how nice it will be seeing him for three days straight. And then I replayed a few messages he’d left, reread a few texts, and well, I checked the clock and raced to the kitchen in time to see smoke billowing out of the oven.”

  Cassidy laughed and wandered into the kitchen, Gracey trailing behind. “Did you burn all of the cookies?”

  “This was only the first batch, thank goodness. I have the rest of the cookie dough staring me in
the face, so maybe I can still manage to bake the rest without setting them on fire. You want to come over and help?”

  “I’ll be glad to come over, but I’m the last person you want when you need help baking.” Cassidy checked to see there was plenty of food and water in Gracey’s bowls.

  “I know, but you can at least keep me on track.”

  “I can do that. When we’re done, we can leave for the retreat from your place.”

  “Works for me. Charity and Kayla are doing great, by the way. Charity’s a natural born saleswoman. Those truffles are flying off the shelves.”

  “Glad to hear it.” The tightness in Cassidy’s chest loosened. She’d been a bit leery of letting Charity and Kayla mind the store, but since Gabby was there in the morning to help as needed, today seemed like a good test. Tomorrow they’d be on their own. And Cassidy couldn’t deny she and Gabby both needed a day off.

  More banging and clanging commenced from Gabby’s end.

  “Hang on until I get there, all right? Bye.” Cassidy tucked her phone in her purse and gave Gracey a quick head rub. Her cat was just a little needy. Needy like her? She preferred to think of herself as independent, but when push came to shove, she was lonely. “Be back soon, Gracey. The Nelson twins will be over tomorrow to check on you. Don’t get into any mischief while I’m gone, OK?”

  When had she started talking to the cat?

  Cassidy checked her makeup in the hall mirror and fluffed her hair. Maybe it had been a good thing she’d gone so long without a haircut. The hairstylist at the new salon had talked her into a totally different style. Silky reddish-blonde waves framed her face giving her a softer, more feminine appearance.

  Had Savannah often used this mirror? Cassidy so wished her sister was standing behind her, Savannah’s pretty face reflected in the antique looking glass. Trying hard to throw off the grief and regret and move back into the present, Cassidy locked up tight, stowed her suitcase in the trunk of her car, and drove to Gabby’s place, stomach fluttering. In a scant two hours, she would have to face Hunter. What was she going to say?