Love at the Salted Caramel Cafe

by Angie Ellington

  Sierra chuckled as her dad rounded the kitchen towards the office room. He always teased them about watching silly movies, but he knew enough about them to tell people the gist of the plot and some of the character details, so he gave it away that he secretly liked to watch them without appearing as though he did. He would work on a crossword puzzle in the recliner that he would only manage to partially complete in two hours when he could complete crosswords faster than most if he were actually paying attention.

  Miranda rather enjoyed it. She didn't mind his grumpy complaining about her movies, because she would do the same when his westerns and old action movies were on. She secretly liked to keep up with a little of what was going on with those movies and shows, as well, but would knit on the couch while he watched. Sierra was glad to see that her dad was still the same in that respect. It made it feel like a little less time had passed.

  Miranda came into the living room, giddy and almost jumping as she scooted quickly across the kitchen, almost sliding into the living room on the hardwood floors.

  “Sierra, I'm so happy you're home, honey!” Miranda pulled her daughter into a tight and warm embrace, pulling back to give a kiss on the cheek and returning to full hug position.

  “I'm happy to be home, mom. I've missed you.” Miranda spun around and pointed to Richard.

  “Turn the oven off, Richard. Those peanut butter cookies you wanted are going to burn otherwise.” Richard did as he was instructed.

  The cookies wouldn't have burned. No matter what multitasking activities Miranda Blake had going on, she would never forget to turn off the oven for something she was cooking or baking up. When she was unable to work at the cafe, in some ways that was harder than battling the cancer because being a chef and baker were what kept her sane, as she would often say. Even during her hardest days, she wanted to hear about the cafe and Roxie would oblige. If the cafe was having any trouble that day, she would try her best to sugarcoat it and only tell positive details, but Miranda had a sixth sense about the cafe and the ability to always know when one of her children was lying. Each person had a tell and Roxie's was to fidget with her ring. She inherited their grandmother's ring when she was twelve and if she was ever trying to spin a story, so to speak, she would fumble around with the ring on her finger.

  “So, we're glad you're home, of course, but you sounded a bit distressed on the phone. Is everything alright, dear?” Miranda wasted no time getting to the point of things. Sierra knew that she would probe her for information upon her arrival, so she was prepared with a starter story.

  “I just miss my family. I've had a hectic few months at the hotel. Changes in principal management and some employee turnover that's been a bit of an adjustment. It's all par for the course in this industry, but lately it's just more frustrating for me dealing with the added stress than it used to be. I just needed a little break. No big deal. I have some vacation time from last year that was left over, so I decided to take a two week leave.”

  This was mostly true. She did technically get a severance package, which included two weeks of remaining vacation leave. However, Sierra had a tell, as well. She would take her hair down and swirl it back up into a clip or ponytail during her conversation when something wasn't quite fully true or when she was uncomfortable with dealing with emotional topics. Sierra had always been more reserved with her emotions. Toying with her hair had become synonymous with nervous energy or awkward conversations. Anything that made her heart rate palpitate at the speed of a football player going for a touchdown. Though emotional detachment had served her well in management, it had caused more than her share of heartache in her personal life.

  How do I even begin to explain that I turned down a proposal from Miles? I've made him sound as perfect as if I'd had him custom made in a factory of custom Ken dolls. I wanted him to be perfect. I needed him to be. In many ways, he was as I described to my family. Looks that rivaled a younger John Stamos. That was how I described him to my mother, at least so she would have someone of her celebrity dreams to compare him to. A lucrative career ahead. Polite and courteous...well, usually. Oh, how I wanted him to be the man of my dreams. And I truly thought he was going to be.

  “We were hoping you'd bring Miles with you to visit. You've been dating him for over a year now. When do we get to meet him? The wedding? You know we're not one of those hipster families who are comfortable with you marrying someone we've never met,” Miranda affirmed with a raise of her brow. Sierra feigned a smile.

  “Now, Randa. She's been here for all of five minutes and you're corralling her like a herd of cattle into the barn,” Richard said folding his arms over his pot belly and leaning back into his chair.

  “Oh, hush up. I'm just curious about our oldest daughter's life along the warm and sunny beaches of Florida. I'm living vicariously a bit through her,” Miranda retorted and brushed her hand toward Richard's direction.

  Sierra swayed her eyes between them. This banter was nothing new. She had expected this precise conversation to ensue upon her arrival.

  “I stopped by the cafe on my way in,” Sierra said in an effort to divert the topic she was not ready to discuss. Her return-to-single status would come up again soon enough and she wanted to delay it as long as possible. “I saw Tommy.”

  “Was there a good crowd? How was the bakery display window? Were there enough caramel scones and pumpkin cookies?” Miranda asked, as she leaned forward on the couch and touched Sierra's knee.

  “Mom, calm down. Everything was fine, I'm sure. I didn't take inventory in the couple of minutes I was there, but yes, there were a few people and things appeared to be running smoothly, I guess,” Sierra replied with a return touch over her mother's hand.

  “You've got to let Roxie handle it if she's managing now, mom.”

  Miranda blew out a heavy breath. “I know. I am giving her a try, but it's hard to let her have full control. It wasn't her choice or mine. You know it was only supposed to be for a while, until we found out if I would..well, be able to return. Even though I beat the cancer, my energy just isn't what it once was. I still go in to the cafe a few times per week for a few hours, but I'm not sure if Roxie is up for the task of running it full time. Tom helps out occasionally on weekends, but he's so busy with coaching football and then basketball for the high school, that it must be more of a burden on him than he admits.”

  Richard pulled the handle and opened the recliner to a comfortable position.

  “Now, we've talked about this with both of them. Tommy wants to help out. Besides, he knows his older sister needs guidance, and a spy who'll run back and report any mischief to you keeps Roxanne on her toes. It's not a burden. It's family. It's what we do for family. I help out. Sierra worked there, too. Heck. Sierra was ready to run the cafe when she was around twelve, weren't ya darlin'?” Richard let out a raspy cackle and a warm smile covered all of their faces.

  “I loved the cafe. It was my escape from the awkwardness that was my life back then. Having braces for what felt like a decade, being in the band playing the flute, and preferring to spend Saturday nights baking with mom rather than hanging out at the old mill with most everyone else from high school,” Sierra said and shrugged. “Those memories are so special to me. You know if I were here, I'd have taken over the cafe for you, but I'm sure Roxie is doing well in the role. Right?”

  Sierra made a sour face as she exchanged similar glances from her parents. “I mean, Roxie didn't love the cafe like I did, but she loves you mom. She'd do anything for you. So, I'm sure she's doing her best.” She swallowed hard, hoping she sounded convincing and knowing it wasn't likely.

  “Roxie does her best. You're right. I'm not saying she doesn't put effort in, but your sister has so much on her plate in her personal life. Some days are harder than others. Her heart has never been in the kitchen or in running a business. You were always more interested in both.” Miranda lowered her chin and took a sip from a glass of water that had been sitting on the coffee table.

/>   “I only want my kids to be happy. All of you. I'm so glad you're here for a visit, honey.”

  Sierra's mouth curved upward and she nodded. “Me too.” After a few minutes of watching football on the television and watching her dad call out the referees twice, Sierra raised from the couch, tugging her low-hung jeans up around her hips. “I'm going to go unpack and take a shower. It's been a long drive,” she said.

  “Sure, dear. I'm certain Poppy is already laying across the bed on your suitcase waiting for you,” Miranda replied with a chuckle.

  “I was wondering why she hadn't been in here to see me yet. That cat loves a suitcase more than a human, though. If it were open, she'd be tucked in a ball inside of it shedding yellow fur on my clothes,” Sierra added with a giggle.

  She entered the bedroom that she once shared with her younger sister. There was now a single full sized bed inside for her visits home or when Roxie had needed refuge for a few days or weeks during one of her break-ups with Dean. Sierra could still picture the two twins she had shared with her sister, that were often pushed together when Roxie was little and afraid of any noise coming from the hallway.

  A stout Garfield clone of a feline with an attitude to match stretched her claws out over Sierra's navy and orange travel bag.

  “Poppy!” Sierra scolded. “Get your claws out of my bag. It's not your scratching post, chunky monkey.” She sat on the lavender and gray comforter as her furry sibling rolled over and yawned. Sierra's lips curved upward and she sighed with a chuckle. “Oh, Poppy,” she said as she began rubbing the cat's ears and chin. “You are definitely the queen of the castle.” Poppy burrowed against Sierra's hand.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Sierra returned from showering to find Poppy had migrated over and curled up snugly across her sweatshirt. It warmed her heart to see the cat's paw curled over the sleeve. She wished she had time for a pet. With her schedule, she didn't spend much time in her swanky eighth floor apartment overlooking Old Tampa Bay.

  Between traveling for hotel conventions and management training, and of course long days and nights at the resort she worked for, there wasn't much time for herself. She rarely had spent much time with Miles during their relationship. All the more reason to convince herself that he was the perfect boyfriend. His adversity to cats as shedders who only want attention and do not return it had not sat well with her, but as she didn't have a pet, she had allowed that as a flaw she'd disregard.

  As she rubbed Poppy, she thought about that comment and other similar negative remarks about pets Miles had made early in their courtship.

  I should've known then. A man who doesn't appreciate cats, and isn't even an enthusiast of dogs, needs higher ranking on my pro/con list as a deal-breaking con.

  Sierra perused pictures hanging upon the walls as her toffee brown eyes began to moisten. She moved closer to a 5x7 framed image on the top of a hope chest and lifted it into her hand. It was a faded image of she and Roxie sitting on their father's knee one year when he had volunteered to serve as Santa Claus for a church fundraiser for underprivileged youth in Mill Hollows. Something he did for a few years when they were little. Sierra's cheeks tightened and a salty taste filled her mouth. She was inseparable from her younger sibling of three years back then.

  Miranda entered the doorway and leaned against it quietly; watching her oldest child with adoration. Sierra had become a successful woman. She had made her mother so proud. Her wish was that she were closer to home, but she knew Mill Hollows didn't offer much in the way of careers worthy of Sierra's academic achievements. Although Miranda had secretly hoped Sierra would take over the cafe some day, she had never discouraged her from pursuing her career goals.

  “That's one of my favorite photos of the three of you,” Miranda spoke softly. Sierra flinched with surprise and turned to face her mother. She forced a softer smile across her face. “Roxanne was never far from your side back then,” Miranda continued. “I was pregnant with Tommy, and I remember the two of you in pigtails kissing my belly every night when I tucked you in your beds.” She placed her hands over her heart and a joyful chuckle opened her lips into a widened smile.

  “I know, mom. You've told us that story many times. I don't know how you and dad raised three kids. I can't imagine getting one to turn out OK. We certainly didn't look like this perfect photo by the time we were teenagers. I'm sorry for driving you nuts. I know playing referee between two hormonal teenage girls who couldn't even agree on which end of the couch to sit on was no picnic. I can still hear dad bellowing out to us to sit on the floor one night because we were complaining over who had the better view of the TV from the couch,” Sierra said with a roll of her eyes.

  She walked over and hugged her mother, tightly, then eased the hold against her mother's thinner frame than she once had. Although Miranda Baker had beaten the war against breast cancer, she had her share of battle scars from the fight. Some had healed, such as hair loss and sickness from the chemo. Yet, her body was still rather frail and her amber brown eyes didn't catch the light with the same sparkle they once had.

  “Whoa!” Miranda said with a chortle. She tapped her oldest around the center of her back. “I love you, darlin'. She rubbed Sierra's long golden blonde hair. “My beautiful eldest with hair as lovely as a caramel latte.”

  As they released their arms from each other, Miranda put her hand underneath Sierra's chin; angling it upward. “Is everything alright, sugar?”

  Sierra breathed in deeply. “It's fine, mom. I wanted to hug my mommy. Sometimes, you just need to do that. Doesn't matter how old ya get. I love that you still tell us our hair looks like coffee and dessert blends. Unless Roxie has changed hers again, she's still a buttercream muffin.”

  Miranda nodded. “Yes. She's still light blonde. For now.” She tilted her head slightly and peered into her daughter's saddened eyes. “When you're ready to tell me what's going on and not dodge the subject, let me know.” She tapped her finger on Sierra's nose. “I know my children and a mother knows when something is wrong.”

  Sierra nodded and followed her mother down the hall and into the kitchen.

  “Tom called me on my cell. He's coming over to help me get Roxie's stuff out. Deputy Wilkes is coming with him in case there's any trouble. I told him if that lowlife S-O-B sets foot on my property, there's definitely gonna be some trouble. I'm the property owner and he'd be trespassin'. If he makes a move to lay a hand on my daughter, they can come take him away in a body bag,” Richard lamented as he poured iced tea into a glass.

  “Now, Richard, don't you go over there half-cocked and do anything stupid. We don't need you getting locked up. Let the Sheriff's deputies handle Dean. That's why Deputy Wilkes is coming. He's on duty, right?” Miranda probed.

  “Yeah, he's on duty. Randa, what do you think I did? Hire him as a hitman?”

  “I told Roxie you were picking up Eden from the birthday party at the skating rink down in Wayside Village. Take her to the cafe for a cookie or something,” Richard added.

  “Sierra, you wanna come with us? We could use an extra set of hands in getting his junk out. We're sending it with Jake to the jail. He can pick it up there. He ain't got much, but we don't want him to have a reason to come back here this time.”

  Sierra's face formed a mouth- opening, furrowed brow expression of confusion.

  “What...is...happening? I thought Roxie broke up with Dean and he had moved into a camper on his uncle's farm or something. She took him back, again? This makes what...the fifth or sixth time she's kicked him out since Eden was born? I can't keep track. She'll just take him back again. She always does.” Sierra folded her arms and hardened her expression. “I'm not getting involved, dad. Sorry. Roxie and I...well, you know she doesn't want me involved in her life in any way that doesn't concern you two or Tom. It may be worse if I'm there. I'll go with mom to get Eden. I'm not ready to see Roxie today.”

  “Well, honey. I suggest you both get ready. She's living here now. She and Eden are staying
in Tommy's room. She knows you're coming. I had her move some things so the two of you can stay holed up in your rooms and avoid each other as much as you wish,” Richard asserted.

  “If Dean's out of the cabin, why aren't they staying there like they usually do?” Sierra questioned as she moved into the kitchen and poured a glass of water from the sink over ice.

  “If she's here, perhaps he won't be able to convince her he's changed and show up at the cabin begging her to take him back like he's done every other time. She's really ready to be done with him, Sierra. I know she's taken him back many times, but this time I think she wants it to stick. He went too far,” Miranda added as she exchanged looks of concern with Richard.

  “Now, Randa. That's not our story to tell when our girls need to work out some things,” Richard said sternly.

  Miranda waved her hands and teetered her head around.

  Great. I can't escape the Hee-Haw show that is my life. Less than four hours in Mill Hollows and there's already a deputy assisting our family in keeping the peace and two grown women in their late twenties are going to be living with their parents again. I can hardly wait to drop the bomb that I lost my job when I turned down a proposal from Mr. Perfect. Mr. Perfect who wanted to turn me into a baby factory and quit my job to, as he worded it, put my awesome baking skills to good use because of the free time I'd have. I'm no expert, but I don't know many moms of three or four kids who have time to bake cupcakes all day. Then, there's the timing of his proposal. In front of the entire board of the resort chain; including his parents!