Sweet Love of Mine: Sweetly Southern

by Lindi Peterson

  I swallow hard not believing what I’m hearing. “So I can pay you back when my business gets going? Because I have faith that I will be successful. I’m just not sure how long it will be until I’m out of the red.”

  “No. You don’t have to pay me back. Consider it an investment.”

  Shuffling the toe of my sandal on the concrete, I try and stop my brain which is frantically thinking of what to say. His offer is too good to be true, and well, I’ve been there before. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say thank you. I’ll take the money.”

  I would love to speak those words. But they won’t come out.

  “I do appreciate the offer, but I don’t know.”

  He takes a few steps stopping in front of me. “I can’t force you to say yes, but I can ask you to think about it. Let me help you. If it can’t be my cooking, let it be my financial assistance.”

  I almost laugh at the term financial assistance. It’s so proper and business-like and he’s so close and business is the last thing I’m thinking about.

  Why does being around Grant do this to me? “I need to go. I’ll think on it. I promise. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

  “Okay. Until then.” He leans down and kisses me.

  I should have expected it.

  I wanted it to happen.

  Maybe I willed it to happen.

  Moments of pure bliss pass by. When we stop kissing I say, “You can’t kiss me into a yes. You know that, right?”

  “Kissing and business are very separate. No mixing business and pleasure. We’ve all heard it.”

  “As long as we’re on the same page.”

  “I’m on any page you want me to be on, Eden. Let me walk you to your car.”

  As I drive away I should be floating on air. In heaven.

  But I’m not.

  I’m confused. And concerned.

  I basically told Grant I didn’t need his world-renowned skills that had gone awry. Instead of becoming defensive and angry, he in turn offered me money to do my own thing. To hire someone who could do what he couldn’t do.

  He had asked me to trust him and with my confession of my appointments tomorrow, I said no, you aren’t trustworthy.

  I had some serious thinking to do tonight and I could feel the insomnia kicking in even before I arrived home.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Grant’s offer hangs over my head as I meet the caterers. The first one is out of the picture because of the timeframe. I know I told her the date when I called, so I’m not sure where that breakdown happened.

  The second place, Celebration Station, can fit me into the schedule. The food is good. Not great, but good.

  And while I’m looking for great I may have to settle for good.

  The prices were great, though. Great as in high. Way more pricey than the place I hired to begin with. And I have to let her know by five o’clock today. I just need a sense of peace one way or another. And no matter which direction I turn, peace is evading me. This lack of discernment has left me feeling like a failure before I’ve even launched my business.

  I’ve started my car but haven’t left the Celebration Station parking lot. Two more cars pull in. At least the place is busy. Probably trustworthy.

  My phone indicates a call coming in.

  Scarlett.

  I smile. My best friend who I haven’t talked to in days. Who lives across the country in Colorado. Who’s been begging me to visit ever since she moved there a year ago. “Hello.”

  “Did you drop off the face of the earth? What have you been doing?”

  I shake my head even though she can’t see me. And it’s good to hear her voice. Familiar. Even though she’s states away and can’t physically help me, she’s always uplifting. “Girl, you have no idea. I’ve hit a few bumps in the road launching my business. How are things with you?”

  “I’m sorry about your business. Everything going to be all right?”

  Visions of Grant enter my mind. “I hope so.”

  “Well, I have news.”

  Her sing-songy voice indicates the news is good. “Really? What.”

  “I’m moving back to Atlanta!”

  “Best news ever. When? Do you still have your job?” She went to Colorado to stay with the company she was working for.

  “Yes. I do. They’ve decided to expand the office in the Southeast and guess who they asked to head it up? Me. I’m so psyched. And I got a huge raise. They’re paying all my moving expenses, too, of course.”

  “Of course they are. So when does all this goodness take place?”

  “Officially next month. But I have meetings next week, and I’m flying in tomorrow so I can come to the party. Can I stay with you?”

  “Of course. I’ll be somewhat crazy, just so you know.”

  “You’ll be amazing. And I’ll be able to help with any last minute details.”

  “You have no idea how much that means to me.”

  “I am so excited about this, Eden. I love Colorado, but I’ve been homesick. And I miss you so much. I can’t wait to see you.”

  “Me, too.”

  “Okay. I’ll text you my flight info, and I’ll Uber from the airport. I know you’ll be crazy that day. Love you. See you soon.”

  “Bye. Love you, too.”

  As I’m about to put my car in reverse, a text comes through from Sonya asking me if I have time to stop by. I respond that I’m on my way.

  A great phone call from my best friend. A chance to see Grant. The day is turning out better than I thought.

  My heart races, my lips turn upward into a smile, and it occurs to me I’m falling for Grant. I’m just not sure it that’s a good thing or not.

  I’m disappointed to see that Sonya’s car isn’t in the driveway. Since she texted me asking me to come over, I’m assuming she’s here and Grant is gone.

  Which is good in a way. It gives me a reprieve from talking to him about my appointments this morning. I have a few hours until I need to call Celebration Station to confirm. Then I have to figure out the financial end.

  Grant offered, but I know I can’t take his money.

  I just can’t.

  Sonya is sitting at the kitchen table, a cup of coffee in front of her. “Hello, Eden. Come and sit. Would you like coffee? I just made a fresh pot. And it’s the good stuff.”

  “Thanks, I’m okay.” I already drank two cups at home. I don’t need my nerves to be wired any more than that.

  “I appreciate you coming by. How are things going with the party arrangements? What can I do to help?”

  I must admit Sonya looks refreshed. Her hair is back to its soft, loose curls. She’s put a bit of makeup on. Her smile is genuine and pain free.

  And her eyes sparkle.

  Despite her circumstances.

  I take a few minutes and go over what I’ve been doing the last couple of days, leaving the food aspect out of it. “I’ve buttoned everything up that I can so far.”

  “Except the food.”

  I look downward. “Except the food.”

  “Grant told me he offered you money. I can help too, darling. All you had to do was ask. I’m here for you. We both are.”

  I pick at a nonexistant hangnail. “I know. I feel bad though. I had a budget and I blew it. I’m not sure how well that bodes for my business.”

  “Honey. Stop beating yourself up. You were robbed. If that hadn’t happened you wouldn’t be in your situation. It just so happens that this is your first job. If you were already established, it still wouldn’t be a good thing, but you’d have a cushion. You’d track the loss as an expense and move on.”

  I know everything she’s saying is true. But all the truth doesn’t change my situation. It simply reinforces it. “I visited a caterer this morning. They can take the party on even with short notice. But the price tag is high.”

  She sips her coffee, like she’s contemplating.

  She’s probably contemplating. Older people do that. Then when they speak
the words are usually wise and true and worth paying attention to.

  “I think you should let Grant do this.”

  I half-expected her to say those words. After all, Grant is her son. “I appreciate your advice. Where is he now?”

  “He said he had an errand to run. I’m sure he’ll be back soon. But this might be what he needs, Eden. Have you thought of that?”

  I want to tell her Grant is all I’ve been thinking about. But I haven’t thought of him needing me. I’ve been focusing on me needing him.

  Or something to come through for my party.

  My business.

  My everything.

  “No. I haven’t thought of it that way.”

  “He needs you, Eden. He may not say it, but I will. And if you don’t mind me saying so, you need him, too.”

  Looking at her I see her eyes are sincere. “You make it sound so simple. So easy. I guess there’s a lot at stake for both of us.”

  Sonya taps the back of my hand. “Exactly my point. So why don’t you throw your stakes in together and take a chance on each other?”

  “What happens if one of us lets the other down?”

  “The one left standing will pick the other one up. Isn’t that how relationships work?”

  “Grant and I…”

  “Don’t say it. Don’t say you don’t have a relationship. You do. There are many aspects to that word. Just think about it, Eden. Please? For me?”

  “I will. I promise.” Looking at my phone I realize I only have a few hours to make the decision. Sonya would write me a check. I could borrow money from her easier than Grant. But her words haunt me.

  Grant needing me?

  She seems to think I can help him.

  He asked me to trust him.

  But it’s become more than trusting him with my business.

  Now my heart is involved.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  I sit in my house.

  Mid-morning coffee in my hand.

  Decision made.

  As of last night Celebration Station is catering my party.

  After assuring me she understood why I made my decision, Sonya sent the money through Paypal. I drove to Celebration Station, left the check, signed the contract, then wanted to throw up.

  But in the hours that have passed since then, I have confirmed that this was a total business decision. I have an obligation to serve the people at the party dinner. I have an obligation to make sure the food is edible.

  Business decisions are hard to make. They can’t be made with the heart.

  They have to be made with a sound mind. And I truly feel that’s what has taken place.

  A solid business decision. After all the party is tomorrow night. I was lucky to find a caterer with an opening.

  Surely Grant will understand.

  There’s a knock on my door. I set my coffee on the end table, then walk to the door.

  The peephole says it’s Grant.

  I know he knows I’m here. My car is parked out front. Since I don’t have my blinds pulled, he probably saw me sitting on the couch.

  I open the door, not surprised that my hand is trembling “Hi.”

  “Hi.”

  “Come on in.” I open the door wide enough for him to enter. Then shut it behind him.

  “Thanks. I don’t want to keep you long. I wanted to tell you I spent last night at the homeless shelter. Mason is doing a great job with the men. Good things are happening. I felt good being there. Like I was making a difference.”

  “That’s good. I’m glad you went back. The men seemed to like you a lot when we were there.” Maybe this is all he wants to talk about. I know I’ll have to tell him about my catering decision soon, but any reprieve is a good reprieve.

  Because I’m a chicken.

  “Yeah. A couple of the guys were talking with me again today. And as much as I think I was making a difference with them, I feel like they are making a difference in me. Being there gives me a new perspective on life.”

  “Do you want to sit?” I point to the couch. The white couch with the yellow pillows that shouts to the world I’m single and childless. But I like it. And I’d like to be comfortably sitting down when I tell him the news.

  Besides, my legs are starting to shake. My heart is starting to beat faster.

  “No. I’m actually on my way back to the shelter. I told Mason I’d help out today. I wanted to go earlier and see how things run. I think Mason puts in a lot of hours. And that Thomas guy is something else. He wants us to team up and make a meal for everyone one night.”

  “That’s great.”

  Grant has a different look about him. His stance is more relaxed, as if his burden has been lifted. His eyes are softer looking. Even his tone when he speaks indicates a change.

  A change that might have been fueled further with my trust.

  My throat is dry and thick with the decision I’ve made. My gut rolls at my lack of faith. I completely pushed Sonya’s words about Grant needing me to the back of my mind when making my catering decision.

  I didn’t think about God or faith or anything but me.

  Sometimes faith is more than trusting things will turn out right. Sometimes faith is giving someone hope. Telling them they’re needed.

  Knowing there’s a bigger picture than the outcome in front of you.

  If only he’d shown up last night.

  I swallow hard, trying to gain the courage to tell him. Although he’s a smart man. If I haven’t told him yes by now, he’s got to know it’s a no.

  Right?

  I open my mouth to speak, but he beats me to it.

  “Hey, I need to go.” Leaning down, he softly brushes my lips with his. “And good luck tomorrow night. I know everything will turn out great and your business will launch like a rocket.”

  I bite my just kissed lip and blink back tears. He knows.

  He knows I didn’t choose him.

  He knows I didn’t trust him with the biggest part of my life.

  He knows, and he still kissed me.

  I close my eyes, letting the tears fall.

  When I open them he’s gone. I knew he would be. The problem is he took a part of my heart with him. The part that makes mine beat.

  The part that loves him.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  I can’t believe how much my heart still hurts when everything seems to be coming together like a dream. Sonya is home, but my parents are picking her up later. They think the three of them are coming to the club for dinner. Sonya is the catalyst of getting them here not a minute before seven o’clock.

  Two hours and this shindig will be totally underway.

  Scarlett comes into the kitchen from the dining room. “Eden, everything is fabulous! The table settings are gorgeous. Oh, and the band has arrived. They are starting to set up. I can’t wait to dance to some Jazz. You’ve done this up classy. You were born to be an event planner. I can’t wait to see your dress.”

  “As soon as the florist and caterer show up, I’m going to change and get ready. I have to make sure those two things are underway.”

  Scarlett runs her fingers through her hair. “Should I wear my hair up, or down? How are you wearing yours?”

  “Down. Your hair looks good no matter what. And you know there aren’t going to be any single men here our age. All the men are older, my parents’ age. So no need to impress.”

  I think about Grant. Now if he were here… but he’s not.

  And I probably won’t see him again.

  I’ve decided that brush of a kiss that won’t leave my lips was a goodbye kiss. And I don’t blame him.

  I texted him last night to say goodnight, and I didn’t hear back.

  That didn’t surprise me either.

  “We can still look our best. Maybe there’s a son somewhere who will escort his mother because his dad got sick at the last minute. Could happen.”

  “I love your optimism. It’s always refreshing. And I’m really glad you’re back,
Scarlett. Having you here tonight is more than a blessing.”

  She hugs me. “I’m glad to be back. I’ve missed Georgia. And you, of course.”

  My phone buzzes. “Caterer is on the way.” Relief flows through me. “That’s good news. Now for the florist and the bakery and everything will be perfect.”

  Cheryl walks into the kitchen area where Scarlett and I are hanging out. “Flowers are here, Eden. Do you want to come and show us where to place them?”

  “Yes. Thanks, Cheryl, for all your help, too.”

  Cheryl smiles. “This looks like it’s going to be an amazing party. I can’t wait to see it all come together.”

  “Me, either.”

  Scarlett and I follow Cheryl into the main room. The chandeliers are sparkling along with the glasses and silverware on the tables. All the plates are in the kitchen as this is a sit-down dinner. Everything is right where it should be.

  As I instruct the florist where to put the flower arrangements, I can’t ignore the nagging feeling in my gut.

  Not nagging like something isn’t going right, but nagging as in something’s missing. I try to push it aside, knowing that I have my list.

  Everything’s been checked off.

  As soon as the caterer and the cake arrive, I will be fully staffed and able to trade these yoga pants, T-shirt, and tennies for my pretty party dress and my heels.

  But somehow, even the thought of my new outfit doesn’t lift my spirits like it should.

  I’m missing Grant.

  And there’s nothing I can do about it.

  Scarlett hasn’t left my side and for that I’m grateful. I haven’t told her anything about Grant. I’ve kept him to myself. Except for what Sonya knows.

  But she doesn’t know the half of it.

  My half.

  Scarlett grabs my hand. “This is all so amazing. I can’t wait to see your parents’ faces when they realize this is all for them. They are going to flip. I know I would.”

  Cheryl gets my attention. “Caterer is at the back door. One of the staff is letting them in.”

  I give her a thumbs up and start toward the kitchen. “Scarlett, can you make sure one of these small arrangements is placed in the center of every table?”

  “Sure. Got it.”