Shades Of Chocolate (The Bakery Romance Series Book 2)

by Cecelia Dowdy

  He could certainly relate to a broken engagement. Her mind seemed to be a million miles away while she spoke, continuing to toy with the dispenser. He wanted to ask her why she’d broken it off, but felt he’d give her time to tell him on her own.

  “One of my customers works at Brian’s office in Baltimore. She told me that Brian is still dating Gia, his secretary. He was having an affair with her, and that’s why I called off our wedding.” She tried to take a sip of ginger ale, but liquid was slopping out of the cup and onto the table.

  He touched her shoulder. “You’re shaking.”

  Using both hands, she carefully set the cup down on the table. “Brian gives me the creeps. I can’t stand him.” She raised her voice, her eyes shining with anger.

  “Why do you hate him so much? Are you just mad about his cheating on you?” Jason grabbed some napkins to clean up the spilled drink. From his short meeting with Brian, he didn’t feel that it was worth Toni’s time to hate him. But he supposed that was easier said than done. He’d been angry at Tangie, pretending to be a Christian, fooling him. In spite of Tangie’s deception, he’d still fallen in love with her.

  Perhaps she was still in love with Brian, and he needed to learn to accept that. “Because I trusted him, and then he cheated on me. I loved Brian and he took that love and turned it into something ugly. Everything Brian touches comes out twisted. He also…”

  “He also what?”

  She shook her head. “Nothing. It’s not important.”

  But it was important if she was so upset. Toni really sounded like she needed somebody to talk to. Lord knows, he knew what it was like to feel anger towards someone who’d betrayed you, but at the same time, it was wrong to let that anger eat at you and make you bitter. Toni had made it clear that she wasn’t open to the idea of going to church, but Jason felt she needed to know that she couldn’t let her anger eat away at her. “You need to try and forgive Brian for cheating on you.”

  She jerked back. “Forgive him? There’s no way I’m forgiving him for what he’s done to me. If anything, I wish there was something that I could do to make him suffer for how he’s hurt me.”

  “Don’t let your anger eat away at you like that.” He took a deep breath. He had to be careful about how he said this so he wouldn’t alienate her, but he also wanted to help her. Most of his advice was steeped in his deep faith in God. Even though Toni had not professed to sharing his Christian ways, he felt that the Lord still wanted him to work on her, make her see things the way the Lord might want her to see them. “Remember how happy you were this morning when we were making the buns?” He’d give almost anything just to see her in a joyous mood again.

  She slowly nodded.

  “Well, Brian’s visit made your good mood disappear. You can’t let your anger control you like that.”

  She narrowed her eyes, her mouth mashed down. “Keep your advice to yourself. I don’t want to hear it. What about you?”

  He frowned, shrugging. “What about me?” He tossed the soiled napkins into the trashcan.

  “Well, you’re going on some long-term vacation to get over your anger with your mom dying. You can’t tell me you’re not angry at God.”

  The bell rang and a group of teenagers herded into the shop. Jason hopped out of his chair, rushed over to the register and rang up their orders of donuts and sodas. After he counted out their change and they’d taken their exit, he thought about his engagement to Tangie. Truth be told, he was still angry about that, too. He’d taken a long-term vacation to overcome his grief and anger, and so far, his anger had lessened. But he wasn’t sure if Toni was taking steps to get over her anger. He’d initially wanted to tell her about his broken engagement, but now he wasn’t so sure if her knowing about that would help her.

  He poured more ginger ale into her cup. He set it on the table in front of her, glancing down at her hands. She’d stopped shaking, so at least she’d calmed down. “What did Brian mean about unfinished business?”

  “I don’t know. I never want to talk to that creep again.” She stared out into the street, apparently deep in thought. Maybe he could try to talk to her again.

  He took her hand, squeezed her fingers. “I want to ask you something.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Are you sure you’re over Brian? You’d said that seeing him makes you sick.”

  She turned her head away, bit her lip. “Of course I’m over him.” Her voice wavered, so he had to wonder if she were telling the truth. Of course, it could be possible that she didn’t have the courage to admit the truth to herself. Another thought occurred to him. “Do you think that Brian might be the person who’s been calling you?”

  Toni scoffed, rolling her eyes. “No, Brian would never do something like that.” She paused. “Besides, why would he even bother doing that? What good would it be for Brian if I were scared?”

  Jason shrugged. “It’s just a thought. He reminds me of a coward. If he wanted to scare you, I could imagine him doing something underhanded and indirect, like a prank phone call.”

  She remained quiet for the rest of the workday. She was probably thinking of Brian, but he didn’t know if her thoughts were good or bad. Perhaps she believed that Brian could be the person making those phone calls and he had to wonder what kind of unfinished business Brian had been referring to.

  Chapter 20

  Toni just couldn’t bring herself to go to Easter services. She’d still been upset about Brian’s unexpected visit on Good Friday. On Easter Sunday morning, she shook the thought away. When she went downstairs to retrieve something from her office, she’d been shocked to find a huge Easter basket sitting on the table.

  She’d been overwhelmed and tired the previous day because the bakery had been packed. Several of the residents in Blue Spring had placed special dessert orders for sweets they’d be serving after their Easter dinner. Jason had kindly suggested that she offer some homemade dinner rolls for Easter.

  Surprisingly they’d sold over twenty dozen of Jason’s fresh, yeasty dinner rolls. He even mentioned that he’d noticed she didn’t carry any gluten-free items. He’d shown her a gluten-free dinner roll recipe, and she’d sold a few dozen of those, too.

  She’d never thought to add dinner rolls to her menu until Jason had suggested it. She’d made so much money the previous day that she’d been euphoric. The extra funds would be a hearty addition to her meager savings for the down payment for her own home. Then, after mopping the floor, she’d tripped and banged her knee, and Jason had told her to go upstairs and lie down while he locked up.

  She glanced at her knee. It was still bruised, and a bump had formed on the surface, but otherwise it looked fine. When Jason had locked up the shop, that’s when he must’ve left her the Easter basket. Curious, she’d removed the fake green grass and had found several bars of her favorite imported German chocolate, a new apron, and a lovely Easter card about friendship, signed by Jason. She phoned him, but all she’d gotten was his voicemail. She then recalled that he’d probably be at Easter services.

  She’d spent her Easter Sunday on the Internet, studying houses on the market. She’d also been thinking about Jason’s gift. When he’d arrived at the bakery on Easter Monday morning, he’d seemed a bit…different. He seemed more thoughtful and quiet, and Toni wondered if he’d had something on his mind.

  “Jason,” she’d approached him

  “What’s the matter?”

  “Nothing. I just wanted to thank you for your Easter gift.” It’d been nice to receive the unexpected basket. “But I didn’t buy anything for you and—”

  He shook his head, cutting off her words. “Just accept the gift and enjoy the chocolate.” He’d then peered at her for a few seconds…the scent of his cologne filling her nose. He’d seemed intense. Good gracious, she’d thought he was going to kiss her. But he’d just touched her cheek before going into the kitchen to wash his hands.

  Floored, she’d admired the decorative basket throughout
the day.

  The last person who’d purchased a gift for her had been Brian.

  Brian. She needed to push him out of her mind. She couldn’t ruin this glorious evening by thinking about him.

  She’d skipped her run that evening, her knee still sore from the fall she’d taken. Since she and Sheila were now speaking again, she’d wanted to do something nice for her friend. She’d invited her over for a spaghetti dinner, complete with garlic bread, salad, and Sheila’s favorite chocolate-peanut butter cookies for dessert. They’d laughed and talked during the meal, and Sheila had mentioned she was going to Bible study that night. Sheila had even told her that she’d finally read the letter from her dad, learning that he was getting out of prison within the next few months. Their conversation had mainly been focused on Sheila’s dad. Toni had listened while Sheila revealed she couldn’t wait to see her father again.

  Since her friend had always been bothered by her father’s disappearance, Toni hoped that the meeting with her dad might bring her some peace. After Sheila had left, Toni realized she’d forgotten to tell Sheila about Jason’s Easter gift.

  She shrugged. No big deal. She’d be sure to tell her when she saw her again. Toni figured Jason would be at the Bible study that night.

  After the dishes were washed, she dressed in a pair of comfortable jeans and a collared shirt. She was going to a bank in Baltimore this evening to attend a one-hour seminar about purchasing a first home. The seminar started at seven, so she should just make it in time.

  She parked in the lot of the bank, got out of her vehicle. She entered the building and saw the sign stating the room number for the seminar. Toni peeked into the room. Wow, sure was crowded. Hard to spot an empty seat in the place. She figured at least a hundred people were there. A blond woman occupied the sign-in table. “Hi. I’m Denise Smith. Welcome to our homebuyer’s event.”

  Toni returned her smile. “Thanks.” She gestured toward the room. “I’m assuming I can sit any place?”

  “You sure can. Just sign in right here.” She pointed to the clipboard on the table. After signing in, Toni entered the room. She found an empty seat near the back. She spotted several couples, and she had to wonder if these people were engaged or married. There were also people who were attending alone.

  Hearing a loud, creaky sound, she glanced toward the entrance. Denise Smith pulled the door closed. It creaked so loudly that she wondered why they didn’t get those creaky hinges fixed.

  A man who introduced himself as the president of the bank started the seminar. While he spoke, the sound of the loud, creaky door filled the room. She again looked toward the back, assuming someone was coming late.

  No way could this be happening. It was Gia! She wore a tight black dress and high-heeled shoes. The tight dress emphasized her skinny arms and legs, drawing attention to her full chest. She peered around the room. When she spotted Toni, her smile faded. The seat beside Toni was the one unoccupied chair in the room. Gia slid into the seat, but Toni ignored her. She smelled like she’d dumped an entire bottle of perfume on her skin. Her thick makeup appeared caked onto her face. With her fake eyelashes, long, talon-like fingernails and bright red lipstick – Gia looked like a woman who wanted to hide her true self behind lots of beauty products.

  She needed to ignore Gia. No way was she letting Brian’s woman invade her mind, especially when she needed to listen and get some tips about purchasing her new home. But Toni just couldn’t help herself. She eyed Gia several times, again wondering if Brian still dated her.

  She couldn’t get upset, not now. Breathing deeply, she paid attention to the speaker. He’d started talking about interest rates. Gia’s overpowering perfume sickened her. She rubbed her queasy stomach. Taking a few more deep breaths, her nerves finally calmed down. She didn’t want to sit in this seminar any longer. She just wanted to go home. Yes, she wanted to hear what the bank had to say about purchasing a first home, but she didn’t want to hear this speech sitting next to Gia. She could barely pay attention to what the banker said. During the presentation, he had handed out papers highlighting points in his speech. It was a good thing he presented the handouts and his business card. She figured she’d have lots of questions, considering she had not been able to listen to his talk.

  Finally, it was over. Time for her to get out of this place. She grabbed her purse, started toward the exit. If her temper flared, she might end up saying something that she’d regret.

  Gia grabbed her arm before she could leave. Using all her strength, she flung Gia’s hand away so hard that Gia’s hand slammed into the hard seatback of the folding chair. One of her fake fingernails popped toward the ceiling. Gia gasped, grabbed her fingernail from the floor. “Brian’s right. You do have a bad temper.”

  So Brian and Gia talked about her behind her back? She didn’t have time for this. She scrutinized Gia, her eyes narrowed. “Why did you grab my arm?” She gestured toward the door. “I’m in a hurry.”

  Gia chuckled, covering her mouth. “Oh, don’t let me keep you. I just wondered if Brian had told you yet.”

  She frowned. “Told me what?”

  She placed her hand over her heart, her penciled eyebrows raised. “We’re going to get married.”

  That was a bunch of bull. No way could he have already made plans to get married. Could he? She glanced at Gia’s hand, didn’t see a ring. “Where’s your engagement ring?”

  “Brian wants to shop around until he finds the perfect diamond.” She cleared her throat, standing a bit taller. “That’s why I came to this home-buying seminar. I figure after the wedding, we’ll need to buy our own house.”

  Whoa, what a surprise. Her stomach soured, and she swallowed, feeling warm. How could Brian still have the power to make her feel physically ill? She had to get out of here.

  “I don’t want to listen to this.” She marched toward the door. The dull clunk of high heels clattered on the carpeted floor behind her. “I said I don’t want to talk to you.”

  Gia giggled, placing her hand over her heart. “But you didn’t let me finish telling you why Brian and I would need a nice house.” She patted her flat stomach. “I’m pregnant.”

  Chapter 21

  Jason stood and stretched, staring at the cross at the front of the church. The Wednesday night Bible study had ended. The reverend had preached about anger. Heck, he was still a bit angry with his dad. He’d only had the one civil conversation with him since he’d been in Blue Spring. He needed to call his father again, try and talk to him.

  While driving to Shades of Chocolate that morning, he’d seen a dog that resembled his pet Spike. He wanted to see his dog again, take him for a walk and let him run around the dog park. His nephew Antoine loved exercising Spike on the weekends. Antoine texted him often. His sister Trina had sent him several videos of Antoine on the soccer field. He’d called Trina, and she’d gently suggested that it was probably time to come home. Although he missed his family, he still didn’t feel it was time. He still had one month of vacation left, and he wasn’t leaving early.

  If he left, he’d miss Toni. He still wasn’t sure how things would turn out between them. Lately, he’d been wondering how Toni would react when she’d discovered his plans. After all, his vacation wouldn’t last indefinitely. If he found that there was a chance for them, then he’d be faced with a choice. He’d either have to leave the family business, or he’d have to ask Toni to move with him to Chicago. He couldn’t imagine her abandoning her business.

  Granted, it was a tough decision. If his mother were alive, what would she advise? What would she say about Toni and his extended vacation?

  “You look like you’re a million miles away.” Sheila swatted his arm, interrupting his thoughts.

  “Just thinking about Toni.”

  She giggled. “I’ll bet you’re always thinking about Toni.”

  He needed to talk to somebody. Henderson’s lunch counter was open until ten at night. Maybe confiding in Sheila would make him feel better
. After all, she was Toni’s best friend. He gestured down the street. “Do you mind going to Henderson’s with me for a cup of coffee?” Since it was only seven thirty, he knew they’d still be open.

  “You got something on your mind?”

  “Yes.”

  Since the place was only a few blocks away, they walked. A group of teens socialized at the lunch counter. Their laughter mingled with the music crooning from the jukebox.

  She pointed to the corner. “Let me grab that empty table. You can go and get our coffees.” He returned to the table with their drinks.

  “Thanks.” Sheila blew on her coffee before taking a sip. “So, what’s on your mind?”

  “Toni was acting strange today, and I wondered if you knew anything about it.”

  She frowned. “Strange?”

  “Well, she just seemed sad and upset. I’d thought maybe she’d gotten another phone call, but she assured me that she had not gotten a call in almost two weeks.”

  “Did you ask her what was wrong?”

  “Yes. She said she had a lot on her mind.”

  “That is strange. She hasn’t said anything to me.” She thought about it for a few minutes, sipping her coffee. “I had a nice dinner with her the other night. We had a good time, but I couldn’t stay too long since she was going to a home-buyer’s seminar.”

  This was news. “A home-buyer’s seminar?”

  She placed her cup on the table. “Toni’s saving up to buy a house. I thought you knew this.”

  He didn’t know anything about this. “I thought she liked living in her apartment.”

  Sheila shook her head. “I shouldn’t have opened my big mouth. Toni wants a house. I’m not telling you why she wants a house so badly. You should ask her about it sometime.”

  He’d do that tomorrow. “I asked Toni about coming to church with me, but she said no.”