A Cherry on Top (Cupid's Cafe Where love is on the menu Book 7)
Page 12
“Is it me, or is this place kind of stuffy?” Travis commented as they moved from the last display case.
Faith looked around at all the older men standing in circles, talking amongst themselves. Most of the other guests looked wealthy and high-browed, their faces smug and uninviting. “The people that frequent these sorts of things aren’t here for the art. They’re here to be seen by the right people.”
Travis glanced back at the Poseidon statue. “Now, that is a shame.”
“I agree, but I’m done here.”
Travis didn’t want the evening to end just yet. “Would you like to get a bite to eat?”
“Where are you thinking about going?”
“Cupid’s is usually open late on Saturday’s. I promised you one of their famous hamburgers.”
Faith looked down at her gorgeous dress and shook her head. Her world and attitude had undergone a 180-degree turn. A month ago, she would never in her wildest dreams considered going to a diner in formal wear. Now, it seemed like a fun adventure.
“Okay, but next time we go out for pizza.”
They arrived at Cupid’s, and though the sign declared they were open, the parking lot was completely empty. When they entered the diner, Katy was behind the counter, cleaning it with a white towel. She looked up and smiled, the corners of her eyes crinkling slightly. “Travis, Faith, what a pleasant surprise!”
“Hey, Katy, hope we’re not too late to get some hamburgers and two cherry milkshakes.”
“Of course not!” she chimed. “Let me get the order for the hamburgers in. The usual for you Travis, and Faith what about you?”
“I’ll have the same as Travis.”
Katy nodded and moved toward the kitchen opening. Travis helped Faith onto a stool, just as Katy came back and began working on the milkshakes.
“You two look very nice. Where have you been?” Katy asked as she loaded up the blender.
“We just came back from the Ancient Greek Artifact Exhibit.”
“Oh, Tasha was telling me about that. Apparently, the tickets were hard to come by. How did you manage?”
“Travis worked some kind of miracle.” Faith said, resting her hand on his arm.
“It was nothing, really.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I traded a favor for a favor.”
“Ah,” Katy said, a knowing look on her face.
That reminded Travis about the favor she had asked of him. If she hadn’t convinced him to go to the BBQ with Faith, he never would have met her. Thank goodness for favors.
Katy could see the looks the couple were giving each other. It might be a good time to go check on Robert and the hamburgers. She finished up the two milkshakes and set them in front of them. “Enjoy!”
She was about to walk away when she seemed to remember something. She reached under the counter and grabbed a jar of candied cherries. “Can’t forget the cherry on top!”
Faith and Travis barely heard Katy. They were too busy chatting about the exhibit and photography. Their conversation drew them closer together, heads just inches apart.
Travis bolstered his courage and leaned forward, kissing Faith ever so gently on the lips. Faith wrapped her arms around his neck, getting lost in the sweetness of the moment.
Travis pulled back and whispered, “I wasn’t looking for a relationship or love when I walked through these doors a few weeks ago.”
Faith’s breath hitched. “I wasn’t either. I just needed a fake boyfriend for a day.”
Travis laced his fingers through Faith’s and looked up into her shining eyes. “I think sometimes fate or…” thinking of Katy, Travis smiled. “Other forces have different plans for us. Whatever the reason, I’m glad I found you.”
Faith’s heart filled her chest, and tears welled in her eyes, destroying any attempt she had at retaining her composure. “I’m the lucky one. I’d been so hurt and lost, but you pulled me out of the hole I’d been hiding in, reminding me that there are people I can trust. I trust my family, but my heart tells me that I can trust you.”
Travis pulled the necklace from out of his shirt and held it up to Faith. “These were symbols of my parent’s love for each other. Their love was something I cherished. You are something I cherish, Faith. My heart and soul tell me that you’re the one for me. The person I could love for my entire life.”
Faith gasped. It was so soon to talk about love and forever, but a sense of knowing calm settled over her, giving her courage. This was right. Travis was the perfect person for her. She absolutely believed that was the truth.
“I feel it too. I love you, Travis.”
Travis pulled her close and kissed her until they both forgot where they were.
Katy Cupid peeked out at them from the kitchen.
“Their hamburgers are going to get cold,” Robert prodded.
“They won’t mind. I’ll just give them another minute.”
Robert waved his spatula at Katy. “I’ve known you for almost twenty years, and I’ve never seen you so nervous about one of your matches.”
Robert knew her secrets, but he’d never tell a living soul. There was a change in the air, and Katy didn’t know what it was, but it worried her. Katy reached into her pocket and ran her fingers along the smooth gold of the ring she always kept on her.
“I know. I was apprehensive about this one. I can’t tell you how many times I thought of them and prayed that things would work out. Tonight, my heart was so full, and I wished that they could feel it too.”
Robert looked through the kitchen’s opening and found the couple embracing. He moved to pat Katy on the shoulder. “I think you may have gotten your wish.”
“I think so, too. They really do make a lovely couple.”
The End
Thank you so much for reading A Cherry on Top. Can I ask a favor of you? If you enjoyed the novella could you please go to Amazon and review it? CLICK HERE to be taken to the product page to review. Reviews really help a newer author like me. Also, I love to hear from fans. You can find me on my website at ashleylaurenbooks.com or my Facebook page
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Don’t forget to check out the rest of the Cupid’s Café Series
Cupid’s Café Series
Waffles & Weddings
Bacon, Love, & Tomatoes
Sweet as Shortcake
Chocolate Kisses
Fries Before Guys
A Slice of Heaven
A Cherry on Top