“But you don’t feel the same way, do you?” Kerry asked seriously.
“No; I don’t want to forget it. In fact I would be happy to explore it a whole lot more,” Laura’s face burned with her confession. “The only thing is I have no idea what’s stopping Jake from taking a chance on the attraction we both seem to feel for each other. At least, I hope it’s not all one sided.”
“Of course it isn’t,” Kerry assured her. “Jake hasn’t even looked at a woman in the last four years, let alone kissed one. If he gave in to temptation with you, it’s a really good sign.”
“What should I do?” Laura desperately needed help formulating a plan to win over one very stubborn man. “Maybe you could tell me something of what happened to shut Jake down like this?”
Kerry looked awkward. “I don’t know that I should say anything. Jake would never speak to me again.”
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” Laura threw away the remains of her breakfast and cleaned her plate and mug.
“It’s not that I don’t want to tell you. You do understand that?” Kerry told her, wanting her friend to understand.
“Of course I do. You haven’t known me long enough to confide something like this to me.” Laura touched Kerry’s arm to reassure her.
“It’s not that.” Kerry paused a moment, trying to gather the right words together. “Jake has been really betrayed in the past; I’ll say that much. It hit him so hard, as you can see he still hasn’t got over it. I don’t want to say anything that might make him feel I have done that to him too. I think I came close enough by meddling with the dating agency. You’ll have to find a way of discovering what happened from someone else.”
Laura smiled softly at Kerry, wanting her to know she understood completely. “In the meantime,” Kerry said with a sparkle in her eyes, “there is no stopping us from finding ways to push the two of you together! I have a few ideas that could work.”
Laura laughed. “Such as?”
“Well, I haven’t got around to mentioning it yet, what with Daisy going mad yesterday and all, but we have a rather big event coming up at the ranch shortly. It’s a re-enactment of a barn raising. We do it every year.” Kerry’s eyes shone with excitement.
“We have a small barn out back that is rigged especially to come down easily, so we can stage the re-enactment of the barn raising that used to take place around here in the 1800’s,” she continued. “It’s really popular with the tourists. Most people in town take part too. We all dress up in period costume and have dancing with live music. We even host a pot luck dinner, which both diner’s from town are providing a large proportion of the food. Its great fun, plus it should be really easy to push you and Jake together if you help out with the planning.”
“What can I do? I don’t know the first thing about barn raising.”
“Well, I thought you could help with the food. I have a friend in town who owns one of the diners. She’s in really bad need of a good cook, as hers left to work for the other place. Her business has been really suffering since Rosalie walked out. I thought it would be a great job for you if you’re interested in working for her?” Kerry raised her dark brow in enquiry.
“Well, yes I would be interested, but would your friend want to hire someone who doesn’t have a formal qualification?”
“Trust me, all Martha will want to know is if you can cook. You’ll blow her away!” Kerry laughed, picturing the look on Martha’s face when she tasted Laura’s cooking. “The great thing is that not only will you get to work with food, but you’ll have to work the food budget out with Jake. He has to approve it. We usually split the service between both diners to be fair. He has to make sure the budget is roughly the same for both places or all hell breaks loose!”
“You are very sneaky, Kerry!” Laura stated, but she couldn’t help laughing at her friend’s enthusiasm.
“You only just figured this out?” Kerry laughed too. “Maybe I should go into running a dating agency too. I reckon I’d be really good at it!”
“I’m not sure the world is ready for your style of dating agency!” Laura quipped.
“Probably not. Actually, while we’re on the subject of the barn raising, we’ll need to find you a costume. We won’t have time to make one from scratch, but we might have an old dress in the attic that we could get altered to fit you.”
“Oh, please don’t go to any trouble.” Laura protested.
“It’s no trouble. You have to have a dress.” Kerry grabbed Laura by the arm and hauled her up the stairs. “Come on, this will be fun!”
They reached the attic in record time. It was full of clutter and dust, making Laura sneeze. The place was filled with a families memories from lifetimes. Kerry squeezed through the piles of boxes and knick knacks, working her way towards the back of the attic.
“If my memory serves me right there should be a few trunks of old clothing back here. Believe it or not, my great, great grandmother was a terrible hoarder. We have boxes filled with old clothes, pictures, diaries and all sorts. It paints a wonderful picture of family history, so I am really grateful she didn’t like to throw things out.”
Laura followed Kerry to the old boxes and trunks. Kerry was riffling through a really big trunk, pulling out old clothing with care. “Oh, wow. Look at this!” she exclaimed in delight. In her hands was a beautiful dress in a deep emerald green. It had a slight tear in the shoulder and hemline, but that couldn’t detract from its beauty. Laura sucked in her breath as Kerry held the dress against her front.
“You would look so beautiful in this!” Kerry exclaimed. “I can’t believe we had such a treasure up here and I never saw it before. I could have sworn I’d been through these trunks thoroughly. Fancy not seeing it! Try it on Laura. We need to see if it fits or will need altering.”
“What if someone comes up here?” Laura protested darting a glance around her.
“Nobody will disturb us, don’t worry. Besides we’ll hear them long before they’d see us.”
“But…..”
“No buts! Come on Laura, this will be fun!”
Laura tried protesting again, but Kerry would have none of it. She ordered Laura out of her clothes while she found suitable underwear. Laura flushed bright red as she stepped out of her clothing and stood in the dusty attic in only her underwear. She prayed nobody would come up. The very thought of being caught out like this by Jake made her burn in mortification, even though a small naughty part of her fluttered with excited delight. Laura squished it firmly down. There would be nothing but humiliation in that scenario, she was sure!
“I’m not wearing that!” Laura shook her head at the corset Kerry pulled out in triumph.
“I know they aren’t exactly comfortable, but they do wonders for a woman’s figure. It’s only for one night and it will make such a difference to the dress, trust me!” Kerry came towards her, determined to have her way with this. Before Laura quite knew what was happening, Kerry had stuffed her into the old fashioned underwear she’d found, complete with corset firmly laced up. Laura took a breath, hoping not to faint from lack of oxygen.
Kerry then helped Laura into the dress. She did up the fastenings and stood back to admire her handiwork. Clutching her hands to her chest, Kerry gasped in delight.
“Oh Laura. You look so beautiful!” Kerry dabbed at her moist eyes. “It looks like it was made for you. The fit is so good, even the length. Come look at yourself. There’s a mirror right over here.”
She drew Laura forward and stood her in front of an old mirror to see her reflection. Laura’s breath caught in her throat. The dress, even dirty and torn, looked incredible. It gave her such a tiny waist. Perhaps the corset really was a good idea after all. The emerald green of the dress really brought out the colour in her eyes. The material hugged her body in all the right places. Laura had never felt so beautiful and feminine in her life. Her heart dropped; there was no way she could wear a valuable, beautiful dress like this. Even though she’d despe
rately love to see Jakes face when he saw her in it. She would just have to find something else.
“I can’t wear this!” Laura told Kerry regretfully. “It’s an antique that belongs to you and your family. It’s not right that I borrow it. I would be scared to death of damaging it.”
“But I want you to,” Kerry told her firmly. “This dress is perfect for you. Look how it matches your eyes. You look drop dead gorgeous in it. Jake will never be able to take his eyes off you. We just need to get it cleaned and mended in town. We could go shortly and drop it off at the cleaners. I also want to take you to meet Martha.”
Laura tried to argue, but Kerry wouldn’t hear of it. She helped Laura out of the dress and then carefully packed it in a box with tissue paper to take with them, while Laura got her normal clothes back on. Then she bundled Laura out of the house and into her car. Laura gave up, her heart filled with warmth at the generosity of her new found friend. More than anything she wanted to make a life here in Willow Creek. A small silent voice also admitted she wanted that life to include Jake.
*****
The drive to Willow Creek didn’t take very long. The town was every bit as charming and pretty as Laura could have ever wished for. People were friendly and everyone seemed to know everyone else. There was only one real street with larger shops and two diners, but plenty of small side streets carried their own unique and interesting smaller shops and businesses. Laura enjoyed exploring as Kerry took her to the cleaners, who also did repairs. She gave the dress over, with the request that it be ready by the barn raising event being held the following weekend. The woman promised she’d have it ready on time.
Happy to have that sorted out, Kerry headed to a diner called Martha’s. It was cheery and quaint, with flower boxes outside the large windows. Walking in, Laura was very surprised to find it virtually empty. Only two people frequented the place, one sitting at a table, the other on a stool at the counter. She knew Kerry had said her friend was having problems, but she’d expected more people. Being lunchtime, the place should have been packed.
A woman in her late forties stood behind the counter with a coffee pot in her hand. She had warm brown eyes, short brown hair and a cheery smile. But despite her cheery exterior, Laura could detect worry in the strain around her eyes and mouth.
“Well, hi there Kerry. I’ve not seen you in a few days. Who’s your new friend?” She called as she grabbed two mugs and poured coffee for them.
“This is Laura. She’s staying with us for a while,” Kerry introduced. “Laura, this is Martha. She’s owned this place for years. It’s as much a part of this town as the bank and library. She’s an institution. I can’t imagine this town without her.” Laura greeted the woman and took a stool next to Kerry.
“I wish everyone felt that way,” Martha said as she handed them a menu. “Since that bastard opened up his place across the way and stole my cook, business has been dead. It’s getting worse every day. If this keeps up, he’ll get his wish and shut me down before the month is out.”
“I didn’t realise things had got so bad,” Kerry said dismayed.
“Well, without a decent cook, I can’t compete. Alfie tries his best, but he’s just not able to reach the standards of Rosalie. That Henry Blankton knew just what he was doing when he snuck her away from me. There’s not another decent cook in this town and I can’t afford to hire someone from elsewhere, even if they would move to this small place. I have to face the fact that I’m through.” Martha told Kerry, her voice betraying her bitterness. “I’d like to get my hands on that man. He wouldn’t be so high and mighty by the time I was finished with him, I can tell you!”
“I think we can do better than that and teach that stuck up slime a lesson instead,” Kerry grinned. “This is why I brought Laura here. She is thinking about maybe settling here in town and would love to have a job working with food. She’s an incredible cook and I think she could turn this place around, as long as we’re not too late. Would you be interested?” she asked Martha.
“Sure I’d be interested in theory.” She turned to Laura. “You sure you’d want to work here honey? This isn’t a fancy restaurant. We’re just a small diner in a small town.”
Laura hesitated. “I don’t have formal qualifications,” she warned Martha. “But I would love the chance to work with food.”
“That don’t matter none if Kerry recommends you, but I can’t afford to pay you to start with,” Martha told Laura. “I’m really on the breadline as it is. I have creditors coming out of my ears. It’s going to take a miracle to get me back on my feet. Truth is, I may go under without being able to pay you a cent.”
“That’s not a problem,” Laura waved her hand in the air in dismissal. “It would give you a chance to see if you are happy with my food and how I work without me feeling pressured. Besides, you’re a friend of Kerry’s and I’d like to help. I’ve always hated bullies and if I can help you take one down, that would be my pleasure.”
“Well, we could give it a go, if you’re sure?” Martha said eagerly. “I’ve got nothing to lose and would I love to get one back on that Blankton. When can you start?”
“When do you want me?” Laura asked.
There was a crash from the kitchen, followed by a torrent of curses.
“What the hell is going on in there, Alfred?” Martha yelled.
“The damn pan fell off the cooker again, Ma,” came a young man’s voice.
“Is that my order he just dropped?” asked the grizzly looking man on the other end of the counter. “I can’t sit here another two hours while that son of yours cremates something else and calls it food. I’m sorry Martha, but I just can’t keep on supporting you when the fare in here wouldn’t tempt a dog!”
“Sam, please don’t leave just yet. I’ve just hired a new cook,” Martha held her hand up in an effort to stop Sam from leaving. “Would starting right now suit you, honey?” she asked, desperation etched into every line of her face.
“Of course,” Laura leapt off the seat and turned to Sam. “What did you order, sir?” she asked him as she rounded the counter.
“I just want a decent lunch. Whatever you can cook up for me as quickly as possible.” Sam sat back down on his stool. “Mind you, if this isn’t edible, I’m not paying!”
Laura shot round to the kitchen, finding a young man of about twenty standing to one side nursing a burnt hand. She gave him a quick smile as she surveyed the stock of ingredients available to her. Martha popped in to check on Alfie and to hand Laura an apron to cover her dress. Laura quickly whipped up a homemade burger and chips, adding her own mayonnaise to the bun with the salad. She brought the steaming plate out to Sam, filling his coffee cup up as she went.
He sniffed the plate appreciatively and took a huge bite of his burger. He ate in silence for some time before Martha ran out of patience. “Well, how’d she do?” she asked.
“It’s not bad, Martha. Course, I’ll have to check out how she does with something other than a burger, but this will do. I’m glad I stayed.”
Martha sighed with relief and walked over to Laura where she stood by Kerry. “Believe me, from Sam that’s high praise. That man would complain about heaven!” she rolled her eyes dramatically. “You really saved me today honey, but it’s going to take more than one plate of food to save this place.”
“What we need is to re-launch the diner with a new menu,” Kerry suggested. “Advertise that there is a new cook and try to draw people in again. I think the upcoming barn raising would be the perfect time and place. It would pitch you against Blankton directly. I bet Laura’s cooking will win hands down!”
“Well it’s a good idea,” Martha sighed. “I guess this is my last chance to save my business, so I have to take it. Can we get things ready in time?”
Laura was already thinking hard and making plans. “Would it be okay to use the kitchen at the ranch, Kerry?” she asked. “It will be much easier to work there and we won’t have to drag all the food back to the
ranch, as it will be already on site.”
“I don’t see why not,” Kerry agreed. “We can run it past Jake, but I doubt he would complain, especially if we’re helping Martha.”
“We need to plan out a new menu for the café and then see what we can use for the pot luck dinner. We need to make sure that we do enough to draw people back, but not too much that they will think they’ve tried it all already. Also, can you tell me what the other diner is serving?” Laura grabbed the pen and pad that Martha handed her, furiously scribbling down notes as Martha and Kerry filled her in on the competition.
For the next two hours the women sat and planned, while nibbling on sandwiches Martha got Alfie to do for them. Laura could easily see why the diner had gone down if the sandwiches were a testament to Alfie’s talent. She wasn’t sure how he’d managed to make them so tasteless and soggy, but he had. If she hadn’t been so hungry, she wouldn’t have eaten them. She also didn’t want to hurt either Martha or the eager to please Alfie’s feelings.
Sam had finished his lunch, paid and left and the other customer had gone shortly after. The place was quiet over the whole of lunchtime with not one single customer coming in. Laura just hoped that the barn raising dance could draw people back before Martha lost her diner. She felt rather nervous that the success or failure of the venture was on her shoulders, but at the same time she was excited by the challenge. Food was her passion and her life. She could hardly believe she was getting such an amazing opportunity.
Just as they were finishing up with Laura promising to return the next day to work on the menu for Martha to taste and choose, the door opened and a tall, good looking man with blonde hair walked in. Kerry glanced up and froze. Her face took on a strained look and she glanced down quickly when the man’s brown gaze landed on her. Curious, Laura looked over at the man and was just in time to see an equally strained look, only much more pain filled, cross his face.
Wild Fire (The Fairy Tale Match Series) Page 8
