All my energy went into baking and working on the speech for the meeting. Janet was preparing a legal argument. The police were doing what they could about Moses’s attack. I decided to focus on what was important, relieving my stress using a mixture of flour, sugar, and lots and lots of butter. Both Julia Child and Aunt Francesca would have been proud. We now had so many cookies we ran out of freezer space, and Mom finally told me to stop. The speech for the council meeting was finished, but I kept remembering additional things and spent a lot of time practicing it in front of Kate and Mom. They said it was perfect. I wasn’t so sure. A lot of people depended on me to speak for them, and I didn’t want to screw it up.
I also put a lot of time and effort into researching the café’s new historical status. I knew there had to be a way to convince the council the building had significance. I wasn’t sure if it would be enough. I went online and read about historical preservation until my brain hurt, but I kept coming up empty.
By the time Friday rolled around, I’d worked myself into a tizzy, counting the hours until acoustic night and going back and forth between excitement and fear at the idea of seeing Matthew again. Mom handed me a list of errands on Friday afternoon and told me to please take my time. My nerves were getting on her nerves, not that I could blame her.
I stopped and talked to every person on the block to make sure I hadn’t forgotten to include anything in my speech. Because I’d already asked them several times before, they seemed sick of seeing me. Even Sally shooed me out of her shop and told me to finish my errands.
I thought about visiting Moses but decided I didn’t have enough time. He was recovering and would be released from the hospital any day now. I still felt mad at Scott and heartbroken over Matthew, but there was an awful lot for me to be grateful about, especially Moses.
I had to walk all over the South Side to get the things my mom wanted. It took me much longer than expected. I didn’t finish until well past dinnertime, and by then I was sweaty and irritated. Fear replaced my irritation as I approached the shop and I realized all the lights were out. It was dark and appeared closed.
I opened the door slowly, scared about what I might find. “Mom?”
As soon as I spoke, the lights went on, and I faced a room full of my friends and neighbors. “Surprise,” they shouted.
I stared at them as my heart returned to its normal rhythm. “What’s going on?”
Mom came up and grabbed my hand. She wore a fancy dress. “It’s a party for you, Fiona.”
“But it isn’t my birthday . . .” I remembered Kate’s warning about the surprise party my mom had been planning. A banner with the words “Welcome, Scotty” hung on the back wall. Someone had crossed off the word “Welcome” with a sharpie and written the words “Good Riddance” instead.
“Was this supposed to be a party for Scott? The one you mentioned ages ago?” I hissed in her ear. “The one I never agreed to?”
She spoke without moving her lips. “It was, and I forgot to cancel it, so now it’s a different kind of party. I didn’t think you’d mind, and we wanted to do something nice for you since you’ve been working so hard on that speech. Also, you’ve been so sad lately. We wanted to cheer you up.”
I looked at all the smiling faces. Moses sat front and center in a wheelchair. He opened his arms to me, and I flew into them. “They let you out of the hospital?” I asked. “How are you feeling?”
He chuckled. “I’m as right as rain, and I wouldn’t miss your party for anything.”
As I gazed around the room, I realized if Scott had been here, he would have thought they were a bunch of freaks. Sally towered over everyone in a sparkling cocktail gown, with Ralph standing proudly next to her. Madame Lucinda wore a brightly colored turban and a matching dress. Auntie Mags had on a Polynesia-inspired muumuu and flowers in her hair. Kate and Chad had brought Mrs. Porter. She wore a red blouse, and I had to assume Kate bought it for her because tiny black skulls decorated it. The entire neighborhood was there, from our accountant, who thankfully had clothes on, to Rosie from the diner with several of her brood of redheaded children. We were the island of misfit toys, or at least that’s what Scott would have said, but in front of me were the faces of the people who had loved and cared for me unconditionally, some since the day I was born.
Mom looked at me hopefully, and I smiled. “I’d better get dressed so we can get this party started.”
Suddenly, music and laughter filled the air, and I felt a million times better than I had in days. I ran upstairs and took a quick shower before putting on a dress Sally had set aside for me ages ago, sleeveless with black lace over a nude shell. The lace had sequins sewn into it, so it sparkled as I moved. It fit tightly to the waist and flared out, ending below my knees. An elegant little satin bow sat right at the waist in the front. I put on black satin heels and let my hair hang loose. It was still a little damp, and the humidity of the day made it dry in sexy, curly waves.
I went downstairs and beamed as people fussed over my dress. I twirled around and did a little curtsy, feeling beautiful and special and loved.
I spent the evening with the people I cared most about in the world. We danced, sang, and told funny stories. We all drank a bit too much and ate until we thought we might burst, but it was the perfect night. We put our worries aside, and it felt good.
Moses would be staying with Sally until well enough to go home on his own. Mom wanted him to stay with us, but we didn’t have a bedroom on the ground floor, and our staircase would have been hard for him to maneuver. Sally couldn’t stop fussing over him, and I felt better knowing someone would look after him. I brought him his saxophone case, and his whole face lit up.
“I missed this old girl. Thank you, Fiona.”
“I’m so sorry, Moses.”
“What reason do you have to be sorry?”
“I should have walked you home that night, but I was preoccupied, and . . .”
His brows drew together in a frown. “Do you honestly blame yourself for what happened to me?”
The tears I tried to hold in slipped down my cheeks. I couldn’t speak, so I nodded.
“Well, that is ridiculous.” I looked up in surprise, but Moses’s eyes were gentle. “Do you think you can control the whole universe? That you can stop every bad thing from happening? You can’t. You are only one spoke on a giant cosmic wheel. You’re spinning around like the rest of us.”
“Then it’s all so meaningless.”
“Not at all. Every single step you take has meaning, and everything happens for a reason. It isn’t always possible to see the why and how of it, but it’s true. Good things come even from bad things. Take Matthew for example. We met him as things were falling apart, but he’s been such a gift. Coming to the hospital every day. Checking on me. Reading to me.”
“He did?”
“Yes. He’s an honorable person. I could tell the minute I met him.”
“I couldn’t. I didn’t trust him.”
He leaned forward to speak soft enough the others couldn’t hear. “From what you told me in the hospital, you figured it out.”
I gasped. “You heard what I said?”
He chuckled. “Most of it, I think. Don’t worry, it’s nothing I haven’t heard before.”
“What should I do, Moses? I’m so confused.”
He reached for my hand. “Have some faith, little girl, and listen to your heart. It won’t steer you wrong.”
Later, we all sat in the garden, talking quietly and enjoying the beauty of the night. The air was rich with the smell of night and blooming flowers, and I couldn’t sit still. I felt restless.
“I might take a little walk,” I said to Mom.
She gave me an odd look. “You walked all over the entire South Side today. I made sure of that. It was the only way to get you out of here so we could set up for the party.”
I kissed her forehead. “Yes. You were very devious. I’m a little antsy. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
>
I strolled around the block, past the college kids out drinking and the aging hippies out for a night of music in one of the many clubs. A soft breeze blew through my hair, lifting it off my shoulders. I was way too overdressed for a walk around the South Side on a Friday night, but needed to look around and remind myself about what I was fighting for on Sunday. I had other motives as well. Part of me hoped I might randomly run into Matthew.
Nothing is random.
I heard my mom’s words whispered on the wind. I decided I was being stupid and turned to walk back to the café. When I reached the corner, I saw Matthew standing in front of the shop with his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jeans. He stared into the window of the café like a child might stare into a candy shop, his expression wistful. In that moment I knew, without any doubt at all, how much I loved him. I also knew this might be my last chance.
“Matthew.”
He ducked his head. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I was passing by, and . . . well . . . goodbye.”
He turned and walked away, moving so fast he almost ran. I chased after him in my satin heels, not an easy task. When I caught up with him, I pulled on his sleeve.
“Would you please stop for a second?” He stopped and faced me, his eyes haunted. He suffered as much as me, a pleasing realization. It made me bold. “We need to talk.”
He raised one dark eyebrow. “Usually when you say that, we end up naked.”
I bit my lip, unable to deny it. “Is that necessarily a bad thing?”
He ran an aggravated hand through his hair. “Stop playing games with me. Please. Say what you need to say, and I’ll leave. I don’t want to keep you away from your party. Or from Scott. “
I wrinkled my nose. “Scott?”
He led me back to the window of the café and pointed to the banner. It sagged in the middle and only the word “Scotty” was visible at this point.
“Oh, that reads ‘Good Riddance, Scotty.’ Not nice but accurate. Scott and I aren’t together.”
Matthew looked so adorably confused I could barely keep my hands off him. “You’re not with the suit?” he asked.
I shook my head. “Nope. We weren’t reconciling that day you saw us in front of the shop. You misunderstood, and I didn’t correct you.”
Matthew had trouble keeping up. “You don’t love him?”
I stepped closer, tilting my chin up so my lips were only a few inches from his. “The only person I’ve ever loved is you, Matthew Monroe. It’s always been you. Only you.”
He inhaled sharply but didn’t kiss me, which I found disappointing. I ached for his kiss at this point.
“So why were mad at me? Why did you let me believe the two of you were back together?” His eyes studied my face, his voice soft and husky. “I can’t do this over and over again. We were together but not together, and I hated the way it made me feel. There’s a difference between love and lust, Fiona.”
In spite of what Janet said, I owed him an explanation. I had to find out a way to do it without compromising the future of the café. I decided to tell him as much as I could. “I thought you were spying on us. For Anderson. It broke my heart. And I was furious. I don’t handle betrayal well, it seems.”
He blinked. “Anderson?”
“It’s not important. I figured out you weren’t the one supplying them with information, so I couldn’t care less who you work for now. There is one thing that matters to me and one thing I want.”
He stared at me. “What is that?”
“You,” I breathed. “I love you, Matthew. With all my heart. Even if you do work for Anderson, it doesn’t change that. And I’m so sorry I hurt you.”
He pulled me into his arms and buried his face in my hair. “I love you too. I can’t seem to stop loving you, but there is something you need to know.” He gently brushed his lips against mine and cupped my face with his hands. “I don’t work for Anderson. I can’t understand why you thought I did.”
I stared at him. “I saw you the day after the bonfire. You were walking into the courtroom with them.”
“That’s where this came from?” he asked, shaking his head. “I was there for a meeting, and so were they. We walked in together. It was random.”
“Random,” I said, my voice a soft whisper. “But who do you work for?”
“A private client.” He hesitated. “It’s a bit complicated and confidential . . .”
I covered his mouth with my fingers. “You know what? It doesn’t matter. As long as you aren’t working for the evil Anderson Solutions, I’m okay with it.”
He smiled at me. “I’m definitely not working for them, so I guess we’re good now.”
“We’re better than good, Matthew.”
I reached up to wrap my arms around his neck and pulled him close. He kissed me until my knees were weak. I was afraid if I let go of him, even for a second, I might fall to the ground. Matthew did that to me. His kisses were a full-body, soul-wrenching experience.
I heard the sound of applause, and it took me a second to realize it came from the café. Matthew didn’t hear it at all. When I gently pulled away from him, his eyes were unfocused, and he looked deliciously aroused.
I stood on my toes to whisper in his ear. “We have an audience.”
Matthew blinked and turned his head. Mom and her guests watched us from the entrance of the shop, clapping.
Matthew’s cheeks turned pink. “Oh, this is terrible,” he said softly.
Deciding to embrace it. I held the side of my skirt with one hand and gave a regal curtsy, like greeting the queen. Matthew grinned and took a little bow himself.
Mom smiled at us. “Come inside, you two. Now we have something to celebrate.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
There is always something magical about a gathering under the stars.
~Aunt Francesca~
Max from the wine shop opened a bottle of his best champagne, and we went back to the garden. Everyone seemed to have a funny story about me they felt compelled to share, and Matthew appeared to enjoy each and every one. I sat next to him on the cushioned bench, my shoes off and my feet tucked under me. Matthew had one arm wrapped around my shoulders, and every so often, he brushed his hand against my hair or touched my skin with absentminded strokes of his thumb. I was utterly content. If I’d been a cat, I would have been purring.
As the talking and laughter quieted down, several couples got up to dance. Matthew turned to me with a smile. “Shall we?”
He pulled me off the bench and into his arms, and we swayed in the moonlight, our bodies pressing tightly together. He wrapped his arms around me, and my cheek rested against his shoulder. Sally and Ralph danced near us. Ralph’s head barely reached Sally’s chest, but he stared up at her adoringly, and every so often, she kissed his bald spot. Max pulled my mom out for a dance. They were old and dear friends. Kate danced with Chad. He held her close and whispered to her as he softly kissed her cheek. Mrs. Porter snoozed under a blanket nearby with a smile on her face. The perfect night. Even the fountain seemed happy, gurgling a bit louder than usual and not shooting water at anyone.
“Tell me again,” Matthew whispered in my ear.
I smiled against his neck. “I love you, Matthew Monroe.”
He kissed my forehead. “And I love you, Fiona Campbell. I’m so glad you’re not mad at me anymore.”
I looked up at his warm brown eyes and his beautiful face. “I would have forgiven you sooner if you had just kissed me. You are the most remarkable kisser.”
He raised a dark eyebrow and gave me a sexy grin that was full of promise. “So I’m a ‘remarkable kisser,’ am I? Perhaps you and I could go back to my place . . .”
“Okay.”
He laughed. “That was tough.”
I shrugged. “I want to take a closer look at your house now that I know the talented young architect who designed it.”
“So you’re seducing me because of my architectural skills?” He lifted my han
d to his lips and kissed my palm, sending chills of anticipation up my spine. I leaned close to whisper in his ear.
“I’m curious about your skills as an architect, but I’m seducing you because of your skills in a different area altogether.” I pulled on his earlobe with my teeth and smiled when I heard him inhale sharply.
“Can we leave now?” he asked, his voice husky.
“Definitely.”
As we left the garden hand in hand, I waved goodbye to my mom. She smiled and blew me a kiss. Several of the others called out their goodbyes. Sally had the audacity to wink at me, and I winked right back.
When we got to his place, he stood for a moment, staring at me, his hand gently touching my face. “I’ve never been this happy. You’re amazing. Do you know that?”
My cheeks got warm, and I leaned onto his palm. “So are you.”
He grabbed my hand and pulled me into his house, eager to show it off. He explained the renovations he’d made and why, and he seemed thrilled to finally share something he was so passionate about with me.
I ran my finger along the marble of the island. The baker in me itched to roll out dough on it. “You aren’t only good, Matthew; you’re brilliant.”
He beamed. “You haven’t even seen the best part.” Still holding my hand, he pulled me up the steps to his bedroom.
I bit my lip. “Uh, I have seen it. It is the best part,” I said, shooting a glance at his bed.
His eyebrows almost hit his hairline. “Ms. Campbell, are you talking about what I think you are talking about?”
I nodded seriously. “Yes.”
Matthew pointed a finger at me. “We’ll discuss that shortly and in great detail. But first, my big surprise.”
He led me up to a rooftop terrace with a view of the river and the lights of the city skyline. I spun around, staring up at the stars. My dress flared out and sparkled as I turned.
“It’s perfect, Matthew.”
He pulled me close. “You’re perfect.”
The Enchanted Garden Cafe (South Side Stories Book 1) Page 23
