Wedding Date in Hot Springs, Arkansas

by Annalisa Daughety

  “How does this look?” she asked Shadow.

  Shadow beamed. “Awesome. I can’t believe my artwork is on the main menu. People are going to see my drawings. That’s so weird.”

  “You’re very talented,” Violet said. “Have you given any more thought to art classes?”

  Shadow nodded. “I’m using one of my electives. It still makes me nervous to think about being graded. And then there are things like competitions and stuff.”

  “It takes a lot of courage to let the real you come out, doesn’t it?” Violet asked. “I think of all the years I spent trying to be someone else. Someone whose dreams were a little less scary and a little more safe.” She shrugged. “But scariest of all is waking up one day and realizing you’ve kept your true personality, your true dreams, bottled up inside.”

  Shadow sighed. “I guess.”

  “Maybe you should talk to my friend Reagan. She majored in graphic design in college, but minored in art. She’s the one who designed the logo for Central Avenue Cupcakes. She also took the photographs and designed the layout for the website and business cards.”

  “It’s really pretty,” Shadow said, holding up one of the grand opening flyers. “Does she like to paint, too?”

  Violet nodded. “She used to. I think her eye for art helped make her successful at designing logos and things. You have that same eye for colors and designs. I never would’ve thought to put some of the colors together on the tabletops, but you did and they look so pretty.”

  “Thank you. My mom used to paint. Sometimes she’d have me sit for portraits and stuff.” She smiled at the memory. “Of course, she wasn’t so happy when I got into her paints and painted a picture on the wall in the family room.” She giggled. “It was just a tiny picture, and I even signed my name. Mama got on me about it, but she left it on the wall. When Daddy got home from work, she told him we’d acquired a new piece of art for the family room.” Shadow sighed. “Stephanie painted over it when she had the colors redone.”

  “All the painting over in the world can’t take the memory away, right?” Violet didn’t know what to say. Such a tragic life.

  Shadow’s mouth quirked into a tiny smile. “I guess it would’ve been kind of embarrassing to have that on the wall forever. And Daddy made sure to take a picture of it.”

  “That’s neat.”

  “I’m supposed to fly to Dallas for Thanksgiving. I wish Nana could go with me.”

  Violet straightened one of the quilt squares on the wall. “It will be nice to see your dad though, right? And I’ll bet your dog has missed you a ton.”

  Shadow’s face brightened. “That’s true.”

  Violet wondered how her own Thanksgiving would go. She and her mother had argued about it already. Landry’s parents were coming to Thanksgiving this year, and Mom thought she should make an effort to be there. When she’d explained that she already had plans, Mom hadn’t exactly been thrilled. “If you’re spending Thanksgiving with this guy and his family, I think it’s time to introduce us.” But Violet was determined not to let Jackson get any more involved in her life than he already was.

  Otherwise their inevitable fake breakup might feel more like a real one.

  Dear Mama,

  Well, me and Dale broke up. Sometimes I wonder what’s wrong with me. I meet a cute boy and have a good time talking to him or texting him, but after two or three weeks, it fizzles out.

  Violet taught me how to make icing this week and how to ice the cupcakes so they’ll look pretty. She mostly does all of that, but I will help out sometimes. I got my food handler’s certification this week—I had to take a little class and a test online and then I got to print a card with my certification number and name on it.

  I’m flying to Dallas for Thanksgiving. Daddy and Nana talked about it and decided that I could miss a couple of days of school so I could spend the entire week there. I think Nana is kind of sad that I won’t be here with them. I hope I get along okay with Daddy and Stephanie while I’m there.

  Nana has finally started letting me drive her car sometimes, but she reminds me of every single driving rule before she hands me the keys. Granddaddy says it’s no reflection of my driving skills—that she’s just nervous about me being behind the wheel because of your accident. After he told me that, I stopped being so annoyed with her.

  Ily,

  Shadow

  Jackson pushed the paperwork across the table to the project manager of Edison Appliances. “I’m pleased the last property you looked at was to your liking and specifications. And I think you’ll find the workforce in Lonoke County and the surrounding area is ready to meet the needs of your company.” He smiled. This might be his biggest coup yet. “If you’ll just sign next to each X, we’re all set.”

  Mr. Anderson scribbled his signature on the papers and passed them back. “It’s been a pleasure working with you, Jackson. We look forward to opening our doors in Arkansas and are thankful for all you’ve done to make that possible.”

  Jackson shook hands with the group from Edison and showed them to the lobby. He couldn’t believe it. Just when he’d been sure they were going to set up their distribution center in Mississippi, they’d changed their minds. He’d like to think he’d had something to do with that. “Any calls?” he asked Sheila.

  She smiled. “Only one from a Rocky Balboa. He says you have his number.”

  “I sure do. Thanks, Sheila.” He hurried into his office and closed the door. “Okay, Mr. Balboa. What’s going on?” he asked once he’d dialed Jeff’s number.

  Jeff laughed. “I just wanted to tell you that RSVPs have started trickling in for homecoming.”

  “Already? But the brochures only went out last week.”

  “What can I say, man. It’s the hottest ticket in town.”

  Jackson groaned. “Whatever.”

  “Actually, I was just going to let you know that your mom sent her RSVP in already. She’s bringing Roger.”

  Jackson had figured as much. “Thanks for the heads-up.”

  “And I’m guessing we can just put you down with Violet as your guest?”

  “That’s right.” The fact that Mom was taking Roger as her date didn’t bother him as much since he’d have Violet with him. She had a way of calming him down and putting him at ease. It was the craziest thing.

  “Don’t mess it up, man. I think she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”

  Jackson had already had the same thought. “Why do you say that?”

  “Lauren and I were talking about it after the game. You guys just fit together. I think you bring her stability, and she loosens you up. And you’re obviously so happy. I’m really proud of you, man. I know a committed relationship has never been your thing—I don’t guess I’ve ever known you to give your heart away. But I think this is a really good thing you’ve got going.”

  Jackson nodded. “It sure is.”

  Chapter 27

  Jackson Stratford: HAPPY GRAND OPENING! IT’S GOING TO BE INCREDIBLE. I’LL BE THERE AS SOON AS I GET OFF WORK. (Text message sent October 31, 7:30 a.m.)

  Violet Matthews: THANKS! I HOPE I’M STILL IN ONE PIECE BY THE TIME YOU GET HERE. (Text message sent October 31, 7:39 a.m.)

  Jackson Stratford: YOU WILL BE. JUST SAVE ME A CUPCAKE! (Text message sent October 31, 7:42 a.m.)

  Violet tied on the apron her grandmother had given her. “Well, what do you think?”

  Grandma smiled. “Perfection.” She sniffed the air. “And so is that smell.”

  Violet grinned and motioned toward the nearly full glass case. “This is the last batch for a while. We’ll just play it by ear and see which flavors go faster before I bake anything else.”

  “Good plan. Thanks for letting me be your assistant today.”

  Violet laughed. “Thank you. You being here until Shadow gets in from school is amazing. I think most days I’ll manage on my own—at least until the summer season. But since I don’t really know what to expect, I feel much better
with you being here.”

  “So tell me the plan.”

  Violet filled her in on the pricing and the cash register. “It’s very simple to operate.”

  “Famous last words,” Grandma said with a laugh.

  “These little bags are for to-go cupcakes. If they get three or less, they get a bag.” Violet pointed to a stack of small white bags. “Three cupcakes fit perfectly in those. Then fold the top of the bag down and put one of these stickers with the logo on it to seal.”

  “They look so cute.”

  “If they get four, five, or six cupcakes, put them in one of these white boxes.” Violet pointed to a stack. “Shadow put them together already. All you have to do is put the cupcakes inside and tape it closed. The logo sticker is already on the top of the box.”

  “What if they want more than six?” Grandma asked.

  Violet pointed to a sign. “For orders needing more than half a dozen, they’ll have to place the order and come back later. I don’t have the space or the manpower right now to risk someone coming in and buying out the case.” She shrugged. “But if it’s preordered, I can bake ahead and be ready.”

  “You’re a smart girl. I never would’ve thought of that.”

  Jackson had helped her come up with the idea last week when she’d been worrying about all the things that could go wrong. “I had some help coming up with it.” She smiled at the thought of him. He’d be here tonight and hopefully things would be calm enough for her to at least get to talk to him.

  The bell over the door chimed, and a woman with a little girl in tow walked in the door.

  “Welcome to Central Avenue Cupcakes,” Violet said. Her first customers. Would it be weird to ask to take their picture? She could hardly wait to see what flavor cupcakes they chose.

  “Do you have a restroom?” the woman asked. She pointed toward the little girl. “It’s an emergency,” she whispered.

  Violet tried to keep her smile from slipping. They only wanted the restroom. “Go straight back and to the left.”

  “Let’s go potty and then come back for a cupcake,” the woman said.

  The little girl skipped to the bathroom.

  Violet let out a sigh of relief. “Oh thank goodness. I was so worried they didn’t come in for cupcakes at all.”

  Grandma laughed. “We might want to put a ‘No public restroom’ sign out front, just to be on the safe side.”

  “Good thinking. I’ll have Shadow make one when she gets here.”

  Violet turned her attention to the next customer. It would be hard to get into the swing of things and figure out the best way to do everything, but standing next to Grandma, serving cupcakes while an Elvis record played in the background, was by far the happiest day she’d ever had at work.

  Jackson parallel parked in front of Aunt Teak’s. The grand opening last week had gone so well that he’d barely gotten a minute with Violet all night. He couldn’t wait to see how the first full week had gone.

  He opened the door and walked inside.

  “Welcome to Central Avenue Cupcakes,” Violet said with a grin.

  “A Beatles song playing on the record player, the sweet smell of cupcakes, and the prettiest girl I know behind the counter. Is this heaven?”

  She laughed. “Very funny.”

  “How has today been?”

  She pointed toward the nearly empty case. “Does that answer your question? Shadow and I have been running around like crazy.”

  Shadow peeked her head out of the storeroom door. “Did you call me?” She noticed Jackson. “Hi, Jackson. How’s it going?”

  He nodded. “Pretty good. You?”

  She wrinkled her nose. “I fly to Dallas in two weeks. I’m spending the entire week of Thanksgiving at my dad’s.”

  “Chin up. Someday he might not be around, so use your time wisely.” He and Shadow had talked some about what it was like to lose a parent. He felt for her. “Ask if you can have a daddy-daughter date one night to catch up.”

  She smiled. “I will. Thanks.” She looked at Violet. “I’m through in the storeroom. I think everything is set for next week.”

  “Thanks, Shadow. Do we need to give you a ride home?”

  She shook her head. “Nana left her car for me and got a ride home with Granddaddy.” She smiled. “Have a good rest of the weekend.”

  “You, too. I’ll probably see you at church tomorrow, unless I make it to the early service. Otherwise I’ll see you Tuesday after school.” Violet finished wiping down the counter.

  “Bye,” Shadow called as she hoisted her bag over her shoulder and walked out the door.

  “Anything I can to do help?” Jackson asked once Shadow was gone.

  She shook her head. “I think we’re all done here.” She grinned. “I survived the first full week.”

  “I’m proud.” He smiled. “And I have something special planned now.”

  She widened her eyes. “What’s that?”

  “Dinner at the Arlington Hotel. I know how you love historic places. I think they’ve already put their Christmas lights up.” The Arlington was the most historic hotel in Hot Springs.

  She clutched her purse. “That sounds like so much fun.”

  Jackson ushered her out the door and waited until she locked it. “You okay with walking?”

  “It’s a perfect night for a walk.”

  They crossed Central Avenue and paused in front of Fordyce Bathhouse.

  “It’s so pretty,” Violet said. “I toured it a few weeks ago just for fun. It’s like stepping back in time.”

  “Is it a museum now?” he asked.

  She nodded. “Yes. It’s run by the National Park Service.” She pointed down the row of ornate bathhouses. “Reagan and I went to the Quapaw Baths to the spa a few weeks ago. It was very nice. The Buckstaff is next door, and it’s supposed to be good, too. I’ll have to give it a try next.”

  “Is that the one with the blue awnings?” he asked.

  Violet nodded. “Yep.” She tugged on his hand. “Have you ever walked along the Grand Promenade?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Do we have time? We can get to the Arlington Hotel from there.”

  “Sure.”

  They walked on the sidewalk that ran between two of the bathhouses.

  “You can hear the water,” he said. “That’s so cool.”

  She laughed. “Actually it’s hot. It’s one of the open springs. During the day you can see the steam coming off the water.” They climbed a set of stairs that led to a brick paved path. “This is the Grand Promenade. Back in the heyday of the baths, people would walk along this path between baths.”

  “Interesting.”

  They walked along in silence for a moment.

  “See that spot?” she asked, pointing to an overlook. “I like to stand there and look out over Central Avenue.”

  “Do you come here often?” he asked.

  She shrugged. “I bring Arnie here for walks sometimes. It’s a nice area, and there are a ton of trails. Technically this is part of Hot Springs National Park.” She pulled him over to the overlook. “Isn’t it amazing?” she asked.

  He stared at her. “It sure is.”

  Violet turned toward him. “It’s crazy that I never gave much thought to living here before, considering how much I like the past.

  The mobster history here fascinates me. I mean, Al Capone himself had a suite at the Arlington. I met a friend of my grandpa’s who was one of Capone’s drivers back in the day. I can just imagine all the mobsters in their suits and the women in their colorful dresses with their jewels.” She grinned.

  Jackson smiled down at her. “The mobster history in Hot Springs is very cool. But I’m more partial to the baseball history.”

  She furrowed her brow. “I don’t guess I’m very familiar with that.”

  “Spring training originated here. Babe Ruth was a frequent visitor, using the bathhouses or visiting Oaklawn when he wasn’t playing ball.” Oaklawn, Hot S
prings’s horse-racing track, opened in the early 1900s and was home to the Arkansas Derby.

  “I guess I learn something new every day,” she said.

  He slipped an arm around her waist. “I guess so.”

  Violet was suddenly all too aware of how close he was. “Are you ready to go to the Arlington? There’s a staircase we can take that leads down to the lawn in front of the hotel.”

  “Almost.” His voice was husky. He turned her toward him. “Violet, I’ve really enjoyed these past weeks. I never thought we had so much in common or would actually have such a good time together.”

  “Me neither,” she murmured.

  Jackson pulled her closer and tipped her chin. “I’ve waited a long time to do this.” He bent down and pressed his lips to hers.

  She kissed him tentatively at first. It seemed so strange to kiss him, even though she’d known it was coming. The kiss deepened, and Violet wrapped her arms around his neck. It might have been fake, but it sure didn’t feel fake.

  When he finally pulled away, he was breathless.

  Violet balanced herself on the brick overlook. “Guess we’ve got that first kiss out of the way.”

  He grinned. “Guess so.” He took her hand and led her to the staircase.

  Violet’s heart still pounded from the kiss. “One down, two to go, right?”

  “Right.”

  Somehow that didn’t make her feel better. What was wrong with her? This wasn’t a relationship. Just a good first-kiss story in case they ever needed it.

  Chapter 28

  Jackson Stratford: I TOLD MOM YOU WERE PLANNING ON BRINGING DESSERT FOR THURSDAY. SHE SAYS YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THAT, BUT I TOLD HER YOU INSISTED. HA-HA. REALLY I JUST WANT ALL THE CUPCAKES I CAN EAT! (Text message sent November 19, 7:39 a.m.)

  Violet Matthews: I’M GLAD YOU LIKE THEM THAT MUCH. DOES THIS MEAN YOU’LL STILL BE COMING BY MY STORE TO GET YOUR CUPCAKE FIX EVEN AFTER JANUARY? (Text message sent November 19, 7:46 a.m.)