Lori drew a deep breath and stared at the plastic lid on her cup. Might as well blurt it out. “I ran into Jason today at Café Du Monde.”
Gracie’s eyes widened. “Jason Chumley? The guy who cheated on you? Your Jason?”
Lori nodded. “The very one.” But he wasn’t hers anymore. Not by a long shot.
Gracie sat back against the couch, her jaw set. “Let Carter have a word or two with him. I’m sure he’d be happy to communicate how you feel.”
“I know he would. You married a good one.” Lori smiled wistfully. “But in this case, that wouldn’t be wise.”
Gracie studied her friend through narrowed eyes. “You’re leaving something out, aren’t you?” Her nails tapped a rhythm on her coffee cup.
“Just a small detail.” Lori laughed, but it came out hollow and hard. “He’s sort of my secret admirer.”
“What?” Gracie sat up so fast she jostled Lori’s coffee. “That’s impossible.”
“Why? It makes sense, in a twisted way.” Lori took a bite of her chocolate bar, willing her endorphins to work their magic. “Think about it. All the personal details of those gifts meant it was someone who knew me really well. And who knows me better than the guy I dated and was engaged to for years?”
“I refuse to believe it.” Gracie set her cup on the coffee table and crossed her arms.
“What do you mean? He said so himself.”
Gracie blinked rapidly, then shook her head. “Again, impossible.”
“Why are you so sure it’s not him?” Lori closed the wrapper on her candy bar and tossed it on the pillow with a huff. Gracie hadn’t even been around the last month, and now suddenly she was an expert on Lori’s secret admirer? Gracie hadn’t even seen the gifts. “You’re being weird.”
“It almost sounds like you want your secret admirer to be Jason—which is what’s weird, if you ask me.” Gracie raised her eyebrows at Lori.
They stared at each other, each refusing to back down, as the clock above the sofa loudly ticked away the seconds. Slowly, Lori let her shoulders relax as she eased back against the cushions. How many times had she and Gracie argued on this very couch? About men, money, friendships. Until now, she hadn’t realized exactly how much she’d missed her old roommate.
“Listen, I don’t want to fight.” Lori broke the chocolate bar in half and handed Gracie the bigger piece with a smile. “Truce?”
“Truce. Keep your chocolate, you need it more than me.” Gracie grinned; then her expression slowly sobered. “But please explain why you’re defending Jason.”
“I’m not defending him—and I didn’t want him to be my secret admirer, trust me. I couldn’t have picked a worse person for that title.” Lori shuddered. “But these gifts are different than his usual style—which might mean that he’s changed.” That fact had dawned on Lori during her afternoon at work and had erased the top layer of her anger. She would never consider dating Jason again, but if he was searching for forgiveness, she could possibly offer him that much—if he was sincere. With Jason, it was always hard to tell.
Gracie started shaking her head again. “I don’t think—”
Lori interrupted. “The last present was a monogrammed Bible cover. When did Jason ever do anything remotely spiritual before?”
“He didn’t.” Gracie paused. “But supposedly sending that Bible cover doesn’t necessarily mean he’s changed now.”
“There’s no supposedly about it. It was him. He said so himself. Andy was my witness.”
Gracie’s face suddenly turned red, and she coughed hard, pounding herself on the chest.
“Are you okay? Here, drink.” Lori handed her the cup she’d placed on the coaster earlier.
Gracie took a sip, and her natural color returned, but she kept her eyes averted. “Sorry, got choked up there.”
“On what?”
“Never mind. You were saying?” Gracie cleared her throat and took another sip of coffee.
Apparently that Mexican sun had gotten to her friend. Lori peeled back the wrapper on her chocolate, wishing it was one of the signature gators from the shop instead of the store-bought candy she’d found in her newly supplied emergency stash at home. “I said Andy was with me at Café Du Monde when Jason showed up, so he heard his confession, too.”
“Andy was there.” Gracie pressed her fingers to her lips.
“Yes.”
“Andy was there when Jason admitted to being your secret admirer.”
“Yes!” Lori fought a wave of impatience. Was Gracie losing it? How many times did she have to repeat herself?
“And he said nothing? Nothing at all?”
“No, why would he?”
Gracie closed her eyes for a brief moment, as if gathering her thoughts. “I’m just surprised, that’s all. I figured Andy would have something to say. He knows about your past with Jason, and he’s a good friend. That’s all.”
Lori shrugged. “I think it surprised both of us, to be honest. We never saw it coming.”
“I bet,” Gracie mumbled.
“Are you okay?” Lori frowned.
Gracie rubbed her temples with both fingers. “Fine. Must be the jet lag.” She let out a sigh that sounded more frustrated than tired.
“So, do you believe me now about Jason? Since Andy heard him say it?”
“I guess I have to.” Gracie didn’t exactly look thrilled, but at least she wasn’t arguing.
Lori downed the rest of her coffee and swung her legs over the side of the couch. “I’m not saying I’m not disappointed.”
Hope lit Gracie’s eyes “You are?”
“Why is me being disappointed good news?” Lori wrinkled her forehead.
“It’s not, of course. I’m just happy you’re not excited about Jason being your admirer.”
This was getting confusing. No wonder Gracie was rubbing her head as if she had a headache. Lori felt the sudden strong urge to do the same. She rotated her neck on her shoulders. “I’m glad I know who the secret admirer is, but I wish it wasn’t Jason. I really was hoping to meet Mr. Right this way.” And she had really wanted Mr. Right to be the one man it could never be—Andy. A grim taste filled her mouth.
Gracie offered a sympathetic smile. “Your turn will come.”
“I know. I guess.” Lori nudged Gracie with her shoulder and smiled. “I really am happy for you guys. I don’t mean to sound bitter.”
“You’ll find that same happiness soon, I can feel it.” Gracie looped her arm around Lori’s shoulders. “Was there someone you were hoping the gifts would be from?”
Lori paused as Andy’s face again flashed in her mind. She took one look at Gracie’s open, searching gaze and swallowed hard. “Nope. No one in particular.”
Guy night—finally. Was anything better than hanging out with an old friend, watching sports on TV and drinking a ridiculous amount of Dr Pepper? Andy crinkled the empty aluminum can in his hand, then tossed it across the room to Carter. “Heads up!”
Carter caught the can and rebounded it into the trash can by the TV. “Nothing but net!”
Andy cranked the handle on the recliner, propping his feet up. “Do me a favor, man. Don’t get married and leave for a month again.”
“I don’t plan on it.” Carter fisted another handful of popcorn into his mouth. “Weddings are expensive.” He laughed.
Andy grinned. Lucky for him, Gracie and Lori declared an emergency girl-talk night. That left him and Carter to catch up on their trip, eat some junk food and, most importantly, get Andy’s mind off Lori. He relaxed against the soft cushions of the recliner and tried to clear his thoughts. He couldn’t believe Jason had showed up out of nowhere and stolen Andy’s credit for the gifts. He’d been so shocked that he couldn’t deny it, and by the time he found his voice, it was too late. The lie had progressed.
The worst part was Lori hadn’t seemed too bothered by it.
The front door of Gracie and Carter’s new house suddenly slammed. Andy jumped, heart hammering in
his throat. Across the room, Carter’s face scrunched. “Uh-oh. Three, two…”
“Are you crazy?” Gracie burst around the corner of the entryway, temper as fiery as her red hair. Her hands planted on her hips, she stared at Andy until he squirmed against the leather upholstery. “You stood right there and didn’t say anything while another man claimed your work? And your woman?”
Andy attempted to stand, but the chair threw him off balance, and he fell back against the seat. “First of all, Lori’s not mine, which is the whole point.”
Gracie sagged against the door frame and crossed her arms. “She could have been if you had spoken up.”
“You assume.” Andy looked to Carter for help, but his friend simply held up both hands in refusal.
“Why on earth would you not correct Jason? He had the nerve to lie to her face, and you let him?” Gracie shook her head, and her hair bounced. “I don’t understand.”
“You didn’t see Lori’s expression.” Andy struggled to his feet and faced off with Gracie. “You didn’t see that little smile after that jerk said what he did.” He rubbed his hands down the length of his cheeks and sighed. “She seemed happy it was him. I didn’t want to mess that up.”
Gracie opened her mouth, then closed it. She opened it again, looked over at Carter and then back at Andy. She threw her hands in the air. “I can’t say anything to her without betraying you. Do you have any idea how frustrating this is? All because you can’t be honest with her about your feelings.”
“I’m not so sure what I feel anymore.” Andy slowly sank back onto the recliner. He’d thought his friendship with Lori had found solid footing again and had planned on breaking the news about the gifts at Café Du Monde during their impromptu date—until Jason showed up and ruined everything. Now he had no idea where he stood.
Gracie moved to sit beside Carter on the couch, tugging a blue plaid throw pillow into her lap. She inhaled slowly. “Do you love Lori?”
Andy stared at his hands. It really was too soon to admit something like that, especially to someone other than Lori. But he couldn’t lie; he’d known Gracie for years, and she’d see right through him, just like she always did. He licked his dry lips. “Yes.”
“So you want what’s best for her?”
Andy looked up in surprise. “Always.”
“And you really think that’s Jason?” Gracie wound her arm around Carter’s and leaned against his shoulder. Her face nestled perfectly against his arm, as if they were two puzzle pieces cut to fit.
A lump knotted in Andy’s throat. Was Lori his matching piece, his other half? Or was he wishing for something that would never be? Surely her puzzle piece wasn’t Jason, not after the horrible way he’d treated her.
But the choice wasn’t his to make. Until Lori showed him that Jason still didn’t claim a portion of her heart after all these years, he would have to stay out of the picture.
Andy leaned forward, bracing his elbows against his knees, and looked Gracie square on. “I think that’s up to Lori to decide.”
Gracie squirmed as if she wanted to say more, but didn’t argue. Of course, the hand Carter laid on her arm could have been a warning to hush. “Fine. That’s your call. I just think you’re making a big mistake.”
“You’re not going to tell her about the gifts, are you?” Panic seized Andy’s stomach, and the sausage pizza he and Carter had ordered twisted like a rope of licorice. “You can’t.”
Gracie’s chin lifted. “I won’t lie for you.”
“I’m not asking you to lie. I’m asking you not to volunteer information that isn’t any of your business.” Andy struggled to keep his voice firm when all he wanted to do was drop to his knees and beg Gracie to keep quiet.
“All right.” She blew at a piece of hair that fell across her forehead. “But I still think you’re making a big—”
“A big mistake. I know, I know.” Andy sighed, turning to look out the picture window at the growing darkness. “You’re not the only one.”
Chapter Seventeen
Saturday-morning business was at an all-time high. Lori didn’t even take time to break for lunch between the steady streams of customers. Apparently everyone in the city was celebrating the beautiful weekend with chocolate and coffee.
“Monny, what’s the status on that raspberry-swirl cake?” Lori called over her shoulder as he bustled through the kitchen door with a fresh supply of chocolate-dipped marshmallows. She counted change for a customer and smiled. “Have a nice day.”
Summer intercepted Monny and took the heavy silver tray from his hands. “Thank you, mi cara.” He brushed his hands together and started back toward the kitchen. “Cake will be ready in ten.”
He disappeared into the kitchen while Lori slid open the display case and Summer deposited the desserts inside. “Thanks.” She shut the case as Lori turned back to the register. “Today is crazy. I don’t think I’ve taken a breath yet.”
“Just wait until next week.” Lori closed the register drawer with a bang. “Valentine’s Day will be even worse. And with it falling on a Sunday this year, everyone will be shopping for treats the Friday and Saturday before.”
“Are we going to run another sale?” Summer leaned one hip against the counter and studied her chipped black nail polish.
“I’m not sure yet.” Lori swatted at Summer. “And hey, no touching the glass. I just cleaned that this morning.”
“Aye, aye, Boss.” Summer moved away from the display and glanced around the store. “Looks like we finally have a lull. What do you need me to do next?”
Lori fought to keep the shock from her expression. Summer, volunteering for more work? She really had changed over these last few weeks. Ever since Lori had confided in her about the blunder with Monny, Summer’s production at work had increased. It seemed like the girl had just been bored before—apparently, a new friend made all the difference. Summer seemed a far cry from the sullen, moody student who barely lifted a finger and routinely dressed all in black.
Lori studied Summer’s long-sleeve black top, dark denim jeans and black cropped jacket. Well, she was still wearing black, but not for long. She smiled. “You can wipe down those vacant tables over there. But first, I have a surprise. Sort of a gimmick to promote Valentine’s Day.”
“Oh, yeah? What?”
Lori hurried into the supply room off the kitchen and came back with a cardboard box. “Hand me those scissors over there, please.”
Summer passed over the blue-handled scissors, and Lori cut into the packing tape. “I ordered these last week. They just got here yesterday.” Yesterday Lori hadn’t been anywhere near the right frame of mind to do anything but make it through the afternoon, much less care about a delivery. She set the scissors on the counter and pulled open the box flaps. In retrospect, today shouldn’t be any better. Nothing had changed from the day before. But at least with the shop so busy, she could distract herself from thinking about Jason.
And Andy’s lack of response at Café Du Monde. He had puffed up at Jason’s arrival, but after the revealing of her secret admirer, Andy deflated faster than a balloon at a child’s birthday party.
Lori’s stomach twisted, and before she could sink into a bad mood, she hurriedly lifted two aprons from the box. “Ta-da!” She held one at her waist to model for Summer. They turned out cuter than Lori had hoped, with the pink background and black trim. The Chocolate Gator was stitched across the front in a black cursive font. It was just the thing to draw attention and cheer up the place for the coming holiday.
Summer’s eyes widened in alarm. “Those are pink.”
“And black.” Lori tossed Summer’s apron to her. “Tie it on.”
“You’ve got to be kidding. Can’t I just clean the bathrooms instead?” Summer held the apron as far away from her as she could, as if it might bite.
“You’ll be doing that later, too.” Lori laughed. “Come on, it’s not so bad.”
“Monny doesn’t have to wear one.” Summer pout
ed.
“Monny’s in the kitchen, isn’t usually seen by customers and actually gets his aprons dirty. These are for show.” Lori looped the ties around her waist and straightened the front. “See? Cute. You can wear it over your usual work clothes.”
“Great,” Summer grumbled. “Why not stick me in some high heels while you’re at it?” She tied her apron with quick, jerky movements and moved to stand in front of the display counter’s reflection. “Pink. I’m wearing pink.”
“Live a little. You might actually like it.” Lori playfully hipchecked her.
Summer stumbled to one side but continued to stare glumly at her image. “I doubt that.”
“It softens you up. Maybe you’ll catch yourself a man.” Lori stuffed the bubble wrap inside the box and folded the cardboard flaps back down. Several of the youth-group members’ older brothers had sure looked interested last Wednesday when they came to pick up their siblings after the service. Summer, however, remained either oblivious or aloof to the fact.
“Why bother? You’ve got more than enough men for both of us.” The teasing light returned to Summer’s eyes. “Which one would you rather share?”
Lori paused, hands lingering on the package. “What are you talking about?”
“Jason. Andy. This secret admirer of yours…” Summer’s voice trailed off as she ticked the names on her fingers.
Lori shook her head. “Jason isn’t mine, and neither is Andy. And, as it turns out, my secret admirer is Jason.”
“Really?” Summer frowned. “You didn’t mention that little detail yesterday afternoon when you said you ran into your ex.”
“I wasn’t exactly in a detailed type of mood then.”
“I remember, trust me.” Summer rolled her eyes. “Well, hey, if wearing this apron makes you happy, I’ll do it. Anything is better than Ms. Grumpy from yesterday.”
“Thanks, I think.” Lori wrinkled her nose and handed Summer the delivery box. “Will you take this back to the supply room for me? We might be able to use it later.”
A Valentine's Wish Page 13
