“Everyone makes mistakes. Two months after I opened the store, I nearly burned the place down when I forgot to turn off the oven. Life happens, Lori. It’s what we make of it that counts—and you have made this business something worthwhile over the past several weeks.” Bella smiled. “So I’d like to offer you a full-time management position, under a few conditions.”
Lori’s heart soared so high she thought it might never come back down. She had a job! It wasn’t managing her own store, but that could come in the future after she raised her credit scores and padded her savings accounts. This way she could draw a decent paycheck, pay off her debt and get to keep hanging out with Summer and Monny.
Her hopes danced a little higher. Who knew, if she stayed at the shop, maybe she’d eventually convince Andy to give her another chance. Between church and the Chocolate Gator, he’d have to talk to her eventually. Whatever conditions Bella had up her sleeve would be well worth the benefits. Lori leaned forward in her chair. “What conditions? I’ll do anything!”
“I thought you might.” Bella’s eyes twinkled. “The first condition is that you must implement all the ideas you had in your proposal. Your plan for selling logo merchandise in the store is pure genius. Make it happen.”
“Really?” Lori’s mouth opened in surprise. “The tote bags, coffee mugs, aprons, flip-flops—”
“The works.” Bella nodded. “Just use the company credit card to get started, and I have a hunch profits will pay off in a few short months. The second condition is you have to agree to consider buying the shop from me when I retire. You’ll have about three years to prepare.”
Lori reeled backward. “You’re retiring?”
“Spending time with my family in north Louisiana made me realize how much I miss them. I’d like to move there eventually, and this agreement seems ideal. It gives me a few years to get some affairs in order, and gives you time to save your pennies for buying me out.” Bella winked.
Lori’s mind whirled as the reality of what was happening settled around her. She was not only going to keep managing the Chocolate Gator, she was going to get to own it in a few short years! This was even better than starting her own business from scratch—she’d have instant clientele and little risk of failing. God had answered her heart’s desire, and in an even better way than she could have hoped for. Lori blinked hard against the sudden onset of happy tears. “Is that all?”
“Yes, on the business end. But I do have a personal request.”
“Anything.”
Bella scooted her mug out of the way and reached for Lori’s hands across the table. “My Andy is quite smitten with you. I know there have been some misunderstandings, but the boy is miserable.”
“I know.” Lori lowered her eyes. “I’ve tried calling him, but he’s avoiding me.” She licked her lips. “I don’t know what else to do but wait.”
“Don’t give up.” Bella squeezed her hands, then released them with a smile. “You’re a smart girl. You’ll figure something out.”
Saturday afternoon, Andy pulled his car into the church lot and parked in his usual spot. The gym would be deserted today, and he could play a little basketball in peace and try to forget the events of the last two days. Lori had tried to call his cell three times since Thursday night, but he couldn’t bring himself to answer. Once she and Jason started a business partnership, it was probably only a matter of time before they fell in love again. He couldn’t stand hearing her talk about how happy she was with Jason and their new arrangement. He also couldn’t stand Bella’s pushing, so he’d ignored her calls the past two days as well. Andy loved his aunt, but one more “Don’t give up on Lori” and he might rip his hair out by the roots.
Andy fiddled with the lock on the gym door until it finally opened, then helped himself to the storage closet full of sports equipment. The steady thumping of the basketball against the hardwood floor felt comfortably familiar, and he swished an easy three-pointer. Now, why couldn’t he play like that when the kids were watching?
He nailed another shot, and then practiced a few layups. Ten minutes later, a fine sweat coated his forehead, and the ball felt slick against his palms.
“Dude, I’m open!”
The deep voice startled Andy away from his game, and the ball bricked against the rim. Jeremy stood at one side of the court, hands out. Andy tossed him the ball. “What are you doing here?”
“It’s Saturday. Haley’s at some cheerleading thing, so I thought I’d see who was hanging out here. I tried your cell to get you to meet me, but you didn’t answer.”
Andy dug his phone from his pocket. He’d silenced it after Lori’s last call and forgot to turn it back on. He turned the volume up. “Sorry about that.”
“Why was it on mute? I thought you only did that during church services.” Jeremy nailed a perfect layup, then rebounded the ball to Andy.
Andy dribbled twice and shot. It hit the backboard and bounced left. “You want honesty, or the easy answer?”
“Honesty.” Jeremy caught the basketball and threw it back.
Andy missed again. “I’m avoiding Lori.”
“I thought you were chasing Lori.”
“Plans changed. She has a new…business partner.” The words left a stale taste in Andy’s mouth. He didn’t want to think about how Lori and Jason would spend Valentine’s Day—cozied up somewhere romantic, to be sure. Jason the Jerk probably wouldn’t even notice Lori would wear her red polka-dot heels like she did every Valentine’s Day. He didn’t deserve her. Andy threw the ball with extra force, and it sank through the net with hardly a swish.
“You should play angry more often.” Jeremy tossed a three-pointer. “So, what are you going to do to win her back?”
“Win her back?” Andy stopped in the middle of the court and bent over, panting. “What do you mean?”
Jeremy hooked the ball under his arm and paused in front of Andy. “Whenever Haley’s mad at me, I always do something nice to win her over. You know, something romantic like flowers or candy.” He rolled his eyes. “Girls like that stuff.”
Andy stifled a laugh at the words of knowledge coming from this high-school jock. But funny or not, Jeremy had a solid point. Girls did like that stuff, especially Lori. Would Jason keep up the romantic charade Andy had started with the secret-admirer game? Or would he eventually reveal his true colors?
It didn’t matter. Lori had made her choice. “It’s too late for flowers, man.”
“It’s never too late,” Jeremy argued. He spun the ball on his finger and watched it wobble. “One time Haley thought I was into this other girl, but it was a stupid misunderstanding. A large order of fries and a dozen roses later, I was back in the game.”
It would take more than a few French fries to convince Lori he had pursued her because of love and not for the sake of his job. But maybe something a little more creative could work. Would she even listen to an attempt?
Andy had to find out. One more try before he accepted reality and admitted defeat. It was almost Valentine’s Day—a guy could hope, couldn’t he? Andy clapped Jeremy on his shoulder as he jogged past him toward the back door. “I think I know just the thing. Thanks!”
He needed a sheet of paper and a pen.
Lori flicked on the lights inside the Chocolate Gator, checking her watch for the third time since leaving her house. She had just enough time to bag up a variety of chocolates for Andy before church started. She needed to get there a little early, as she’d have her hands full today, helping out in the youth department, fielding broken hearts from teen girls still unnoticed by their crush and convincing the guys it was okay to share their mushy feelings with their girlfriends one day out of the year.
Hopefully before the chaos began she’d have a chance to find Andy and give him a personalized valentine—a bag of mixed chocolates, and her heart. Plus a little something she’d prepared on her new stationery.
Lori worried her bottom lip between her teeth as she slid open the display case.
Since Andy had avoided her calls all weekend, this little V-day delivery of hers could go either way. But she had to try. Whether he took her back or not, Andy had to know that Jason was no longer in the equation and she knew the truth about the gifts. It was his decision how he chose to respond.
She’d better quit thinking about it or she’d chicken out.
Lori grabbed one of the new pink-and-black bags she’d special-ordered for Valentine’s Day and shoveled a mix of Andy’s favorites into the sack. Caramel creams, chocolate-drizzled marshmallow puffs and, of course, a few chocolate crocodiles. She topped the order off with a cherry crème bonbon, tucked the special note inside and stapled the bag shut.
A timid knock sounded on the front door. Lori swiveled toward the entryway and nearly dropped the bag of goodies. Andy peered through the glass, shading his eyes with one hand. She hid the bag behind her back and threw the dead bolt to open the door. “Andy! What are you doing here?”
He stepped inside, shoving aside a shock of sandy hair that had fallen in his eyes. “I got your note asking to meet me here.”
“I didn’t send a note.” Her heart trembled at his nearness, and she edged away a step so she could breathe. No one but Andy had ever had this effect on her senses. She drew a shaky breath.
“Yes, you did.” Andy whipped a handwritten card out of the pocket of his khakis. “It says right here to meet you at the shop before church.”
Lori bit back a smile. “That’s Haley’s handwriting.”
“Haley? How did she—” Andy briefly closed his eyes. “Jeremy. I played basketball with him yesterday.”
Lori couldn’t help but laugh. She should have known better than to tell Haley her plans for surprising Andy. The meddling little matchmaker had begged for an update yesterday. With Lori still soaring high from the good news about her job, she’d confessed more than she probably should have.
Though this particular act of matchmaking might have been for the best. Now Lori could give Andy his gift in private and not risk the embarrassment of being watched at the church. Her grip tightened on the bag, and the paper rustled.
“What’s that?” A shadow fell across Andy’s face. “Something for Jason?”
“No.” Lori swallowed and held the sack out to Andy. “It’s actually for you. I was going to surprise you at church, but thanks to Cupid’s little helpers, this might be a better time.”
“For me?” Andy’s eyebrows arched. “What about—”
“Jason isn’t in the picture anymore.” Lori took a step closer. “I tried to call you and tell you all weekend, but you never answered.”
The Adam’s apple bobbed in Andy’s throat. “I thought you were calling to talk about your new relationship.”
“Relationship?” Lori snorted. “I never would have considered dating Jason again. I was in it for the business angle only.” She sighed. “Although I don’t think he ever got that particular memo.”
Andy frowned. “I thought since you were going into business with him that you two would—”
“It never crossed my mind.” Lori held up two fingers.
Andy gently tugged them down. “You were never a Scout.”
“It’s still the truth.” She smiled, then lowered her gaze. “Listen, Andy. I know you’re my secret admirer.”
“You figured it out, huh?”
She tilted her head to one side. “Why did you let me believe it was Jason all that time?”
Andy reached up to rub the back of his neck with one hand. “I thought you were glad it was him. Then, when he made you that business offer…” Andy shrugged as his voice trailed off. “It was too late. I was too late.”
“No, you’re not.” The whisper rushed through Lori’s lips, and Andy’s eyebrows raised.
A wave of nerves washed over Lori like a tidal wave, and she suddenly felt shy. “Sit down. Open your gift—it will explain everything.” She moved to a table nearby and sank onto the seat, hoping Andy wouldn’t notice her shaking hands. She pasted on a smile and waited while he tore into the paper sack.
“Chocolates.” He popped the bonbon in his mouth and gave her a close-lipped grin. “My favorite.”
Lori relaxed. There was her best friend, the Andy she knew—talking with his mouth full. “There’s something else.” She inhaled. This was it. The moment of truth where they’d either pick up where they left off in the church sanctuary and make this day the best Valentine’s ever…or go to church with broken hearts and a ruined friendship. It was all up to Andy.
“No, wait.” Andy stood and dug into his pocket. “I have something for you, too. I wanted to give it to you last night, but then I got your note—well, Haley’s note—asking to meet you this morning and decided to wait. Since its Valentine’s Day and all…” His voice trailed off, and he handed Lori a slip of notebook paper. “Sorry it’s not fancy.”
Lori slowly unfolded the lined paper. “What is this?”
Andy knelt beside her chair and pointed to the two columns. “A list of pros and cons to being in a relationship with me.”
Lori scanned the list, pressing one hand against her face to hide the slow smile spreading across her cheeks as she read.
Pros
Cons
I’ll treat you like a queen
I can be immature
You’ll never run of chocolate
I talk with my mouth full
I already know all your secrets
Sometimes I snore
I’ll always let you have the remote
I’m cranky after a nap
You’re my best friend
I’m a horrible basketball player
Andy cleared his throat. “The lists came out even, so I understand if you’re not interested.”
“Actually, I made a list for myself about being in a relationship with you.” Lori dug the stationery out of the bag of chocolates on the table and handed it to Andy. “See for yourself.”
He took the chocolate-smeared slip of paper, his slight frown morphing into a wide grin as he read. “There’s only one entry, and it’s on the pros side.”
Lori wrapped her fingers around Andy’s, covering the note with her hand. “It’s you. That’s the only reason I need.”
Andy stood quickly, pulling Lori up beside him, and gathered her in his arms. “You know I would never use you, don’t you?”
Lori nodded as tears pricked her eyes. “I’ve always known that. I’m sorry I doubted you.”
“And I’m sorry it took me so long to see what was right in front of me.” He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and leaned in so his breath whispered across her cheeks. “I love you, Lori. Job or no job, business or no business, I love you. I always have.”
“I love you, too.” Lori welcomed his kiss, tightening her arms around his neck. He pulled away, and she smiled. “You taste like chocolate.”
“Add that to the pros side of the list.” Andy grinned before covering her mouth with his own again. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Lori.”
She let out a happy sigh before snuggling deeper into his embrace. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
And this year, it truly was.
Epilogue
“Hey, no kissing on my couch.” Carter threw a gummy bear at Lori and Andy from his position in the chair across the room.
Lori ducked away from the onslaught and laughed. “You guys started it.” She pointed at Gracie’s bulging stomach. “About six months ago, I might add.”
Gracie tossed back her red hair and grinned. “I always knew you’d make a great aunt.” She patted her stomach as she reclined back against the love seat. “Only three more months.”
Carter tossed the remote control to Andy, who nestled beside Lori on the couch. “Here. I have a feeling movie night is about to become a chick flick if someone doesn’t man up. These women will be chatting about babies and weddings all evening if we don’t stop them.”
Andy aimed the remote at the television and pressed several buttons. “I don’t t
hink this controller has that kind of power.”
Lori held up her left hand and admired her ring finger. The diamond glistened in the glow of the lamplight. “What’s wrong with talk about weddings and babies?”
“Yeah, it’s not like you guys are innocent in all of this.” Gracie shoved a pillow behind her back. “Whew, that’s better.”
“You think you have it rough now, Carter? Wait until Carter Junior or Little Gracie appears and you’re walking the halls at midnight.” Lori threw the gummy bear back at Carter.
He caught it and grinned. “Hey, as long as Junior is willing to play the guitar one day, I don’t mind a little crying.”
Gracie rolled her eyes. “He keeps saying that.”
“Like you don’t wish your little one will grow up to work in the aquarium?” Andy quirked his eyebrow at Gracie.
She reddened. “At least I don’t say it every ten minutes.”
“Shh, the movie is starting.” Carter pointed to the TV. “No more baby talk for the next two hours.” He cut a glance at Andy and Lori from the corner of his eye. “Or smooching.”
Gracie clicked off the lamp, and everyone settled in for the movie. Andy nuzzled Lori’s hair, and she leaned back against him with a soft sigh. “I can’t believe all that’s happened in a year.”
“I know.” Andy’s breath warmed her cheek. “Last Valentine’s Day we were just starting to date. Now we’re engaged. Maybe next year we’ll be expecting our own baby. Who knows what God has planned for us?”
Lori snuggled closer as the opening credits of the movie rolled. “I don’t care what we do, as long as we’re together.”
Andy pressed his lips gently against the top of her head. “Happy Valentine’s Day. I hope I get to tell you that for the next fifty years.”
“You’d better.” Lori smiled at the diamond on her finger and then angled her head toward his. “I want a real kiss.”
“Are you sure you want to risk Carter’s wrath?” Andy rubbed his nose against Lori’s.
A Valentine's Wish Page 19
