Fool for Love (40 page)

Daisy opened her eyes and, seeing Chloe, grinned. “Hi, kitten.”

“Oh, my God,” she blurted, loving the whimsy of it all. “Who did your hair? I love it!” What she loved was this woman’s confidence and, dammit all, her sense of
derring-do.

“I
knew
you would,” Daisy said, eyes sparkling behind her pink blingy glasses. “Hey, are those my boots?”

“Hope you don’t mind. What with the weather—”

“Speaking of, what did the doctor say about your injuries, kitten?”

Blushing, Chloe raised a hand to her bruised temple. “I’m fine. Which is more than I can say for the Caddy. I’m so sorry, Daisy.”

“Bah. It’s just a car. If Leo can’t fix it, I’ll get a new one.” She patted the edge of the mattress. “Sit. We need to catch up. Did you hear? Rocky’s the new president of Cupcake Lovers!”

Chloe nodded. “Heard she gave Tasha a black eye.”

“Yes, well, Rocky’s got a shiner, too. But it was worth it, she said. Now the club will get back on track with our charity efforts.”

“About that,” Chloe said, her stomach fluttering with nerves. “Did you hear Gemma’s Bakery went out of business?”

Daisy’s bandaged face lit up. “I
did.
Don’t tell anyone yet, but I’m thinking of buying it.”

Her fluttery stomach dropped. “What?”

“I’ve always wanted my own business.”

“J.T.’s—”

“My husband’s passion. My son’s. Not mine.”

Chloe noticed she didn’t mention the store as Devlin’s passion, but didn’t comment. Her brain was stuck on Gemma’s.

“Anyway,” Daisy said, “it’s the perfect venture for us.”

“Us?”

“You and me. The Soul Sisters. Can’t you see it? Our own bakery!”

Her enthusiasm danced back to life, albeit an altered life. Going into business with Daisy? There was something fantastically inspired about that. “I was envisioning more of a coffeehouse café. I mean … You’re not going to believe this, but
I
was thinking of buying Gemma’s.”

“Really?” Daisy’s eyes grew wide with amazement, then crinkled with humor. “Adventurous minds think alike. It’s a sign!”

Chloe laughed. “It has to be.”

“I toyed with the idea as soon as I heard the news, which was this morning. What about you?”

“Yesterday, when I was stranded in the woods, pinned under that tree, I racked my brain for new goals, a new dream. One of the things that popped into mind was Gemma’s. I could see it. Sugar Creek’s first Internet café, with a twist.”

“A what?”

“A place with wireless Internet access. Where people can come in with their laptops and PDAs and go online. Check their e-mails, the news, and weather. Surf blogs and Web sites. Cybershop.”

“Greek to me, but go on.”

“This is a tourist town and yet there’s no public place for visitors to go online except the library. And no one offers wireless. Another thing: How do people function around here without a Starbucks? A place to hang out and drink gourmet coffee? To enjoy specialty snacks and sweets while reading a book or newspaper. Picture it, Daisy. A quaint café with oversized cushy chairs and maybe a sofa. Mismatched antique tables with unique collectibles and art.”

“I can see it!”

“Maybe some sort of logo that goes with an overall theme. A mascot. Like … a moose.”

Daisy scrunched her silvery brows. “A moose?”

“I saw one when I was in the woods and…” She shrugged. “It inspired me.”

“A moose makes sense,” Daisy said. “Indicative of the area. Tourists love them. We’ve got a whole table allotted to moose souvenirs at J.T.’s.”

Chloe smiled. “I know. I saw. Oh! And I was thinking … why not have a special display featuring cupcakes made by members of Cupcake Lovers? All proceeds for those sales could go to a charity of the month. Also, if anything ever happened with the Cupcake Lovers recipe book, we could sell copies in the café.” She fidgeted, feeling as though she’d maybe overstepped. “Bad idea?”

“Swell idea. In fact, your entire concept is impressive, Chloe.”

“Really?”

“Far more imaginative and hip than a plain old bakery.”

“I didn’t mean—”

“I know you didn’t.” She grinned ear-to-ear. “So we’re going to do this?”

“I want to. I hope so. But…” She glanced away, embarrassed. “I need to look into a loan.”

“Why?”

“There will be significant start-up costs,” she said reasonably. “Leasing the space, redecorating and refurbishing, advertising, utilities…”

Daisy snorted. “I have enough in my savings to cover all that.”

Chloe flushed. “All my life someone, mostly my dad, has supported me financially. I can’t … I won’t ask you for money, Daisy.”

“You’re not asking. I’m offering. And it’s not charity. It’s a partnership. I have the money. You have the vision and know-how. A culinary arts degree, a background in publicity, experience with various eateries, and so much more.”

Chloe swallowed hard, her hands trembling with excitement. “It’s like everything I’ve ever done in life has led me to this moment. This is what I’m supposed to do.”
Click
. “Still, I don’t feel right about the money.”

“If it makes you feel better, you can invest later, paying me back half when you have the funds.”

“That would work, I suppose.”

“Of course it would. Think about it.” She patted Chloe’s hand. “Remember, it’s my dream, too.”

“All right, I’ll think about it. I mean, I’m in.” How could she rob this incredible woman of her dream? Chloe wouldn’t do that to anyone, especially not Daisy. “I just want to look into some financial options, so don’t…” She licked her lips. “Can we keep this secret for now? Just between you and me? I especially don’t want to bring it up to Devlin until we have everything thought out.”

“Good idea,” Daisy said. “Otherwise he might try to nix the idea, claiming it’s a risky investment.”

“Or try to take control,” Chloe said. “With the best intentions of course. Still.”

Daisy offered her scrawny hand and they shook, agreeing to organize a plan before breaking the news.

Rocky pushed into the room, carrying a vase of beautiful flowers and looking downright cranky. At first Chloe thought maybe Rocky was cross because of the nasty shiner under her left eye. It did look pretty painful. But then Chloe learned better.

“Who are those from?” Daisy asked.

“Jayce.”

“Such a sweet boy!” Daisy exclaimed.

“For a bastard,” Rocky grumbled under her breath as she set the arrangement alongside several others.

Chloe was quickly reminded that though Rocky had set the club on a better path and though she’d struck an agreement with Devlin to save her inn, her relationship with Jayce Bello was still shaky at best. At worst, a shambles.

Chloe also struggled with the guilt of keeping Devlin in the dark about Jayce and Rocky’s
affair
. At least she wouldn’t be keeping her plans for Gemma’s secret for more than a day or two. Not that Devlin didn’t have a couple of secrets himself.

Before she could question the wisdom of beginning a relationship with so many skeletons in the closet, Rocky broke in on her thoughts. “So, Chloe,” she said with a wicked grin, “
please
let me be the one to tell Tasha that you and my brother are…”—she glanced at her grandma and tempered her language—“…
together.
”

THIRTY-EIGHT

Chloe bounced around Daisy’s kitchen preparing what she considered to be her most important meal since that first Sunday dinner for the Monroes. She’d invited her dad over, wanting to impress him with what she’d learned in culinary school. She also hoped to further mend their relationship, although she wasn’t expecting miracles overnight, and to maybe pick his brain about starting up a café. Who better to ask than someone who’d built a successful business from the ground up?

Meanwhile Monica, who’d already interrogated Chloe about her night with Devlin, lazed against the counter, sipping herbal tea and going on in detail about the bar brawl between Rocky and Tasha. “I’m telling you it was like something out of a movie. They did some damage to the Shack and each other.”

“I can’t believe Luke didn’t break it up.”

“He tried. Sam intervened.” She snickered. “Guess he wanted Rocky to get her swings in. Apparently, Tasha’s been torturing Rocky in some way or another since high school. Anyway, needless to say, those two aren’t talking just now. Should make for an interesting meeting Thursday.”

“You think Tasha will still come?” Chloe asked as she stirred crushed garlic into the caramelized onions. “I mean she’s been stripped of her crown, so to speak. Won’t her pride keep her away?”

“You’d think. But she’s still the liaison between the club and that editor dude and she still wants to push the book through. I think it’s all tied into some pathetic need to be famous in some way or to achieve something on a grand scale. Something that will have her rubbing elbows with the elite. You know, publishing execs, newspaper reporters, TV talk show hosts.”

“Everyone’s entitled to a dream,” Chloe said, almost sympathizing with the woman.

“Absolutely. Don’t get me wrong, the rest of us aren’t immune to the prospect of a little excitement, but not at the risk of stepping on any member’s toes or over any bodies in our quest to land the contract.”

“If the book catches on and sells well,” Chloe said, “it
could
generate considerable income for the designated charity.”

“Which is in keeping with our core mission.”

Chloe checked on the roasting chicken, then returned to the stovetop, adding vinegar and salt and pepper into the onion/garlic mix. Next, chopped sundried tomatoes.

Monica moved in beside her, pushed her glasses up her nose. “Are you sure I can’t help?”

“I appreciate it, but I sort of want to impress Dad on my own.”

She breathed deep, smiled. “Oh, he’ll be impressed. How long’s he staying in town?”

“Just a couple of days, I think.” Two days to make up for three lost years. Two days to convince him that her future was here in Sugar Creek.

“Surprised he’s not staying here with you. I mean Daisy won’t be home until Thursday and there are so many bedrooms.”

“Yeah, but it’s the private home of someone he doesn’t know. He wasn’t comfortable, so I didn’t press.”

“So instead he’s staying at the Red Clover.”

Chloe smiled. “Luke’s idea. I’m glad. Rocky could use the money. Plus, maybe he’ll get a glimpse of Devlin through his sister’s eyes. See that he’s really a good guy.”

“You realize you’re the only one around here who refers to Dev by his full name.”

Chloe blinked. “I am?” She hadn’t noticed.

“It’s kind of cute. Although I can’t imagine calling Leo Leonard.” She shook her head. “Nope. Total turnoff. Anyhow”—she gestured to Chloe’s work—“remind me what’s on the menu?”

“Baby Spinach Salad with Vidalia Onions, Sundried Tomatoes, and Goat Cheese, to start. Crunchy Roasted Lemon Chicken as the main dish. Wild Rice with Mushrooms, and Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, as the sides. And for dessert—Double Dark Chocolate Cupcakes.”

Monica released a dreamy sigh. “Heaven.”

“I’d ask you to stay, but—”

“I know.” She glanced at her watch. “He’ll be here soon. I should get going, but—”

“What?”

“You gave me the rundown about everything that happened with Dev yesterday and this morning.”

“Mostly.” She grinned as she divided baby spinach into two bowls. She’d glossed over the sex details, but they were crystal clear in
her
mind.

Monica nudged Chloe and grunted. “I’m not talking about that part. I’m curious about … Did Devlin say anything about his first marriage?”

Chloe’s smile faltered. “No.” The only reason Monica knew there had been a marriage was because Rocky had slipped. “I don’t know any more than you do.”

“Hmm. Well, I’m sure he’ll get around to it. I wonder—”

The doorbell rang.

“Crap,” Chloe said. “Dad’s a little early.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll let him in, show him into the living room, and then I’ll be on my way. Remember the keys to Leo’s loaner are here on the counter. All gassed up. You’re good to go.”

“Tell Leo I really appreciate it,” she said while Monica kissed her cheek, “and thank you for listening.”

“Dev’s a great guy, Chloe. And it means you’ll be staying on in Sugar Creek. I couldn’t be happier. Well, except if I were preggo.”

“How’s that going?”

“Still working on it.” Monica winked before slipping out. “Everyone’s entitled to a dream, right?”

Her own dreams burning bright, Chloe lowered the oven’s temperature. She checked the rice and Brussels sprouts and dressed the salad. Her heart swelled with pride. As varied as her interests were, she didn’t excel at a lot of things, but damn, she shined in the kitchen.

If she did say so herself.

She looked forward to cooking a meal like this for Devlin, looked forward to the next big Sunday dinner. Her racing brain touched on some of the specialties she’d thought of for her Moose Café or whatever the heck she ended up calling it. Just as she was contemplating how to approach the venture with her dad, he poked his head into the kitchen.

He looked slightly refreshed—different shirt, different tie. “Smells great.”

“I hope you’re hungry.”

“Starving.” He moved closer, glanced into the steaming pots. “Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.” He smiled. “One of your mom’s specialties.”

Tears burned Chloe’s eyes as he loosened his tie, just like he used to do when he came home from work and found her mom cooking in the kitchen. “I know.”

*   *   *

“Dammit.” Devlin stared at his computer screen, torn between anger and shock. “Unbelievable.”

After leaving the hospital, he’d dropped Chloe at Daisy’s, then returned to J.T.’s. He’d spent two hours catching up on the previous day’s business. Another half hour listening to the irrational complaints of a disgruntled customer. Another freaking half hour sorting out an accounting glitch. Then Mitzi Hall, in all her overglammed glory, had paraded into his office and complained about another male employee taunting her with lewd remarks. Given her past behavior, Devlin suspected she actually enjoyed the attention, if it was even true, but to be fair he’d had to call the poor accused guy into his office. The man had been clueless and Devlin had ended up having a second discussion with Mitzi—stretching his patience and diplomatic skills.