“I beg to differ,” said council member Octavia O’Shay. “Our home-grown businesses and shops are what make Hearts Bend so very special. Who wants to eat at the same old donut shop and coffee houses you see in every other city?”
The council plans to hear arguments in spring of next year.
Chloe printed the article then pushed from the desk. “Ruby, did you know about this?”
Ruby lowered her readers and squinted at the paper Chloe shoved under her nose. “Donut Heaven? Is that still a thing? Thought it died last fall.”
“Apparently not. Someone just sent me a tweet with Donut Heaven announcing their arrival. Soon.”
“Cue dramatic music.” Ruby raised her glasses and carried a refilled tray of cookies to the front case. “How’s that TCFC recipe coming?”
“Nowhere. I have leaky ceilings and a special birthday cake to make. Now I have a big market competitor coming to town.”
“If you make that cookie, Donut Heaven won’t stand a chance.”
“The cookie for which I have no recipe?” She made a face.
“You’ll get it.” Ruby patted her shoulder, squeezed. “I know you will.”
Back in the office, Chloe looked up the town council meeting agenda. Sure enough, the Benedict Arnold Reclaim Downtown committee had approved Donut Heaven’s bid at their last meeting so the application was being formally presented at the town council’s upcoming meeting. How in the world would a cold, impersonal chain donut and coffee shop help Hearts Bend reclaim its downtown?
Chloe scanned the committee’s minutes, the ones the council would review. She wanted all the data at her fingertips before calling her bosses.
What a report it promised to be. A leaky roof, still no TCFC recipe and, last but by no means least, Donut Heaven threatening their livelihood. Her attention to detail used to drive Jean-Marc crazy. But how could she make a decision otherwise? And he loved her for it when they purchased their flat in the Bastille.
Reviewing all the minutes again, she caught a new detail. Someone on the town council was behind the invitation to Donut Heaven. Well, if that didn’t stack the deck. Small towns like HB thrived on handshakes over dinner, a promise given in the church parking lot after a deacons’ meeting.
But this really wasn’t her fight, was it? No, this tangle belonged to Sam and Rick. Still, she couldn’t—wouldn’t—sit by and watch.
Ruby appeared at the door. “Had a thought. You should talk to the person who knows what’s going on in this town more than anyone. Tina Danner over at Ella’s Diner.” Ruby nodded with a wink. “That gal knows where all the bodies are buried.”
“Ruby, you’re the best. Thank you.” She could run over to Ella’s real quick during the pre-lunch lull and get the scoop from Tina. Just as she reached for her phone, a new text came in from Vivienne. Please, Chloe, we need to speak with you. It’s important.
Whatever Vivienne wanted could wait. Chloe grabbed her jacket and hat. “Ruby, I’ll be back.”
“Bring a list of folks we need to bribe with fresh fritters. Er, I mean, remind them of Haven’s locally sourced, delicious baked goods. No franchise has our quality and personal touch.”
“You’re coming with me to the council meeting.” Chloe stepped around the bucket. “If Cole comes by, tell him what’s going on, then have him call me.”
Chloe pushed through the swinging doors with a buzz in her chest, a certain determination to confront whoever was behind this Donut Heaven scheme. Not in her town. She’d had enough stolen from her: people that were precious to her, many of her personal things, her dreams. Haven’s would not be next on her list of regrets and losses.
She strode through the doors. Bam! Right into the brick wall of Sam Hardy, smelling fresh and clean and looking better than any man had a right to.
“Oh, hey, what are you doing here?” She took a moment to compose herself, patted her warm cheek, tugged on her beret.
“Just finished therapy and thought I’d check in. Where are you going?”
“Um, to the—” Couldn’t say the bank, she didn’t have the deposit. Should she tell him? No, she’d gather her data and then tell him. She didn’t want to spark drama for drama’s sake. “Errand. Running an errand.”
“Chloe, wait…”
She paused at the door.
“I was, um, wondering…” Sam closed the gap between them. “Are you free for dinner?”
What? Had he just asked her to dinner?
“Chloe?”
