My phone buzzesand I pull it out of my pocket. My current singles cocktail hour is more of a snoozefest. We’re at the fancy steakhouse in town and the low number of people does not bode well for the evening. It’s only an hour in and I’ve checked my phone three times. I saw the email with dates and basic information came in from Tiffany. And I already sent some options back. Job hunting at cocktail night is a new low for my love life.
It seems that most people I met over the weekend have sort of coupled themselves up. I guess spending Valentine’s Day alone after an entire festival dedicated to love is too much for some people. It’s sad. But what’s new?
I may be ready for a relationship but I’m not ready to push my career to the side.
Jake: Hey Mal, if you don’t have afternoon plans tomorrow, I’d like to meet up.
Mallory: Nothing until the party in the evening. What time and where?
I swear if he said his bed and any time, I would agree. I think about our brief night together and a delightful shiver goes down my spine.
Jake: Flower shop at the end of Main Street, noon.
Mallory: Ominous, but I suppose I know you’re not a serial killer.
Jake: I believe you mentioned having some brownie points with a guy who knows a bunch of pastry chefs…
Mallory: Are they making mille-feuille with maple syrup?!
Jake: You’ll have to wait until tomorrow. Let the anticipation build. It’s good for your sweet tooth.
I type out “You’re good for my sweet tooth” and promptly delete it all.
Mallory: It’s a date then.
Short and simple. Unlike me and my current dating life, which is short and somehow way too complicated. I scan the room one more time and decide to head back to my hotel. Curiosity nestles in my stomach and I feel like I have a swarm of butterflies flitting about.
It takes a hot shower and two cups of peppermint tea made in my room to calm my thoughts about tomorrow.
It’sthe big finale for the Heart-to-Heart Festival – Valentine’s Day. And I need to meet Jake at the flower shop at noon. I dress warmly, but in the spirit of the day, I opt for an oversized red knit sweater that has neon pink hearts woven in the pattern. I add a little makeup, including my favorite crimson lipstick. I’m not entirely sure of what Jake has planned, but the weather is going to be above freezing, so I wear black jeans and cute boots that can survive snow.
I add all my typical winter gear and I’m out the door. But first, a stop at Spice Spice Baby Bakery.
Just to see if Jake is a tease or perhaps there is a special sweet in their display case. I scan the cases in the front window and don’t see any maple mille-feuille so I head inside. The pleasant aroma of spices and sugar fill my senses.
I’m going to miss this place.
And the little family I’ve grown to care for in such a short time span.
I spy Dylan had at work piping one of those elaborately decorated heart shaped cakes with cherries on top. He waves at me when he notices me, but then gets back in the zone with his task. I haven’t met many of the other guys here at the bakery, but like the rest of this town, each one I meet is kind.
I head to the counter and inquire about any maple desserts. I’m told there were some made for the special events, but none for the bakery to have on hand. My shoulders slump. I know he didn’t promise anything, but I was excited to get one of my favorite desserts while here. Everything else at the bakery hasbeen a ten out of ten for taste, I was hoping to possibly have the best slice of my life.
I order a chai latte and a ham and cheese croissant then take a seat. I end up chatting with a fellow festival attendee. She had a much different experience than me. She drove from Oregon to give it a shot. Said if anything it was just practice for the future. However, she actually ran into a childhood friend that they had lost touch with over the years. Now they’re making plans for what happens next. I didn’t have nearly as great a response and excused myself to go meet Jake.
What happens next?
Short term is that I finish my vacation in Montana and head home. Then take the interview in California. Nothing is set in stone at the moment, so I need to take it one day at a time. I’m deep in thought as I brave the frosty air to meet Jake. I approach the flower shop and see the cascading colors barely containing themselves inside. It looks like a greenhouse there are so many gorgeous flowers on display.
“Mallory,” Jake’s voice affects me so much more than I’d like it to.
“Good afternoon,” I turn to face him and struggle to keep my voice monotone, to hide how excited I am at seeing him. But those emerald eyes and goofy grin tug at my heart.
“Ready to go?” his voice low and smooth as he takes my hand in his. He squeezes it gently and then tugs me down the street.
“What exactly are we doing?” I ask. I’m uncertain of what’s going on but I don’t want to let go of his hand. I want to relish in his touch for a moment more.
“I’m going to show you Valentine.” He gestures to the rest of Main Street with a flourish that has me chuckling.
