“I told you.I want a latte.”Her words were a little rushed as she glanced everywhere but at Abby.
Her friend was up to something.“So, how’s business at Totally Chocolate?”
“It’s really busy.I think it’s our busiest month since we opened.If this keeps up, I might be able to hire some additional help.”
“That’s great.I plan to stop by later today and get some of your turtles.”They were her favorite.
Mia placed the latte on the counter and walked away.
It was only then that Abby realized Carrie had her hands behind her back.She didn’t reach for the coffee.That was strange.What was she up to?
“Maybe you won’t have to stop by today.”Carrie produced a red rectangular box with a big white bow.She held it out to her.“This is for you.”
Abby sent her a puzzled look.“You brought me chocolates?”
Carrie shook her head.“I’m just the delivery person.The chocolates aren’t from me.There’s a note.”
Abby looked down at the giant white bow and saw the corner of a little envelope sticking out.
Before she could reach for it, she was distracted when Carrie held out some cash.
Abby shook her head.“It’s on the house.Consider it a tip for you so kindly bringing me chocolates.Wait.”She glanced at the box before looking up at her friend.“There are chocolates inside?Right?”
Carrie smiled and nodded.
“Any turtles?”
Carrie sent her an innocent look as she shrugged her shoulders.“You’ll have to find out.Happy Valentines.”
After Carrie left, Mia walked over.“Who’s the chocolate from?”
“I don’t know.”It was true.She hadn’t looked at the card yet.But she definitely had a suspicion.
“I think everyone knows who it’s from.”Mia grinned at her.
She wasn’t comfortable having her private life become such public knowledge.When her gaze moved to the seating area that was about a third full, she saw Esther and Marla staring directly at her.They didn’t even make the slightest attempt to act like they were minding their own business.Sometimes, it would be nice to live someplace where everyone didn’t know her business.
She thought of taking the box back to her office and opening the little card there, but she was too anxious.And it wasn’t like there was anything to hide.Even if the chocolates were from Brad, it wasn’t like there was anything going on between them.Then the memory of that kiss flashed in her mind.But that was a long time ago, and nothing like that had happened since.
She pulled the small white envelope from the box and opened the flap.She pulled out the card with two little candy hearts printed on the lower right corner.
The handwriting was familiar.It was Carrie’s.
Happy Cupid’s Day!
Enjoy, B
BasinBrad.Shewas touched that he’d thought of her and sent her candy.She was a little disappointed that there wasn’t more to his message.As soon as the thought crossed her mind, she gave herself a mental shake.Why should there be more than a friendly note?It was very thoughtful of him.
She raised her head and saw the two gossips still staring at her.She smiled at them before she opened the box of chocolates.Inside were chocolate turtles.Her mouth watered.Her favorite.
She put the lid back on the box.She would definitely enjoy them later.She’d put them in her office for safe keeping.
Before she took more than two steps, the front door opened.She glanced over her shoulder to find it was a delivery person.
Abby turned around.The blonde with a perky ponytail sent her a friendly smile.“I’ve got a delivery for Abby Clark.”
“That’s me.”Abby stepped forward.
