“Yes. But I’m not drinking that coffee. It’s got enough sugar in it to induce a diabetic coma.”
I blink hard. “You put sugar in it?”
“Yes.” He arches a thick, dark brow at me. “Or have you stopped taking six spoonfuls of sugar in your coffee?”
It takes all my effort to hold my mouth straight and not betray any hint of the surprise and excitement bubbling inside me that he remembered. Even when he says it likesix spoonfulsof sugar.
“No, I haven’t.”
“Then I won’t be drinking it.”
“But you said you’d drink what I didn’t.”
“That’s true. I lied.”
I don’t know why his honesty is so amusing to me, but coupled with the disgust on his face, it is. So I hold out my wine to him, more out of curiosity to see what he’ll do. Whether he’ll shake his head or take it.
His gaze drops low enough that I can no longer see his bright blue eyes I can still summon whenever I close mine. Whenever the moment is needed. I know I don’t imagine the crackle of static when his fingertips brush over mine, and he eases the plastic wine cup from my hand.
There’s no hesitation as he lifts it to his lips. My stare is contemplating as he holds it and takes a large sip before handing it back to me. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
I know my cheeks are heating, and they’re almost bright pink, I just don’t know why. But something about the way he’s still staring at me intensely forces me to look away.
An hour ago, I was equal parts dread and excitement at the thought of seeing Hendricks, and now we’resharing a cup of wine.
“Order, order,” Mrs. Winston shouts at a volume I never expected from her. “Thank you all for coming. It’s so wonderful to have a varied group of Valentine Nook volunteers this year?—”
“Volunteers? More like strong-armed—” Hendricks mutters.
“And thank you to Hendricks, Lord Burlington, for chairing this year’s Valentine Fair?—”
Hendricks, being Hendricks, hits her with his best smile. “I’m excited to be part of it?—”
“We have a month to get prepared, and the village ready with decorations. The posters are going up this week, and we want to ensure we have lots of fun new ideas to add to our usual host of activities. Let’s get the meeting started, shall we?” She waits until all you can hear is the wind whistling outside. “Excellent. Now, Agatha, would you like to begin?”
Agatha rises gracefully to her feet. “Thank you, Eunice, and may the moon bless all of you and our plans this wondrous evening.” Her stare is so intense as she peers around the room at everyone that a couple of people shrink into their chairs. Though Eddie, next to Celeste, looks like he’s already fallen asleep. “Over the next month, my emporium will be busy brewing additional Valentine love potions to meet demand, though, as we have done previously, it’s only available on a first-come, first-served basis. The store will be opening at sunrise to offer readings for the enlightened, and I will be calling on my sisters in magic for help in spell work for those who really need it.”
Agatha turns and aims the last part of her sentence at me, to which I scowl and take a glug of wine so large I almost choke. Thankfully, no one hearsover the small round of applause and rustling of material as Agatha sits down.
“Thank you, Agatha. That all sounds wonderful,” Mrs. Winston says, beaming. “Eddie, can you update everyone on what you have planned for The One True Love? Chris from The Cupid’s Arrow couldn’t make it tonight, unfortunately, but they will be hosting a weekend of poetry readings?—”
Eddie jolts awake after a nudge in the ribs from Celeste.
“We have speed dating on the evening of Valentine’s Day. Singles only allowed, and we’re brewing”—he grins at Agatha—“some Valentine’s cocktails.”
“Lovely, lovely.”
Claudia goes next with her plans for The Beanery, covering everything from decorations to valentine bakes. She’s followed by the couple who run the Valentine Nook bed and breakfast—a charming little place which is always booked out six months in advance. Celeste announces the Valentine Prep Reception Choir, and Mr. Jones—representing the Post Office—reminds us all that valentine cards can be dropped into the special post box being erected at the end of the month.
And so the meeting continues, all the while Hendricks and I share our cup of wine. His fingers brush mine every time he takes it and I know people notice. I don’t imagine their eyes on us, wondering what the hell’s going on because even I’m unsure, when finally, we move onto the decorations.
Valentine Nook is always the best dressed village, but for Valentine’s Day it’s taken up several notches. There won’t be an inch of Valentine High Streetundressed.
It’s a love fest, and frankly, exhausting just listening to it. But Mrs. Winston’s not done, pen at the ready in case something needs to be added to the minutes.
“Does anyone have anything more to add, any activities the fair would benefit from? Remember, no idea is too small.”
