Chapter Twenty-Two
Zane glanced at Clara for a second after they climbed into his truck outside of Tammy’s. The diner had been busy. Despite Clara claiming she’d only been in town a short time, it seemed like everyone knew her. “Exactly how many people did you invite back to the inn?” He asked. She’d been excited to share her news with her new cousin-in-law Honey. That excitement had turned to an invitation to celebrate with them.
“I don’t know. Half a dozen?” She blushed and stared down at her hands. “I guess we better stop and grab some more champagne. I’m sorry I’m so silly about this.”
There was more in her tone than a simple apology for her eagerness. The pain she’d lived through as a child with an unsupportive and demeaning father cut at Zane. He could virtually feel the wounds she still carried. If she didn’t learn to believe in herself, those scars would never heal. He should know. It had taken him years to get over the physical and mental scars inflicted by his father.
“I think it’s a great idea to share your success. This is a personal victory as well as a huge career milestone. I’d be happy if you invited the entire town. Let’s hit the liquor store. I’ll grab more champagne and if you wanted, you could head next door to the grocery store and grab some more sparkling juice. I’m not sure we’ll have enough with the extra people.”
Fifteen minutes later, they pulled up at the inn. Zane pulled a case of champagne out of the truck’s box. “Run ahead and open the door,” he suggested. “I’ll come back out for the juice if you want to play doorman.” He hoped she would like the surprise he’d set in motion.
“Sure.” She raced ahead and opened the outside door. Once he was inside the foyer, she opened the inner door.
A loud shout rang out. “Surprise!”
She gasped. “Oh my gosh!” Her hands flew up to cover her mouth.
Even from slightly behind and to her left, he could see her enormous smile. He gave a mental fist pump.
“What in the world?” Clara moved slowly forward. The inner foyer was filled with bunches of helium balloons and an enormous congratulations banner. The entire Flint family, children and adults, stood under the banner beside Wren, Noah, and the rest of the guests.
“Congratulations,” they called in unison.
Clara’s cousin Carl hurried forward to take the champagne from Zane. “I’ll pop back out and grab the sparkling juice,” Zane said.
The second the box was out of his hands, Clara whirled around to look at him. “You did this? For me? I can’t believe it. Thank you!” She threw her arms around him and pressed her lips to his. “Thank you,” she whispered against his lips once their incredible, heart pounding kiss ended. He couldn’t decide which was better, her joy, her gratitude, or her kiss.
“You’re welcome. Go on, visit everyone. I’ll be right in.” Her joy was infectious. Her happiness fueled his. It was like a catalytic reaction that couldn’t be stopped. If it wasn’t for the chance of hitting an icy patch on his way to the truck, he’d have skipped in happiness.
Back inside, he carried the juice to a six-foot-long table that someone had set up in the enormous entryway. Covered in a poinsettia print tablecloth, it held glasses, a bowl of punch, juice and the champagne. Tricia and Riley stood behind it, dispensing drinks and playing host. To the right, closer to the kitchen entrance, Sue and Robert stood behind a matching table laden with snack foods and desserts. Where in the world had all the food come from? He had wanted a small family celebration, but this was a full-on party.
Aside from the Flints and the guests, there had to be at least two dozen people he didn’t recognize, and another half dozen he’d met during his stay. Incredible. Coyote Creek sure pulled out all the stops to help with a party. Even an impromptu one.
Zane scanned the room, looking for Clara, and found her in the doorway to the common room, talking to her cousin Jason and an elderly lady about five feet tall.
“Thank you for coming,” Zane said as he joined them. He offered his hand to the woman. “I’m Zane, Clara’s guest.”
“I’m Elsie Love. I own the bakery on Main Street. Jason popped over to get some desserts and invited me to join him. I hope that’s okay.” She smiled up at him.
“It’s wonderful. The more the merrier, right Clara?”
“Oh gosh,” she gushed. “I can’t believe this many people came out because of a contract. It’s crazy. Thank you for coming. Please bill me for the food.”
“Nonsense.” Elsie shook her head. “What’s a few cookies between friends? “You haven’t been in the shop for a while. I was missing you.”
“Once I opened, I got too busy. I’m sorry, I’ll swing by soon. I promise. I miss your spice cake.” She smiled at Elsie.
“I think you should play the piece you got the contract for,” Zane suggested. “Let everyone know how incredibly talented you are. Not that the contract doesn’t say that already.”
“Oh, I couldn’t do that. Nobody wants me to play.” She waved away the idea and gulped the champagne she held in her left hand.
“Can I get everyone’s attention,” Zane called loudly. After a moment, the din of chatter quieted down. “Grab yourself a beverage. It’s time to toast Clara’s success.” People bustled around and Riley thrust a glass of champagne into Zane’s hand. He looked around for a second, taking a moment to let the anticipation build.
“Everyone, raise your glasses to Clara Everett, Coyote Creek’s newest innkeeper. Here’s to her current and future success as an innkeeper, and more importantly, as a musician. It isn’t everyone who can write a score suitable for Hollywood.” He turned to look Clara in the eye. “You are a very talented woman. Here’s to your success and many more to come.” He touched his glass to hers. “To Clara,” he called.
“To Clara,” the crowd echoed before erupting into cheers.
“Go on, play the song,” he whispered to her. “You deserve to have your talent recognized. You were a studio musician, it’s not like you’re unfamiliar with playing in front of people.”
