Page 43 of Sweet Somethings

"It's not Roman's fault. I can't blame him for helping his grandfather." She shook her head at the gleam in Sara's eyes. "Stop matchmaking."

"Why? It's fun."

"I like Roman, but we're not having some great tragic love story like Romeo and Juliet. We're not taking poison and dying for each other while our families feud."

Sara laughed. "That's good. Because I don't want you to die. Your desserts are too good."

"Thanks, and I have my priorities straight. I'm building a business right now. That's my focus. Speaking of customers…"

Sara nodded and got behind her table as the head of the movie festival stepped up to the microphone next to the big screen to announce the opening of the festival and the schedule of events.

Romeo and Julietwould begin the night, followed by the costume contest, and then the movie The Notebook. The organizer encouraged them to get their coffee and desserts before the movie began and almost immediately the line at her table doubled.

For the next hour and a half, she was swamped with customers. When it finally began to slow, she asked Sara if she'd mind watching her table for a few moments, while she went back to the bakery to get more cookies.

As she walked through the trees, her gaze caught on the big screen, and she stopped to watch for a minute, her interest caught by the passion on the screen. While she didn't want the tragedy—she'd had enough of that—she did want the big love story, the greatest love of all time kind of moment.

Her parents had had it. They'd been madly in love with each other; they'd told her so dozens of times. She definitely wanted what they'd had.

"Well, isn't this appropriate?" a man said. "Juliette watching Juliet."

She turned to see Doug Winters approaching. He wasn't wearing a costume, but he looked more relaxed than he usually did, out of his usual suit and tie, wearing jeans and a jacket. "Hi, Doug. How are you?"

"I'm good. Tell me, did your mother watch the movie while she was pregnant and then name you after it?"

"Yes. She loved the movie, but it has never been a favorite of mine. Two kids killing themselves for love? I might be a romantic, but that's stupid."

He grinned. "A girl after my own heart."

"Love stories should be happy," she added.

"I agree. I'm glad I ran into you. I'd like to take you to dinner. What about tomorrow? Are you free?"

She hesitated. While Doug was attractive and charming, she didn't feel anything else for him, certainly not the butterflies that zipped around inside her when Roman was nearby.

Plus, there was all the bad blood between Doug and Roman, and she didn't know how she felt about Doug's actions in any of it. Although, to be fair, she hadn't heard his side of the story. Maybe she should.

"If tomorrow is no good…" he began.

"No, tomorrow is fine," she said, making a quick decision. "I'd like that."

"Good. Where shall I pick you up?"

"I live over the bakery."

"That's convenient."

"It is."

An awkward pause followed her statement, which didn't bode well for dinner the next night.

"So, six," he said.

"That's perfect. I was just going to run back to my store to get more desserts, so—"

"So I'll see you tomorrow." He put his hand on her arm and gave it a squeeze, then walked in the other direction.

As Doug left, she saw Roman standing nearby watching her. She was shocked to see him. He'd made a point of saying he wouldn't be coming to the festival. He gave her a brief nod, but before she could move in his direction, he turned and walked away.

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