Page 42 of Wake Me Up Before You Cocoa

A porcelain doll on a rocking chair.

This shipment had artwork as well. Trying to hang art was a little tricky without a second person to make sure it was straight and the correct height.

She hoped Wade might have a teensy bit of time to help her . . . but she really hated bothering him. He wassobusy. Plus, he had his hands full with his fiancée.

For some reason, Marina didn’t even like to call the woman by her first name.

She didn’t like to think about her at all.

But Marina knew she had to get over it. Lydia Gravois was wearing his ring and setting a wedding date soon.

She had to forget about Wade—even though they would be working together on Mrs. Sutton’s home for the next several months. She had to think of him as a colleague, and their encounters strictly business. No more laughing over powdered sugar faces atCafé du Monde.

Just then, the door to the store swung wide, and in walked Mrs. Sutton.

“Mrs. Sutton!” Marina cried out, hurrying over. “What a surprise to see you! I’m glad I left the door unlocked since I normally lock it when I’m working on new inventory.”

“I was on my way home after getting my hair done and I asked Davis, my chauffeur, to stop at The Coffee Loft to get me one of their beautiful drinks with the crushed ice, fruit, and whipped cream. It sounded lovely to add to my lunch.”

“That does sound nice. I left my AC off, but the afternoon is warming up. Usually, Jenna, the manager, and I leave the entryway between the two stores open, but today I kept it closed.”

“The front door works just as well, my dear,” Mrs. Sutton said with a smile. Her eyes roved about the store, and Marina crossed her fingers hoping she’d approve.

“Sorry for the mess. My UK shipment arrived early. I love getting it arranged without customers. I can focus more easily.” Marina covered her mouth with her hand. “I—I didn’t mean to say that—I’m thrilled to pieces that you popped in!”

Mrs. Sutton smiled. “I knew what you meant. And I hope you don’t mind the intrusion, but when I realized The Coffee Loft was right next to Ruby’s store, I had to say hello.”

“I’m happy you did. I enjoyed seeing your beautiful home on Friday. I came away with an entire notebook of notes and ideas for particular customers who would be interested in your furnishings.”

“That’s wonderful, I’m so happy to hear that, sweetheart.”

“Would you like to see something in particular?” Marina asked as Mrs. Sutton stood in place, a thoughtful expression on her face.

“No, but I’m here to communicate a few of my wishes that I didn’t get a chance to tell you last Friday . . . I have so many rooms of antique furniture and old artwork—and the fact that you are Ruby’s granddaughter—I would love for you to sell as much of my household furniture as you can right here in this store. On commission. Which will go toyou, of course.”

Marina stood stock-still in shock. “You can’t be serious.”

“Deadly serious. What will I do with it all, or with the income it will bring? I ammorethan taken care of. I’ll be giving most of it away upon my death, in fact. After my grandchildren’s inheritance, the rest will go to museums and charity. But I want to help you get started, my dear. Most likely, you accumulated a mountain of loans after the massive remodel of the store.”

Marina looked up with a start. “I didn’t realize that you knew about it, Mrs. Sutton.”

“I do get around town once in a while,” the older woman said with a grin. “I noticed the antique store was closed a few months after Ruby’s funeral, but the place was still occupied. And I saw a crew of construction workers in an out that day.”

Marina gave her a weak smile. “That’s true. But I love this store, and now I’ve expanded and can show off so many unique and beautiful things. I’d be honored to find the perfect match for your furnishings.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Mrs. Sutton said in a tremulous voice. “And I think I chose well in Mr. Wade Kennedy. We met onSaturday and made great progress on a variety of issues. He and I think alike. And that’s always a good sign when you’re selling—and leaving—your entire life at my age.”

Marina’s eyes misted at the sentimental words. They brought back a rush of memories of her grandmother, as well as the still-fresh grief. “He’s pretty talented . . .”

“Hmm!” Mrs. Sutton said, peering closely at Marina as if she were a mind-reader. “Mr. Kennedy seemed so happy last Friday morning working with you. But yesterday, he was mopey and quite unhappy. I’ve been around long enough to know a few things about people—even handsome and charming young men that are barely a third ofmyage.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Marina said softly, but a little confused. What had happened to Wade between Friday and Sunday? At least he hadn’t called her. That wouldn’t be right at all. Going forward she had to be careful to keep things on a professional level, especially with Lydia so prominent in the background. No more brunches or beignets.

Mrs. Sutton placed a thin, spotted hand on Marina’s arm, peering into her face. “Dear girl, I wasn’t born yesterday. There were sparks flying like a forest fire between the two of you—and you both kept throwing helicopters of cold water on it. You already knew each other, correct?”

“Um, yes, but a long time ago. Our college years.”

“I’m eighty-six years old, and I am about to be quite blunt, young lady. Why are you two wasting time? It’s obvious you’re infatuated with each other. If not downright in love. And you are not getting any younger. The years—and then the decades—are gone before you know it. Mark my words!”

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