Page 13 of The Deal Maker

I think of Duke and then shake my head. “I can’t be with a guy who sells timeshares. And are you really going to not be happy on yourwedding dayif I don’t bring someone?”

“Your grandmother would’ve bought hers again. Especially from Duke,” Hope says. She’s got her hands on her hips and I know she’s prepping for a good, old-fashioned debate. “I will be happy, but I know you’ll be miserable.”

I frown, trying to get his smile out of my brain. I might’ve noticed how straight his teeth are after he said he wanted cookies and cream ice cream. It’s like he wants to see if I’ll shout out my categorization of ice cream personalities every time he gets a cone.. Oreo is basically a level four, if anyone was wondering.

“It’s the principle of the thing. You make it sound like you want me to bring my future soulmate. My radar is broken.”

“Just bring someone, Magnolia Dean.” She raises her eyebrows, as if willing to fight if I challenge her after she uses my full name.

I tap my finger to my lips and say, “You know, there was a guy under the bridge over a few streets. He might clean up nice with a shower and a suit.”

Hope looks horrified, but she reins it in and nods. “That’s great. At least you’re coming up with options.”

The door opens and in file a few customers. Saved by the candy lovers.

SIX

DUKE

Business is going okay. I mean, we haven’t had a steady stream of people who will listen to a pitch about traveling, but progress is progress. And we’re finally to the weekend, which will help.

It’s been nice having an office space in an area of town where I know a lot of the people. That’s the advantage of being a local guy.

And I do everything I can to cross paths with Maggie. I might have to let out the seams in my pants in the next few weeks if I continue to get ice cream from her shop every morning. At least my mother is an expert in that.

I’ve ventured into the different flavors and levels of theory she talked about that first day, but I don’t know if I can really top moose tracks. Does that mean I’m just kidding myself about being adventurous and wanting to travel the world?

Shaking my head, I know I need to get her theory out of my head. It’s not scientifically proven or anything. And not giving full points to people for various toppings means it shouldn’t hold any weight in my mind.

This morning as I walk in, I only see Hope.

“Good morning,” I say, smiling at her.

“Hey Duke, are you in for your usual ice cream cone?” Hope asks, walking over and putting on those plastic gloves.

I chuckle and say, “I guess I’m a little predictable. I’m going to try the Cherry Garcia today.”

“Good choice,” Hope says as she scoops the pink ice cream dotted with chocolate pieces.

“How has your week been?”

Hope nods and says, “Good. Just trying to juggle business with planning a wedding. It gets to be a bit much.”

“Yeah, I’m sure there’s a lot to plan. Not that I have experience in planning a wedding.”

She laughs. “You of all people should know better than anyone what it’s like to plan a wedding. Don’t your parents still own The Bridal Barn?”

“That they do. I’m sure if I said I was dating a woman, my mom would have all the details planned out within a few hours.”

“She probably already has it done. White binder and all.”

“Have you gone in to look for a dress?” That would be how she knows about how my mom creates a white binder for each of her clients. Even though she could do everything online these days, she loves creating a physical portfolio for the bride.

She shakes her head and struggles to get another scoop of ice cream out. “No, I’m going to wear my mom’s gown, since we’redoing this so quickly. I know it’s hard to get dresses ready in just a few weeks.”

I lean closer, making sure I heard her correctly. “I can see that. But my mother is a fantastic seamstress. You should have her fit the dress for you.”

Hope hands me the cone and waves to meet her at the cash register. “I didn’t think of that. There are a couple of things I would change about it if I could. Thanks, Duke.”

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