Page 61 of A Cowboy Sugar Cookie Kiss
Chapter Fifteen
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“DON’T TOUCH THOSE.”Faye slaps town councillor, Grumpy Wayne’s hand away from a platter of cookies.
His bushy grey eyebrows draw together in a frown. “Whoa, take ‘er easy there.” Grumpy Wayne thinks he was named after John Wayne and only quotes the actor when he speaks.
“You can fill your box once the event starts. Just like everyone else.”
The cookie buffet travels down in the middle of the room. Between tall feather trees is a spread of pastel colored pedestal trays of all heights. They are covered with high clear lids. Underneath you can see the sugar cookies and Maggie’s cookies.
Sadie sneaks a cookie from under a lid and passes the contraband to Grumpy Wayne when the Faye isn’t paying attention.
“Testing. One, two, three. Testing.” A local band tests their equipment on the stage.
The candy-land themed decor is incredible. White, pastel pink and light turquoise interlace throughout the decor. The ballroom is filled with oversized pastel peppermint lollipops, candy canes, and cupcakes. White Christmas trees are flocked in snow and decked out in gumball and marshmallow ornaments with thick ribbon weaved between. Swags of white and pink sheer fabric billows above like clouds with twinkle lights weaved through.
“I think this is going to be the best year yet.” Mayor Thomas’ booming voice announces his entrance. Round in the middle and balding on the top, but you’d never know since he’s never seen without his straw hat. Even at tonight’s black tie event, the straw hat accents his suit.
“Maggie’s cookies are going to be the talk of the town.” Deputy Mayor Rita already has a glass of champagne in her hand. She lives on a buzz as bright and bubbly as her huge red hair.
The look Betty and Sadie share in Maggie’s departure shows me I’m not the only one missing her.
Mayor Thomas is right. The party is a huge success. Maggie’s cookies are the talk of the party. People can’t get enough of them.
“Hey.” Sadie joins me on the edge of the ballroom.
“Hey.”
We stand in silence for a while just watching the guests enjoying themselves meanwhile we’re both broken inside.
“I guess I threatened the wrong person, huh?” She rocks on the heel of her feet beside me. “Should’ve cornered my sister and told her not to hurt you.”
“It was always just a vacation fling.” That’s bullshit and I know it. It had always been more for me.
“I don’t believe that’s true.”
