Page 12 of Gingerbread Hearts

Odd how peoples’ paths cross. I wonder what could’ve happened if I met Violet earlier in life. Would I still be living in the city and be working as hard as I am to achieve partner?

Or would I be married by now? Would we have dated and travelled a few years before moving in together? So many questions, so many what ifs.

Too much to think about now. All I know is I’d love to see Violet again.

Once I shower and shave, I start to feel more like myself. I check my phone to see if Violet texted or called about my note. It’s getting to be late morning, maybe she’s still sleeping. It’s her day off after all. I’m not sure when she gets up, or if she already had plans for the day. Maybe I should’ve stayed. I shake my head, trying to shake the thoughts out of my system.

I check in with my grandmother, see if she needs any help. She’s been in full holiday mode since I arrived. I find her in the kitchen, nestled at the table, several cookbooks opened to various pages laid out in front of her. Her white hair is done up in its usual chignon and her sweater is a red and black plaid wool. She looks elegant but relaxed and at home.

I greet her with a kiss on each cheek, leaning down to meet her short frame.

“Jake dear, how’s your morning” she coos, kissing my cheeks in return. “I didn’t hear you get up this morning.”

“Oh Grams.” I smile at her, both of us fully knowing she knew I wasn’t here this morning when she got up. “I slept in a little bit, just got out of the shower now.” I sit down at the table across from her. I scan the open books displaying various hors d'oeuvres and other appetizer recipes.

“Okay dear.” She lightly pats my hand. “What do you think about serving bacon wrapped scallops and shrimp cocktails at the party?” her segue of conversation effortless. I know she’s waiting for me to fill her in on my mysterious nighttime activities, but for now we’ll talk about the upcoming Christmas party.

“Perfect combo for all the fresh seafood loving Kastle Harbor residents,” I reply.

“Is your friend Violet coming to the party?” Grams asks as she dog-ears another recipe page before closing the book. Her gaze more serious than her questioning tone.

“She is.” I’m hesitant to discuss more. “Violet is excited to see the house she’s baked so many cookies for over the years.”

“Lovely!” She pats my hand again. “I’m off to meet with the ladies to discuss cocktails. Would you mind picking up some pastries for my book club tonight? I’m certain that Bethany will let you grab the order for me.”

“Of course, Grams.” I get up to hug her before she leaves. “Anything for you.”

I wonder if this was her plan to make sure that I’m still interacting with Violet after a date, or night together.

I’m still sitting at the kitchen table when I hear my grandmother leave. The silence stretching out, the ticking of the ornate Grandfather clock in the hallway letting me know I’m alone once again.

For once I think about how nice it’d be to not be alone in life.

ELEVEN

VIOLET

Bethany is in full work mode when I greet her at the bakery. She’s not surprised to see me on my day off. However, this time she knows it’s not because I want to experiment in the kitchen. We get coffees and make our way to the back. Bethany makes sure the other staff know we need a moment alone. No interrupting for customers unless it seems like an emergency or couldn’t wait a few extra minutes.

“Jake took the cookies out and then you had steamy hot sex?” she sums up after I tell her about everything that happened last night.

“Yes, and he kissed me exactly like you see in movies. Just grabbed me and crashed his mouth into mine. But in a hot way, not a painful way.” I stammer at the end.

“Damn.” She exhales. “So, what exactly is your problem Vi?” Bethany sips on her coffee. A few moments pass in silence.

“That’s just it. I’m not sure Bethany.” I stare into my coffee mug. “I think I want more.”

“More sex? More time with Jake? What are you thinking?” Her questioning sincere and not in a mocking tone. Bethany has always had my back. We’ve been friends for so long sometimes it feels like she’s right inside my head.

“I think,” I take a deep breath, “I want more time with Jake. I want to wake up and see his face. I want to ask him about his day and be able to kiss him goodnight. I don’t know, it’s stupid.”

“No, it’s not Vi.” Her eyes meeting mine. She puts her hand on my shoulder and gives it a little squeeze. “It’s okay to open yourself up. Even if it’s just the possibility of love.”

“It’s nothing like that.” I trail off, sipping my coffee.

We both just sit there for a moment and before either of us can continue we’re interrupted. Kind of perfect timing too. Apparently, our coffee roaster, Victor, needs her to sign something. I go out to greet him, too.

A sight for anyone regardless of gender, Victor Brunes is tall, muscular, and has thick raven-black hair. We’ve been friends for years. He only comes to town for a few months out of the year due to his travel schedule. Resembling a grumpy lumberjack of sorts, he’s quite a softie. He hugs both us before getting down to business about coffee, which is my cue to leave. I wave to them both as I head out.

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