Page 62 of Just Desserts

Shortly after the women emerged from the kitchen with several trays. The table was quickly covered end to end with a variety of desserts, German chocolate cake, lace cookies, applepie, cheesecake and some sort of pecan tart. Charlie stood up with the wine and headed to the bar stationed in the corner. He uncorked it and brought it over to the table filling everyone's glass. Once we were all seated, Isla back against my side Charlie lifted his glass.

"Cheers to family, friends and new beginnings." He said, looking straight at me.

I gave him a nod of understanding as we all clinked glasses. The rest of the evening passed quickly, Isla's family was warm and welcoming. I didn't feel left out or awkward at all. I was also happy to see how much support Isla had. Despite everything that happened, her family had her back. I was happy to have them grill me, the more people protecting Isla the better. Nearing 10pm I noticed Isla's eyelids starting to droop.

We said our goodbyes and I convinced her to come back to my place for the night so we could drive to her Grams together. She fell asleep on the ride home and I carried her up to my bedroom. Crawling in beside her soothed the part of me that had gone a bit rabid the last few days. Tucking her against my chest, I finally felt settled and slipped away into a deep sleep.

Consciousness seeped in as I woke up slowly, looking down to see Isla still asleep draped across my chest. I looked down and wrapped both my arms around her, holding her tight against me. I wanted to spend every morning like this going forward. Nothing would live up to the gift of waking up with Isla in my arms. I kissed the top of her head and smiled when she unconsciously snuggled closer to me.

A few hours later we were out the door and almost to the retirement community where Grams lived. We pulled in and I parked, glad that this time Isla remembered to wait for me to come around and help her out. I grabbed a few goodies I hadbrought for Grams from the trunk and then guided Isla into the building.

The residence was lively, several guests and employees greeting Isla and I as we made our way to Gram’s room. When we got there, we found Grams surrounded by balloons and streamers. A giant sign that said CONGRATULATIONS hung over the window and Isla’s tinkling laugh had me chuckling. Grams was wearing a vibrant kimono with bright orange glasses this time, her hair styled into a fauxhawk.

"My Darlings! I'm so happy you could make it. I’ve got champagne. Let's toast to finally getting rid of that sad sack of shit." She chatted away excitedly as she swept each of us into her arms, for enthusiastic hugs.

"Myles, you're looking handsome as ever. No flowers this time?" She playfully frowned.

"With a woman like you, I knew I had to keep you on your toes, this is for you." I passed her the bag of gifts I brought for her.

"Oh you shouldn't have!" She exclaimed as she was already busy ripping them open. I had gotten her some fancy lotions and a gift certificate for a salon and spa visit at the hotel. I also got her a nice bottle of sherry. She started to pull it out but I held a finger up to my lips and winked at her. She gave a girlish giggle before returning to the rest of the gifts.

"This is lovely! This is from the Spa at your hotel? Oh I must go and see it, Isla and I will have to plan a girls day. Speaking of the hotel, I'm ready to call in my IOU." She said, looking at me unblinkingly, daring me to balk.

"Alright, let's hear it." I said sitting back in my chair, curious to see what she had come up with.

"Well, I don't know if you know this but September isLeukemia Awareness Month. My dear Howard passed from cancer and I've lost too many friends to count to the disease. I try to work as much as possible with the American Association for Cancer Research. They're in need of a big event to bring in some new donors so I suggested a Charity Ball at The Bennett. They're thrilled with the idea. We were thinking about the second Saturday in September." She said, sitting back and clapping her hands.

Isla looked horrified by the suggestion, and I knew she was worried that her family was taking advantage of me. I quickly took out my cell phone and pulled out my calendar. Confirming we didn't have any plans locked in using the main ballroom for that day I sent an email to Sarah to block off the space for the night.

"Okay, the room is free. I'm having my manager reserve the time now. Let me know who I should work with from the AACR but I'm happy to host it at The Bennett. Under one condition though." I added. Grams raised one eyebrow, managing to look intimidating despite her tiny form.

"And what might that be?" she asked.

"I want Isla as my event partner and, assuming she's alright with it, all desserts dishes go through Sugar and Spice." Grams sat back in her seat, a large smile spreading across her face.

"You've got a deal Mr. Bennett. I'm looking forward to it." She stood up and gave me a loud kiss on the cheek, leaving her red lipstick on my face like a brand.

Grams went back to admiring her presents, before remembering the rest of the party gear she had gotten for our visit. Soon Isla was in a tiara and hot pink boa, drinking a mimosa out of a plastic glass. The morning passed quickly and I loved seeing Isla like this. She slept like the dead last nightand I think the solid 10 hours did her a world of good.

She was far more animated today, her excitement and energy around her Grams was infectious. Grams kicked us out after lunch, insisting she needed to call her volunteer partners to get everything confirmed for the Gala as she was calling it.

We returned to my house after the visit and spent the rest of the day eating leftovers and watching old movies. Isla was curled into my side engrossed in Grumpy Old Men when I felt my phone start to ring. I looked down to see a missed call from Sully and grew concerned.

Since he let us know that Alyssa was following us around, we had taken some extra security steps. Isla allowed us to arrange for the installation of cameras and a full security system at the bakery while Sully took it upon himself to set up some cameras outside Alyssa place.

Sully had no reason to call me today, he wasn't at work and even if he was I knew he would hesitate to call me, especially knowing I was spending the weekend with Isla and her family.

"Everything OK?" Isla asked, her sweet face looking up at me.

"Just gotta give Sully a call. Let me get up. Do you want more popcorn?" I asked as she adjusted herself on the couch once I stood up.

"Kettle corn please!" She yelled, her attention already back on the movie. I chuckled and headed into the other room. Putting the popcorn in the microwave, I went ahead and called Sully back.

"Boss..." He answered in his usual gruff manner.

"Hey Sully, everything OK? I haven't heard from Sarah so I assume the hotel is fine." I asked.

"Yeah I'm fine. The hotel is fine too, I've been checking in with Trev pretty regularly."

---