Page 20 of Feels Like the First Time
“I was about to send out a search party,” her friend said, coming out from behind the counter.
Kennedy wore a light blue cardigan with a coordinating sundress, pearl buttons, shoes fit for a stripper, and what looked like a glob of chocolate on her butt that matched the tray of treats in her hand. A tray that came with five delectable selections, two forks, a mountain of whipped cream, and extra hot fudge on the side—just in case.
“I thought I was here for breakfast,” Ali said. “That looks like a tasting to me.”
“Just a few ideas for a high-society cocktail party. And enough sugar to make the impossible seem possible.” Kennedy set the plate down at the far end of the counter and pulled up a stool. “Dig in, but I warn you, Destiny Bay’s Bible group has labeled my chocolate truffle cake one of the seven deadly sins.”
“Death by chocolate doesn’t sound all that bad right now.” Ali took a forkful, keeping a careful eye on Bitsy Cunningham, the pastor’s wife, just in case she had her handbag ready to swing. She took a bite and the rich chocolate and bitter hints of espresso exploded in her mouth, making her moan—loudly. “Sinful indeed.”
“Are you serving some of your gateway treats, Miss Sinclair?” Bitsy said, her voice half condemnation and half envy.
“No, Ms. Cunningham. I’m doing a tasting for Ali.”
“Is it for her big reveal party? I heard about that; the town’s been talking of nothing else since it was posted in the paper.”
Ali had been so caught up in Bridget’s drama, she’d completely forgot about her own party. A party like Bridget’s, which would consist of close friends and family.
Unlike Bridget’s, though, Ali’s gathering would be a cozy party of seven—thirteen if she included the old farts from the welding club.
“No, it’s for my sister,” Ali said, forcing a smile. “She’s getting married.”
“Again?” Bitsy eyed the plate one last time. “Well, then you might want to skip the two pieces on the right, since you’re already on the weekly prayer circle for tangling with Hawk and his stick.”
“What?” Ali inhaled and some of the chocolate powder stuck to the back of her throat, choking her. She reminded herself that all of the witnesses to their kiss were in Seattle or out on their sailboat playing skipper, but it did nothing to tame the thundering in her chest. “I didn’t go anywhere near his stick!”
“That’s not what I heard from the Senior Steppers,” Bitsy said. “According to Fi, Hawk came out swinging with purpose last week right before he stormed into your shop. Gave everyone a good scare.” Ali wanted to argue that he’d given them a good show, but was still working to dislodge the cake—and panic—from her throat. “He said something about stolen merchandise.”
Ali relaxed. “It was a simple easement issue. All resolved now.”
Kennedy snickered and Bitsy didn’t look convinced. Thankfully Ms. Collins started screaming bingo and waving her card in Fi’s face, so Bitsy had to drop the inquisition and go into mediator mode.
“And Friday night,” Kennedy asked with a laugh. “Was that an easement issue, too? Because from what I heard, you had your hands all over Hawk’s property.”
“I kept my hands to myself,” Ali pointed out. “And where did you hear that?”
“Judy Baker was bird-watching through her binoculars again, and saw the whole thing.”
“She also says Larry at the Gas and Go looks just like Channing Tatum.”
Judy was nearsighted, nosy, and lived across the street from Marty. She ran the local chapter of Single and Ready to Mingle, and the only place she ever aimed those binoculars was through Marty’s bathroom window—right at shower time.
Kennedy rested her palms on the counter and leaned in. “And what about your lips, did you keep those to yourself?”
“Are you always this nosy?”
“Only with my friends.”
“This is why I don’t have many friends,” Ali mumbled.
“You love me, and I love you, which is why…” Kennedy’s smile faded and she lowered her voice. “I wanted to make sure that you didn’t—”
“Make it into something more than it is?” Ali said on a sigh. “Don’t worry, I won’t.”
She loved turning discarded materials into something beautiful and meaningful. And yes, she might have given in to a daydream or two over Hawk. But Ali was a realist, and there was no reality where she and Hawk could ever be more than they were.
Friends.
No matter how great that kiss had been.
