Jessica’s face held a world of sadness and regret. And an iron determination to hold herself together. She picked up the single, framed photo on Doris’ desk. It was of the store’s entire crew and me, from last Christmas Eve, just after closing. I’d been roped into running the counter that night, and we’d all been exhausted by the time my grandma had locked the doors.
I pointed to the book in the center of the desk. “This ledger has the current inventory. Your grandma always kept records by hand, if you want to look them over.”
Jessica’s long, graceful fingers ran over the cover then she looked away. I’d never seen someone look so sad…and alone. Forlorn and lost. I wondered if she had anyone. Did she have any family, good friends or even a boyfriend or husband to give her support? For some reason, I hated the last options. I didn’t want any men in her life that way. Which was ridiculous. She’d just said she wasn’t staying.
And Ijustmet her!
I stared at the tiled floor, trying to will away my illogical thoughts.
“I wouldn’t even know what inventory there should be,” she admitted.
“What do you do in Colorado?”
“I don’t make candy,” she scoffed. “I’m passable in the kitchen. I can kinda sorta bake or put together a meal—if Ihaveto. And honestly, I’m best if it’s mostly premade or from a box. But for work…I’m a productivity and life coach. I help people live their best lives and all that. I do videos and create planners and systems to help clients reach their full potential. I also run courses and personally coach individuals on the path to reaching their dreams.”
She looked far too young to be guiding people that way.
“That’s impressive,” I said, my words genuine.
“It’s what I’m good at.”
The comment seemed so off-hand and nonchalant.
“Do you enjoy it?” I asked.
“Yeah. Sure.” Again, the words sounded dispassionate, and she fiddled with the edge of the ledger, avoiding my gaze.
Somehow, I didn’t believe shedidlike her job, but who was I to judge? I was biased. I wanted her to jump in and loveHard Candy Kisses. The place was a legend, beloved by everyone in Majestic Falls. That was my wish, but maybe, Jessica had the best life a person could ever live, and she was just overwhelmed right now.
“Tell you what,” I offered. “Why don’t I give Grandma Maple a call and see if she can meet you here in the morning? Beyond keeping things shiny, I won’t be much help getting things running again.”
Relief filled her eyes when she looked back at me.
“Yes. Thank you,” she breathed.
“And will you let me take you to dinner tonight and welcome you to town?”
Her lips curled into a half-smile, and she eyed me speculatively. “That’s very selfless and Welcome-Wagon of you.”
I laughed, loving the sparkle that had emerged in her eyes for the first time since I’d met her. I wanted to keep it there and see more of it. Much more. “I’m a saint. Ask anyone.”
“Uh-huh.”
“So…dinner?” I prodded. Ineededher to agree.
“Well…I wouldn’t want to mess with your bid for sainthood. Heaven forbid, the town’s hospitality committee find out you shirked your duties. I don’t want to be party to that.”
She smiled wide, and my world lit up. I couldn’t help but smile back, even while I wondered what the hell was happening to me.
ForgetHard Candy Kisses.How would I make it through Christmas without discovering the taste ofJessica’skisses?
It was my new goal, and as a life coach, she was exactly the one to help me reach it.
Three
Jessica
To say Micha intrigued me would be an understatement. His willingness to drop everything to help me out was probably more of a testament to how well-loved Grandma Doris was than anything about me, but I appreciated it nonetheless.
