She winks at me before she gets in her car, and I’ve got that pain in my chest again. As I go back inside, I remind myself that I really need to get that checked out.
When I’m finished cleaning the kitchen and I sit down at the bar, I open the cake box and stare down at the most beautiful creation I’ve ever seen. Seeing the words Welcome to Cheerful written in perfect red icing makes me feel like I need to apologize all over again.
Realizing that I might have a way to do that, I send a text to my sister asking for all the information she has on Molly. Maybe there’s a way to convince her that I’m not the Grinch she thinks I am.
Chapter Seven
MOLLY
My excitement about Noah coming over is way too high. I keep trying to play it down in my head that it’s no big deal. It’s not working. I spent all last night making sure my place was tidy and all my holiday decorations were out. I’m ready to show him that a pink Christmas is possible. My house is the perfect example, but the movie will really drive it home.
After that, I had to make sure I finished the book before I passed out last night. The only reason I was able to stay up was the pure determination to prove I’m right. It's petty and not normally my style, but I'm taking a page out of my best friend Tilly's book.
Obviously, this is in no way a date. I mean, it might be the first time I've invited a man back to my place, but still, it’s not a date. The dinner is part of our deal along with the movie. I get that a lot of people would think dinner and a movie is hands down a date, but that's not what this is. At all.
"Molly." Lucy pops her head back into the kitchen. "You’ve got a call."
"All right, I'll take it in my office." I wipe my hands off on my apron and head to the small room I hardly use.
"This is Molly," I say when I answer.
"Hey, Molly! It's Kim."
My stomach sinks at the sound of her voice. Why would she be calling, and more importantly, why would she need to speak directly to me? Would she call for Noah to cancel tonight? Oh god, what if he up and left?
"Hey, Kim, how are you doing?" I try to play it cool, keeping my tone light.
"I'm doing great, but do you know who is doing better?" I shake my head no, forgetting she can't see me, but Kim keeps talking nonetheless. "My brother. He told me how much he loved your cake."
"Really?" I perk up at that news.
“Yeah, it must have really hit the spot. He was supposed to be headed back to the city, but he told me he’s going to hang around Cheerful. It shocked the hell out of me.”
“I’m shocked too,” I admit, but for a different reason than her.
Is he staying because of me? That would be adorably sweet, but it's also a reminder that Noah isn't from here. We can't have a future together. I would never move to the city, and I think living in Cheerful for Noah would be the same as living in hell.
"Since he's staying, I was considering placing another order for him. Marley told me you deliver?"
"I'm sorry, Kim, but I don't have room for any last-minute orders. This place is slammed, but Noah knows where the bakery is. He can pop in and grab one of our premade cakes or cupcakes."
"No worries, Molly. I get it. Of course you’re busy this time of year. Next time I’ll schedule sooner." We say our goodbyes before I end the call and get back to work.
The rest of the day goes by slowly and yet somehow fast. I have no clue why. I can’t stop thinking about Kim’s call and what it might mean.
I shut down the kitchen for the day so whatever is left in the displays or cooler will be all people can get. If we have to close early because we run out of stuff, then so be it. I'm taking Tilly up on her advice.
"Do you girls need anything before I head out?" I ask when I enter the front of the store. It’s died down a bit, and there are only a couple of people eating at the tables.
"I think we're all set," Mia tells me. "Have you got a hot date or something? You never cut out this early." She wiggles her brows, and although I know she's teasing, it hits closer than she's aware of.
"I’m spending the night at home. I plan on having some dinner and cuddling up with a Christmas movie."
"Oh, that sounds divine." Lucy lets out a happy sigh.
"Anything else I need to know before I take off?" I ask.
"Oh, yeah," Mia says, and I can tell from her excited yet mischievous smile that I'm about to get town gossip. "The not-so-Jolly Giant came in twice today, and I swear he's been loitering outside the bakery all afternoon."
