Sweet Beginning (11 page)

Today is the start of the yearly "Richmond
Winterfest" it helps to bring more business into our town. The theme this
year is pirate's, so we decided on having an ice sculpture done of a treasure
chest full of sweet goodies. They always hold it the second weekend of
February, which helps with Valentine's sales as well. People that don't usually
come in, get to see all of our sweets, especially the ones we only have for
Valentine's day.

We have a table set up for our dollar hot chocolate. The
kids love to make their own, and we leave a jar out for money. We are really
busy, making parents their coffee and sweet orders.

I run in the back to get more cups for our hot chocolate
table, when Shannon runs to me. Kyle took the girls this weekend, because of
how busy we are at the shop.

"Hi honey, where is your sister?" Katie walks in,
as I ask. She smiles at me and gives me a hug. "Are you guys having
fun?" I ask them both. 

They nod their head, "Yeah we are mom, we know you are
busy. We asked daddy, if we could come say hello." Katie says.  

 "Well go get a cup of hot chocolate and have fun. Love
you, girls." I give them both a quick kiss and head to the front with
them.

I see Jaylah and Amanda working behind the counter, filling
orders. We also have the two weekend girls, Kayla and Julia working today. I
hand Kayla, the coffee cups to put at the hot chocolate station. As I walk
behind the counter, I glance out the window. I see the girls, with Kyle,
talking and laughing. As I start to turn, I get a glimpse of Tessa, wrapping
her arm around Kyle's middle. She looks through the window and gives me a
smirk. 

 "What a bitch! I swear if we weren't so busy, I would
wipe that fucking smirk off her face!" Jaylah says behind me. 

I turn to Jaylah and laugh, "God I love you." I am
surprisingly not as upset as I thought I should be.

 "I know you do, darlin'" she says.  We both get
back to our busy day.

~~~

Wyatt

Sue called me this morning, she invited me to go walk around
town with her. It's Richmond's annual "Ice Festival," along with a
Chili Cook-Off. Chili is one of my favorite food groups, so I am looking
forward to that. 

Sue and I haven't been spending much time together, yet we
always seem to know when one of us is feeling lonely. I have been really
depressed lately. I always have problems this time of year. Lynn and I got
married on Valentine's Day. Yeah it was corny, but at the time it was sweet. 

I meet Sue at the Chili Cook-Off, this afternoon. She walks
up to my truck with a huge smile on her face.

"Hey stud, how are ya?" she asks.

"Not bad, how you been doing?" I smile back at
her.

"Not to bad either, been working my ass off."

She wraps her arm in mine and we walk in to try out the
chili's. Once we paid our money, we went and checked out all the chili's. I had
no idea they would have this many to try.  I like my chili spicy, so I grab the
spicy ones to start off with.

Once we find a seat, I start to eat and look around. I
recognize alot of faces, because of working at the shop. That's when Tom sees
us, waves and walks over.

"Well, hello Wyatt, Sue."

"Hi, Tom." I reply.

"Hi, Mr. Bowman. How are you?" Sue replies.

"I'm good.  Well you kids have fun." Tom says, as
he looks at Sue, then me. 

"See you Monday, Tom."

Man, why do I feel guilty about being with Sue. The way Tom
looked at us, made me feel like I was doing something wrong. In a lot of ways
Tom reminds me of my dad. Thinking of him, makes me miss home. I shake myself
from my thoughts, I need to stop feeling sorry for myself. I continue eating my
chili and vote on my favorites. When we are done, we decide to leave our vehicles
here and walk.

We walk around town to see all the ice sculptures, in front
of the businesses. The sun is shining, but it's still really cold. I can see
"Sweet Pleasures," coming up, I get excited at the idea of seeing
Anne. I meantly shake myself, I don't understand why I get like this when it
comes to Anne.

"Want some coffee?" Sue says, as she nudges me.

"That sounds great. But can you run in and grab it for
us?"

"Sure," she replies with a confused look on her
face.

I know I am acting strange, but I don't want to see Anne
right now. I already think about her way to much, plus I don't want to see all
the Valentine stuff. I stand outside and wait for Sue to grab our coffee's. I
knew I shouldn't even look through the window, but I can't help myself. There
she is. God, she is beautiful, but she doesn't look very happy. I heard Tom
tell Rick that her divorce was final. I'm sure that's why she looks unhappy.

~~~

Anne

I turn around at the sound of the bell and see Sue walk up
to the counter.

"Hello Sue, how are you?"

"I'm pretty good. How are you holding up?"

"I've been better, but I'm glad it's over. What can I
get you?"

She gives me her order and I wonder if she is with Wyatt. I
look out the window and there he is. He is pacing back and forth, he doesn't
look happy. I hope that everything is ok, my dad hasn't said anything was wrong
with him. Dad really likes Wyatt and I get constant updates on his life. I busy
myself with making their coffees and figure I will hear sooner or later if
something is wrong.

"Here you go Sue. Tell Wyatt I said hello, okay?"

"Sure, Anne. Thanks."

I'm not sure what that look was that she gave me, I can't
worry about it. It's been a bad day and I want it over. I only have a couple
more hours, then I can call it a day.  I plan on going upstairs, put on my
pajamas, put in a movie with some wine. Jaylah has been trying so hard to cheer
me up lately, it hasn't worked. She is the best, but I need some time to
myself, to work through my feelings.

~~~

It's been getting better everyday. I know that sounds
cliche', but its the truth. I am thankful, that this is our busy time of year
at the shop. Valentine's is the holiday of sweets, I use to always love it. But
this year, I am only going through the motions. I am not feeling all the love,
now I know how single people feel. I use to feel sorry for them, not
understanding what their problem was. 

"Hey woman, are you done with those strawberries?"
Jaylah asks, interrupting my thoughts.

"Yeah, just dipped the last of them. I want to drizzle
them with pink, white and red chocolate."

"Can you box up a dozen for an order, please." 
she says and rushes back up to the front.

We had a lot of orders for our homemade chocolates, dipped
strawberries, cream puffs and cannoli's. We only do some of these for this time
of year. I pack up the order and bring it to the front, along with some to fill
the case. I step in line, helping make coffee orders and boxing up sweets.

We are winding down for the day, the bell chimes above the
door. I turn to see a man walk in with a huge vase of roses, its beautiful. 

"Is Jaylah here?"  he asks.

"Yeah, just a sec."

I find Jaylah in the back getting more coffee cups to fill
up front.

"Hey woman, something is here for you." She turns
and smiles.

"Really?"

We walk up front together. Jaylah gets a huge grin on her
face when she sees the flowers. She signs the paper, the man turns and leaves
the shop. She fishes to find the card, to see who its from.

"Who the hell would send me flowers? I am not a flower,
kind of girl. I hope its not pussy boy. I haven't talked to him in
forever."

"Your killing me, Jay. Read it." I smile at her.

"Okay...damn. Did you send them?"

"Really....NO, not that I don't love you," I say
as I roll my eyes at her.

"This is weird, it says....Loved watching you dance to
Tootsie Roll! What the hell?" she says confused. 

Jaylah looks over at me for answers. My heart drops. I am
hoping that its not Ben, but I know better. I was trying to forget I ever saw
him and he would disappear again. I recover quickly, I don't want her to think
anything is wrong.

"You must have a secret admirer," I say, as way of
explanation.

"Yeah, I guess. But who?"

"I don't know. I was to drunk to remember who was at
the bar."

"Yeah we were," she smiles and laughs with me.

Jaylah puts her flowers on the counter, with the rest of our
Valentine's decorations. I get back to cleaning, yet I can't shake that bad
feeling I have. It has to be Ben, I will have to really be on high alert. I
don't know what to do, I can't tell Jaylah. It will make her worry and I don't
want her going back to that place.

Once we are done for the night, I decide I don't want to let
Jaylah out of my sight. At least for tonight. We both have tomorrow off, being
so crazy today. We knew we needed it off. 

"So Jay, want to have a girls night tonight?"

"Yeah, sure. What do you have in mind?"

"Let me grab a bag, some wine and movies."

"Okay." She smiles at me.

We walk up to my place, so I can grab all my stuff. I can
tell Jaylah is lost in thought, I hope that she doesn't connect anything back
to Ben. I am sure that it is hard on her, Ben is always in the back of her
mind. I go into my room and pack an overnight bag, then grab a couple bottles
of wine.

"Let's go."  I say with a smile.

"You got enough wine?" she says with a laugh.

We walk out to Jaylah's car and hop in.

"Hey how does Chinese sound?

"Great, I will head over there first."

We order our food and wait for it, they are really busy. I
pay for the food when it is done and we get back in the car and head to
Jaylah's house. We don't talk much in the car both lost in thought. I can't
understand why he can't leave her alone. My thoughts are cut short when we pull
up to her house.

I get out of the car, grab my bag and start walking up to
the house. I hear a rustling in the bushes on the side of the house. I start to
pannick, when a rabbit jumps out of the bushes.

"Holy shit!" I yell.

"What's wrong?"

"Damn rabbit jumped out of the bushes and scared the
shit out of me."

Jaylah laughs at me, as she unlocks her front door. As she
walks in, I see a car drive slowly down the street. I hurry up and get my ass
in the house. I really have to stop acting like a scared little girl. Jaylah is
going to know something is wrong, she has a way of making me talk when she
wants to.

~~~

Ben

I drive slowly down
my Jaylah's
street. I see her
laughing at that fucking bitch of a friend, Anne. God, she is beautiful,
my
Jaylah
. I hope she liked the roses I sent her. I use to send her black
orchids, but I'm not ready for her to know it's me. 

I keep driving and take one last look at my loves house, for
now. I have to think how I want to approach her. It will have to be when Anne
isn't around, or anyone else for that matter. Her fun without me is soon to be
over, I want
my Jaylah
back.

~~~

I can't believe it has been three months since my divorce
was final. It's been quiet, yet busy with the shop and my girls. I was thankful
nothing strange has happened since Valentine's day. Jaylah and I never talked
about the flowers, after that night. I think she has her suspicions of who they
might be from. But we don't talk about it, or Ben.

We had such a hard winter this year, it's a breath of fresh
air today. I can't believe its already May, but I am enjoying this sixty-five
degree day. It brings my spirits up, I dreamnt of days like today when it was
twelve below zero. 

I have finally decided that this summer I would start
looking at houses in town. I have enjoyed living in the apartment, but it's
time to have more space. Plus, it's hard to get a break when you are always at
work.  

The girls will be done with school, in a couple of weeks. So
really it will be the perfect time. We live in a small town, so there aren't a
ton of houses up for sale. I am hoping I can find one that doesn't need a ton
of work on it. I talked my dad into going with me when I start looking. So
between Jaylah and dad, hopefully it will be fun and not too stressful.

Today I have the day off, so I am out doing my errands. I
decide to stop at the realtor office and let them know I want to start the
process. I know I have to get a pre-approval on a mortgage, but this is a
start. I pull into the parking lot, then walk into the building.

"Good Morning.....Oh, hello Anne.  How are you?" 
says Sue, from behind the desk.

"Hi Sue. I didn't know you worked here."

"Yeah, I started working here, about a month ago."

"That's great, how are things with you? How is
Wyatt?"

She gives me a wierd look, "I'm good. I haven't seen
much of Wyatt, we aren't seeing each other anymore." she replies, then looks
down at some paperwork, avoiding eye contact with me.

"I am sorry to hear that. Wyatt is a nice guy, my dad
really likes him."

"Thanks." She looks around the room, avoiding eye
contact. "What can we help you with Anne?"

I can tell that she has no intention on talking any futher
with me on the subject of Wyatt. I don't know why I feel guilty about that, I
had nothing to do with their relationship. I haven't seen much of him at all. I
realize whatever their issues are, I am not one of them.

I smile, "I need to talk to an agent about looking at
houses."

"Okay, let me see who is available."

I nod my head and take a seat and grab a magazine to flip
through. I don't know why things took such a turn with Sue. I peek at her out
of the corner of my eye, she looks sad. I hope it's nothing I have done. I will
have to ask my cousin, Lynette if she knows what is going on.

As I am pondering this, Mrs. Roberts comes out and greets
me.

"Hello Anne," she greets me and shakes my hand.

"Hello."

"Let's go into my office and talk."

I follow her into her office, we begin the process of the
new chapter in my life. I thank Mrs. Roberts for her time and she promises to
get some showings together for me. I walk out and see that Sue is nowhere to be
seen. That whole conversation was wierd, I hope there is nothing serious going
on with her. I walk outside, smile up at the sun, then get into my car. I need
to go to the bank and get the process of a mortgage started.

~~~

Later that night, after I get the girls into bed. I replay
the converstation with Sue. It has been bothering me all day. I decide to text
my cousin Lynette. They are best friends, if anyone knows what is wrong, it
will be her.

Anne 8:25pm

Hey you.....got a sec?

Lynette 8:26pm

yep…whats up?

Anne 8:26pm

Saw Sue today, is she upset with me?

I start to wonder what is going on.  Lynette is not texting
me back, she must be talking to Sue. I don't want to be the cause of anyone
being upset, especially when I haven't seen her since the Winter Fest. I don't
know how I could of made her mad at me.

Lynette 8:35pm

Hey sorry...was talking to Sue...she
said sorry, not mad at u

Anne 8:36pm

K....thanks Lynette....is she ok?

Lynette 8:37pm

Yeah.....she is upset abt Wyatt, not u

Anne 8:38pm

k...thanks, lets try to get together
soon...love u cuz :)

Lynette 8:39pm

hell yea
h.....LU2 :) bye

Well that explains some of it, I am still not sure what's
really going on. I can't let it upset me anymore, if she wants to talk to me,
she has my number. I am sure Lynette will help her get through her break with
Wyatt. I decide to enjoy the rest of my evening and not dwell on this. I make
my self a cup of tea, then grab my kindle. I get myself comfortable in bed and
enjoy the rest of my evening.

~~~

Well I got everything done for my mortgage, the pre-approval
process is complete. Mrs. Roberts has been great, getting us in to see the
houses that are available right now. Jaylah and I decided to also rent out the
apartment once I am in my new house. So Mrs. Roberts has been showing it to
potential renters.

Kyle has been really great through this for me. He has been
taking the girls, on the nights we have been going to look at houses. It's been
getting better between us, which is great for the girls. I don't want to be one
of those divorced couples, that can't even be in the same room together. It's
getting there, slowly but surely.

I am doing some inventory in the back, when I get a call
from Mrs. Roberts.

"Hello."

"Hello Anne. I was calling to see if you are available
to see a house tonight?'

"Sure, where?"

"Meet me at the office around five. See you
later."

I hear the phone click, before I can ask again where the
house is. Well I guess we will see when we get there. I call my dad to let him
know that we are going tonight. Kyle arleady has the girls today, so I don't
have to worry about them. I walk up to the front of the shop, to let Jaylah
know.

"Hey JayJay. Mrs. Roberts called, we have a house to
look at."

"Awesome. I really hope its a good one this time."

"Me too. I am getting antsy to get a house."

She nods and smiles at me. We get back to work, waiting for
Amanda to come in for the late afternoon shift. Once she gets here Jaylah and I
get ready to leave.

Dad meets us at the relators office and we all get into her
SUV. As we are driving, I'm not really paying attention to where we are going.
I am asking Dad how the shop is doing, trying to catch up with him.

"Hey, is this house on my street?" Jaylah asks.

I look up and notice we turn down her street. I start
getting excited because I love the houses on her street.

"Yes, it is. I didn't want to say anything, I wasn't
sure what you guys would think." she replies.

Jaylah looks over at me with a big smile on her face, I
smile back. I am trying to not get to excited, I don't want to be let down. We
pull into the driveway of the house. It's across the street from Jaylah's and
two houses down. I would be able to look out the front window and see her
house.

"This is Mrs. Hauff's house. She died last year, but
the last I heard, her kids were going to rent it out." Jaylah says.

"Yes, that was the original plan. But they don't live
close and decided against it." Mrs. Roberts, replies.

"I've only been in the house once, but it what I
remember it's really nice." Jaylah says.

"I hope it's a nice house, I can tell on your face that
you are falling in love with the whole idea of this house," Dad says.

"Yeah, I know."  I reply with a chuckle.

The house is one I have always admired while at Jaylah's.
It's a tudor style house like her's, but has a porch the whole length of the
front of the house. It's perfect for a porch swing and wicker funiture. It has
the same lovely windows, with lead glass and wood trim. Mrs. Hauff, obviously
loved her flowers and someone has thankfully has been taking care of them.

The upstairs windows, have flower boxes, spilling over with
them. This is a bigger house than Jaylah's, I can tell by the upstairs. As we
walk up the path to get to the porch, it's lined with flowers as well.

Mrs. Roberts opens the front door and let's us all in. I
have to catch my breath, I'm doomed, this is exactly what I wanted. We walk
into the foyer, which the steps to the upstairs a few steps away. It's done in
a cream color, with dark walnut trim, wood floors thoughout the house. Dad
walks off and checks all the important things. Jaylah and I go and check out
the rest of the house. 

To the left of the foyer, is an office or den. Which have
french doors that lead into it. It's not a large room, but big enough for what
it's intended for. Across from there it opens up into the family room. It's a
large room, with more room than I have furniture for. It has a large fireplace
with a huge mantel done in the same walnut. The front picture window looks out
onto the street and porch.

Once we walk through the living room, there is a half bath
to the right and the dining room to the left. Which takes us into the kitchen.
It's not as large as the one in the farmhouse, but will be perfect for me. I
can fit a small table against the wall on the left, with the window that looks
into the back and side yard. There is another set of french doors leading to a
patio. I look out to see that it's a decent size yard for the girls to play. It
has lovely gardens going along the privacy fence.

I look around the kitchen to see that they replaced the
cabinets, with cherry wood with crown molding. The appliances are done in
black, with black countertops. The floors have a grey large tiles, which matchs
the backsplash. There is a door on the right, that leads into the two car
garage. I've never had an attached garage, and think how wonderful it will be in
the winter.

We walk upstairs to see the two rooms in the back that are
connected with a jack and jill bathroom. The girls are going to love having
their own. In the front of the house is a huge master bedroom, with it's own
bathroom with a garden tub. I won't know what to do with all of this space.

"Oh my god, JayJay. I love this house."

"I know. This is perfect. How awesome will it be to be
neighbors."

"I'm afraid to get to excited, like this is a dream.
Pinch me." Jaylah chuckles at me and actually comes and pinches me.
"Ouch."

"You told me to."

We laugh and find Mrs. Roberts, she explains that the
appliances are included. The kitchen, living room and main bathroom have all
been remodeled in the past five years. I am afraid to ask about the price, Mrs.
Roberts hands me the spec sheet on the house. It shows the asking price and the
yearly tax amount. 

I go look for my dad, it's time to find out if there is
anything wrong with the house. The price is perfect and it looks perfect, to
this point. I find my dad in the basement, checking out the furnace.

"So dad, what do you think?"

"Well baby, you might need a new water heater. The
furnace and roof look good still. I can't see anything else to worry about.
They will do a more thorough inspection when you have it appraised."

He smiles at me and shakes his head, "You knew I wanted
it. So you think I should do it?"  I ask, smiling back at him. I am
getting really excited.

"Hell yeah, I love this house, toots." says Jaylah
from behind us. She came downstairs to find us.

"Yeah baby. Go for it," he says, shakes his head
and chuckles at us.

We all walk upstairs, to find Mrs. Roberts waiting for us in
the kitchen. She looks at me expectingly for an answer, I smile at her.

"I want the house."  I say.

"Oh, I thought you would like it. It had just come on
the market and we are one of the few that have walked through. I brought the
paperwork, lets get it filled out and to the seller, dear."

I smile and nod at her. We all sit at the kitchen table and
fill out the paperwork. Once we are done, we drive back to her office. I give
dad a kiss and thank him for helping me through this process. Dad leaves and I
turn to Mrs. Roberts and thank her. She tells me she will call as soon as she
hears something. Jaylah and I drive back to the shop.

"Can you come up for a glass of wine, to
celebrate?"

"Sure, toots."

We head up to my apartment to celebrate. Now hopefully
everything goes well and the house is truly mine.

~~~

When they say time flies when you are having fun, they
weren't lying. I got the call from Mrs. Roberts a few days after I put my offer
in for the house. The Hauff family accepted my offer and now the ball is in
motion. My dad is going to the house with the inspector, which I am thankful
for. He will know better what to do, plus I didn't want to be there for any bad
news. 

Today is the girls last day of school, so I took the
afternoon off. They only have a half day, so I am taking them to lunch and give
them the news. It's Kyle's weekend, so once we are done with lunch, I will take
them to his house.

Instead of fighting the traffic at school, I decide to walk
the short distance. I think about all the things I will have to get done in the
next few weeks. I want to paint, before I move in. I might need some more
furniture as well, now that there is more room. I am happier than I have been
in a long time.