27. Chapter 27
Chapter 27
Lydia
I t’s been a few weeks since the Valentine’s Day debacle. My head is still reeling from the scene in the Blossom in Bloom workroom. The murdered cupcake lying split open on its side, oozing raspberry jam; Luke’s handsome face and the look of disappointed disbelief as he turns around and leaves; me, trying to say things to make him understand, but each word digging a deeper hole for me to fall into. Although the scene replays randomly throughout my day, the sense of shame diminishes, slightly, each time. But I’m still left feeling full of remorse, empty, and stupid.
Keeping busy helps to take my mind off the painful memory and refocus my mental energy. I’ve thrown myself into work and reorganized my workroom, clearing out any unused props, vases, and other bits and pieces that I once thought would be useful, but are just sitting around collecting dust. And, with the Oak River Annual Spring Fair only a couple of weeks away, I put my hand up for extra duties. Mrs Radley, the fair’s coordinator, was effusive with gratitude and even hugged me after the committee meeting.
“You are an absolute gem, Lydia,” she gushes as other committee members pass us and noisily make their way to the exit at the community hall.
“It’s a team effort, Mrs Radley.” I force a smile as I know I’m making myself do extra as penance for my huge mistake in meddling with other people’s hearts. “I’m happy to help, where I can.”
“This year is going to be the best yet,” says Mrs Radley with a smile usually reserved for celebrities or the mayor. “We have great people in our little town. Really great people.”
“Yes, Mrs Radley,” Molly says as she grabs my elbow and steers me toward the door, rescuing me before Mrs Radley launches into her Small Town: Big Heart speech. “I think you’re right. It is going to be the best fair yet.”
“Thank you,” I whisper as we leave the community hall. We wave goodbye to the remaining committee members and continue on our way.
Molly laughs. “What for, this time?”
“For rescuing me and for being my friend.”
Molly links her arm through mine. “You would do the same for me.”
“You wouldn’t be such an idiot.” We walk across the town square. “You’re far too smart.”
“To be honest, Lydia. I’m a bit concerned that you’re not looking after yourself.” Molly stops walking and faces me. “Your sparkle has gone. You look terrible.”
“I feel terrible.”
“Hey. It’s still early. Let’s go to The Half Moon. We haven’t seen Kate for ages. Come on. Why not?”
The café is warm and welcoming. Soft soul music plays to customers chatting quietly at a few occupied tables. Kate waves over from the counter where she’s making coffees and frothing milk. She calls out to Dylan in the kitchen, to come out and take our orders. Molly and I install ourselves at our favorite spot by the window, so we can look out at passersby, although the lamplit street is deserted.
“This is such a good idea,” I say looking at the chalkboard menu. “I forget the healing power of cake and girl-chat.”
Dylan comes over with a pencil and order book. He greets us with his easy lopsided smile. “Evenin’, ladies. The specials today are the lasagne served with mixed salad, and the Thai-style chicken served with jasmine rice. Sorry, we’re out of ribs until tomorrow.” Dylan waits, pencil poised. “What can I get you?”
Molly and I consider our options for a moment. “It all sounds amazing, as usual,” says Molly perusing the list of food options.
“I’m going for the triple chocolate layer cake with cream and extra chocolate sauce, please,” I say without needing more time to decide. “And a large mochaccino with marshmallows and sprinkles.” Dylan nods and scribbles on the order pad.
“And I’ll have the salad of the day, thanks, Dylan. And a spirulina. Yeah. I think that’s all.” Dylan repeats our order back to us then smiles and returns to the kitchen.
Molly leans across the table and takes both my hands in hers. “You need to stop beating yourself up. Enough is enough.”
“I know, Mol.” I sigh. “But the memory of Luke’s face, when he left my store, hurts me to my soul.”
“Well, you are not going to change anything by feeling bad about it. Acknowledge your mistake. You messed up. I told you so. But move on. Lydia. It’s time. I want my friend back. Not this sad excuse for a person who’s sitting opposite me right now. It’s boring.”
“Okay. You’re right.” I smile weakly. “Triple chocolate cake helps.”
“Alright, but you do realize that chocolate cake, in this instance, is not food. It’s feel-good medication you are using to try and make yourself feel better.”
I shrug like I’m a teenager then blow out my cheeks. “You’re right, Molly... again. But it works. Chocolate cake does make things better. But only while I’m eating it. Afterward, I’ll feel yuck and I’ll be in toxic shock for a couple of hours. I’ll probably get a headache from the chocolatey sugar-loaded stimulant and I won't be able to sleep.”
“How about we balance things out.” Molly smiles kindly. “I’ll trade some salad.”
I laugh. “You always balance things out. You’re such a good friend.”
“I’m not kidding. This is the last time.” Molly’s expression switches to something more serious. “Get yourself together, girlfriend. You need to turn things around.”
Kate brings our order on a tray. She sets down the mountainous plate of rich, dark layered chocolate cake with everything on it; the beautifully colorful crispy salad; the steaming chocolatey mug, brimming with cream; and the deep green healthy spirulina in a tall glass, wet with condensation. Kate puts two sets of silverware wrapped in serviettes on the table beside the plates of food. The café has emptied out, so she pulls up a chair and joins us.
I launch into the delectable sweet, sticky feelgood chocolate medication. “You want some?” I say with a mouthful.
“No. Thanks. I’m all good.” Kate says smiling at me. Conversation is minimal as noises of appreciation replace actual words. After a while Kate says, “Lydia. What I don’t understand is, why you didn’t think Luke was for you? It was so obvious that you were attracted to each other. Everyone else could see it.” Kate looks at Molly to back up her statement. Molly nods and sips her healthy drink.
“Kate’s right. The way Luke looked at you. Wow,” Molly says with her head on one side. “And it was crystal clear the effect he had on you, girl.”
I put down my chocolatey spoon and look from Kate to Molly and back again. Then, I reach for the spoon again but change my mind. “He’s just so handsome.” The chocolate-induced headache has kicked in early. “And kind. And, gosh, his eyes.” The cake effect is making me emotional. “And now, there’s no way he is ever going to see me other than a manipulative witch.”
“That may be,” says Kate. “If he does, or if he doesn’t, you can’t dwell on it anymore.”
“When you finish this plate of cake and mug of mochaccino and walk out of here, you need to be Lydia again, okay?” says Molly.
“Is this a what-do-you-call-it? An intervention?” I ask, wiping tears from my eyes and chocolate sauce from my chin.
“Something like that,” says Molly. “It’s what friends do.”