13
T he bell above the Snowflake Sugar Shop door jingled merrily as Eleanor stepped inside, her lips pressed into a thin line. The sweet scent of frosting and sugar assaulted her senses. She straightened her spine, steeling herself for the task ahead.
Eleanor's eyes swept across the quaint shop bursting with color, from the rainbow display of glittering candies to the pastel-painted walls with whimsical paintings. Glass jars and metal tins of various sizes lined the shelves, each one packed with sugary treats. The floor was a checkered pattern of white and pink tiles, and a large crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow. Combined with the sweet smell of sugar and chocolate, Eleanor's senses were overwhelmed. Was that why she'd always been so rude?
Her attention turned to Sadie and Rosie, organizing a new truffle selection. With measured steps, she approached them, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.
Sadie looked up. “Good morning, Eleanor. What can we do for you?”
“I need your assistance,” Eleanor began, the words tasting bitter on her tongue, but she forced herself to continue. “For the upcoming ballroom dance competition. The florist, who was supposed to create our main centerpiece, lives in Silverpine Ridge and—”
“Did they get hit by the power outage?” Rosie interrupted. “I heard half the town is without power.”
“Yes, that's correct, and even though it is still two weeks away, they fear they will not be up and running soon enough to provide us with the centerpiece. That's where you two come in.”
Sadie's eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Of course, Eleanor. We'd be happy to help.”
Rosie's eyes lit up as she nodded enthusiastically. “We’ll come up with something fabulous. Don't you worry.”
“Perhaps a cascade of sugar snowflakes?” Sadie suggested.
Rosie chimed in, “Or a miniature ice palace with spun sugar icicles!”
Eleanor blinked, taken aback by their eagerness. These women were certainly exuberant.
“We could incorporate edible glitter for extra sparkle,” Sadie said.
“And maybe some delicate sugar ribbons in cool blues and silvers,” Rosie added.
Eleanor's brow furrowed. “It mustn't be gaudy or overstated.”
Sadie nodded solemnly. “Of course not. We'll make sure it's elegant and refined, just like ballroom dancing.”
“We promise to work hard and create something perfect for you,” Rosie assured her, her smile friendly and genuine.
“Thank you,” Eleanor said. “Sadie, I believe you know our budget and have an idea of what the Silverpine florist was supposed to deliver. You should have received the quote in an email two weeks ago.”
“I did, and I do, so trust us, Eleanor. Rosie and Jack will deliver something amazing. Our centerpiece will be worthy of the ballroom dance competition.”
“Speaking of dancing,” Rosie said, “how are things going with Christopher? I heard you two had a dance lesson.”
Eleanor's spine stiffened. “I fail to see how that's any of your concern.”
“Oh, we didn't mean to pry,” Sadie interjected, her tone softening. “We just thought—”
“You thought wrong,” Eleanor snapped, her fingers curling into fists at her sides. “My personal affairs are precisely that, personal.”
Rosie's smile faltered, but she pressed. “We only asked because—”
“Because what?” Eleanor's voice cracked, betraying her vulnerability. “Because you'd love some gossip about my private life to spread around town?”
The shop fell silent. Eleanor's cheeks burned, realizing how abrasive and defensive she sounded. She closed her eyes briefly, summoning all her inner strength. Change is hard . “I apologize. That was uncalled for.”
Sadie reached out, her hand hovering near Eleanor's but not quite touching. “It's okay, Eleanor.”
Eleanor looked up, surprised by the genuine concern in both women's eyes. There was no judgment, no hidden agenda. Just kindness and understanding.
“Christopher is kind,” Eleanor said. “It's been nice, having someone to dance with and talk to.”
Rosie's smile returned, friendly and encouraging. “That's lovely.”
Nodding curtly, Eleanor made for the exit. “Well, I need to get going. Thank you again for your help with the centerpiece. I have no doubt it will be stunning.”
She was filled with a sense of lightness as she left the Snowflake Sugar Shop. The winter air tingled against her cheeks, but she barely noticed. Her mind whirled with emotions—relief about the centerpiece, yes, but something else, too.
She paused, glancing back at the cheerful storefront. Change was hard, but she’d made progress. One step at a time . Isn’t that what Vivian had said after cutting her hair? Changing her own attitude had shown her that there was more to Sadie and Rosie than she'd initially thought. Maybe there was more to herself.