Chapter 30
30
T wo days later, Tessa was sitting in the bakery again. This time, she was meeting Emelia to discuss ideas and suggestions for the animal shelter event. The one thing she’d learned early on was to get the vendors on board early and have a plan.
She pushed open the bakery door, and the scent of cinnamon hit her, transporting her right back to her childhood, when her mother baked cinnamon bread. The smell never got old and enveloped her like a soft, comforting blanket.
“Over here!” Emelia’s cheerful voice startled Tessa, who was still lost in thought.
“Oh, my. You surprised me,” Tessa said, holding her hands over her heart as she spotted Emelia sitting at a small corner table by the window. “Every time I come into the bakery, scents remind me of something.”
Emelia stood to give Tessa a hug. “I know. That’s how I feel every day. It’s like I’m surrounded by everything that I love.”
Tessa settled into a chair, placing her purse on the seat beside her. The bakery was bustling with the hum of conversations and the soft clink of mugs on the table. Cool jazz played in the background while the morning sunlight poured through the glass windows.
The bakery filled with customers as they spent a few minutes catching up. The server came over, and they ordered coffee and the special of the day: raspberry crunch muffins.
Tessa turned to Emelia, who was already placing her notes on the table. “All right,” she said, “let’s make some magic happen.”
“Oh, do I have some great ideas,” said Emelia, whose eyes were sparkling with excitement. “I also met a caterer I think you’ll love. Mia Whitmore is new in town and owns Plated Perfection.” She pulled a business card from her purse. “Here’s her information.” Emelia handed the card to Tessa.
Plated Perfection, Beautiful Food, Timeless Memories.
Tessa looked at the logo of a stylized plate surrounded by floral vines in soft neutral tones in cream, gold, and dusty pink. The business card was both formal and rustic. Tessa knew she had found her caterer.
“Wow! I love her business card,” said Tessa. “Have you had her food?”
Emelia nodded. “She helped Isabelle and Will at their last farm-to-table dinner.”
“Great, I’ll contact her. So…” Tessa grinned. “What ideas do you have for the animal shelter event?”
“How about dog bone cookies? I can shape them like a dog bone and add a small label like ‘adopt, don’t shop’ or something else. Maybe cat face cake pops.”
“Oh, I like that!” exclaimed Tessa.
“Then I could add decorated cookies in animal shapes and cupcakes with animal faces.”
“Clever,” Tessa agreed, making a few notes. “Keep those in mind and…”
A low voice drifted across the bakery.
“I’ll deliver the package soon. … It’ll be a surprise. I’ll get back to you tonight.”
Tessa froze. She slowly scanned the bakery, her hands gripping her coffee cup tighter.
There!
In a corner, Evan sat talking on his phone.
Package? Surprise? Deliver? Oh God. Was Evan talking about her? Her heart was racing. She couldn’t breathe.
Evan looked up, frowned at Tessa, and hung up.
“Tessa?” Emelia shook her shoulder. “Are you all right?”
Tessa took a deep breath. “I can’t… I have…”
“You can’t what? I’m sorry, hon, but I’m not understanding you. Are you ill?”
Tessa shook her head. Before she could answer, a shadow fell over the table.
“Emelia!”
Both women looked up. A small smile played on Evan’s lips as he stood near the table. She tried to push her chair back to run, but her legs felt like lead. No way was he sending her back to Malina or Damien.
“Hey, Evan,” Emelia said brightly. “Everything okay?”
NO, Emelia, don’t talk to him. Danger! Danger!
“Everything is great,” he replied.
Emelia glanced at Tessa. “Oh Evan, have you met my friend Tessa?”
Evan glanced at Tessa. “Not officially, but I know you live upstairs and come here often.”
Tessa couldn’t speak, she just nodded.
“I was just calling a client.” Evan pulled his phone out. “Speaking of which, Emelia, I know you’ve been interested in this old clock for your kitchen. I have a lead on it. Do you still want it?”
Tessa blinked. Clock?
“Oh, the old farmhouse clock?” Emelia looked at Tessa. “Evan is an antiques dealer and is always looking for unusual finds. Just last month, he found a full set of pink depression glass for a client.”
Evan grinned. “That’s true. And a Toby Jug for a client who wants to surprise his wife. People love surprises, right?”
Tessa forced a laugh. “Yeah. Surprises.”
“Well, ladies. I have to leave.” He looked at Tessa. “If you ever need help searching for something, let me know.”
The two women watched Evan leave. Tessa breathed a sigh of relief. Her paranoia was getting the better of her if she thought everyone she met was out to get her.