Chapter 12 #2
Out of the corner of my eye I see Jakob appear in the bathroom doorway with a wrench in one hand.
He stands there silently, watching us. He’s always been a quiet observer, not saying much but missing absolutely nothing.
Behind that wall of muscle and taciturn facade is a lightning-fast brain.
He was always one of the smartest boys I knew.
“Hullo.” Henry spots him and crosses the room to Jakob, holding out his hand. “Henry Summers,” he says cordially in that plummy accent of his. It’s a little Benedict Cumberbatch and a little Hugh Grant.
“Jakob Kristensen.” They shake in a firm, manly way. I get the feeling they’re sizing each other up. Dani looks from one to the other, then catches my eye and grins, wiggling her eyebrows dramatically. She goes to where Jakob and Henry are standing. I roll my eyes at her and join the group.
“Henry Summers…” Jakob’s eyes narrow. “As in the guy on TV?”
“Ah yes, yes I am. Guilty as charged,” Henry admits. “But please don’t hold it against me.” His smile is self-deprecating. He seems to have no ego when it comes to his fame. In fact, he seems a little uncomfortable with it. It’s endearing.
Jakob smiles thinly in return but doesn’t say anything. Henry clears his throat and turns to me. “Emmie, Dani filled me in on your unfortunate plumbing situation. I’m so sorry. I hope all is set to rights soon. Is there any way I can help?”
I swear I hear a faint snort from where Jakob is standing in the doorway to the bathroom. “How handy are you with a wrench?” Jakob mutters so low I think I’m the only one to catch his words.
“That’s kind of you to offer, Henry,” I tell him, ignoring Jakob. “Actually, there is something you could do for me. I want your opinion on something. All of you, actually. Just a minute.”
I run into the kitchen and return with a Tupperware container of my newest creations.
“These are Rainier cherry and vanilla buttercream truffles,” I explain. “The cherries are locally grown. It’s my first new recipe in a long time.” I nervously dole them out, one to each person. “I want your honest opinion.”
I’m nervous as they each take a truffle. What if they don’t like them? What if I’ve lost my touch? It feels strangely vulnerable to be standing here waiting for others to test and pass judgment on my creation.
“Ooh, look at the fancy sprinkles,” Dani coos, admiring her truffle. “I like the bling.”
I dusted each truffle generously with the mysterious gold sprinkles.
For courage. I pop a truffle into my mouth and lift my chin, waiting for feedback from the others, waiting for the courage to zip through me.
There is a moment of silence, and then a chorus of approval.
I feel a zing of excitement in my belly, and it’s not just from the truffle.
“That is one of the best things I’ve ever put in my mouth,” Dani exclaims, putting her hand to her chest as though she’s about to swoon.
“Wow,” Jakob acknowledges. “That’s…really good.”
But it’s Henry I’m really waiting on. He rolls the truffle around in his mouth contemplatively. I watch his face closely.
“Emmie, this is…absolutely delicious,” he says finally, a note of wonder in his voice. “I can’t even quite put my finger on what it is that makes it so special…” he trails off as though puzzled.
“Does anyone else feel sort of warm and tingly?” Dani asks, looking bewildered. “Do these chocolates have booze in them, Emmie?”
“No booze, just a little magic,” I tell her with a smile.
Dani shoots me a quizzical look, and I hand her another truffle.
“Well, whatever they’ve got in them, you should definitely carry these in the new shop,” Dani says, popping the second one into her mouth.
“New shop?” Henry asks. I see Jakob’s head come up as well. All eyes are on me.
I close the lid on the Tupperware container and burp the air from it.
“I’m opening my own chocolate shop,” I confirm.
“I’ve dreamed of doing it for years, and now seems like the right time, so I’m going to give it a go.
” I don’t add anything about the vision being the impetus, about how I’m hoping one day to see Henry proposing to me in that very chocolate shop.
“Emmie, that’s wonderful news!” Henry says, looking pleased. “Where are you going to open it? Are you thinking a culinary hot spot? Paris? Or closer to home? Perhaps New York or LA?”
“What’s wrong with Poulsbo?” Jakob almost growls from the doorway, frowning at Henry.
Henry looks a little surprised. “Of course,” he hastens to add, smoothing over the awkward moment. “I’m sure wherever you choose to open a shop, Emmie, it will be a success.”
Jakob narrows his eyes at Henry like he’s trying to take his measure.
Henry clears his throat. “Emmie, could I trouble you for a few minutes? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you. I’ve had a thought after our last conversation.”
Henry’s been thinking about me? I like the sound of that. Next to me Dani elbows me in a very unsubtle manner. “Say yes,” she hisses under her breath.
Jakob clears his throat. He’s standing in the doorway to the bathroom, arms crossed, looking a little annoyed. He raises a brow at me and holds up the wrench. “I’ll get back to work if you don’t need me for anything else?”
I flush, feeling the weight of his assessing gaze on me. Why do I feel like he’s judging me, or that somehow he’s disapproving? My life is none of his business.
“Of course, go for it,” I tell him briskly, then turn apologetically to Henry. “I’d love to chat now, but I’ve got Gus with me. He’s having a snack in the kitchen. Could we find another time soon?”
Dani jumps in. “I’ll take Gus home and make sure his homework’s all done. You stay and talk to Henry, Emmie.” She shoots a pointed look at me behind Henry’s back and mouths, “Go with him!” jabbing a finger toward the door.
“Are you sure?” I ask her.
“Stay out as late as you want,” she calls over her shoulder, already heading toward the kitchen to get Gus.
“Tell Gus we’ll finish the LEGO spaceship as soon as I get home,” I instruct her. She gives me a thumbs-up over her shoulder. Gus won’t be disappointed by this turn of events. He adores Dani and is always begging to have more time with her.
“Well then.” Henry gestures toward the door. “Shall we?”
I can still taste the sprinkles from the truffle, a sliver of gold dissolving slowly on my tongue. Looking at Henry, I feel something new rising in my heart, the courage to take risks and reach for the stars.
“I’d love that.”
I follow Henry out the door.