AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Sorry Netty,” I say, following her to the oven. I open the door and she slips the bundt pan inside before taking two fully baked cakes out. “Now, what’s your favorite part of the song?”
“Why?” she asks, brows crinkling. Her eyes bore into me like she’s trying to find some ulterior motive. Like someone wanting to know more about her is unusual. Maybe it is.
“I know you have good taste. If it’s your favorite part, it must be good.”
“And how do you know I have good taste?”
I nod at the chocolate shavings and empty batter bowl beside her hip. “Because I’ve literally tried a dozen of your recipes. This is another one, isn’t it? One you’ve been working on to convince Connie to put on the menu?”
Immediately her eyes light up like they always do when we talk about her recipes.
“I’ve been telling her for months now that people are tired of only choosing chocolate or yellow cake to go with their dark roast coffee.” She gazes pointedly at the two cakes she’d just pulled from the oven. “People want variety. I know we don’t get enough customers to justify fifteen desserts, but what’s just one more on a busy Sunday afternoon? It could help bring in new business, especially during tourist season.”
Connie certainly could use the extra business. The Over Easy diner is a staple in Moonshine Creek. Still, lots of its loyal patrons have passed since its opening over fifty years ago.
The newer generations want something fresh, and the elderly Connie seems to have trouble accepting this, even right down to the ancient building she constantly has me patch up. Truth is, patches won’t cut it anymore, and Connie’s stubbornness aside, the money just isn’t there for repairs.
Any money made goes towards keeping Zoe employed. The rest is spent on supplies and Connie’s medical bills. She’s pretty secretive with her health, as is her right, but I’ve seen her in the hospital enough times when I’ve visited Buckee to know that she’s getting worse.
Even if I hadn’t noticed her hospital stints, I would’ve figured out that something was up with Connie, given Zoe’s insane schedule. There are dark circles around her sage-green eyes, and she’s lost so much weight that her apron strings, which barely used to meet around her back, are now double-tied.
I know Zoe loves Connie—who’s become somewhat of an aunt-like figure to her, the diner, and its few regulars whom she never wants to let down. But it's obvious that she’s over-exerting herself and for very little payoff. I’ve done repairs in the tiny, super messy back office. I’ve seen the pay stubs, and they‘re downright criminal. There’s no way Zoe can take care of herself—much less her son—on that salary, even with decent tips, which are probably rare in a small town like Moonshine Creek.
“I spent all morning making these,” she says. Reaching for the chocolate shavings, she pinches a few between her forefinger and thumb. “Here, taste.”
The excitement on her face is downright adorable. If she were thinking clearly, would she have willingly put her fingers in my mouth?
I don’t hesitate as I lean forward and hold her wrist before taking those sweet fingers between my lips. When I do, Zoe’s face turns from giddy excitement to something else that makes her lips part and her chest rise and fall quickly. The chocolate tastes even sweeter on her skin, and I can’t help but lightly suck her fingertips.
When I pull away, her hand still hovers, seemingly frozen, until I take it in mine and gently pull it back down and hold it. It’s so soft in comparison to my own.
“Delicious,” I say after it’s all melted. “You soaked it in rum?”
“Yes, overnight.” She nods, shyly slipping her fingers from mine. “I know we don’t carry alcohol, but that rum’s a top seller at the bar next door. I think it’d intrigue some of the patrons there. I’m going to make the chocolate cake more interesting by topping it in whipped, rum-infused coffee frosting and chocolate shavings.”
“I’ll be the first in line.”
Her smile falters. “Just don’t tell Connie.”
“Another secret menu item?” I smirk. I wonder how long it will be before Connie notices that the increase in sales is due to Zoe. Zoe breathes new life into this dilapidated diner.
She nods before taking the batter bowl and other dirty dishes to the sink.
I get there before her and grab the pull-down faucet sprayer, but she tries to stop me.
“I can do that.”
“I know you can,” I say, ignoring her and giving each dish a blast. “But now you’re totally free to give me that concert.”
She throws me a look. “You really aren’t letting it go, are you?”
I shake my head. “Nope.” Besides, I know that she needs a break. She’s been working non-stop all day.
Sighing, she turns her back to me as she feigns straightening up a shelf.
“The part that says, three-hour road trip, and the only thing I rode was that damn truck.” Even as she sings it, a dark blush creeps across her cheeks.
A lot more would be getting ridden if we were on a three-hour road trip together.
