“Plus, about tomorrow – really it’s no big deal. There are enough people involved with this now, that it really isn’t me putting on this party for you and Stacey, it has basically become a church event. So the people you need to thank are those that loved you and taught you about Jesus your whole life.” I told him.
“Are you sure?” Jude asked.
“Absolutely positive. Now go and stand beside your fiancé before she notices that you are gone.” I told him as I pushed him away with my hands.
“So you’re really doing okay?” I hear a voice behind me say.
I literally jumped and gave a quiet little shriek.
“Augh. Heather. Do you have to sneak up behind people like that?” I swat her arm.
“In order to get the truth in a timely fashion with you, yes, as a matter of fact, I do.” Heather replied saucily to me as she swatted me back.
“Don’t you know it’s rude to eavesdrop?” I replied.
“When has that ever stopped me?” Heather asked.
“Hmm, now that is true.” We both laughed.
Lily came to take care of the counter, so Heather and I both grabbed a fresh cup of coffee and went to sit in the back office to chat. Much to my surprise, the office was already occupied.
“Well hey there stranger.” I said to Matt.
Matt had somehow managed to slip past me this morning without my even noticing. He looked happy as he sat back in the desk chair completely surrounded by mounds of paper and a half full cup of coffee.
“Hey there. Guess Heather forgot to mention I was back here, eh?” he said to me as he gazed adoringly at his wife.
“Are you having fun?” I asked him as I glanced down at the papers on the desk.
“You betcha. We’re actually doing really well this month.” Matt informed me.
I had completely forgotten, but today was Matt’s day to come in and work on the books, something that I just dread having to do. It does feel good though to hear Matt tell me how good we are doing, something I know in my heart, but now it’s on paper.
“I’ve noticed that we’re getting a little bit low on stock. I transferred a bunch of money into the PayPal account. Do you think you could do some quick ordering from your crafty ladies?” Matt asked me as he motioned with his arm the depleting stock that we have sitting on the shelves behind him.
“With planning the party, I guess I got behind a bit. Sorry. I don’t think it will be a problem. I’m expecting a box to come any day with some great Christmas items and more candles. I’ll definitely order some more tonight though.” I said to him as I began to peek in the boxes to see what we have left to stock shelves with.
I glanced up to find Heather sitting on her husbands lap. She was whispering something in his ear. Just as I was about to make a comment to them on their coziness, Matt interrupted me.
“I think I’ll run and grab us some lunch. You ladies have a good chat and please make sure you’re done by the time I get back. I’ll bring back some Chinese food if you behave yourselves” Matt promised as he began to zip up his jacket and walk towards the door.
“What did you say to him?” I asked her as we both sat down.
“Oh, just that we needed to have a girly chat and that I was craving some Chinese food.” She said to me with a wink. Since being married, I’ve noticed that Matt and Heather seem to have their own personal language that I don’t understand at all.
“So what were the magic words, girly chat or Chinese food?” I asked her.
Heather just laughed at me.
“So, are you really doing okay?” she asked me, ignoring my earlier question.
That was the hint that it’s time for some serious talk now. I take a sip of coffee and lay my heart bare before her.
“Yes, Heather. I really and truly am doing okay now. I’ve been having some real heart to heart discussions with God, dealing with a lot of garbage that was buried inside. I think admitting to my dad what happened with Jude really helped this morning. When my dad told me that he would never be disappointed in me, it was like a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders. I believe it also opened up a section of my heart that I’ve been hiding from God as well.” I told her.
“Wow. That’s great. You know whenever our Pastor talks about the Father’s Love on Sundays, he often mentions that our views of God as our Father, or Abba come from our relationships with our earthly fathers.” Heather reminded me in an encouraging way.
“I know. I thought of that as well. It’s so true Heather. I used to think that there was a difference; that we could separate the two if we really wanted, but I don’t think that is possible in our hearts. How we respond and react with our own dads really does control how we respond to God as our heavenly father. I realized that this morning." I admitted to her.
"Don't forget the fact that you received an email from a good looking dream guy. That always helps to heal the heart." Heather said to me with a huge smile on her face.
"Hmm, we mustn't forget that." I said to her tongue in cheek. She knows me so well.
"Speaking of a handsome dream guy, did you dream about him last night by any
chance?" Heather asked me with a sly gleam in her eye.
"No. Isn't that funny? I thought for sure I would, especially after receiving his email. But it was just a deep, peaceful sleep for me last night." I’d never even noticed my dreamless sleep this morning.
"Hmmm, I wonder what that means?"
"Oh you." I said to her, knowing she was just trying to tease me. I could tell Heather had more on her mind, but thankfully Matt knocked on the door and poked his head in at the perfect time.
"Is it safe to enter now? I brought goodies." Matt said as he waved a bag of Chinese food in the air.
"Hmmm, lunch time. You can enter in anytime as long as you come bearing food." I called out to him.
I glance over at Heather in time to see her give a little pout and then glance quickly back at Matt and see him give a little shrug. Hmm, I wonder what is going on between these two?
After a delicious lunch of chicken fried rice, chicken balls, beef stir fry and an egg roll, I decided to take the afternoon and work on replacing our depleting stock. Knowing that Lily would stay until closing, I felt fairly confident that I would be leaving the store in good hands. With teasing remarks to watch out for the snow, Heather and Matt both push me out. Heather's excuse was to check my email right away and to call her as soon as I hear back from Richard. Matt only wanted me out of the office so that I could order more stock.
Watching carefully where I stepped on my way to the car, I found myself wishing that Richard had written me back already. I felt like a silly little schoolgirl waiting to receive her first love note from a boy; giddy and foolish. I loved this feeling; it was new yet felt comfortable, like an old pair of sneakers. I had no idea where this feeling was going to lead me, but I really hope I could be like Dorothy following the yellow brick road.
When I arrived home I immediately got into comfort mode. Fresh pot of coffee brewing, comfy pants and sweater with my hair pulled back. After searching everywhere for my slippers I looked for a trail that the kittens like to create with their findings. I’ve noticed with Cocoa and Jewel that they have created their very own treasure chest amongst the many boxes in my bedroom closet.
If there is an item I cannot find, it is almost guaranteed that it will be in this chest they created. There is an old shoebox that I kept full of little things that bring back memories for me. I keep a shell that I found at the beach once. I love the sound of soothing waves, seagulls flying overhead. It’s a very peaceful feeling for me, and so I keep this shell to remind me of that sense of peace. There are also beads from a broken necklace that my first best friend from grade school bought me. Little things like that.
Apparently the kittens have also decided to claim this box as their own. I find socks, shoelaces, washcloths, and cotton balls in there. It appears that today their newest find is my slipper. I walk into my room calling out the kittens’ names. I can hear a slight meowing. Opening my closet door I find one kitten curled up in a ball inside my slipper and the other is lying on top of the foot part. Adorable. Not adorable enough for me to forgo wearing my slippers though.
Seated at my computer to start ordering items for the store,
I find myself eagerly opening up my inbox to see if I have any new messages awaiting me. Sure enough the message that I was hoping for has arrived. I can feel the flutters begin to happen in my stomach, my heartbeat starts racing and I begin to feel very nervous. What will he say? How will he respond to my message? What will happen next? I find myself taking a deep breath.
My dreaming Wynne;
You always had the best dreams. Good to know that hasn’t changed.
I remember the days we would meet for coffee. I hear you have a
quaint coffee area in your store. Perhaps I’ll surprise you one day and
d
rive down to see you. Then we can get all caught up and you can show
me how all your dreams came true.
It’s hard to misbehave when you are a teacher. Growing up is
hard work, but an opportunity has come into my life that will allow
me to explore all those things I let go of so long ago. It would be nice if you
could experience this with me.
So tell me about a dream you’ve had recently?
Always curious – Rich
I slowly let go of the breath I was holding in and felt a huge smile spread across my face. I close my eyes. I can barely allow myself to believe this. Richard was always so good at leaving little messages within a vague message. I’m not sure if I dare to read more into what he wrote. Did he really suggest the possibility of a future between us? Would he really come down to see me? Doesn’t he remember how much I detest surprises?
I give Heather a call at the store. I’m so excited that there is no way I could keep this to myself. I need someone to squeal with me.
“Wynne.... He’s coming to see you. That is so exciting.”
“Heather, I’m so excited. I can’t quite believe this. I have no idea when he’ll be coming.” I whined to her.
“Well, we’ll just have to make sure you look stunning every day, that way you’ll be prepared no matter when he comes.” she told me in a very practical manner.
“And are you prepared to come over and make me look stunning every day?” I asked her back just a bit sarcastically.
“Darling, you can’t expect me to perform miracles everyday.” Heather told me in her best diva voice. We both had a quick laugh.
“Seriously girl. This could be your dream come true. Are you ready?”
“Right now Heather, I’m too excited to think about what all this means. I think I’ll just bask in the thought of it all coming true for now. I’ll deal with him coming to see me when it actually happens. Who knows, it could be after the new year for all I know.” I told her.
“Oh come on. For a guy who was so in love with you that he still wants to find out if the spark could still be there, as if he would wait until after Christmas. You should know him better than that. Richard is the type that once he decides what he wants, he goes after it full force. Or have you forgotten that about him?” Heather asked me.
“People can change you know.” I told her. What if he has changed? What if he decides that he wants to take his time and not give me the chance to win back his heart? What if he decides I’m not worth it? Why am I letting the unknown bother me so much?
“Snap out of it. You know …” Heather was saying to me before I could hear Matt garbling something in the background to her.
“I ah, I need to go. Matt needs me. Bye.”
I quickly dismiss from my mind my conversation with Heather and decide to get down to work. The first order of business for the tonight was to place some more orders for stock, and then I’ll indulge and think about the email I just received. It’s not very often that Matt gives me the go-ahead to do a free for all in orders, so I had better get it done tonight before he changes his mind. After the work is done, then I’ll allow myself to dream.
Chapter 13
After spending an exhausting day at Chocolate Blessings, I changed my schedule and had a relaxing bath before I dinner. With the engagement party coming up fast, I have a feeling that tonight will be just as busy as the day was with last minute phone calls and such.
I was looking forward to getting home and relaxing in my own little world.
Just as I was about to turn the ringer off my phone, it rang. Go figure.
“Wynne. Come over for dinner tonight.” In typical form, she demanded rather than asked. And as much as I love my moms homemade cooking, I’m not up to the grilling I know I’ll receive.
“I’d love to, but tonight’s not the best night. I was just about to take a bath and then work on the last minute preparations for the party on Friday.” I explained.
“I thought you might be working on that tonight, that’s why I have dinner in the oven, and then I thought I could help you. Two minds are always better than one. Besides, you know how much I love parties.” Mom said to me as she tried to twist my arm in coming.
“Go have your bath, by the time you get here, the lasagna will be ready” she continued.