The Black Eyed Peas’ song blared a few times before she swiped the screen to accept the video chat.
Melvina had just tied her apron around her waist. She was pressed to start the morning baking to have all the pies and cakes ready before lunch.
“What’s up Mona? Pretty busy this morning.” Melvina didn’t like the lines she saw around her own eyes as she looked at the screen.
Mona’s lips pursed in an O shape as she licked the lipstick off her teeth. “Um-um-um, girl. Do you know what Sara Lynn heard from Janie Patterson, who’d heard it from Wanda Mann at the Kroger?”
Melvina couldn’t stop her eyes from rolling. Eli turned the corner with a dish tub full of glasses, almost colliding with Melvina as she made her way to the kitchen door. Several days had passed since her talk with Riley about opening her own place, and now Pop was out with a stomach virus. She was thinking hard about the offer, but the reality of what if was staring her right in the face.
“Mona, I hate to rush you, but people are coming in and I need to split my time between the register and the ovens today.”
“This’ll only take a minute,” Mona whined.
Melvina tried not to blanch as she saw a naked Manny Owens coming out of Mona’s bathroom and darting to the side of the screen. “So, Celia told Sara that you had actually won the Hot Buns contest, but it wouldn’t be polite for one of the Blossoms to take home the trophy since Riley had been gracious enough to host the event. Can you believe it?”
Melvina wasn’t sure what she was more shocked over—Manny and Mona’s sex romp or Celia’s latest antics to woo Riley.
Melvina wouldn’t tell Riley. That would just be rude, and it didn’t matter who really won anyway. They both made good rolls and the whole thing was for charity, for goodness’ sake. It was Celia’s meddling that always made things a sticky mess. What if word got around and he found out the truth? She supposed she would just have to take him to bed and make him forget about it. Melvina smiled at the memory of how he cheered her up after she’d lost the competition.
“Mona, please don’t tell anyone else about this. I don’t think the information is helpful, and it hasn’t slowed down our business at the café.”
Her friend nodded and winked at her. “I agree, but I just thought you should know Celia is letting the cat out of the bag. No doubt because of Riley’s interest in you.”
“Looks like Celia hasn’t decided who she wants to play revenge with most. Me for not covering her wild shopping expenditures that she tried to write off through the Magnolia Blossoms’ non-profit status with the IRS, or her failed attempt at snagging Riley.” Melvina shook her head in dismay. “I guess I’ll need to warn Riley before someone waylays him with Celia’s story.”
Mona nodded in agreement and Melvina said goodbye. She leaned against the wall for a moment’s reprieve from the stress.
Eli passed by her and sniffed with exaggeration. “Do you smell that?”
“Yeah, it’s your upper lip. Not funny Eli. I know the skunk odor is gone by now.”
“Melvina, your entourage is here!” Roberta called out through the cook’s order window. Melvina peeked through the wide slot, seeing the chief walking in the front door with Riley coming up the steps behind him.
She stepped through the swinging doors to the front counter, glaring at Roberta as she went to the register to ring up her orders. She smiled and waved at the chief as he took a seat with some of the firemen. Riley stood waiting for her to finish taking care of the checks.
When the customers had left, Riley approached with a broad smile. “I haven’t heard from you since the other day. Everything okay? Don’t tell me Lulu has tied you up in string and left Humphrey in the doghouse.”
Melvina grabbed the coffeepot and a menu to seat the incoming guest. “You want to sit down? I’m sorry, I don’t have much time to chat. Pop is out sick and Eli, Roberta, and I are swamped. I do need to talk to you, though.”
Riley nodded, taking a menu from the counter next to the register. “Go ahead and do what you need to do. I’ll be at the counter when you’ve got time.”
It was another twenty minutes or more before Melvina returned. She swiped a wet towel over a blob of ketchup that had dripped off a plate and onto her apron. “I’m sorry, Riley. Today’s not a good day to chat.”
Riley surveyed the café, frowning. “Yeah, I see that. Let me treat you to dinner tonight. I’d love to take you out on a real date. Candlelight, champagne, maybe a little dancing?” His smile was tempting. There was nothing Melvina would like more than to see Riley tonight, but she needed to check on Pop. Eli and she would be closing the diner on their own since half of the staff was out sick as well.
“I’m sorry, I can’t tonight, Riley. All I’ll have the energy for when this is over is a hot bath and bed.”
Riley’s eyes twinkled, and Melvina could almost predict what he was about to say next, but his lips twitched and he just nodded. Pulling out his wallet, he left a twenty on the counter and stood to leave. Leaning over the counter, he brushed his lips across hers before she could move away. Melvina wasn’t one for public displays of affection, and the middle of the café was about as public as it got.
She self-consciously looked around, gauging how many tongues would be wagging all over Magnolia tonight. She pressed her lips together, trying to play it casual. She would have to have a talk with Riley later and explain that he couldn’t be kissing her in the middle of Pop’s.
“Okay then. Call me when you’re ready to have some fun.” The invitation was innocent enough, but a whistle went up and a few catcalls ensued as Riley turned and exited the café. Melvina couldn’t help staring at his tight jeans and broad shoulders. He was one tall order of fun and he was just waiting for her to join him. If it wasn’t too late, she would call him when she got home, and she would definitely be thinking about him during her hot shower. She tried to put Riley from her thoughts and get back to work. Damn, she sure hoped Pop felt better soon.
Riley didn’t seem frazzled when Melvina broke the news to him about Celia’s latest gossip. In fact, he was smiling from ear to ear.
“What? What’s got you smiling like you just ate the canary?” Melvina asked.
Riley bowed his head, shaking it back and forth as he made a tsking sound. “Here I was worried about you. Ran told me that Raphe told him that the chief mentioned to one of the guys that Celia was saying that you said that the contest wasn’t fair. She said that you were accusing her of throwing the ballots.” His eyebrows raised as he blew out a soft whistle. “Clearly Celia is crazy. I know you wouldn’t do such a thing, but now tongues are wagging, and I suppose we need to do something to satisfy the masses.”
Melvina felt her brows knit together with anger. “That bitch!” She couldn’t stop her fist from balling. “Of all the low-down, dirty things to say. I congratulated you. Hell, I slept with you! I didn’t accuse anyone of anything. It was a charitable cause for Christ’s sake!”
Riley leaned an elbow on the bar. Bubbles was slow for the moment, but happy hour would pick up soon and they would be surrounded by thirsty Magnolia patrons. “I hope you’re still talking about the contest,” his sly grin was infectious.
Melvina couldn’t help but smile as heat flushed over her body. Memories of how he had comforted her after the contest made her heat with desire.
“Screw Celia. She can go jump in the lake for all I care. I’ve already sent my resignation as the treasurer for the Blossoms and I am done with anything she is involved in.”
Riley rested a protective hand on Melvina’s hip. “Hey, Melvina, don’t let her get to you and please don’t let her take away something you enjoy. People love your charitable causes and kids like Maurice depend on you. How is he, by the way?”
“The chief set him up with the crew to wash trucks again today and then they were going to take him on a call to collect Miss Kitty from a tree. He seems to be doing much better with his schoolwork, and I think this mentor program will really help him until his dad comes back. If his dad comes back.” Melvina frowned.
“There isn’t enough work in Magnolia for Hispanic men who don’t speak English. I think that’s why Maurice’s dad disappeared. If I could get more adults to come in for the language classes, it could really help some of the families. There’s a ton of construction work about to be started down the exits of that new tollway.”
Riley nodded. “See, that’s what I’m saying. The Blossoms champion the community by developing these programs or at least putting them in front of the people who live here. That’s what you’re good at and you shouldn’t let Celia’s ill intentions ruin it for everyone.”
Melvina’s heart soared. It felt good to have someone support her. Even if she didn’t take him up on investing in her bakery dream, she still radiated from his belief in her. She’d never had this before with any man. Mona, Eli and Pop had always cheered her on, but for once, she was hearing encouragement from another soul who got what she was all about and wanted to share the journey with her.
Riley was someone she had lain with, wrapped in cotton sheets, and shared her thoughts, hopes and dreams. He’d confided in her as well, and that only added to her feelings. She was seriously considering letting him invest in the lot next to the café.
She had Stan run a few preliminary numbers for costs. It might take five years before she could turn enough profit to be independent, but she had read that most starting businesses took the same amount of time. The question was, would Riley be around in five years to help her see it through? They weren’t married. Hell, they hadn’t even discussed the depth of their relationship. But they did spend almost every night together and most of their free time. That had to mean something.
Mona approached, interrupting Melvina’s thoughts. “Hey, y’all. Mind if Manny and I join you?” Melvina looked around, but there wasn’t any sign of the chief. As if reading her mind, Mona informed them, “He’s parking the truck.”
Riley stood, holding out his barstool for Mona, and she gladly hopped up, swiveling her hips where Riley had sat. Turning to Melvina, she asked, “How’s Pop? Any better?”
Melvina nodded. “Yeah, he’ll live. Eli’s holding down the fort tonight, but I told him to close up early. Pop said he’ll be coming in tomorrow, so we can both get a day off. Most of the staff is back to work and only Darcey is off sick now.”
“Poor dear. Her boyfriend ain’t the type to bring chicken soup. Is she okay at home alone?” Mona sounded truly concerned.
Melvina smiled. “She broke up with him. As a matter of fact, I think Riley’s brother is taking her soup tonight.”
Mona pursed her lips, playfully smacking Melvina on the shoulder. “Good for her! That last baboon she dated wasn’t good enough to lick her red stilettoes.”
The chief walked up with his natural swagger. He looked quite at home when Mona draped an arm around his waist. His larger bicep rested around her petite shoulders, dwarfing her slight frame. They looked happy and Melvina was relieved. Her time with the chief was all but forgotten.
“So, what do you think about doing a hot chili cookoff for the grand finale tomorrow night?” The chief threw them all for a loop with his sudden suggestion. The three of them looked at Manny as the chief waited for Melvina to answer.
“It’s a contest to pick out the hottest of the twelve men chosen for the calendar to do the cover. I think a five-alarm chili cook off sounds perfect, but who will judge?” Melvina rolled her eyes, knowing the drama that would ensue at Bubbles a short twenty-four hours away.
The chief smiled. “Don’t you worry, I fired Celia. Mona’s going to do the emceeing for the evening and the boys from the firehouse that are not up for the calendar will do the judging. We will have good ol’ fashion grease pens and mini eraser boards, and they will put a number on them at the time of the tasting. It will be a blind taste test, so no room for skewed votes.”
Melvina smiled and all three of them nodded with approval. “I gotta ask. How did you get Celia to step down?”
Manny pressed his lips together and then blew out a loud sigh. “I told her that we would withdraw from the calendar event altogether if she didn’t sit this one out. She is also going to make a formal apology to you both sometime this week if she wants to keep her position with the Magnolia Blossoms. I heard Lindsey say they’re just about ready to vote her out. Word has it, you may be the new president.”
“President,” Melvina gasped. “I just put in my resignation as treasurer!”
“Well, I might hold off quitting. If push comes to shove, those ladies will back you over Celia any day, and you are the best person I know for the job.” There was a twinkle in his eye that had nothing to do with their former attraction and everything to do with Mona’s hand in his back pocket.
Melvina thought about what it would mean for the Blossoms. She did love the work at the library and all the things they did for charity, but with the café taking up her working hours and Riley taking up her free time, it didn’t leave a lot left for planning a new bakery.
“I don’t know, Chief. I don’t think I want to be president. I just like helping out. It’s been so busy lately and I can’t imagine more responsibility on my plate.”
The chief sighed and then squeezed her shoulder. “Mona told me about you possibly buying the land next to the café for your bakery. I think it’s a great idea. Don’t let this new fiasco push you into any responsibility you don’t want.”
Melvina smiled, nodding her thanks.
“Maybe I’ll run for president,” Mona announced.
Melvina’s mouth dropped in shock. “Mona, you aren’t even a Blossom.”
Mona waved a hand in the air as if it were no real issue. “That’s just a formality. Those ladies need a real leader.”
Melvina looked at her friend skeptically, trying to discern if this was all just hot air. “And you think the person for the job is you?”
“I may not be the biggest community busy-bee in the county, but I do care about what happens around here. I think this might be good for the Blossoms and me.”
Melvina could see there was more at stake here than Mona was telling. The blush in Mona’s cheeks told another story. Her best friend was smitten over the fire chief and it would look good on paper to marry a charitable sort of gal. If Manny ever ran for office, Mona would do well to be immersed in bettering the community.
The chief put an arm around Mona, pulling her into his side. “I think it’s a wonderful idea. You’d be great at it.”
“Perfect, how about a round of drinks to celebrate?” It was a rhetorical question. Riley waved the waitress over to fill their order and it wasn’t long before they were laughing and having a great time. With all the details of the chili cookoff sorted out and a new prospect for the Blossoms president, Melvina could take a breather and just enjoy the good company for the evening.
