Melvina hit the alarm clock twice before realizing the wretched noise was coming from her cell phone. It was Mona again.
“Mona, why is it you insist on video chatting with me every morning? Don’t you know that no one over thirty should ever hold a phone at this angle?” Melvina tried to straighten her neck in her groggy state, blinking at the unsightly reflection of her double chin in the screen. Even skinny people had double chins when the back of a head was propped up on a mound of pillows. It annoyed her that her skin’s elasticity was failing, and her new slimmer size was accompanied with a slight sag that she wished she could will away.
Mona pursed her over-drawn lips, making her after-forty smile lines look like they had sprouted roots up the crest of her upper lip. “I don’t call every morning.” She paused waiting for Melvina, who declined to argue.
“Listen—Lisa Andrews heard from Tanya Freeman who talked to Lucy Mason that Georgia Messing was in the library last night and saw you talking to Manny. And Jody Watson told Trisha Harper that Lonnie Jones saw you get in Manny’s truck down the road from the library—real suspicious like. Now why is it I have to hear about the mysterious and apparently active love life of my bestest friend through the Magnolia grapevine?” Mona’s eyes were narrowed with unsuppressed annoyance.
Melvina groaned. She would have laughed at the absurdity of it, but nothing was sacred or stayed secret in Magnolia, Texas. “Look, Mona. I don’t know why I have to explain every non-incident that ever occurs in my life, but Manny said hello in the library, and I decided to walk to the diner and get a ride to the hotel to pick up my car. The fire chief saw me walking and offered a ride. He’s a nice man is all.”
Mona panned the phone toward the bedroom door where Melvina could see Jorden lying in her bed snoring. All but his most private parts were uncovered.
“Mel, you really should jump that nice man’s bones before you shrivel up and die from lack of sex. It’s good for the complexion, I tell you.”
Melvina waved for Mona to move the phone and mouthed the words, STOP IT, before rolling her eyes. Mona started walking the phone toward the bed, zooming in on the sheet-covered part of Jorden’s body.
“I’m hanging up Mona,” Melvina called out as Mona’s hand moved to lift the sheet. Pressing the END button and tossing her phone to the empty spot on her bed, Melvina sighed. Looking at the vacant half, she silently wondered why she slept on one side.
Mona’s complexion did look nice. Maybe Melvina needed to step out of her shell and meet someone willing to take her up on a one-night stand. It wasn’t that she didn’t want a relationship, it’s that she had no luck with men. She’d been heavy most of her adult years, which made her feel like she wasn’t what men were looking for, and now that she was shaping up, she couldn’t imagine where to start. No matter how much weight she’d lost, she still felt awkward when it came to matters of the heart. The few dates she had tried never worked out well. She just didn’t connect. She was forever known as the cupcake lady, a Magnolia ladies’ club member, volunteer at the library—good ol’ Melvina Banks.
Pop had tried to set her up with a few men over the years, customers who regularly ate at the diner, but she had shied away. She’d crushed on Manny even before he was widowed, and some deep part of her felt guilty for nourishing the crush, even if it was only in her head. His wife’s passing made him available, but Manny’s interest made Melvina feel ashamed. Maybe her secret fantasy somehow put a vibe out there that she wanted him to be available and now that his wife was gone, Melvina felt awkward. Did she pick unavailable men so she wouldn’t actually have to put her heart on the line?
Melvina shook the meandering thoughts away and stepped into the shower. She needed to run by the diner to get a few things to take to the station and she should call Celia and ask about the charity calendar she was supposed to oversee. Not to mention, she still needed to drop off the paperwork for the audit. Celia wouldn’t accept the excuse that she hadn’t been in the office when Melvina had dropped by yesterday. Manny had asked her not to tell Celia about their preliminary meeting, so she would have to skate around her plans when talking to the Blossom president.
Firetrucks zoomed out as Melvina drove up to the station. The men who recognized her gave her a quick wave as they sped down Nichols Sawmill Road. She noticed the open garage bays and decided to leave the treats for the men for when they returned. They would work up an appetite if there was a real fire, but it was most likely Mrs. Kinder. She was eighty-eight and had a slew of cats. More than likely, Miss Kitty was up in the tree again and couldn’t get down. The aging calico was blind and skittish. It was a weekly occurrence that the firemen had dubbed The Miss Kitty drill. The chief thought it was good practice for new volunteer recruits to go, while the experienced firefighters had a good time razzing them on their return. Miss Kitty had a vicious bite.
Melvina entered through the open bay and made her way to the kitchen. Firemen were great cooks and usually took turns churning out meals when they were on shift. She’d swiped Joe Kuntz’s recipe for cocktail meatballs. Who would have thought grape jelly and chili sauce would make for such a dynamic concoction?
She set the boxes of individual cherry and apple pies next to the sugar and creamer on the break tables. The place was empty. Glancing around she wondered where all the firemen were. It looked like they’d all just raced out of the station. She hoped it wasn’t something major.
She opened two large tin containers and carefully lifted out two dozen chocolate cupcakes decorated with a thick swirl of chocolate frosting and red sprinkles, arranging them on the cardboard trays she’d brought with her. Turning to leave, Melvina spied Manny drumming away at his dinosaur of a computer in his office.
“Oh, hey Manny. I thought the house was empty.”
Manny looked over the rim of his reading glasses. “Hey, Melvina. I didn’t know you were here.” He stood, taking his glasses off and stashing them in his desk drawer.
“I didn’t know you wore glasses.”
He fidgeted with the stapler, several papers, then set a glass paperweight on top of the neat stack. “You weren’t supposed to see those.” He cleared his throat. “Ever since my last birthday, I have had to wear ’em to read.”
Melvina hadn’t seen him wear them at the library but decided she would let the topic go, nodding. “Maybe we should use some of that calendar money to buy the station a new computer. Looks like that one is past its expiration date.”
Manny laughed. “Yeah, it’s old like me, but I like it. It does the job, and truth be told, I can’t keep up with technology. It seems like every day they come out with something new and I have to read another manual to understand how to turn the darn thing on.”
He shook his head and came around the desk. “Wanna cup of coffee? It’s not the best, but it’s fresh. I set it on to brew before the boys got the Miss Kitty call.”
“Aha, I knew it!” she chuckled.
“It’s good for them and better than having everyone laze around here and eat. No offense.” He motioned at the cakes and pies.
“None taken. Hopefully they will have earned the calories when they get back.” The space in the galley kitchen was small, and Melvina felt awkward as she tried to move past Manny, who was pouring coffee for them. She walked into the dining area, pulled out a chair and took a seat. She plucked an artificial sweetener and a coffee stirrer from the plastic cup in the middle of the table and set them on a napkin. “I haven’t talked to Celia yet,” Melvina said. “I keep missing her at the office. She must be working on some other project. I’ll try calling her later this afternoon. When is this calendar shoot supposed to take place?”
“Celia is ready to start tomorrow, but I don’t know how all of this works. I was hoping you might be able to prepare us.” The pink stain creeping up his neck was at odds with the chief’s usually controlled demeanor.
“I did some thinking on this last night and have a few ideas. I know most of the men at the station are married with kids—and their wives might not approve of this particular charity venture. Maybe we should broaden it into a good-natured competition, and involve all the fire stations in Montgomery and Harris counties? Then they could bring the handsomest of their unit to compete with yours. The top twelve selected will make a great calendar, and the money that will be made on the tickets to attend the pageant will be enough to warrant having the whole affair.
“We can do a semi-final and final pageant and string them a week or two apart. We’ll need to advertise to the public and solicit the TV and radio stations. Maybe we can raise a prize amount from the contest so that all the fire stations could benefit as well.” Melvina’s words picked up speed as she did what she did best—manage an event.
“Wait a minute! Pageant? I don’t think—”
Melvina waved both hands at him. “It’s just a word Chief, don’t get your panties in a wad.” She giggled as he shot her a reprimanding glare. “It’s not like we’re gonna curl their hair or put lipstick on them, but we may need to do some man-scaping before they hit the stage.”
“Stage?” he bellowed. Sweat beaded up on the chief’s forehead. “I—I don’t know about all this. Maybe we should rethink—”
Melvina could no longer hold back her laughter. The alarmed expression on the tough guy’s face was priceless. “Don’t worry about a thing,” Melvina soothed, patting his hand. “It will be tasteful, the guys will love all the attention, but best of all, it will raise money for the fire department, and god willing, start a mentor program for the kids.”
He blew out a breath as she spoke. Her pitch was doing the trick. She knew the chief supported the community, especially allocating funds to help underprivileged kids. Manny tipped his chair back and balanced on the back legs as he brought his cup to his lips.
Please, say yes, Manny. Kids like Maurice could use the support.
Melvina hoped the intense expression on his face as he downed the last of his coffee meant he was seriously considering the idea.
Melvina took a final sip of her own, set her empty cup on the table, and stood to leave. “I’d better get back to Pop’s. My shift starts at noon, but there’s inventory to do today. I’ll try to catch Celia one more time on my way to work.”
Manny walked her to the open bay where she had entered. His proximity allowed him to reach out and touch a wayward lock of hair that the wind had tossed across her face. Melvina’s eyes widened at his tender action. His smile was warm, but his eyes were searching. “Melvina, would you like to go out to dinner sometime?”
All the air whooshed out of her lungs at once. Mona had said he was interested in her, but she hadn’t thought it was true. She hadn’t prepared herself for the very moment she had spent years longing for…. Yet here she was. That moment was actually happening, and all she could do was stand gaping at him like a guppy out of water.
His blue eyes were flecked with ivory around the pupils and framed with thick dark lashes he’d inherited from his Italian father. His mother had been quite a beauty in her day. The crinkles around the corners were warm and expressive. Melvina found it hard to look into those striking eyes at the moment. For a man approaching his mid-fifties, he was in perfect shape and could give the younger firemen a run for their money if he chose to compete in the calendar event. Manny was one of the kindest, sexiest men she knew, and he was asking her to dinner.
“Um, yeah, sure. Anytime,” she bumbled.
“How about this weekend? Friday or Saturday?”
“I’ve got to work this weekend.”
“Then next weekend.”
“I haven’t made the schedule that far out.” Melvina wasn’t sure why she was stalling. She made the schedule, and she was actually off Saturday, but would now have to work because she was too nervous to go out with Manny.
“Okay. Let’s play it by ear. I’ll check back with you next week.” His smile was warm and knowing. She knew he probably sensed her jitters but wasn’t put off by them. Manny wasn’t only handsome, he exuded warmth and had a protective nature.
“Great! Looking forward to it,” she said as she backed into the flagpole and stumbled a step. Manny grinned and waved as she got into the catering van. She drove from the firehouse to the lion’s den. It was time to face-off with Celia.
Riley didn’t know why Celia Lockwood had summoned him to her office, but he didn’t plan to stay long. They’d wrapped up the charity event funds, and he didn’t like the way Celia had treated Melvina the night of the ball. He nodded at the secretary, who motioned him into the spacious, modern office. Stainless steel, glass and black-lacquered finishes made up the minimalist decorated room. The only pop of color was a picture of Celia in a red frame that must have dated back a few years.
Riley removed his ball cap as Celia rose from her expansive glass desk, giving him a wide smile. Her thin figure was clad in a tight, pale gray designer suit and sexy red high heels. He hoped she wasn’t torturing herself on his account. He didn’t care how she wrapped the package, women like Celia were toxic.
“Mr. Nash, I’m so glad you could come. Please, have a seat.” She motioned to the chairs parked in front of her desk. Once he was seated in the soft dark leather, she came around and sat on the desk’s edge, leaving very little room between them. It also put her feminine assets in his immediate field of vision. Riley propped one ankle on his opposite knee and leaned back. He hoped the message was clear.
“I wanted to commend you once more on the wonderful dinner arrangements for the charity fund-raiser,” she began. “It was our best event to date, and all due to the excellent menu selections.”
Riley fidgeted. “I don’t think you can credit me with all of the success. Miss Banks did a hell of a job putting it all together. It didn’t hurt that the hotel is new, and the ballroom is beautiful.” He hated looking down, but he didn’t like craning his neck up to look at Celia, and he certainly didn’t want to look straight ahead. The stitching on his Lucchese boots was safer territory.
“Melvina?” Celia chuckled. “She’s nice to have around to pick up the slack, but she’s no wizard when it comes to finances. I won’t go into all that. She’s not interesting enough to talk about right now, but I will tell her you approve.”
Celia was certainly sharpening her claws and out for blood. Riley’s own blood began to boil. He stood, coming face to face with the designer beauty. He was six feet tall, and he guessed she was only four inches shorter without the heels. “I think this meeting is over.”
She put a hand on his chest. “You can’t be serious? Melvina was probably a hundred pounds overweight at the last ball. Are you a chubby chaser, Mr. Nash?”
“I take offense to just about everything you’ve said today, Miss Lockwood. Now, if you will excuse me.” Riley turned and made his way to the door.
Celia followed him at a clipped pace. “Wait! Riley, I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I’ve behaved deplorably. Can you give me just a few more minutes of your time?”
Riley turned back, one hand on the door. Celia’s catty expression changed to soft, imploring desperation.
“Okay, but I won’t stand for your insults of Miss Banks.”
“Agreed. I don’t know why I’m downing Melvina. I think I’m just mad she ruined my ball gown. Silly of me, I know. Forgive me. I’ll be on my best behavior—I promise.” She had both hands on him now, one on each bicep. “I would like to ask you to host another dinner. You will be paid for your time. We’re creating a fund-raising calendar for the fire department, and the chief mentioned to me, only moments before you arrived, that he would like to allocate a good portion of the proceeds to fund a mentor program for Magnolia.”
Riley blew out a breath. He wanted to be angry and he didn’t want to be a pawn in Celia’s game, but after hearing her last statement, how could he say no? He’d always had a soft spot for children in need. He would have to put his dislike for Celia aside and try to work something out so that the kids could benefit. Besides, it would possibly put him closer to Melvina, though he remembered working solely with Celia on the last event. Amazed that he could have ever considered going out with the vamp holding onto him like a prize bull, he reminded himself it was before he saw how badly she treated Melvina.
Celia was leaning into him, smiling playfully. Her breasts brushed against the front of his shirt. “What do you say? Do it for the kids?”
Riley waited a beat, blew out another long breath and nodded. Celia made a cooing noise, then planted a kiss on him before he had time to step back. He was still holding onto the door.
When he didn’t return the kiss, she stepped back and straightened her blazer. “Well, then, that’s settled.”
Celia’s bright red convertible was parked outside the office, and Melvina sighed with relief. She was ready to drop off the accountant’s figures and be done with the whole mess. The numbers checked out correctly, except for a load of receipts that Celia had added to the stack when she handed Melvina the files at the diner.
Apparently, Celia had forgotten to include them in the initial filing and had filed an amendment without telling Melvina or Stan. That was a big no-no for the IRS. There were thousands of dollars in receipts for things that Melvina wasn’t sure the Blossoms could deduct. Designer shoes, make-up, and spa days were not charitable tax write-offs. She would let Celia battle that out with the auditing agent when their extension ended next week. She had done her part with Stan and the initial meeting with the auditor. Now it was up to Celia to face the taxman.
Melvina approached the office and saw Riley through the glass door. Celia’s secretary looked uncomfortable as she motioned for Melvina to have a seat. Melvina watched as Riley and Celia locked lips.
Laying the thick file of papers on the secretary’s desk, Melvina mumbled something about giving it to Celia and turned to leave. She didn’t know why she felt like the bottom had just fallen out of her world. Riley Nash wasn’t hers to claim. Celia Lockwood was beautiful, slim, and successful. They looked good together. Both polished and posh.
She revved the engine on the van as she backed out of the lot, causing the wheels to peel out on the pavement. She caught a glimpse of Riley in her rearview mirror. He was standing on the sidewalk, feet braced apart, shouting something at her. He slammed his hat against his knee and spiked his fingers through his hair. He looked flustered.
Talking to him was the last thing she wanted.
Right now, she needed to be alone at home, baking in her kitchen, but being at Pop’s would be the next best thing.
