Cindy's Perfect Dance (The Candy Cane Girls Book 2) Read online

  Cindy reached both hands toward Rob’s mother. “I didn’t mean to overstep, but wanted to draw attention to the shop. Especially during the Christmas season.”

  “I’m sorry, too. I did over-react.” She touched Cindy’s hands delicately. Searching Cindy’s face, she grinned widely and hugged the startled woman.

  “You helping Rob is a gift. Thank you so much. I trust you both to make good decisions.”

  After Mrs. Lovejoy left, Cindy wondered about that comment.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Rob swung the double doors open at precisely ten. A gust of cool air swooshed through the shop, and some of the premade bouquets shimmered. Cindy raised her brows in question and reached for her sweater. December in Southern California wasn’t bitter cold, but there was a chill in the air. Still, open doors were more inviting.

  “Cold?” Rob asked.

  “A bit. But, I do think people have more of a tendency to come into an open door shop. Less intimidating. And, they can more easily see the beautiful flowers.”

  He nodded and stepped behind the counter to the cutting table beyond the archway. Grabbing a clump of baby’s breath he started to cut the bottoms of the woody stems with a big knife. “Let’s leave the doors open for a little while. But, if you get too cold, we’ll close them.”

  “Oops. We almost forgot this.” Cindy rolled out the little wrought iron cart and angled it near the doors on the sidewalk. It was filled with small urns of various flowers, hopefully tempting passersby to stop and admire. She had placed little flag signs on long skewers in each bunch with prices and BUY A BUNCH, GET A BUNCH HALF OFF. A narrow banner across the side of the French-style cart said HOLIDAY SPECIALS. She hoped the cart and its presentations would attract attention.

  Suddenly, voices started to sing loudly, and off key. “We wish you a Merry Christmas.” Candy, Natalie, Connie and Doreen, even Melanie, crowded through the doors and giggled jostling each other.

  Cindy was stunned. She grinned at all the Candy Canes and grasped Melanie’s hands. “What are you doing here with these crazy girls?” She didn’t mean it as a criticism, but she was surprised. Even though all the girls liked her, they usually didn’t include an outsider. But, Cindy wondered, was she one? Noelle had included her as a bridesmaid.

  “I,” Melanie pronounced, “am now an honorary Candy Cane.” She searched Cindy’s face. “You okay with that?”

  Cindy wasn’t sure how to respond. But, Melanie, who had caused Doreen’s accident was totally forgiven, and she had loosely become one of the group. Who, she wondered, had made that decision. Not her, and she was the group leader.

  “In case you are wondering,” Melanie said, “they put me through the paces. I had to swim ten laps to qualify.” She raised a radiant face to Cindy. “I am SO proud.”

  Cindy swallowed the lump in her throat, hard. Melanie was a sincere woman who had made a mistake, one that changed the life of another. Forever. Yet, Cindy reminded herself, Melanie was God’s child and had embraced the Candy Canes as good friends. She stepped forward and threw her arms around Melanie’s soft frame.

  “I am proud of you, too,” she said. “Welcome to the group. Oops, I mussed up your hair.”

  Melanie laughed her signature tinkling laugh. “Not a big deal. I think it’s still damp from the pool.” She looked intently at Cindy. “Did I tell you we just came from there?”

  “So that’s why I couldn’t get in touch with any of you this morning.”

  “Oh,” Connie spoke up. “We all had our phones on silent. Guess we never checked our messages.” She looked around the group. “Did anyone?” They all shook their heads.

  “Well, I’m glad everyone’s okay,” Cindy exclaimed. “And, you have good news.”

  She gestured toward the workroom with her chin. “Rob, come out and see who’s here.”

  Rob came from the back of the shop’s workroom wearing his apron, the beige heavy cotton one to protect his clothing from flying cut stems and the chemicals in preservatives.

  Cindy thought every Candy Cane’s eyes bulged. What? They had all met him at Noelle’s and Braydon’s wedding. After all, he had been the Best Man.

  They were acting like silly nellies, whispering among themselves like star struck teenagers. Were these women all really mid-twenties? She felt her cheeks heat up in

  embarrassment. Just as she was about to shush them, she heard a cacophony of giggles.

  Rob was bowing, sweeping one arm dramatically in front of him. “Ladies,” he said in a hoarse whisper, “I am honored by your presence.”

  He turned to a bouquet of roses and one by one plucked a blossom out, handed one to each woman in turn with a bow that graced his handsome face with that beautiful smile that Cindy adored. She thought she would pass out.

  ~

  Rob closed the double glass doors at seven. Cindy had pulled the flower cart back inside and was turning off the lights in the workroom. They had dimmed the lights in the glass flower cases, checked the temperature in the room and wiped off the counters.

  “All set?” He scanned Cindy’s face noticing it seemed a little pinched. Maybe from the chilly weather? Or, was she upset about something? They hadn’t talked much after the Candy Canes left; there had been so much to do, and thankfully several customers came in to buy bouquets. One, sadly, to order a funeral wreath. He would deliver that tomorrow. Devastating right before Christmas to lose a loved one.

  “Wanna grab a coffee?” He knew she loved Starbucks’ Frappuccinos, or was it too cold for that? Still, the coffee house was only a block away, and they could walk. He refused to drive there. At this time of evening, actually any time, parking would be a ridiculous waste, an endeavor in futility. Corona del Mar’s nightlife woke up at sundown, especially a few days before Christmas. And both his car and the delivery van were safely ensconced behind the store.

  Cindy’s eyes looked a little wet. The weather? Chilly weather often affected his latent allergies, and his muscles. Maybe hers, too. She bundled up in her heavy sweater, pulled its collar up to her neck and merely whispering “No, thanks” scooted out the door almost slipping on the damp pavement. The rain had started in sprinkles around five. Now, it was steady. He watched Cindy pull her sweater up over her head. No umbrella. But, neither of them would have predicted, neither watched or heard the weather report that morning. Who had time?

  On impulse, he wasn’t sure why, he raced after her. Yelling. “Wait! Wait, Cindy, please.”

  She didn’t stop. Maybe she couldn’t hear him with the hustle bustle sounds of traffic and the sudden thunder. Maybe she could. Maybe that’s why she started to run. She was so far ahead he couldn’t catch up with her. He turned around and slopped through puddles back to the shop.

  Rob felt like a heel.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Why was everything in her life so complicated? Especially romance. Especially now Rob. Had she misread his intentions, the cues he’d given her during that special parking lot dance? Yes, she’d heard his voice calling after her when she left the floral shop, and she picked up her pace. Maybe she should have slowed down, turned around. Would he have wrapped her in his arms? Now, she would never know, only dream.

  Cindy reached her parked car several blocks away. That morning she had felt blessed to grab a spot in the alley behind the businesses lining Pacific Coast Highway. Now, she was sorry she hadn’t paid for parking nearer to the floral shop. It would have been a stretch financially, especially for the whole day, but so worth it not to be dripping drenched. She did a dog shake, like she’d seen Noelle’s little dog Misty do to shake the water off her coat, then slipped into her car.

  What? The motor wouldn’t turn over. Drat! She tried again, even letting it settle for a few minutes. But, each time she turned the key, she heard a growling rrrr sound. Not good.

  She pulled her cell phone out of her coat pocket. She didn’t belong to AAA. But, she did belong to the Candy Canes. Maybe one of them could help.

  ~

&n
bsp; Rob mopped his wet hair with a towel normally used to clean up floral messes. What had he done wrong? He knew his offer for coffee was rather flip. Not very personal. He had never thanked Cindy for all her work today, either. He had taken it for granted.

  When her friends came in he’d had so much fun. Normally, he wasn’t demonstrative like his brother Braydon. Maybe God was saying for him to break out of his shell. Be courageous. He’d had no trouble in high school and college participating in sports, even excelling in track. But, girls, women …

  He should have trusted his legs to run faster, harder to keep up with her. He opened an umbrella that Braydon kept by the door and tried to remember where Cindy had taken off to.

  ~

  Cindy wept. Had all those silly girls still kept their phones on silent? Even her text messages didn’t go through. Just as she was about to leave her car and walk the three miles home, she heard a voice calling her name. Rob?

  “Cindy, Cindy,” he yelled. His voice echoed. “Where are you? Are you safe? Turn on your headlights so I can find you.”

  She tried. Didn’t work. Tried again. Finally, she got out of her car holding the flashlight she kept in the glove compartment. Its beam was weak, but it was something. She waved it around.

  She felt strong arms around her, squeezing her tight. Because she couldn’t see in the dim light she really hoped it was Rob.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “So, Mr. Gorgeous rescued you?”

  The Candy Canes were all assembled in Kerstin Day’s living room. As tradition, she was having her pre-Christmas party with soup and corn muffins and ornament exchange. Noelle and Braydon wouldn’t be there this time. They were on their honeymoon in Hawaii, but everyone felt their love and blessings. They would be back for Christmas Day.

  Cindy looked at Candace. Was she the one who spoke? Sometimes, it was hard to tell since the girls were so close for so many years. Their voices blended together.

  “If you mean Rob,” she hesitated, “Lovejoy. Yes.” She paused and looked around the small group nestled together on the sofa. “He was my temporary hero. Yes, he used his AAA membership to have my car towed and a new battery put in.”

  Everyone grinned, and there was a lot of throat clearing, but no one responded.

  ~

  What had he done? Or, rather, what hadn’t he? Rob crossed his ankles on the coffee table and stared into the fire, the fake one with a fake, pre-pressed log covered in glossy printed paper. The one he’d used was designated 3 Hours. It should last until more than eleven since he put it on about eight or so, after he got back from helping Cindy with her car problem.

  The Triple A guy said it was probably not just the battery, maybe the alternator. Much bigger problem, much more expense. Could she, he wondered, afford the repairs? Probably not on her preschool teaching salary. Hadn’t anyone advised her about car stuff? A brother, father, uncle, the pastor at the preschool? He didn’t know much about Cindy, about whether she had family in the area, or at all.

  Of course he, actually Braydon, was paying her for working at the floral shop during the Christmas break when school was closed. He hated to disturb Bray on his honeymoon, but he thought his brother wouldn’t mind a quick text, especially since Cindy was a Candy Cane and Braydon had married one. Laughing under his breath to himself, he typed a fast message asking Bray to be generous to Cindy.

  Girl might need some financial help. Major car probs. Pay her generously? Hope you two are having a great time in Maui. Aloha!

  Return text came back immediately.

  Yes. Pay generously. Checkbook is in second drawer on left in main counter. You are on the account. Will pray. What else can we do to help? Having fun! Aloha!

  What were the honeymooners doing? Hopefully, having a scrumptious dinner of exotic seafood. Wow, he was on the account? Braydon was always full of surprises.

  ~

  Rob unlocked the door of the floral shop fifteen minutes early. He wanted to be sure to find that checkbook. The honeymooners would be back in a couple of days with plans to open the shop the day after Christmas in time for New Year’s orders.

  Cindy bounced in smiling just minutes before ten. She always made him feel so upbeat. Her cute grin was like a happy nudge. What a great way to start the day, just two days before Christmas.

  “Good morning, Robinson! Today is going to be great. Dontcha think?” She cocked her head and bumped his chin with a delicate fist. Were those sparkles on her fingertips?

  Grabbing her right hand he swung her around, then held her close. He pushed the button for the overhead music and started to dance. “We have three minutes. Let’s do it.”

  “Whoa, Mr. Lovejoy, is this part of the deal?” She tilted her head again and her eyes shined back to his. “You must be happy to be finishing this gig.” Her laughter filled the space and almost shimmied a few bouquets. Rob ignored one about to fall.

  “Not really. It’s been a nice break from routine.” He paused as if measuring his words. “I enjoy working with you. I especially enjoy dancing with you.” There, he’d said it. His words almost caught in his throat. Something about this woman … Was it trust? Definitely curiosity. She always seemed happy, and made those around her happy. What would she do if she knew his secrets? How would she react? With disdain? Probably. He shoved the thought aside, deep into his gut, and twirled her – just as the bell jingled announcing a customer.

  A woman with streaks of gray in her short hair stood just inside the door grinning. “How delightful! Entertainment. Do you two dance professionally?”

  Cindy released herself from Rob’s arms. “Not really. It’s just such a happy season.” Reaching a hand to the woman, she introduced herself and said, “I’m Cindy. And, this is Rob Lovejoy, proprietor. Welcome to the shop. How can we help you?”

  “I, uh, wondered if Braydon is here?”

  “Oh, he’s on his honeymoon … in Hawaii.” Her voice lilted in joy.

  “He got married?” The woman looked at both of them and actually hooted. “So happy for him. About time.” She said. “Tell me all about it.” So, they did.

  ~

  Rob bit his lip. He was cutting woody, thick rose stems when the knife slipped. Blood trickled onto the counter. How stupid, and it hurt. He grabbed a tissue and pressed it hard against the cut. It was a clean cut, almost like a paper cut. Sharp, from a well-honed knife. Almost made him laugh at his slipup, which he hoped it literally was. His right hand holding the knife shook a little. That was normal, wasn’t it? But, normal wasn’t a part of him anymore.

  He reached in the overhead cabinet for a box of band aids and burst out laughing. There were three boxes. One was Spider Man, one Disney princesses, one Super Heroes. All had cute graphic pictures on them. Not one was a normal, generic band aid. Leave it to Braydon and his sense of humor. Oh, well, better a Super Hero than nothing. He pulled one out and tried to apply it, but doing it with one hand was almost impossible. The shop was quiet, and for once he was glad it wasn’t crowded with customers.

  “Cindy?” he yelled. “Can you help?”

  She came running, and gasped.

  CHAPTER SIX

  “Oh, my gosh! What happened?” She stared at the red pool on the wood counter. Then, the knife. Both counter and knife had more than traces of blood on them. Very red blood.

  But, she reminded herself, wasn’t most blood red? Duh, Cindy. Jump into the moment to help.

  She grabbed a paper towel from the spool and started to mop up the blood on the knife and butcher block when she heard Rob growl, sort of.

  “Cindy, I need you to help me. Not wipe off the counter.” He sounded almost angry. In the millisecond her brain started to operate again, she spun toward him. She was usually good in emergencies. Hadn’t she been the one who made all the calls to the Candy Canes and gathered them all at the hospital during Doreen’s accident? She was the one they called strong, the leader of the group. But, this was Rob who made her knees weak, who danced like a dream, who she was starti
ng to care for … maybe more than she should.

  “I’m s-s- sorry. I guess I misunderstood. I thought you wanted me to clean up.” She clasped her hands at her waist and peeked at his face. It was blank. Hadn’t he just asked for her help? Finally, she noticed his hands gripped together and held out away from his body. The tissue he held against one was soaked in red.

  “I need you to put a band aid on this silly cut I got.” He looked at her curiously. “I know it’s a strange request, but I need to stop the bleeding.”

  Cindy nodded and looked at the array of band aid boxes on the shelf. “Okay, big man.” Was that an appropriate inference? She meant it jokingly, but his brow furrowed at the jest. “No offense. Just giving you your due.” She prayed a few phrases from Proverbs 16 to keep her errant mouth shut. But, she reminded herself, he really is a big man. In her eyes, at least.

  “So, you wanna be a Super Hero, a Disney princess or Spider Man?” She couldn’t resist teasing. He looked so devastated and vulnerable, like a ten-year-old kid. Really, it was just a cut.

  “I’ll take Spidey. Still my fav at my age.” He chuckled, and Cindy felt much better.

  She pulled two Spider Man embellished band aids out of the appropriate box, opened the seals around them and held them out. Pressing them hard onto Rob’s finger, he grinned.

  “Perfect. You got it. Thanks.” He squeezed her hand with this unbandaged one. “I think it’s going to work.”

  Cindy nodded and retreated to the shop when she heard the bell ring. She was relieved. She might be strong in some ways, but she was no nurse.

  ~

  Rob wandered out holding several bunches of Braydon’s famous Candy Cane roses. “I stripped them of thorns and removed all the bottom leaves.” He handed them to Cindy who immediately put them in funnel-shaped containers and nestled them in the cool case.