A Cherry on Top (Cupid's Cafe Where love is on the menu Book 7) Read online

  It always amazed her that students took her summer courses and assumed that they would be easier than during the school year. Or maybe they felt they would have more time to study, but the lure of summer was too strong, and they just didn’t put in the hours. Either way, she should pull those in danger of not passing aside and give them a good talking to.

  Thoughts of work and students cheered her. Work. That’s what helped me before, and it will help me again. Faith began to make a mental list of everything she needed to do for her upcoming lecture, but she couldn’t get past item number three on her list. Her thoughts were still too jumbled.

  Frustrated, she sat down on one of the benches, her hands on her knees. Why did her mom have to insist that she bring a date anyway? What did it matter if she was single?

  She tilted her head back and looked up at the trees. The leaves swayed back and forth, rustling in the wind. Faith closed her eyes and let out the breath she had been holding in for way too long. The sun was just starting to set, turning the sky a brilliant mix of pink and red. Faith would usually pause to look at such a colorful display, but she was too caught up in her own misery

  With her eyes closed, her mind started to wander back to her time with Logan. They’d started dating while she was still in grad school, trying to get a Ph.D. in ancient history. He was one of her fellow classmates who also happened to be a friend of the family. From their very first class together, they seemed to connect. It wasn’t long before they were having coffee together which lead to dinner, which led romantic dates, walks along the beach at night, and kisses in the moonlight.

  Everything had been perfect. He was a sweet guy with a killer smile and a way with words. He knew exactly what to say to make her blush or feel like the most beautiful woman in the room, something she’d never felt before. Faith had been the smart one, the accomplished one, or the one who’d use her intelligence to go places. She’d never ever been the pretty or attractive one. She was the sensible one in her family.

  But Logan had come along and changed all that. He’d made her feel like a Princess. Someone who was not only intelligent but beautiful. Faith had been certain that he was the one. He made her happy when no one else could. He saw her—the real Faith that she kept hidden from the world.

  But all of those visits to her office with a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates had just been an act. Those walks along the ocean’s edge where she’d poured her heart out to him had been a lie. Faith had thought that Logan was perfect, but he’d just been interested in marrying into her family and gaining a foothold into her father’s banking empire.

  Faith shook off the memories when she heard footsteps approach. She looked down and quickly wiped at the tears with the end of her sleeve.

  “Hey, Sis. I didn’t expect to see you out here.” Emmitt stood right in front of her, in a pair of running shorts and a thin tank top. “You’re usually still at the office.”

  Faith sighed and scooted over on the bench. Emmitt understood the gesture and sat down beside her. Of all the people in Faith’s life, Emmitt was the only person she could still trust. She had stopped talking to her friends after the break up with Logan, and she’d been too scarred by the experience to try to make any new ones. Friends could cause as much pain, or more, than lying boyfriends.

  Emmitt tugged on a piece of Faith’s hair like he’d done since he was little. “I know that look. What’s wrong?”

  “Everything.”

  Emmitt turned to face her. “C’mon, it can’t be that bad.”

  “Mom came into my office this afternoon. She’s hosting the 4th of July BBQ.”

  Emmitt nodded. “She already has me running a million and one errands for it. But you like the annual family BBQ, what’s the big deal?”

  “She’s forcing me to bring a date, and if I don’t, she wants to hook me up with an old family friend.”

  “You mean…”

  Faith nodded. “And I can’t. I refuse to see him again.”

  “You know, you can’t keep avoiding him forever.”

  “I’m not avoiding him.” Faith said, her jaw clenching and her fingers tightening around the edge of the bench. “It’s not a crime to stay away from an ex-boyfriend that broke your heart.”

  “I know what he did was wrong, but maybe mom has a point—”

  Faith turned a heated glance on her brother. He was the only one she’d ever told the entire story to. “Don’t tell me that you think I should give him another chance!”

  Emmitt blinked. “Of course not! Logan’s not worthy of wiping your shoes.”

  Faith arched an eyebrow at her brother, waiting for a better explanation.

  “What I mean is that it might be good for you to go out there and find someone. You’ve been completely anti-social.”

  “I have not. I speak to my students and peers every day.”

  Emmitt sighed. “That doesn’t count. Tasha and I have to drag you out of the office, just to make sure you’ll step into the sunlight. Otherwise, I fear you’d contract vampirism.”

  Faith glared at her brother. “I’m not that bad.”

  “Ever since the breakup, you’ve been reclusive. Don’t even try to deny it.”

  She bit her lip. Deep down, she knew he was right, but what was she supposed to do? Every time she tried to let down her walls, her fear of getting hurt shut down any thoughts of letting someone in.

  “I just don’t want to go through something like that again. I can’t. You know it about killed me.”

  Emmitt nodded and pulled his sister in for a hug. “Not everyone is Logan.”

  “What about my so-called friends?”

  Emmitt squeezed Faith a bit tighter and then let her go. “So, you have poor judgment. That doesn’t mean everyone is like that.” Emmitt snapped his fingers. “I got it. You need an expert. Why don’t you talk to Katy? Her record is spotless. I know from personal experience.”

  Faith felt heat rise in her cheeks. “I kind of already spoke with her this afternoon.”

  “Great.” Emmitt flashed a smile. “I’m sure you’ll be happily married in no time!”

  Faith rolled her eyes. “Just because she’s played a part in a few marriages around town, doesn’t make her some kind of a love guru.”

  “If that’s the case, why did you ask her for help?” Emmitt questioned.

  “I just need a date for the BBQ. Katy knows a lot of people, but it’s only because she’s the owner of a popular café, that’s all. I’m not looking for a boyfriend.”

  “Why are you so against the idea? It’s been almost five years now. I think it’s time you moved on.”

  Faith shook her head. “It’s not that easy.”

  Emmitt took Faith’s hand in his. “You’re right it’s not, but you’re just making it harder by distancing yourself from everyone.”

  “I’m not.”

  “When’s the last time you went out with a couple of friends, or did something other than grade papers and read all day?”

  “What’s wrong with that?” Faith asked, getting defensive.

  “Nothing, it’s just that before, you used to go out all the time. You used to enjoy going to the beach, or out to dinner, but now, it’s like you shy away from anything that might make you just a little bit vulnerable.”

  Faith ground her teeth together. “Aren’t you supposed to be jogging?”

  “See, now you’re avoiding the conversation.” Emmitt rested his hand on her shoulder. “I’m just worried about you.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “You can keep telling yourself that, Faith, but you know it’s a lie.” His voice was soft and sympathetic. “Just keep an open mind about Katy, okay? I swear, she won’t disappoint you.”

  Faith nodded if only to get rid of her brother.

  Emmitt got up. “Well, I’ll see you around.” He waved, jogging down the pathway and soon enough, out of sight.

  Faith lingered on the bench for a few more minutes, running through their conversation. M
aybe Emmitt had a point, but she simply didn’t feel comfortable dating just yet. She wasn’t ready to trust anyone after what happened.

  All she needed right now was a date to the BBQ, and that was it. Maybe she’d been too hasty telling Katy she’d find her own date. She’d never introduce any of her single colleagues to her insane family. They’d never take her seriously again. But who else did she know? It’s not like she did anything other than work.

  Faith stopped herself and sighed. It sounded extremely pathetic when she said it like that. She loved her work, but maybe it was time to have a few outside hobbies. Something social but not that social. Maybe she could take up pottery or knitting. Attending class would be social, sort of… not really, but it was low on commitment, and she liked learning.

  Yes, Faith decided. She’d take a few art classes or something like that. It was a start—if only a small one. Unfortunately, she still had to find a date. Faith briefly considered locking herself in her house and pretending to be sick on the 4th of July. If she deadbolted the door, her mother couldn’t get inside to drag her to the BBQ. Knowing her mother, she’d have the fire department outside her door with a battering ram, claiming her poor daughter was too ill to make decisions on her own.

  Faith rubbed her face, not wanting to think about it anymore. She’d go home, have a glass of wine, maybe some dinner, and do some research online about art classes. The local area was a hotbed of art and creativity. Surely, she could find something that interested her.

  Chapter 4

  A few days later, Katy was stocking up the napkin holders around the diner when the doorbell chimed.

  She looked up and smiled. “Hey, Travis. Let me guess, you’re going to have a double-decker cheeseburger, hold the tomatoes?”

  “You know it.” He smiled and walked to his usual spot, the furthermost stool on the counter, right next to the old jukebox. Fishing through his pockets, he found a few quarters and popped them into the machine.

  As Katy relayed his order to the kitchen, he flicked through the song selection, finally settling on Little Darlin’ by The Diamonds. He started to snap along with the rhythm, a smile dancing on his face.

  “Good choice,” Katy commented, sliding his bottle of soda down the counter. “Is there anything else I can get for you?”

  Travis grabbed the glass bottle and squeezed it between his fingers. Soda always tasted better in the old-fashioned bottles. He took a sip and shook his head. “No, everything is perfect.”

  Katy smiled in response, offering him a slice of pie. “Would you like some?”

  “No thanks, I’ve gone a little overboard with my sweet tooth this week. The warm weather makes me eat ice cream like crazy.” He laughed. “Nearly got it all over my camera.”

  “How’s business?”

  “Good. Really good. I’ve been selling prints like hot cakes and even have a few requests to hire me as a wedding photographer.”

  “Are you going to do it?” Katy asked, leaning against the counter. The restaurant was unusually quiet, as most people were enjoying the nice weather.

  “Maybe.” He shrugged. “I would feel bad saying no, but at the same time, I’ve just been so busy. I barely have time to do anything.”

  Katy nodded in understanding. After all, she spent most of her time in the diner. Not that she minded. “What about your own wedding?”

  “What about it?”

  “Don’t you have plans to get married one day?” She asked, her bright green eyes shimmering. “You must be dating by now.”

  Travis scoffed. “Dating?” He shook his head. “That’s not worth my time. Besides, every girl who has ever shown interest turns out to be a rotten apple.”

  “Oh?” Katy tilted her head in question.

  “The second they learn I have a successful business, they latch on like leeches. But when we start talking, they don’t show any interest in learning who I am or what I like. They only seem to care about the money.” He sighed. “I don’t know about everyone else, but I want a woman who will be my equal. Someone I can sit down with and have a genuine conversation.”

  Katy nodded, her lips twitching into a knowing smile.

  “Besides, with my busy schedule, I don’t have time to date someone unless I know it could turn into something more.”

  There was something in his voice that tipped Katy off—just a tiny bit of longing, barely noticeable. That extra sense tingled along Katy’s skin. Interesting. I’m surprised I didn’t see it before. “So, you’re not opposed to marriage, just too busy to find the right girl?”

  Travis choked on his soda. “That wasn’t an invitation to find me a girl, Katy.”

  “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

  “I doubt that,” Travis said, eyeing Katy and her sly smile.

  “I just meant that a handsome man like you should have no trouble finding a lovely girl if you put your mind to it.” Katy offered one of her charismatic smiles, brightening up the whole room.

  Travis couldn’t help but smile back. Katy’s cheerful attitude was always infectious.

  Just then, there was a ding from the kitchen as one of the cooks placed Travis’s order in the window. Katy grabbed it, setting it in front of Travis. “Here you are, a double decker, hold the tomatoes.”

  “It looks delicious. Do you think I could get some salt?”

  “Of course.”

  He grabbed it from her, salting his fries before popping one into his mouth.

  As he ate his fries, he kept up a light chatter with Katy, enjoying her company. She always had a way of brightening up his day. There was something special about Cupid’s Café. I was more than the food and the rumor that love could be found at Cupid’s—it was Katy herself. She gave the place a homey feel. Travis knew that if he was down or troubled Katy would be there to offer him her smile and understanding. She made Cupid’s Café the best spot in town.

  Katy continued to chat with Travis, all while forming a plan. She had an ace in the hole but wasn’t sure if that was the right approach. Maybe she’d just wing it and see where the conversation led.

  Katy absolutely adored the young photographer. He was charming, respectful, and an absolute sweetheart. For a while now, she had been searching for the right girl for him. It never occurred to her until today who that right match would be. She checked in with her inner guiding light. It gave her the go ahead. Time to do a little matchmaking.

  “How’s your meal?”

  Travis had gone through his fries and was already working on his burger. “Amazing, as always. Seriously, what do you put in this thing to make it so good?”

  Katy grinned and leaned in. “It’s a secret.”

  Travis shook his head and laughed. “I should’ve known.”

  She chuckled and started to restock the sugar dispensers. “Are you doing anything for the 4th of July?”

  The question was asked just a bit too casual, and Travis knew Katy was up to something. Cautiously, he answered, “I was going to take some snapshots of the fireworks display. Why do you ask?”

  “There’s this BBQ...”

  Travis let out the breath he’d been holding. “Are you cooking? Because if so, I’ll be there.”

  “No, my friend Charlotte’s husband is cooking. He’s pretty good with ribs, though.”

  Katy was still acting odd. This wasn’t just an invite to a BBQ. There was something else. Travis ran his fingers through his short hair. “Go ahead and ask. I know you want something.”

  “Well, you do owe me a favor.”

  Travis nodded in acknowledgment. When he had first launched his business, he had organized a social event to promote his products. In the end, the catering company that agreed to bring food and drinks bailed at the last minute, and Travis was left scrambling for a replacement. Katy had come to the rescue, dishing out her famous burgers by the hundreds to feed the masses. On top of that, she undercharged him, promising that he would one day repay her favor. That time had finally come.

&
nbsp; “Okay… so what do you need? Want me to take a few pictures and make them into an album or something like that?”

  In the heat of the restaurant, he shrugged off his light jacket and placed it on top of his camera bag. Waiting for her response, he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt until they reached his elbow.

  “A friend of mine needs a date for her family’s 4th of July celebration.”

  A sinking feeling hit Travis. He should have never brought his lack of a love life up with Katy. Though, she’d probably been the one to start the conversation, but he should have kept his mouth shut and not babbled about his failed dates.

  “Why would she need a date?” Travis asked, picking at the bun of his burger.

  “Her mother is insisting that she bring one,” Katy answered. “I thought, if you weren’t too busy, you could go with her.”

  Travis frowned slightly. A date with a stranger seemed like an odd way to repay a favor, but not a horrible one. Especially, if he got a few BBQ ribs out of the deal. “Well… I suppose if it’s just a BBQ and a casual date. Maybe, I could still catch the firework display afterward.”

  “Perfect. So, you’ll go?”

  Hesitantly, Travis nodded. He wasn’t a fan of blind dates. In his experience, they never ended well, but he liked Katy, and he didn’t think she set him up with someone horrible. “What’s her name?”

  “Faith Mason,” Katy said with a smile. “She’s a lovely young woman. She might appear a little rough around the edges, but I assure you that she’s quite charming.”

  “But, this is just a date to satisfy her mom, right? Nothing more?” Travis could wrap his head around the idea of posing as her date. He could do friendly and casual, but he didn’t really want anything serious to come out of it. His life was simply too busy for a committed relationship.

  “Technically, yes. Faith is a professor at Berkeley and very busy. She told me about her mother’s demand, and I took it upon myself to find her a date. I’ve known her since she was a baby, and I could see the stress her mother’s decree was causing her. You’d really be doing her a favor by just going to the BBQ and being your charming self.”