Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 89238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
I hold up a hand in solidarity. “A woman after my own heart.”
I expect her to take off, but we chat some more, and she tells me she studied chemistry in college, attending on a STEM scholarship, and she’s always loved the science behind baking and chocolate-making.
“Me too,” I say. “I’m a science girl.”
“And I bet people think you can’t be because you’re cute.”
I shrug. It’s not my place to comment on my looks.
“Oh, c’mon. You are. We are. And we can be anything we want. We can be scientists or dessert devotees. We can be pilots or presidents. And we can be sexy if we want too.”
“I think I love you,” I say.
“Of course you do. I’m very lovable,” she says, and she makes no move to go. Instead, I give her a hot chocolate and we chat more about being a woman today in business. I feel a little like I made a new friend.
That night after we finish at the pop-up and I’m home, Amanda receives a reply from the art school that she passed the first round and they want to see a portfolio. I’m thrilled for her and nervous, too, about paying the tuition bills for her dream school.
I’m worried about something Gage told me when we were closing up. He thinks Sebastian is imitating me. He said Sebastian copied my fall colors chocolate box. And Gage is probably right, as much as I wish he were wrong. Sure, there are staples in the business—everyone carries a box of salted caramels, for instance. But the flavored bonbons in the same colors is a little…unsettling.
Especially since he’s offering them for half off my price, I learn when I check out his website.
But there’s hardly time to worry once Silver posts her video on Monday morning.
It goes viral by Tuesday.
On Wednesday, there are lines all day at Elodie’s. They get longer on Thursday. And by Friday I’ve hired a temp worker to help out when I’m at Special Edition that evening, where Felix tells us hotel business is ticking up. That night, I make another loan payment.
On Saturday morning, Elodie’s Chocolates is busier than ever. Samira pops in, clever eyes crinkling at the corners as she comes around and drops something into the pocket of my apron.
“What’s this?” I ask.
But I know—it’s my favorite perfume.
“Chocolate and perfume sell well together. My business is hopping,” she says. “And it’s the perfect timing too.”
I pluck out the bottle. “I can’t take this,” I say.
“You can and you will,” she says, then scurries off.
“Thank you,” I call out, and tend to the line.
And on Saturday afternoon, Gage meets me to take even more extra chocolate over to the pop-up that night. As he’s carrying the first batch over, I head to the back of the store to pop into the ladies’ room. When I leave, I’m tossing a paper towel in the bin as I push open the door with my elbow and a familiar newscaster voice says my name from the hall beyond.
“Elodie.” There’s a pause that slices the air like a knife. “Just admit it. You were always playing hard to get with me.”
The hair on the back of my neck stands on end.
25
LITTLE CHOCOLATE DARLING
Elodie
That’s hardly the tone Sebastian used when he wooed me. Neither for the date nor to buy my store. I turn around carefully, wishing I had a tray in my hand, a fork, a phone. Anything.
He just came out of the men’s room and I’m standing in the small back hall, away from customers.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I say, but I have some guesses.
None of them are good.
“Why don’t we try again? I’m happy to increase the offer.” His words are friendly, but the tone is chilly. He gives a new number. A ten percent increase. I hate that it’s tempting. But I hate, too, that it’s still a low-ball offer.
“I appreciate your interest. Truly, I do, but I’m committed to doing this on my own.”
He advances closer, holds his arms out wide, a gesture that says you have nothing to be afraid of.
Why does fear slide down my spine then? Why do I want a weapon?
“I’m just down the street,” he presses. “You can’t fight my shop forever. You’re one store here in San Francisco. I’m forty nationwide. It would just be easier if we joined forces. You wouldn’t need to rely on a”—he pauses, as if he’s looking for the right word—“a titillating video to drive sales.”
That word. It’s said derisively. And with his eyes straying to my chest.
I want to wrap my arms around myself, but I stand my ground. “I don’t rely on videos. I rely on ability.”
“Right, of course. Sure. But you’ve clearly seen the benefit of partnership with a man. As evidenced by your partnership with your”—he takes a beat, like the word tastes sour on his tongue—“fiancé. Wouldn’t it be wise to partner with me as well?”