Cinnamon and Spice Conundrum (Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice)

Chapter 32

Ryan

Today Sam’s requested a face-to-face meeting at the office. I’ve been working from home ever since I returned from Pinecone Pines, a way to hide out and lick my wounds, so to speak. I’ve also been wallowing in self-pity, so maybe this visit to the office will get me out of my funk.

Stopping first at my once-favorite coffee shop, The Mighty Bean, I mentally compare the place to Sadie’s Cinnamon he asks me my name and scribbles it on a paper cup. We certainly don’t have a conversation about the weather or anything else for that matter. I think back to Wilbur and all the conversations about prices, discounts, and plain coffee.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the elusive and mysterious Ryan Turnbill,” a female voice behind me says.

Swiveling, I stare at one of the Cargill twins. Since they’re usually together, I’m not quite sure which one this one is.

“I heard you had disappeared. But here you are,” she says, as her eyes scan me from head to toe. Wrinkling her pointy nose, she adds, “Why do you look like you slept in your clothes? One of those all-night programming sessions you billionaire software guys are famous for?”

My discount-brand blue jeans hang on me, there’s a coffee stain from yesterday or possibly the day before on my rumpled T-shirt, and I haven’t had a haircut in a month. I’m not sure whether I combed my hair this morning or not. My bad.

“I’m into the grunge look,” I say with a shrug.

She snorts. “More like the slob look,” she replies in a prim voice.

“Brian!” the barista yells as he slides my coffee towards me. I cringe and wonder whether I should have given him Jack’s name. Surely he wouldn’t misconstrue that. I grab the cup and stride towards the door. So much for personal service.

Rather than placing her order, the twin steps out of line and follows me. “Ryan!” she shouts. I turn and she slides up next to me, placing her hand on my arm. “Despite your new grunge look, I’ve always liked you and would love an opportunity to get to know you better. How about we get together sometime?” she says, batting her eyelashes.

Translation: I’ve always been attracted to your money and can overlook your slovenly appearance.

“I’m not interested.”

“Are you seeing someone else?” Her eyes bore into mine and I resist the urge to squirm under her glare.

I feel like playing the I’m dating someone card , but I don’t. Besides, I’m not dating someone anymore. “No, but I’m taking a break from dating for a while.”

She pouts, then pats my arm. “Well, when you’re ready, just give me a call.” Whipping out her cell, she waits expectantly for me to provide her with my number.

“Listen, I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I don’t see myself being interested in you. Ever.”

Her expression hardens the minute those words leave my mouth. “Maybe I don’t see myself dating a schlump like you. You need a shower!” she hisses, then strides back to the waiting line.

A glance around the shop indicates no one noticed that embarrassing scene. Most people’s noses are stuck in their phone. The occasional couple is chatting as they wait for their order, but they’re too much into each other to notice. My heart plummets at the thought that that could be Sadie and me if I hadn’t blown it.

As I exit the building, I wonder how quickly the Cargill twin will spread the rumor that I’m back in town and how badly she’ll flay me in her missive. I don’t care.

“I’m here,” I say as I stroll into Sam’s office, then slouch down in the seat across from his desk. It’s early and no one else is at the office yet thankfully, so I don’t have to explain my new grunge look to anyone.

“You look terrible,” Sam says, his eyes widening. “Have you lost weight?”

Shrugging, I say, “I’ve been surviving on beer and chips.” It’s a mystery as to how I’ve lost weight consuming those unhealthy items, but I have.

“Ryan, this isn’t a good look,” Sam adds, concern leaking from his voice.

“I like my grunge look.”

He rolls his eyes. “When was the last time you changed clothes?” he asks, staring at the coffee stain on my T-shirt.

I sigh. “One of the Cargill twins asked a similar question this morning.”

“You’re seeing one of the twins?” Sam asks, surprise in his voice.

“No, I bumped into her at The Mighty Bean.”

“You realize she’ll blab that you’re back in Denver to all those women you’re trying to avoid?”

I shrug. “It’s doubtful that her description will be flattering. I believe the term she used for me was ‘a slob.’”

Sam shakes his head. “I think in most of those stalkers’ books, money trumps good hygiene.”

“Okay, I’ll just keep hiding out at home.”

Folding his hands on his desk, Sam leans closer. “Why are you wasting away here in Denver and not back in Pinecone Pines fighting to win Sadie back? I’ve never known you to give up so easily.”

He’s right. I’m miserable. Team Ryan has reported favorable results with the gifts, and they feel like Sadie is slowly getting over her anger, but I’m not confident at what her response to me will be if I just show up.

“If I go back, will she listen to me or will she toss me out on my ear?” I say, expressing my concerns.

“Here’s my advice, for what it’s worth. Sadie’s anger is usually short-lived. She’ll quickly regret her actions, but she needs a little coaxing to bring her around. Do you really want to leave your chance of winning her back in the hands of Team Ryan?”

When he puts it that way, I feel like an idiot for sitting here in Denver. “I should go back, shouldn’t I?”

He nods. “Tell her how you feel. Explain why you misled her as to your true identity. This time I believe she’ll listen.”

Jumping to my feet, I say, “Thanks for the advice, Sam. You’re a good friend.”

“Take a shower and change clothes before you see her!” he shouts as I dash through his office door.

The Land Rover eats up the miles between Denver and Pinecone Pines. This vehicle is a joy to drive compared to Jack’s junk heap. Maybe I need to convince Sam to give Jack a raise so he can buy a new car.

I arrive at the café around noon. This is good timing because Sadie won’t want to cause a scene in front of all her customers. At least I hope that’s the case.

I didn’t tell anyone that I’m coming, afraid that one of the Team Ryan members would blab to Sadie and she’d disappear. This is a surprise attack, so to speak .

When I enter the café, Sadie’s behind the bakery case, plating some of her delicious kolaches for a group of three older ladies I don’t recognize. My heart stutters when I see her. She hasn’t noticed me yet, so I gaze at her with longing, hoping this plan works because I love this woman with all my heart.

Judith spots me first. She waves and gives me a thumbs up. For being on Team Sadie, she’s surprisingly supportive this time around.

Once the older women are served, I stride to the bakery case and say, “I’ll take one of those kolaches.”

Sadie glances up, her movements frozen, with a look of shock on her gorgeous face. I don’t give her a chance to tune me out as I slide behind the counter, take her hand, and propel her towards the back. “Judith, can you please cover the front?”

“Of course,” Judith says with a beaming smile.

Rather than resist, Sadie’s steps match mine as we stride through the doors to the kitchen, the doors closing behind us with a swoosh!

“We need to talk,” I say.