Romantic Friday Writers: Rock Candy

Here is my entry for the Romantic Friday Writers challenge hosted by Francine Howarth and L'Aussie each Friday. This is a fun challenge with a winner every week. There are no prizes, just recognition. If you write, you may want to join and let your writing skills be tested.

When I saw Rock Candy, I envisioned the confection common to The Rocky Mountain region known by the same name and made to appear as rocks. I guess Rock Candy can also mean rock n' roll bands and groupies. I hope no one will mind if I take my story from the sunny seaside and crazy fans to the Colorado high country. Enjoy!

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Jessica finished her display with clustered candies made to look like rocks along the river banks of Colorado. In five minutes her dream, her café, would open. It featured two cappuccino machines, hot cocoa, pastries and a variety of candies. A fabulous chocolate sculpture of a child took center stage.  Red paint decorated the doors while black and white checker board tiles lined the floor. Small tables and chairs gave potential customers a place to sit and enjoy Jessica's treats. Would anyone come?

She'd worked hard, finishing her degree in the culinary arts while struggling to raise a four year old daughter alone. Her ex-boyfriend was currently in jail for domestic abuse. Those memories intruded. For a moment Jessica felt the bruises that had marred her beauty and still scared her heart.

Smoothing her hands along the pristine pink apron she opened her store for business. Phillip, her partner for a year in school entered. Tall and handsome, blond curls wrapped around his ears. She hadn't heard from him since graduation four months ago. Even with the strong scents of coffee and chocolate he was close enough for her to breathe in his after shave.

He smiled. "You did it Jess, what a fantastic place."

"Thanks."

"I lost your number," he said.

Jessica moved behind the counter. "Really? I didn't know you had it."

"Sure you did. I pestered you for two months before you gave it to me."

"Why did you lose it then?"

"Fate."

What a stupid thing to say to her. "Coffee? Hot Cocoa?"

"Jess."

His voice went through her. The tears at the back of her eyes drizzled down and she had to turn away.

"If I hadn't lost your number, I never would have realized how dependent my heart was on seeing you, hearing your voice, tasting your creations."

The radio station began to play Celine Deon singing 'My Heart Will Go On.' Phillip reached for her hand and Jessica realized he had come around the counter and stood beside her. In a graceful move he pulled her close and began to dance before the pastries. She was certain her heart would leap out of her chest and join his when he pressed his lips against hers.

"Marry me?" Phillip said when his kiss ended.

A crowd of customers had entered and they broke into applause.

Her smile answered for her.                                                                               

Word count: 396 (I had to cut 100 words, ugh.)

To read more Romantic Friday Writers challenge post go here.

Nancy