Chapter Twelve

The urge to twirl down the aisle to deliver her orders was overwhelming on Sunday as Valerie went about completing her shift. She had felt like she was floating on air ever since she’d danced with Alec, and by Monday, the sensation had only lessened a tad. Unlike Sophie, her coworkers didn’t say anything, though she was sure they noticed. Even Sophie’s teasing the day before had done nothing to wipe the smile off of Valerie’s face.

Nothing could ruin her mood, not even Joe, who came in at his usual time and tried to strike up a conversation with her like old times. She kept things professional and politely responded, keeping it short. She wouldn’t let that faker bring her down.

The day before, she’d found a little box on her front porch again when she’d arrived home from church. Inside was a bracelet that matched the pink pearl earrings and necklace she’d gotten the two days prior. As she delivered drinks to a table of teens, she wondered what she might get that day. Surely, it wouldn’t be any other matching jewelry, since she seemed to be out of places to wear it. She set the drinks down and scribbled the kids’ orders on her pad, not really paying attention and having to ask for clarification about what one of them wanted on his burger.

She brought the order to the window and found Frank staring at her through the slot. “Val? You wanna get your head out of the clouds and pay a little more attention to your job, sweetie?”

“Why? Did I do something wrong?” she asked.

“Nah, I just wanna make sure I’m not dishin’ up somethin’ no one wants to eat. Like mash potato sandwiches.” He laughed heartily, and Valerie blushed. She knew he was right, but she couldn’t help it.

“I’m sorry, Frank. I am distracted. I’ll try harder.”

“I’m teasing you, Val. It’s nice to see you so happy, especially this close to Valentine’s Day.”

Her face still a rosy pink, Valerie turned to see Joe staring at her. She didn’t bother to ask if he was ready to order yet since his menu was still open. She cleared her throat and ignored him.

The chime on the door rang, and Valerie looked up to see one of her good friends, Olivia Kensington, had just entered the diner. “Hey, doll!” Valerie shouted. “How are you?”

Olivia looked happier than Valerie could ever remember seeing her. Her long blonde hair was swept up on top of her head, and she had a twinkle in her eye. For once in her life, Valerie felt like she could relate to that feeling of bliss. Olivia had recently met an engineer named Memphis who gave up his life in Texas to move across the country just to be with her.

“I’m fabulous,” Olivia replied, stepping up to the counter. “Just came by to get a little writing done. Memphis is going to join me for dinner in a little bit, once he gets home from work.”

“How’s he liking the new job?” She’d heard he found a position at a company in Winchester and an apartment nearby.

“Great. The hours are a little odd, but he likes it so far.”

That would explain him not being back to town for a while. “I’m so glad to hear that,” Valerie replied. “It’s so nice everything worked out for the two of you.”

“I’m pretty happy about it,” Olivia nodded, giggling. “I’ve heard about this little Cupid thing you’ve got going on. Any idea who it is?”

“No,” Valerie admitted. She was quite certain it wasn’t Alec, as much as she wanted it to be. “But I guess I’ll find out in two days!”

“Right!” Olivia said. “I also heard about the senior citizen’s dance. Sounds like a lot of fun.”

“Yeah. You could stop by, although I’m guessing you have plans.”

Olivia’s face turned a bright pink. “We are going to dinner that night. Memphis won’t tell me where—just someplace fancy.”

“Sounds amazing.” Even though Valerie wished she had plans to go out to dinner with a significant other on Valentine’s Day, she wasn’t disappointed in where she would be, or who she’d be with.

“Well, I’m going to see if I can get some work done.” Olivia patted her bag, and Valerie assumed her laptop was in there.

“Looks like your preferred booth is open. Good luck! Can’t wait to read it!”

Olivia smiled over her shoulder as she made her way down the aisle to the back of the restaurant. It wasn’t that long ago that Memphis had showed up to sweep Olivia off of her feet. Valerie had witnessed the whole thing and been more than a little jealous. Now, none of that seemed to matter.

Another chime, and she looked up to see Mr. Nelson come in. He wasn’t alone, however. Mrs. Carpenter was with him. They walked along near each other, like friends might do, but still, Valerie had seen the way the older woman had been looking at him at the meeting the other night. She couldn’t help but smile. It might take Mr. Nelson a little while to warm up, and Mrs. Carpenter might not be the one for him, but at least he wasn’t alone anymore.

“Val, I’m ready to order.”

Joe’s voice caught her off-guard. “Oh, right.” She pulled her notepad and pencil out of her apron. “What will you have.”

“How about the spaghetti and meatballs?” he asked.

Valerie jotted it down without any comment. She turned to hang up the order and grabbed two glasses, filling one with unsweet tea for Mr. Nelson and the other with sweet tea for Mrs. Carpenter. Joe’s sigh of frustration at her didn’t go unheard, but she let him think it did.

As she approached their table, she heard Mr. Nelson telling a story about his wife. Mrs. Carpenter seemed quite interested as she nodded along. “Hello,” Valerie greeted them with a big smile. “How are y’all tonight?”

“Not bad at all,” Elvira said. “We decided we’d have our own little party planning meeting over dinner.” She winked at Valerie, who turned in time to see Mr. Nelson blush.

“Well, if you have any more great ideas, let me know. Sweet tea?” she confirmed, sliding the glass to Mrs. Carpenter, who nodded. “And here’s your unsweet tea, Mr. Nelson. Do you need a few minutes?”

“You know, I haven’t even opened the menu,” Mrs. Carpenter giggled. “Yes, dear.”

“Sure thing, hon,” Valerie replied. She patted Mr. Nelson’s shoulder and then spun around to head back to check on a few tables before she’d return to take their order.

Valerie refilled a few drinks and then went back to the counter just as Joe’s order was up. She slid the plate in front of him and said only, “Here you go.”

She turned back around to straighten a few items on the shelf behind her, and realized he was talking to her. A chime at the door also caught her attention. “You know, Val,” Joe was saying. “Why don’t you ditch that dance a little early, and the two of us will go get some dinner. I’ll even pay.”

While she didn’t want to turn around because she had no idea what to say to Joe, the ding at the door was an indicator someone had entered, and Wanda was tied up taking an order for a large group that had come in a little while ago. Turning in the opposite direction of Joe, she spun around to find herself face to face with Alec.

Valerie’s eyebrows arched, and her cheeks immediately felt flush. “Alec? What are you doing here? I didn’t see an order.” She had checked, for certain, and every time the phone rang, she checked again.

He smiled and leaned against the counter. “I know. I came to see you.” He glanced out of the corner of his eye at Joe, but then returned his attention to Valerie, as if Joe was inconsequential—which at this point, he definitely was. “Do you have a minute?”

“Sure,” Valerie replied. “What’s up?” She didn’t know if she should take him some place more private or if what he had to say could be discussed right there in the front of the restaurant.

He didn’t move, so she assumed it was nothing too personal. “Well, I’ve come to proposition you.” Valerie’s eyebrows raised even more, and then she watched as Alec’s face turned bright red. “That is not what I meant. At all.” He was stammering, and Valerie couldn’t help but giggle. “I mean… I have a proposition for you.”

Trying to control her laughter and straighten her face didn’t work very well, and it took her a moment to regain her composure. “Right. No, I knew you didn’t mean… I mean… that phrase can mean more than one thing.”

He didn’t say anything, only shook his head slightly from side to side, as if trying to jar his brain into place. “Anyway, I know you need a more reliable vehicle, and my dad is selling his truck. So, if you want to buy it, he’s willing to sell it to you for a really good price.”

She could hardly believe her ears. Was this really possible? “Oh, Alec,” she exclaimed. “Your dad’s truck is really nice. I’m sure I can’t afford it.”

“It’s a good, reliable vehicle with over 100,000 miles on it. It’s ten years old. He’s taken pretty good care of it. And—it might be a little different to drive considering it’s slightly bigger than your Bug. But I’m pretty sure you can afford the price he’s willing to sell it to you for.”

Steeling herself against disappointment, Valerie asked, “What’s that?”

“For you, he said $3000.”

Valerie thought she’d misheard. She stared at Alec with her mouth agape for a very long time before she finally managed to ask, “Did you say $3000?”

He only nodded in response.

Once again, she didn’t know what to say. “But it’s got to be worth much more than that.”

“It doesn’t matter. He knows how hard you work, and he wanted to help you out. If you want it, it’s yours.”

A wave of acceptance washed over her as she realized what this meant. Having a reliable vehicle would allow her to finally go to cosmetology school, to have a job she’d always wanted and work the hours she chose. “Oh, Alec!” she repeated, this time with joy in her voice and in her heart. “Are you serious?” He nodded again. “Oh, wow! Yes, of course. I’d love to buy your dad’s truck!” He broke into a smile, which turned into a laugh as she literally began to hop up and down. “If this counter wasn’t in the way, I would hug you!”

“I’ll wait here,” he replied, a look in his eyes like none she’d ever seen before. If she didn’t know any better, she’d think Alec O’Connell was flirting with her.

Valerie didn’t wait to question her interpretation, however. She ran around the end of the counter and flung herself into his open arms. “Thank you! Thank you so much!”

“You’re very welcome,” he replied wrapping his arms around her gently.

Valerie carefully pulled herself away before the scent of sandalwood overwhelmed her. Joe wasn’t the only one watching them now. Several patrons had turned their attention to the two standing just inside the entrance. “Seriously, I can’t thank you enough. And your dad.”

“He’s happy to do it. I’ll go talk to him and figure out when we can get it to you, okay?”

She had made the mistake of getting lost in his emerald eyes, and it took her a moment to answer. Eventually, she managed to nod and say, “Okay.”

Alec was laughing quietly as he said, “I’ll see you soon, Val.” He was headed toward the door, and she couldn’t help but follow him with her eyes. It wasn’t until he was gone that she realized she hadn’t actually said goodbye. Maybe that was a good thing, though. Goodbye’s meant something was over, and she had a feeling this was just the beginning.

“Would it be possible to get some service around here, or do I have to bring you a vehicle to get any attention?”

Joe’s voice cut through her reverie, and Valerie cleared her head, turning to face him. “I’m sorry, Joe. What did you need?”

Before he could answer, Wanda was there, with her arm around Valerie’s shoulders. “Now that Alec O’Connell is a handsome fellow. And he’s gettin’ you a new vehicle to boot?”

“Well, technically, I’m paying for it. He just got me a good deal,” Valerie explained.

“I’d like my check,” Joe spit out, clearly unamused by Valerie’s interaction with Alec.

“Still,” Wanda continued. “I’d take the truck and the messenger if I were you, hon.” She winked at Valerie, which made her blush, but rather than respond, Valerie pulled away and went back around the counter to get Joe’s check.

“Here you go,” she said, sliding it over to him.

He handed her his credit card without even looking at the bill. She ran it, pulled out the copy for him to sign, and handed him a pen. He scrawled something at the bottom and then turned and walked away. Valerie noticed he hadn’t left her a tip, but that was okay with her. She didn’t need anything from Joe Brighton.

The rest of her shift, Valerie was so enthralled by thoughts of Alec and her new truck, she seemed to glide around on gossamer wings. Mrs. Carpenter and Mr. Nelson had been so far away from the exchange at the front of the store, they hadn’t heard a word, only saw their friends hugging, so Valerie filled them in. Mr. Nelson had concluded, “That Alec O’Connell is a fine young man,” and Mrs. Carpenter had concurred.

After Wanda had left for the evening, and Valerie was all alone out front, she noticed a medium-sized pink and white box sitting on a table near the restrooms. She glanced around at the few patrons that were left, but no one seemed to look particularly suspicious. She hurried over and pulled out the card, seeing her name on it immediately. Valerie opened it.

By the twelfth day of Valentine’s

You might think this is a curse

But you can’t go to the dance

Without a sparkly purse.

She opened the box to find a glittering new clutch purse, covered in shiny pink rhinestones. It was gorgeous and would look so nice with the jewelry her Cupid had recently gifted to her. This day was turning out to be even better than she’d expected when she’d woken up on cloud nine that morning. With only two days left, however, she wondered how she might tell this Cupid that her heart now belonged to someone else, unless, of course, she’d been wrong and Alec was her Cupid. While the thought seemed enchanting, she had a feeling that wasn’t the case. It didn’t matter, though. She knew who she wanted to be with, and nothing was going to change that so long as he wanted to be with her.

She hadn’t seen it in all of these years and felt ridiculous for having missed it. But she could see it now; she could see him now, and Valerie started to think that perhaps she would soon add herself to the list of lovestruck young ladies. Something was in the air in Charles Town, and Valerie was ready to inhale deeply.