“Yes, Evan. That guy you were going to marry .”
Cami shook her head. “That’s in the past. We were just kids .”
“Well, if you haven’t noticed, he grew up to be the hottest mayor in the state .”
She knew that. She didn’t need reminding of just how hot he was. She had seen every part of his hotness last night and felt it burn inside her. He was sexier than she could have dreamed. “It has nothing to do with Evan,” she protested quietly .
“So if it wasn’t Evan that brought you back, you can’t tell me it was this shop.” She looked up, noticing the cracks in the ceiling. “We all love The Sweet Treat , but really Cam ?”
Cami giggled. She felt a flood of relief sweep through her. “How is it that we haven’t talked like this in twelve years and it’s like nothing has changed? You’re exactly the same, Jamie .”
Jamie shrugged. “Some things don’t change .”
Cami pulled up a stool and sat on the other side of the baker’s island. “The truth is I lost my contract. I lost my agent. I had one top twenty hit. The next one hit top forty, and after that it was like I couldn’t gain any traction. It was like all that music magic disappeared. And when the attorney showed up with the deed to the properties, I knew it was a sign .”
“You did always believe in that stuff, didn’t you ?”
She nodded. “I did and I do. I think I did everything I could in Nashville. I gave my heart and soul to that city. It was time to come home. I didn’t have anything left to give .”
“And you’re seriously ok with this? No more big fancy award shows, or big time interviews ?”
It had been a long time since celebrity status had been a part of her daily life. It had been a small addictive taste. But once it ended, she couldn’t see it coming back. “I’m trying to figure this out. That much I know .”
Jamie smiled. “I’m glad you’re home. And I’m really glad you’re opening the candy shop. Just in time for Christmas. It’s perfect .”
“I’m starting to wonder if I’ll ever have it ready. I can’t get Aunt Sophie’s fudge right and these peppermint ganaches are in the first test batch stage. I’m wondering if this was a big mistake .”
Jamie stood. “It is not a mistake. I can help. What’s something easy? Peppermint bark? We used to make that all the time .”
Cami shook her head. “You don’t have to do that. I’m sure you want to get things done .”
Jamie glared at her, throwing her hands on her hips. “I have nothing else to do. I’d love to make some candy. Plus, I have a little favor. We could make a little trade .”
Cami flipped through the recipe box looking for the peppermint bark card. She glanced up. “What kind of favor ?”
“I’d like to place your first order. A big one.” She grinned. Jamie always had the prettiest smile. It helped that her daddy was the only dentist in town .
“But I’m not ready for that,” Cami protested. “I’m definitely in the test stage.” There was a burned pan in the sink to prove it .
“Come on, it’s not such a big order you can’t handle it. But tomorrow is the mistletoe shoot and it would be the perfect time to let people know the shop is open. I have a booth rented and I need cookies .”
“A booth? And you need cookies? What’s that all about ?”
“Or fudge. You choose. It can be simple, as long as it’s sweet. And I’ll help.” Jamie rolled out long sheets of waxed paper, and smoothed the ends that started to furl. There was something familiar and comforting with how the pair worked in the kitchen together. The radio was now playing an Elvis Christmas medley. They refilled their hot cocoa .
“I have my own little monogram business now. Jamie’s Creations. I can monogram anything. Anything. You name it and I will stick some initials on it,” she proclaimed proudly. “I’m so busy this time of year, but I take a ton of orders at the mistletoe shoot. Everyone’s in one place, you know ?”
“You need it by tomorrow?” Cami asked. She tried to visualize how she could perfect a recipe and fill an order in less than twenty-four hours .
“Yes, tomorrow. Does that mean you’ll do it?” Her friend’s eyes lit expectantly. “Please say that’s a yes. It would mean a lot to me, and it would be the perfect touch for the mistletoe shoot .”
Cami sighed. She knew arguing would be pointless. She could use the business and the publicity. “I’ll do it. But something very simple. Low key. I don’t want the first order to be a disaster,” she warned, although she had a feeling Jamie wasn’t going to listen no matter what she said .
“It’s not going to be a disaster. When have you ever done anything that wasn’t beautiful and perfect?” Jamie walked to the back door and looped an apron over her head and tied it behind her back. She gathered her hair in a ponytail and attached it in a make-shift bun. “Ok. Tell me what to do to get started .”
Ten
Evan