Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

Most of these women knew I was always into baking and chocolate creations, so it’s easy for me to talk about. I glaze over the details of leaving, simply saying that Charlotte had an opportunity for me. Then I go on to explain the process of building my business. DG Creations is a small outfit, but it’s financially solid.

Stephanie gushes about my reputation in Charlotte, which prompts Mom to jump in and prattle about my increasing popularity in Charleston. It becomes apparent Mom is embellishing and trying to overstate my status, but I let her go on because it’s becoming hilarious.

Stephanie’s face turns a deep shade of pink as she tries to hold back her laughter. I do the same until a very unladylike snort escapes.

“Darby Rose! Stop acting like a fool.”

“Stop exaggerating. I bake goodies. It’s hardly going to solve world peace.”

She opens her mouth to argue, but Mrs. Winkle beats her to it. “I don’t know about that. I heard the nurses talking about the chocolates you delivered. They went a long way in helping keep the peace at the hospital between the nurses and the administrators, who were at odds about schedule changes.”

“I will admit that chocolate has magic powers, but so do nice gestures. That’s all this was; the administrators did a nice gesture.”

“You would certainly provide peace in my household if you’d chat with my husband about putting your desserts in his restaurant,” Sandra Rosen pipes up.

“We have a meeting next week, Mrs. Rosen. I’m not able to provide large scale desserts right now, but I am going to give him some options.”

“Thank you, Jesus. He’s been griping about getting your toffee bars since he tasted one.” She fans her face dramatically.

“Toffee bars are excellent, but the truffles will blow the roof off,” Stephanie adds, winking at me.

My truffles are good, but she’s an advocate because they bring in my largest profit margin. Since I make them with a specialty chocolate blend that is a secret recipe, we are able to set the price higher. They also take me days to finish.

“I’ve had your truffles. Of course, I didn’t know at the time they were yours. I picked one up at Billy’s place,” Mrs. Asly boasts. “It was to die for.”

“Thank you.”

Out of the corner of my eyes, something flashes, and I look in time to catch Jill dabbing at the corner of her eye with a small smile on her lips. Pride is written on her expression. “Proud of you,” she mouths.

My heart swells, and I return her smile. She and I will never have what we once did, and that hurts. But for now, this is enough.

•—•—•—•—•

I wait with bated breath for someone to break the silence with any kind of reaction on my announcement that I’ve received an acquisition offer for DG Creations. Stephanie had the foresight to bring a few copies of the proposal, and Evin is reading through one, his eyes moving rapidly over the pages. He flips through and jerks his face to mine when he finds what any financial advisor and portfolio manager would be searching for.

“Is this solid?” His question is aimed at Stephanie.

“Solid as a rock. I’ve gone back and forth with the lead corporate lawyer for a while, tweaking. Best- and worst-case scenarios have been negotiated down to the minutest details.” She transforms from the supportive, laid-back friend to the high demand, sharp-witted lawyer. “It’s taken months of fine-tuning, but Darby and I felt the last round of changes were sufficient.”

His gaze slowly moves to me, and I clasp my hands together tighter, swallowing hard. Hurt and confusion are plain in his expression.

“Don’t be upset.” I direct the statement at him but glance at my parents quickly and then back to him. “I’m still not sure this is the right move for me. It’s a huge decision.”

“That’s an understatement. Guess this explains all the changes—the hair, the clothes, the new car. Not to mention the willingness to up and leave your existence in Charlotte without even a second thought. You’ve been contemplating this for months. We’re a fly-by stop in your journey.”

“Don’t be a jerk, Evin. You know that’s not true. I still haven’t signed the papers. It’s not a done deal.”

“Why not, Darby? This offer sets you up financially, possibly for life. I may not know the legal side of things, but I’m intelligent enough to know Stephanie has taken every step to make sure you are protected.”

“It’s not about the money. You, of all people, know I’m doing fine on my own.”

“Why not sign the papers?”

“Because DG Creations is my life.”

“No, DG Creations is your expertise. You, Darby Graham, get to choose your life.”

“To me, it’s one in the same.”

“What I want to know is how this came about? Since the inception of DG Creations nine years ago, you’ve refused to even have a storefront. Now, you may be joining forces with an exclusive hotel and resort chain?” Mom slides her copy of the proposal to the middle of the table, not bothering to open it.