Fireworks Frappe (Cupid's Coffeeshop Book 7) Read online

  Fireworks Frappe

  Seventh in the

  Cupid’s Coffeeshop

  Series

  By

  Courtney Hunt

  FIREWORKS FRAPPE

  Copyright © Courtney Hunt 2016

  All Rights Reserved

  This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, places, events, business establishments or locales is entirely coincidental.

  First Digital Edition: July 2016

  www.Courtney-Hunt.com

  For my dear friend, Hannah.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Author’s Note

  Chapter One

  Just after lunchtime, on a viciously sunny July day, Ava Lane crossed the town limit of Ashford Falls—a decade to the day after she’d last seen the sign in her rearview mirror.

  And about a lifetime sooner than she wanted to see it again.

  But her twin sister was getting married in three days. As maid of honor, Ava wouldn’t miss that for the world. After the wedding, she’d be free to shake the dust of Ashford Falls off her heels and head back to the bright lights of big old New York City.

  Except that she didn’t exactly have much in New York City. Not her job, not her boyfriend, and not her apartment. That wasn’t her life. Not anymore.

  When Ava let down her guard and thought of the future, her heart fluttered like a hummingbird’s wing. She drew a deep breath and let it out slowly, fighting the panic attack. First the wedding. Then she’d have plenty of time to consider her empty future after Amy and Ben were safely married and on their way to honeymoon in London.

  She drove slowly through her hometown, recognizing little more than the street names. Since she’d been gone, the urban sprawl of nearby Washington, DC nearly consumed the town. In their weekly phone calls, Amy had told her of the subdivisions springing up like mushrooms around the perimeter of town and also of the revitalization of the small town center. Seeing the change for herself though made it all so shockingly real.

  As she bumped over the abandoned railroad tracks, the bright crimson logo of Cupid’s Coffeeshop caught her eye. Her stomach growled, reminding her that she’d eaten only a few bites of her breakfast before heading out this morning. Her head throbbed from lack of caffeine. By this time of day, she’d usually downed at least three cups of coffee just to keep rushing at her high pressure job. It’d be best to face the wedding preparations and her maid of honor duties—now in full-tilt crisis mode, no doubt—when she was fully caffeinated.

  Ava swung into the parking lot and strolled into the square. When she’d last been home, only the Ashford Falls Cafe survived in the bluestone shops lining the Ashford Falls square. Now, a card store advertised some “Christmas in July sale” opposite the bustling coffeeshop. A hair salon and spa sat next door to the card store. And it looked like a toy shop as well as a yarn and quilt shop would be open any day. Practically a mega mall, by this sleepy town’s standards.

  Ava admired the merrily splashing fountain, shaded by the leafy Bradford pears and cherry trees. On impulse, she tossed a gleaming copper penny in. She wished her sister and Ben all the happiness she’d never see. No point in wasting one on herself, since the disaster she’d made of her life needed a lot more than wishes in fountains to fix.

  Ava narrowed her eyes at the reflection in the pool. “Don’t dwell on that crap now. For God’s sake, go coffee-up, get your head together and slap on a happy face for your sis!”

  She tilted her face up to the sun, enjoying the heat on her face as the trees rustled in the light breeze, disturbing the stillness of the summer heat. When was the last time she’d been outside for more than a few minutes during the day? Maybe she’d sit and sip her coffee in the square. After a few deep breaths, she turned and strolled to the coffeeshop.

  Jazzy music poured out the door as she walked in to the shop. Inside, the cozy decor could have come from any one of New York’s countless trendy coffeeshops, with richly burnished walnut counters, tables and chairs scattered about. A scarlet backsplash ribboned behind the counter area. Red and pink Murano glass pendant lamps dangled above the blush marble counter. Across the shop, a beige canvas sofa and matching armchairs nestled next to a massive stone fireplace—thankfully not lit at the height of a blazing hot summer. She inhaled the rich, deep scent of well-made coffee and the tension in her stomach loosened slightly. Oh yes, here she could definitely sip her coffee and relax before heading into the chaos of wedding preparation.

  Ava stepped into line behind a trio of men dressed in dark t-shirts and worn blue jeans. Their shirts bore the Ashford Falls Volunteer Fire Department logo on them in bright yellow. Ava tensed again, her stomach knotting tighter. Surely not. She wouldn’t run into the very last person she wanted to see in Ashford Falls just minutes after arriving in town. Fate couldn’t be that cruel to her, could it?

  The dark-haired barista called to the trio of firefighters. “Can I get some Fireworks Frappes started for you all?”

  “Nah, Patrick. Just plain coffee.”

  Ava’s stomach swooped up and down, and around again. She knew that voice. Duncan Knight. Instinctively, she turned to flee the shop, not ready to come face-to-face with her past just yet, but a long line of customers blocked her exit. The coffee man—Patrick, she supposed—set his sights on her.

  “How about you, Amy? Fireworks Frappe?”

  Ava ground her teeth and forced herself to pivot back to face the counter, just as Duncan turned to smile at her sister. Her heart gave a painful jolt when their gazes connected. She’d have known those whiskey colored eyes anywhere and that crooked grin that always did things to her. When he realized that it was her instead of her twin, the smile slid off his face.

  “Ava?” he breathed. His mouth set into a hard line and his eyes turned flat and cold.

  “Duncan! What a surprise.” Ava managed, then to the still waiting barista, “And just a plain black coffee is great, thanks.”

  Out the corner of her eye, Ava appraised Duncan. Handsome as ever, he’d grown into the promise of his younger self—all long, lean limbs and broad shoulders. Had he gotten even taller after she’d left? An armband tattoo peeked under the edge of his tight t-short. That was new. But his chestnut hair, tipped with gold at the edges as though he’d been in the sun, and mischievous eyes in that perfect face were just the same.

  Ava paid for her coffee and stepped aside. Duncan’s two fellow firefighters made themselves scarce, leaving just Ava and Duncan to endure this excruciatingly awkward reunion. Ava drummed her fingers on the counter and then, realizing what she was doing, stopped abruptly, twisting her hands in front of her pink sundress. Duncan looked everywhere but at her, the toe of his boot tapping against the tile floor. How long could it take to make a simple cup of coffee? A young barista, her dark hair piled on her head, worked quickly and efficiently. Her silver rings flashed and bracelets never stopped jangling. They were just that busy.

  “So, still fighting fires, huh?” Ava said, waving in the direction of Duncan’s shirt.

  He avoided eye contact with her for several heartbeats and then, probably deciding he couldn’t politely ignore the question, nodded once. “And you’re still working in finance?”

 
“Yep. Oh yeah.” Ava lied. “Going great.”

  “That’s good.” Duncan tapped his fingers on his muscled thigh and another long, silent, excruciating pause dripped by. Sweat prickled along the small of her back. Had time actually slowed down? “Amy’s real excited about the wedding.”

  “Yes.” Ava agreed. “I’m looking forward to meeting her Ben, finally.”

  “He’s nice. Great guy.” Duncan shuffled his feet, trying too hard not to look at her. Amy enjoyed the cold comfort that she clearly wasn’t the only one feeling miserable and awkward. A decade ago, he’d have put his arm around her or his hand at the small of her back, chatting easily about anything and everything, the way they always did.

  Before she left. Before he stayed. Before everything.

  “So I’ve heard. And his daughter is supposed to be a pistol.”

  “Livvy.” Duncan let a small grin slip. “We did a fire safety thing at the pre-school. She insisted on sitting in the driver’s seat and pretended to drive the truck. Cutie pie.”

  Ava smiled stiffly, jealous that Duncan knew all these details about her sister and her sister’s new family and she didn’t. Still, she had no one to blame for that but herself.

  Duncan’s order came up and he snagged the paper drink tray the way a drowning man grabs a lifeline, backing swiftly away from the counter. “See you at the wedding, I guess.”

  “You’re coming?” Ava’s stomach dove toward her knees. She needed to avoid him at all costs...and now he’d be a guest!

  “Of course. Your sister invited most everyone in town.” As he and his colleagues strutted out the door, Duncan threw her that old smirk and a naughty wink.

  “Wouldn’t miss it.”

  He left Ava standing there with her mouth agape. She blew her bangs out of her face. Looked like she’d have to get used to being in tiny Ashford Falls after all.

  Chapter Two

  “Hey, Chief.” Duncan tapped on the always open door of the fire chief’s office. His boss, Chris Kincade, peered over his bifocals at him before tossing the glasses on his paperwork strewn desk and waving Duncan into the tiny room. Duncan placed a paper cup of rich dark Cupid’s Coffeeshop’s finest on the desk, hoping that his offering would sweeten his request.

  “So, I was wondering if you had any extra shifts on Saturday?”

  “What now? You’ve been a firefighter for ten years and you’re volunteering to work on the Fourth of July?” Chris raised his eyebrows until they nearly hit his salt-and-pepper hairline. “As I recall, you requested it off. Attending a wedding, aren’t you?”

  That was the problem having a boss with a mind like a steel trap. Chris never forgot a thing. Nothing got past him, no matter how sly his guys were. Duncan shrugged, way too casually. “Just offering to help out.”

  “Uh-huh. Mighty thoughtful of you.” Chris chewed on the stem of his glasses, but Duncan kept his gaze glued to the toes of his boots. “You wouldn’t happen to be avoiding a certain bride’s twin sister, would ya?”

  And that was the problem working with people who had known you since before your voice changed. They knew your history and weren’t afraid to bring it up at the most awkward moment possible.

  “Not at all.” Duncan squirmed but one piercing look from Chris’ dark blue eyes made him drop to the empty visitor’s chair. Duncan rubbed his hands over his face and blew out a breath. “I ran into Ava at the coffeeshop. Most awkward five minutes of my life.”

  “Seeing a lost love’ll do that to ya.” Chris chuckled. “But the hard part’s over now, right?”

  “Hardly.” Duncan drummed his fingers on his thighs, shifting in the uncomfortable seat. “I thought she was Amy at first.”

  “Well, seeing as they’re identical, that’s an easy mistake to make.”

  “No, no. I could always tell them apart. Ava’s got that little scar by her mouth. Amy’s quicker to smile.” Duncan considered it a special form of torture that he lived in a tiny town with his ex-girlfriend’s identical twin. Sometimes, when he’d catch an unexpected glimpse of Amy, for just the first few seconds, he’d think it was Ava. His heart would trip in his chest, buoyed to see her for just an instant before all the scorching memories came pouring back. Being constantly exposed to Amy made his endless feelings for Ava like a burn that hadn’t developed scar tissue yet. And would never fully heal.

  “Well, won’t be too hard on Saturday. Amy will be the one in white.” Chris tapped his glasses on his paperwork. “You should go to the wedding, son. Maybe it’ll help you get over Ava. Finally.”

  “I’m over Ava.” Duncan protested, too quickly. Chris tilted his chin down and cocked his head.

  “Course you are.” Chris agreed easily. “That’s why you never date a girl for more than a month or two before you break it off.”

  “Just never met the right girl.” Duncan lied. No other woman ever compared to Ava. No other woman had ever even come close. And he despaired of it.

  “More like just let the right girl go.”

  “She’s the one who left!” Duncan snapped. “She had big dreams and bigger plans. I didn’t fit in them.”

  “You could have, if you’d wanted to.” Chris disagreed, his voice calm and even. “Even in New York they’ve got firehouses.”

  “But not my brothers and sisters. Not my mom.” Duncan crossed his arms. What did the details matter? Nearly ten years ago, she went and he stayed. They broke up. End of story. Except it wasn’t the end of his feelings for her. And Duncan hated that the most.

  “What was I supposed to do, leave them alone here to starve, while I went off on an adventure with Ava? The guilt would have eaten me alive.”

  “Your brothers and sisters are grown now.” Chris pointed out. “We’ve even got two more Knights in the firehouse.”

  “My mom…” Duncan protested.

  “Your mother is a dynamo. A force of nature. Pretty sure she doesn’t need you looking out for her.” Chris leaned back in the chair, lacing his hands behind his neck, his blue eyes kind as he surveyed Duncan.

  Duncan stared at the floor, awash in memories of Ava. He’d known, of course, that she was coming home to be maid of honor. When Amy invited him to the wedding, he arrogantly assumed he could endure seeing Ava. After all, the reception shouldn’t last more than a few hours. He planned to enjoy the wedding and avoid Ava as much as possible. She’d be busy as the maid of honor anyway.

  Still, he didn’t expect to run into her on his lunchtime coffee break. In the split second before he could remember the bitter, awful breakup, his heart leapt in his chest. He hadn’t realized just how much he missed her. And he sure hadn’t expected seeing her to hurt so much. The pain blindsided him, unexpected and brutal, like sandpaper over raw skin.

  “Thank you kindly for your offer to cover on the Fourth but we’re all set. You have a good time at the wedding, son. Maybe you could ask Ava to dance.” Duncan slumped in the chair, all the energy seeping out of him. Chris rolled his eyes and then picked up his pen. “You get those hoses checked yet? Or were you too busy getting fancy coffee?”

  Duncan groaned and rose to go. As he crossed the threshold, Chris’ low voice stopped him. “Son, you didn’t ask my advice but I’ll give it to you anyway. Go get that girl back while you’ve got the chance.”

  Duncan shook his head. “I don’t want Ava back.”

  “Been around too long not to see through that bald-faced lie. And lying to yourself? That’s just sad.”

  Duncan knew better than try to argue the point with his chief. He inspected the hoses, a dull task that gave him too much time to think. He’d get though the wedding. He’d put up with it for his friend Amy’s sake. And then Ava would flit off home to the bright lights of New York City and he’d stay here in Ashford Falls, where he belonged.

  Left behind, again.

  Chapter Three

  From the coffeeshop, Ava headed to her childhood home, tucked away on one of the leafy suburban streets of Ashford Falls. She parallel parked next to the
memorial playground honoring her mom as the town librarian, and watched a pair of children play tag among the fanciful play equipment. Her mom would love seeing Amy as a bride. She blinked back tears. She couldn’t start crying now. She’d never stop.

  Turning her head, she took in her childhood home—the same butter yellow siding and deep front porch it had always been. Bright red geraniums bobbed in blue planters on the steps, their blooms swaying gently in the breeze. A colorful welcome flag fluttered. After drawing a deep breath, she trudged up the flagstone path to face the wedding chaos.

  After a warm hug, Amy welcomed her into the kitchen, still bedecked with apple accents from their childhood. Ava felt like she was stuck in a time warp. A sweating glass of iced tea and a propped open paperback mystery novel on the window seat told Ava that she’d interrupted her sister’s afternoon read. Amy poured her a glass of sweetened tea and joined her at the kitchen table, perfectly serene.

  “You seem awfully calm for a bride three days before her wedding. Where’s the chaos? Where’s the insanity?” Ava lounged in the breakfast nook, nostalgia washing over her. How many times had their mother served them after school snacks there? Or sipped cocoa with her girls as the snow came down? Or indulged in a lazy afternoon of reading after a trip to the library?

  “Everything’s done.” Amy beamed. “We’re keeping it all casual and fun. No fuss.”

  “Tell me all about it.” As Amy chattered on about the wedding details, Ava catalogued the changes in her sister since she’d seen her last. As adults, they weren’t quite as identical as they were as children. Amy’s face bore more smile lines around her mouth and eyes. Freckles dusted her tanned face. Ava felt like a pale, watery imitation next to her sister’s vibrant joy.

  “And then the fireworks will be at nine.”