Candy Kisses

Chapter 6

Chapter 6: ChocoDrops

Sunlight slanting through her window and across her face, accompanied by a cacophony of birds shrilling, tweeting, or singing, woke Monica. She hadn't slept this well in a long time. It's just because you were so tired. Stretching, she lifted her gaze to the window directly above her head and watched a puffy cloud parade across an ocean of blue.

Thinking about Tessa had her sitting up and reaching for her alarm clock that was set to go off at six-fifteen. Dirk had said Tessa ate breakfast around seven. It was six-ten when Monica flipped off the buzzer before it could sound. She hastened out of bed because a little girl needed a good breakfast before school. She reached for her silk wrap, peeked out her door and into the hallway to make sure the coast was clear, and darted to the bathroom door. Just in case it was occupied, she knocked. The bathroom situation was the pits. Maybe they could make a schedule to follow.

After showering, brushing her teeth, applying makeup, and blow drying her trendy bob-cut hairstyle that she'd paid a fortune for, and doubted anyone in this dinky town could even come close to creating, she slipped back in her room and changed into beige Versace slacks with matching leopard print shell. Ten to seven. I don't think I've ever dressed this fast in my life.

In the kitchen Tessa was opening the freezer.

"Good morning, Tessa. What would you like for breakfast?"

Tessa grinned. "Mornin' Miz Monica." She reached for a box of frozen waffles. "I been eatin' these waffles that you just pop in the toaster. Would you like one? Before Daddy got hurt, he always cooked breakfast. We love bacon and eggs and biscuits, but he said we'd just have to make due 'til we got help." She retrieved a bottle of fake maple syrup from the cupboard.

Monica sighed. What I wouldn't give for some Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and Kona coffee. "I think I'll just have toast for now. But tomorrow I'll get up earlier and make a big breakfast." Okay, add Egg Beaters and turkey bacon to the list. Also, whole wheat pancake mix and real maple syrup. "What time does your father get up?"

"Oh, he's already up."

"I didn't see him when I came through the living room."

"He's in his bedroom on his computer. He likes to answer his fan emails in the morning."

"Oh, does he get a lot of emails?"

"Sometimes." She pulled her waffle from the toaster and tossed it on her plate. Reaching for the butter dish, she slathered it with real butter and Monica cringed.

Monica said, "Well, I'll be going to the grocery store today. Is there anything special I can get for you?"

"I like popsicles; especially strawberry ones."

"You got it. What about your father? Anything I should get him?"

Tessa grinned wide.

"What?" Monica asked conspiratorially.

The little girl opened a drawer and pulled out a box. "Daddy loves these candies. But I think they're gross." She showed the box to Monica.

Jalapeño ChocoDrops

Monica wrinkled her nose. "That sounds horrible!"

"I know." Tessa lifted the lid. "But look, there's only two left."

"Are they at the grocery store?"

"Oh, no. The only place you can get them is at Dixie's Cuppa Joe."

Monica said, "I saw the coffee shop when Newt drove through town yesterday. I guess I could stop and buy another box."

"Maybe you should get two."