Calla's Candy Ch 7

**Cherish Lively** (0:00)
Hello, welcome to My Secret Obsession. I'm Cherish Lively, and I'm so excited to have you join me on a journey through love, laughter, and unforgettable romance. Whether you're here to escape into dreamy, heart-fluttering stories or searching for the next book to swoon over, you're in the perfect spot. Together, we'll celebrate strong women, charming men, and the sparks of passion that make contemporary romance irresistible. So, get cozy, turn up the volume, and let's read a book.
Chapter 7 Calla couldn't believe how quickly the week flew by. She'd spent her time researching everything she needed to know about teaching art, and what supplies she'd need. She hoped that she could make back the money quickly to cover the supplies. She had just enough in her savings to cover the paint and canvases. As she closed up shop on Friday night, she was glad that she was heading to Dahlia's Delights on the boardwalk. Dahlia promised to set aside a loaf of the chocolate babka bread for her. Calla used the bread to make French toast. The dark chocolate swirls in the bread melted on the griddle. Topped with maple syrup, each flavor transported her to heaven. She made the quick drive to the boardwalk. She couldn't believe her luck when a car pulled out of a parking space near the shop. She wouldn't have to park in the parking deck and walk. The ocean breeze cut through her jeans and nipped at her legs as she shut the car door. The warm front that had made the temperatures moderate during the week had been replaced with a cold front. She pulled the zipper high up on her coat. The collar cradled her neck in warmth. She hustled down the sidewalk towards Dahlia's delights.
The sun had set a few hours ago. She glanced towards the ocean. With thick clouds obscuring the stars, the ocean looked like a black hole threatening to swallow Avanel. The vast darkness went on forever in that direction. She could just make out a single dot of light in the distance. A ship of some sort was out there.
When she pushed open the door, the chime jingled and she stepped into Dahlia's delights. She stopped in her tracks when she saw who was at the counter. She was tempted to walk right back out, but when his eyes landed on her, it was too late. He'd spotted her. There was no escape. Ashwin Singh was at the register. And damn him, he was just as handsome tonight as he'd been at the wedding. She'd convinced herself that he wasn't as cute as she remembered, that alcohol had seriously upped his good looks. But with him standing before her, she couldn't lie to herself. The man was gorgeous and he was staring at her. Damn, Ash's pulse pounded in his ears when he saw her. For the briefest moment, she looked like an angel before him, draped in serenity and beauty. But then she recognized him and her demeanor flipped. Hurt shone in her eyes as her walls went up. She lost the smile and pressed her lips together in a firm line. Her eye even twitched.
Hello, Calla, he managed to say. His voice slacked the confidence that was his norm. Right now, he felt horrible. He cleared his throat, hoping that the next words out of his mouth would sound better. Confident, self-assured, that's how he wanted to present himself. But at the moment, he couldn't think of the right thing to say to her. Dahlia stood silent behind the counter and stared at the pair. Her friend looked like she wanted to melt into the floor and disappeared on a drain. Ash looked uncertain, hesitant, like when Mr. Darcy wanted to go to Lizzie to solve her problems and wrap her up in his arms. But societal norms prevented him from acting on his desires.
Ash's facial expression was conflicted. He shifted his frame towards Calla in a welcoming way. His mouth curved into a subtle smile that offered genuine friendship, but that smile was restrained by guilt. Yes, that's what Dahlia saw in his eyes. Guilt, sorrow, humiliation, pain. But even with all of those negative feelings, she also saw the affection he held for Calla. That was good enough for her. She was ready to forgive and forget. She would encourage her friend to accept his plea for forgiveness if he offered it again.
Calla didn't reply to his greeting. Instead, she stood there. The words he'd whispered so carelessly on the dance floor plagued her, turned her stomach and made her sweat. She couldn't leave, she couldn't stay. Her feet were frozen in place while her heart thundered like a bucking bull that wanted to throw the annoying man across the room.