A Valentine for Kayla Read Free Page B

four out of seven days a week for the past month.
    Deli on the Rye was next door to the florist shop. Too bad he hadn’t thought of food earlier, but his stomach wasn’t growling then. He pulled into a parking spot and hustled inside. He stopped short.
    Kayla stood at the counter. She wore a cuddly-looking sweater and an ankle-length black skirt. Her long curly hair cascaded down her back. Was it as soft as it looked? He shook his head, willing the thought away. She turned just then, and her face lit when she spotted him. “Hey there. Twice in the same afternoon.”
    â€œMust be my lucky day.”
    â€œMine, too.” She shot him a grin.
    He sauntered over to her and studied the menu board.
    â€œDid your girlfriend like the flowers?”
    â€œThe flowers were for my mom, and she loved them.”
    â€œOh, I thought… Never mind.” She grinned. “I’m glad she enjoyed them.”
    He reached for the order sheet, scanned it, checked off what he wanted on the sandwiches, then turned back to Kayla, who was still waiting for her order. “This place makes the best sandwiches.”
    â€œI know. I come here at least once a week.”
    He stepped up to the counter and placed his order, then sidled up to Kayla again. He glanced toward the window and spotted another banner. “What goes on at the Spring Festival?”
    Her face lit. “It’s so much fun. The whole town turns out. It’s a combination street fair, art fair and farmers’ market. People come from all around. There’s tons of food and baked goods, too. All the proceeds go to the town beautification fund.”
    â€œHere’s your sandwich, Kayla.” Nick, the owner of Deli on the Rye looked at Derek. “Your order is almost ready. How’s your mom doing?”
    â€œHer speech is a problem, but she still gets her point across.”
    Nick chuckled. “I like your mom. Give her my best. She comes in here once a week for my split-pea soup.”
    â€œI didn’t know that. Will you change my soup order to split pea?”
    â€œYou got it.”
    Derek turned his attention back to Kayla, who was stuffing her wrapped sandwich into an oversize purse.
    She looked up. “What happened to your mom?”
    â€œShe had a stroke last week.”
    â€œOh no. I’m so sorry. Do either of you need anything?”
    â€œThanks, but we’re doing okay. I’m a little concerned about going back to work and leaving her alone, though. Her speech was affected by the stroke, and I don’t think she could make anyone understand what she needed over the phone. Otherwise, she seems to be fine.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “So far my boss has been understanding, but I don’t know how many more days I can miss without losing my job.” Losing the job wouldn’t be a hardship, but he enjoyed making deliveries. It was fun meeting so many people who liked him for himself and not because he was famous.
    â€œHmm. What’s your mom’s name? Maybe I know her.”
    â€œHelen Wood.”
    â€œI don’t think we’ve met. This town feels small and cozy, but it’s amazing how many residents I don’t know since I’m holed up in the flower shop most days.”
    â€œThat makes sense.”
    â€œIf I think of some way to help your mom, is there a way I can reach you?”
    He almost spouted out his cell number but stopped. He’d learned after his first album went gold not to give that out. “Tell you what—I have a feeling I’ll be in here a lot. Maybe leave a message with Nick, and I’ll stop in at your shop.”
    â€œOkay. That reminds me. There’s something at the flower shop I want to show you.”
    He raised a brow. “Really? I’m intrigued.”
    â€œGood. See you.” She flicked him a saucy grin and ambled out.
    He turned back to the counter and started when he saw that Nick stood there