Chocolate Reality by Steena Holmes Page A

they don’t believe me.
    “Okay, okay. So I might be a little bit jealous that he’s getting married. But only a little bit. What girl wouldn’t be? But I made the choice not to marry him three years ago. If I’m still holding some unrealized feelings towards him, I have to let them go. I don’t understand why he’s getting married and I’m not. I don’t understand why God is withholding that desire from me. It’s like He keeps dangling that dream in front of me, and yanking it whenever I start to hope too much on it. That’s not fair.” I cried out.
    I definitely need more chocolate now. Seeing that the basket is now empty, I rise from my seat and hurry over to the counter to fill a plate full of muffins and cookies. I need something to take my mind off my emotions; otherwise I will start crying soon.
    There is a nice lull at the table when I return with the plate of muffins. As everyone is helping themselves to the treats, I venture some quick peeks at all their faces. Some are watching me with speculation in their eyes; others are fixated solely on their muffin or cookie.
    I take a deep breath. Perhaps I can steer the conversation away from my unsettled issues and onto the major issue at hand. The party.
    “Admitting that there are still some issues that I obviously have to deal with is one thing. But actually having to plan this party is another. I need some help.” I asked them.
    Joan immediately rushes to my rescue. Bless her heart.
    “Well, of course you need help sweetie. That’s why we are here. I’ve already made a list of the major tasks that need to be done. You just tell me what you have planned and we’ll go from there.”
    So with the conversation successfully changing directions, we proceeded to spend the remaining hour left of our study making party plans. Once again, these ladies have saved the day.
    *****
    “Hey girl. Your sign says you’re closed, so come with me.” I hear a familiar voice call out to me as the doorbells jingle their merry tune.
    “Heather. What brings you by? You should be at home snuggled up to your hubby in front of your roaring fire.” I smile at her while continuing to close up the store.
    “Matt is at a meeting tonight at the church. The men’s group is having a ‘chef contest’ tonight. I made Matt take my apron and hat with him so that he looks like a real chef.” She explained to me while she started to giggle.
    “Which apron did you give him Heather?” I asked. “Your professional white one, or your girly pink one that I bought you for Christmas last year?” I asked her.
    “Well, I stuffed it all into a plastic bag, so he won’t find out until he gets there – but of course the pink one.” Heather giggles.
    I started to laugh. That was exactly something she would do. I can just see Matt’s face now when he pulls out his chef’s uniform in front of all those guys.
    “Too bad you didn’t have someone to take a picture,” I said to her as I gathered up my coat and purse.
    “Oh, but I do. I called Pastor Miles who is leading the group tonight. I told him what I did, and he can’t wait to see Matt all dressed up. He’s agreed to take a few pictures for me,” she said as she grabbed my arm and led me to the front door.
    “Now that’s a sight I definitely wouldn’t want to miss. So, where are we going?” I asked her as I locked up the door and started out towards her car.
    “I thought we could go out for dinner tonight, just you and I. It’s been awhile since we’ve gone out and had some girly fun. I’m in the mood for some nice Italian food, how does that sound?” she asked me while doing a little dance in the snow by her car door.
    “Well, you definitely seem to be in quite the mood tonight.” I said to her. “What’s up? I didn’t think we were doing the girly night thing until next week?” I asked with a hint of hesitation to my voice.
    Heather is normally a spontaneous type of girl, but she’s acting a bit, hmm, I don’t