Sweet Revenge (Cocoa Narel Chocolate Shop Mysteries Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

since the accident, and I hadn’t felt anywhere near safe either time.
    “You know I don’t mind,” Carl replied. “Besides, I’m excited to help you pick a store.” He looked down at my hands and leaned in for a closer peek. “Narel, you’re shaking. I know this is a big day, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.”
    I laughed. “I know. Thanks Carl. I think it’s just the caffeine. I’m on my fifth coffee for the day,” I admitted sheepishly. “I’m ready and willing, though! Let’s get going.”
    The realtor’s office was completely covered in windows, and clinical looking from the outside. I shuddered as it reminded me of the hospital. Happily, the interior was much more welcoming, if a little lacking in color. Carl and I walked up to the receptionist and introduced ourselves. She told us to sit and wait for a minute, which made me even more anxious.
    I’d thought this morning that perhaps I was still anxious about cars. I hadn’t been worrying about it as much recently, but after the incident with Guy, cars had started to worry me a lot more. I knew it was largely irrational. Cars were always dangerous, of course, but my first accident was unlikely enough. I figured that something else happening was practically impossible. Now that I was here, though, it occurred to me that I was simply nervous about the meeting. If I made a bad decision it could cripple my business before it had even begun, but if I took too long to settle on a location, my store might not even start. I swallowed nervously and looked at Carl.
    “You’ll be fine, Narel,” he said, grinning. I thought that perhaps he was enjoying my squirming, at least to some extent. Finally, a door opened and a man walked out to greet us. He was tall, with short hair and dark features. I couldn’t help but think that he was extremely handsome, and it was more than a little obvious that Carl felt the same way. I nudged him with my elbow to get him to stop staring.
    “Hi, I’m Borage.” He greeted us with a smile and extended his hand. Carl and I shook it in turn and followed him into an office. He waved us toward the seats and sat across from us at his desk.
    “Did you say your name is Porridge?” Carl asked seriously. I elbowed him in the ribs and he replied with a loud, “Ouch!”
    I shook my head. I hoped this wasn’t a sign of the coming day.
    The realtor flushed slightly. “No, Borage. Borage Fletcher.”
    Carl and I exchanged glances. “Fletcher?” he echoed. “We went to school with a Tom Fletcher.”
    Borage looked down at his papers. “I suppose it’s a common enough name in these parts.”
    “Are you from around here?” I asked. “I don’t remember you from school.” However, I did remember Tom Fletcher, and this guy looked a little like him.
    Borage looked up and fixed me with a penetrating look. “I’ve just moved here from Melbourne. You were brought up in this town?”
    I nodded. “Yes. Carl and I went to school together.”
    Borage looked down at his paperwork. “I’m sorry. I don’t have your names.”
    “I’m Carl Smith and this is Narel Myers,” Carl said.
    Borage jumped. He looked like startled kangaroo caught in the headlights. The moment passed quickly, and he looked down again at his desk. “So, I’ve gathered up all the likely spots for you.” He opened a large folder on the desk, each containing photos and information on available stores around town.
    At first, I was just happy that I’d booked an appointment like this. On the other hand, seeing all of this at once was incredibly overwhelming. I barely knew where to start, what to look for, or what half of these words meant.
    Borage smiled. “I know; it’s all a bit much. I’m happy to walk you through it. Are you two starting the business together?”
    “Oh, no,” Carl replied, laughing. “We’re not together. As a couple, I mean,” he added pointedly. “I’m single.” Carl looked Borage directly in the eyes, much to Borage’s