Free Matchmakers Box Set: Matchmakers, Encore, Finding Hope by Bernadette Marie

items for the party on the counter as the cashier began to total their purchase.
    “You’re a celebrity around here.” Carissa fidgeted with a necklace on the display by the register. “You don’t think of yourself like that, do you?”
    “Goodness, no.” She shook her head. “I’m a musician. That’s all I’ll ever be.” She handed her credit card to the cashier and signed the receipt.
    Carissa reached for a bag, and they started out of the store.
    “You’re much more than just a musician. People here see someone who made something of herself. You’re on TV, and you have your name on how many albums?”
    “Twenty-seven.”
    “Wow. Does the man drag you into the studio every week?” Carissa slid into the car laughing.
    “Let’s say Pablo DiAngelo enjoys his own voice and feels that everyone else should too.” She backed out of the parking space. “He records every major performance and each album sells out. He’s amazing.”
    Carissa watched Sophia’s eyes when she talked about the man. Her eyes lit up and danced. She loved him.
    “Is he good to you?” Her voice wavered.
    “Oh, yes. He’s been a blessing in my life.” Sophia started toward the juice bar, following Carissa’s directions.
    Carissa thought of the fight Sophia had with her father. She figured they’d forged quite a friendship in the few hours they’d spent together. Would it be too soon to ask the questions that were now plaguing her?
    “Do you love Pablo?”
    “I love him very much.” Her answer was quick.
    “Oh.” Her voice dipped lower.
    “Why do you ask?”
    “I was just thinking about the fight you had with Dad.”
    “Did you hear everything?” She only nodded and watched Sophia straighten behind the wheel.
    “Sophia, Dad loves you.”
    “Don’t say that.” She pulled into a parking space at the juice bar. “It’s been a lot of years. People forget what they really felt. Your father loves you, and he wants the best for you .”
    Carissa shook her head. The woman was in denial, and until Sophia forgave her father for helping her mother, she couldn’t convince her that he loved her. He’d have to do that himself, but she sure could plant the seed.
    “C’mon, you need a chocolate-and-banana smoothie.” Carissa forced a smile, hoping to clear the air a bit.
    “Peanut butter and granola?”
    “What?” She shut the door and smiled.
    “I like my chocolate-and banana-smoothies with peanut butter and granola, too. Do you have those?”
    “Yes.” She opened the door for Sophia. “I’ll make it special for you.”
     
    As soon as Sophia walked through the door of the juice shop, she recognized the old arcade. The thought brought a rush of fond memories. The loud, metal games had been replaced by quaint, metal sundry tables and the fragrance of fruit.
    Carissa disappeared behind the counter and into the back.
    “Sophia?” She turned when she heard her name and smiled when she saw Mary Alice. “It’s about time you came to see me.”
    Mary Alice flew toward her with her arms held out wide to scoop her up into a warm hug.
    “Oh, how long has it been since I’ve seen you?” She held her at arm’s length. “You look fabulous. Just fabulous!”
    “So do you.” Her heart did a little flip as she noticed the generous sprinkling of laugh lines on her friend’s face. So much time had passed while she was away. She’d missed Mary Alice, and she hadn’t realized just how much until she was standing before her.
    “I saw you on TV not too far back. What was it? Some cable special…”
    “ Pablo DiAngelo Live from Monte Carlo. ”
    “That’s it!” She clapped her hands. “He’s amazing and so handsome. How do you keep your hands off him?” she whispered.
    “Every job has its temptations.” Sophia looked around the quaint shop with its modern decor. “This is a great place you have here.”
    “Amazing, huh?” She shepherded her toward the counter. “This is where I met Jeremy, remember? It seemed