The bell on the door jangled, and Talia turned to see a man with dark-blond hair enter. He wore blue jeans and a forest green polo shirt that accentuated his hazel eyes. His attractive face, square jaw and straight nose, reminded Talia of a Hollywood film actor. Several movie stars vacationed in Blossom Lake, although she wouldn’t recognize one if he or she passed her by on the street. She smiled. Maybe this guy was famous.
She stepped forward. “Hi. Welcome to Fountain of Life.”
“G’morning.” He sported a cheery expression. “I’m looking for the lady who makes those scrumptious apple pies.”
“That would be my mother.” She turned and presented her. “Marlene Fountain.”
“A pleasure to meet you. I’m Brian Coridan.” He approached and offered his right hand.
Mom shook it politely.
“I’ve enjoyed your pies.” A hint of a blush crept into his face. “I ate one for dinner last night and finished the other one at breakfast.”
“Well, they are rather small,” Mom said, always the diplomat. “I’m glad you liked them.”
Brian turned to Talia. Taking his proffered hand, she introduced herself.
“So...” His gaze wandered the store. “You’re the owner of this place, huh?”
Talia widened her eyes. “Is that so surprising?”
“No, I only meant…well...”
Talia realized he meant no harm. “I apologize for being defensive. We had a…” Dare she call it a theft? “We had an incident here yesterday afternoon, and I’m still reeling from it.”
“Sorry to hear it.”
Mom stood slightly behind Talia and gripped her shoulders. “If your diet consists of only apple pies, Mr. Coridan, you might be interested in purchasing some multivitamins.”
He chuckled at the obvious sales tactics. “I’m a medical physician and don’t take much stock in vitamins. Thanks anyway. But I will buy another apple pie.”
“Coming right up. I’ve got several on the cooling rack.”
Talia watched Mom walk to the kitchen located in the back of the store. Finally, she stared back at her customer. “So you’re a handsome doctor, huh?” There. She’d give him a bit of his own smart-alecky medicine.
He shrugged. “Guilty on at least one of those charges.” He grinned.
In spite of herself, Talia felt rather—charmed. “You must be new in town.”
“You got me again.”
A man who could admit she was right? Imagine that. “Where are you from—if you don’t mind me asking.”
“Not at all. I’m originally from Virginia, but I got accepted to med school in Milwaukee and ended up going into practice in the same vicinity.”
“Ah…so you’ve escaped from the big city.”
He chuckled. “I sure did.”
Probably married. “Well, I hope you and your wife and kids will take advantage of all the recreation that Blossom Lake has to offer.”
“Oh, I’m not married. Not anymore.”
