Chandra Blumberg > Quotes

“I’m sorry.” The words didn’t touch his sorrow for her. On impulse, he clasped her hand, and she didn’t pull away. He should’ve recognized the smoke screens she put up, the first line of defense of the wounded and scarred.
“Don’t be,” she said. “I only told you because I’m sick of your condemnation. But I don't want your pity either.”
He swept his thumb along the side of her palm. “It’s not pity.”
“Then what is it?”
Understanding. A barrier between them slipping away. “A wake-up call,” he said, really seeing her for the first time.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“OMG, did he just sext you?"
Alisha clapped the phone to her chest, as good as clutching pearls. "No!"
"Yeah, right." Simone tilted her head sideways, gold hoops catching the light. "You're guilty as all get-out. What did he send you, a dick pic?"
The waitress sailed up to the table with a wide smile. Alisha slumped down in her seat, resisting the urge to continue the slide until she was hidden underneath the table. "What can I get for you ladies?"
How about two eggs with a side of mortification?
"I'll have an egg white spinach omelet," Simone said, holding loosely clasped hands by her cheek, her upturned face a ringer for a baroque saint. "But better bring my sister a smoothie, because she's so thirsty.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Digging Up Love

“Early stages now, though, and he had an idea for a new recipe that just might give his line of barbecue sauces an edge over other brands. He chopped the tops off a handful of garlic bulbs, then fired up a burner on the gas stove and glugged vegetable oil into his stockpot. Cranked on the oven—hot—and set the garlic in the cast-iron skillet and drizzled on olive oil.
To the pan on the stovetop, he added brown sugar and tomato sauce. Balsamic vinegar and molasses. Soon the scent of roasted garlic filled the kitchen, accompanied by the homey hiss and pop of bubbling sauce.
In the zone, he envisioned the components for his new blend as clearly as if they were scribbled on the subway-tile backsplash behind the cooktop like ingredients on a handwritten recipe card. Mustard, cayenne, salt, pepper. His hands moved with muscle memory—slicing, stirring, seasoning, blending the sauce to a fine puree. The earlier sense of intrusion was evaporating along with the extra liquid in the pot.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“The avatar she’d designed to conquer the game of life wouldn’t stop to hug her nemesis. Badass Simone would pulverize the competition. Find his biggest weakness and exploit it in a tactical strike.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“I like that you think I have minions,” Simone said.
“You would like that.” Villains always twisted insults into compliments.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“You own a barbecue sauce company and you’ve never smoked meat?” She whistled low. “The indecency.”
He laughed. “Maybe you can teach me, when we’re partners.”
“Nice try. You’re not getting your grubby novice hands on my smoker. But I could point you in the direction of a few good YouTube tutorials.”
“Sounds a lot less fun than a personal demonstration.” He grinned.
“Don’t be gross, Finn.” But she was smiling too.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“But, Q, she seemed awesome. The girls have been asking about her, and you know they hated Mercedes."
"They were toddlers when I was with her."
"Intuitive toddlers. When we watched Tangled the other day, they pointed at Mother Gothel and said, 'Look, it's Tía Cedes!”
― Chandra Blumberg, Digging Up Love

“Getting dumped at a wedding has got to be a top-ten worst-case scenario.”
“I did not get dumped.” Technically they hadn’t been together. “And for future reference—”
“You’re planning to get dumped at a wedding in the future?”
Simone kept talking over her. “For future reference, you phrasing it that way does not make things better.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“But what Honey and Hickory lacked in ambiance, it made up for in flavor. Meat and potatoes, hearty and addictive, drenched in their signature smoky-sweet sauce. Which meant no one had room for dessert after filling up on Grandpa's award-winning ribs and brisket.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Digging Up Love

“What were you voted senior year? Most likely to lick a condiment off a woman on national TV?”
He choked on a lungful of air. She didn’t pull any punches. “Uh, no. Actually—”
“If I had to guess, I’d say most likely to charm his way into people’s hearts.” Everyone’s heads swiveled toward Simone, and her eyes went round.
Charm his way into people’s hearts, or her heart?”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“A tiny woman who looked very much like a fairy godmother appeared at the entrance to the kitchen with a stack of bedding in her arms. “Would the young man like to stay here for the night?”
He shook his head. No, the young man would not like to stay the night. The young man would prefer not to wake up dead after being smothered in his sleep.
“It’s okay, Gran,” said Simone, who at the very least had proved her desire to keep him alive. “He’s gonna crash at my house.”
“No, he’ll stay here.” Her grandmother’s flinty gaze hadn’t left his face, and he had the distinct feeling if he made a run for it, she’d trip him flat out with zero qualms.
He took the stack of blankets from her. “The couch sounds great.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“They followed the path toward the canyon, the crunch of their feet on the ground the only noise, steps slowing as they came up to the rim. Rays of morning sunlight bathed the canyon in goldenrod and ocher, rose pink and mauve.
The sight took her breath away.
Tears sprung to her eyes. Actual tears. Of joy. The worst, most useless variety.
What kind of loser cried happy tears? She did, apparently.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“Once again, Finn Rimes slathering on the charm, rich and creamy as fresh-churned butter, laying it on thick to win everyone over but her. Simone bit back a gag at all the verbal dairy.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“You’re relieved of duty, bachelorette. Go take thy lack of crafting skills elsewhere. You’re a disgrace to bakers everywhere.”
“Excuse me, Chantal, but have you seen my bonbons?”
Chantal laughed. “Can’t say I’ve had the pleasure.”
“What my sister means to say is her sugar work is top notch.” Simone eyed the bow critically. Probably because she was the only sober one. “Unfortunately, looks like that skill doesn’t transfer to non edible items.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“Leaving the knitters behind, he strode down the aisle, dodging dogs—he would not be distracted by those adorable smiling pup faces and wagging tails, and oh, those floppy ears… not now, Finn!”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“She flicked a glance down his body with what might’ve been appreciation from someone else, but since it was Simone, he labeled the look as “disdain.” She picked up a bottle of barbecue sauce. “Naked Heat.” She blew a raspberry. Definitely disdain.
“Hey, don’t shoot the messenger. Sex calls.”
She arched a single brow, and something in him coiled tight. “Guess it depends on who’s selling it.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“Curlicues of yellow lemon peel floated down into the sugar. Aromatherapy.
Some people might turn to the homey flavors of vanilla and cinnamon to chase away nerves, but citrus calmed Alisha's soul.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Digging Up Love

“Combined, you’re a match made in heaven.” She smiled with a flash of canines. “Or maybe hell. And we all know that’s way more fun.”
Hell—that’s exactly where he’d landed. Flat on his back, belly up, nostrils singed with the scent of sulfur and scorched dreams. On fire. Go into business with his rival, or walk away with nothing.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“I ultimately settled on cookies because they're straightforward. Cakes are pretentious and divisive. People either like the frosting or the cake itself. Pastries are yummy, but fussy. They're a bit elitist. But cookies?" She plucked out a piece of ice and sucked on it, momentarily distracting him. Then she wedged it in her cheek and spoke.
"Cookies are like jeans---perfect for everyone. You never see someone picking chocolate out of chocolate chip cookies or scraping the filling out of a macaron. You can dress them up or down. And cookies are adaptable. Take chocolate chip cookies. So many possible add-ins. And don't get me started on sugar cookies---sweetened with brown sugar or powdered sugar or agave or honey. Plus, cookies are portable, no silverware required.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Digging Up Love

“The bite melted on her tongue. Golden oil and toasted flour. Powdered sugar clinging to the roof of her mouth like summer and sunshine. But all that faded away when Quentin stepped closer, cupped her elbows.
Her senses filled with him---earthy spices---cloves and cinnamon and the cleansing hit of ginger. Deep notes of molasses, unique unto itself. Her eyes opened.
"Alisha? What did you taste?" You.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Digging Up Love

“It's been forever since we watched Friends. Besides, you're the one who made me sit through that show."
"Because if it was up to you, we would've watched Bewitched reruns every night."
"I Love Lucy," Alisha muttered.
"And you say you're not a boomer."
"Whatever. You're just bitter my mind is more sophisticated than yours and didn't immediately make the leap year to pop culture when I met Quentin."
"Oh, okay." Simone crossed her arms, and the gold cuff on her wrist flashed in the sunlight. "You're gonna stand there and tell me you and your minion Meg haven't been dropping Jurassic Park references since he showed up?"
Tongue in her cheek, Alisha scowled. "I hate you so much."
"Behold, my sister the meganerd." Cackling, Simone struck a Vanna White pose.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Digging Up Love

“You guard your heart so hard I'm surprised it hasn't turned to coal. But instead it sounds like you found a guy who sees you for the diamond you are. And whether you realize it or not, you're worth it. You deserve happiness, on your own terms.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Digging Up Love

“Now put me to work like the tyrant I know you are.”
“Finn Rimes, I’ve waited my whole life for someone to say those words.” She handed him an apron. “Suit up, Minion.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“You apologize awful quick.”
Quick? He’d had days to think it over. A week full of regret… and wonder. “Only when I know I’m wrong.”
Mrs. Blake shot him a sly grin. “”Guess I see why my granddaughter saw fit not to leave you in the desert.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“This time when he met her eyes, she saw need, raw and bare. “Yeah, I want it. But I want you more.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“So I take it you’re not one of those women who wants to birth a basketball team?”
“I can think of nothing worse.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love

“We usually camp out on digs. Smoked briskets and pulled chicken is a big step up from hot dogs and walking tacos.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Digging Up Love

“I kind of associate people with flavors. My grandpa? He's an acquired taste, but the closest I can get is crème brûlée. A caramelized shell on the outside. Burnt, bitter notes. But crack the surface, and you find nothing but sweet custard. And Granny? She's a lemon meringue pie. A classic. Pillowy, silken-sweet egg whites, tamed with a hint of sour lemon and a snap of rich, buttery crust."
Squinting at him, she stopped rambling, feeling naked under his smoldering gray gaze. She lifted her heavy twists off the spot between her shoulder blades and fanned her neck. "Told you it was weird."
"It's not. It's beautiful." He looked down at the water, then met her eyes. "Do you have one for me?"
"I didn't. Before. I tried to figure you out, but nothing ever fit. I think maybe because my doubts got in the way. But now...?"
"Now?"
She traced her finger along the veins in his arms, watched his breath catch. "A ginger cookie. Not a gingersnap. Those are brittle and grate against your teeth. You're a chewy molasses cookie, the kind that gives when you bite into it, with exciting zings of crystallized ginger and pops of raw sugar." She dipped her chin, leaning on the railing again.
He moved behind her and slipped his arms around her waist, melting her to the core. He placed his mouth right by her ear, his breath tickling her neck. "What I'm hearing is, you like things a little spicy."
Laughing, she craned her neck around to catch the gleam in his eyes. "That's what you got out of that?"
"I heard what I heard.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Digging Up Love

“Since the picture is supposedly PG..."
"How do you even know there is a picture?"
"Are you going to share it or leave it to my imagination?"
With a petty smirk, Alisha said, "I'll take door number two."
"Oh, girl, c'mon."
"Nuh-uh, nope. You took the wrong approach." Alisha kept the phone pressed to her chest. "Maybe one day you'll learn: shock and awe can't win every campaign.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Digging Up Love

“Believe me, if you deprive this girl of a soft bed and a full night’s rest, you’ll regret it.”
He grinned like a wolf. “Far be it from me to deprive the lady of a good night’s sleep.”
― Chandra Blumberg, Stirring Up Love