Cupcake Explosion (Cupcakes 4)

“Hey, I get it, you have a lot on your plate. You know Bea and Carmen will forgive you, and I’m sure Cynthia will appreciate the apology.”

I stood up, popped the last bite in my mouth, then rounded her desk to pull her into a hug.

“Don’t go radio silent for that long again,” I ordered. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too,” Amy May said, squeezing me harder. “How’s everything going with the wedding?”

“On track, other than the fact that the groom is gone.”

She pulled back and asked, “What?”

“It’s nothing, Cade’s just away on club business. He said he’d be off the grid for a while, but promised to be back in time for the wedding.”

“Oh, okay, then he will be.”

Amy May loved Cade. Sometimes I thought maybe more than me, like, if we ever broke up, she’d probably take his side. If he told her he could walk on water, she’d believe it.

“You still good to go dress shopping this weekend?” I asked.

“I can’t wait. I’m so excited to find something pretty to wear, and to find the perfect dress for you.”

“And, the cake . . . all good there?”

She narrowed her eyes.

“Are you fishin’ for clues?”

“Nope,” I said, holding up my hands in surrender. Even though that’s exactly what I’d been doing. I couldn’t help it, I wanted to know. “I trust you.”

“Good,” Amy May said, then looked away and bit her lip. “Would I be a total chicken shit if I asked you to go with me to Cynthia’s to apologize . . . since you know her and all?”

“Nah, I’d be happy to go with you. Now?”

“May as well, while I’ve got the courage . . . and you to hold my hand.”

Amy May told Jordan she’d be back, then we walked down the street to Cynthia’s Coffee and Books. When we walked inside, the smell of coffee filled the air, and I heard the telltale tinkling of Cynthia’s bracelets as she approached us.

“Good morning, Lila,” Cynthia said with a smile.

“Hey, Cynthia, I don’t think you’ve been formally introduced. This is Amy May, my best friend and the fabulous owner of Amy May’s Bakery.”

“It’s lovely to finally meet you, Amy May,” Cynthia said, reaching out to grasp Amy May’s hand in both of hers. “I just love your bakery and have heard wonderful things from Lila about you.”

“You’re very kind,” Amy May replied, her cheeks getting red. “I really want to apologize for making a scene in your shop the other day. It was completely unprofessional, and not the way I want to treat a fellow business owner.”

“Think nothing of it,” Cynthia said kindly. “It’s in the past. In fact, there’s another reason why I’ve wanted to meet you, other than mutual friends. I have a business proposition for you.”

“You do?” Amy May asked, surprised.

“Yes, why don’t you come with me. We can have a seat, I’ll have coffee brought over, and we can discuss.”

“Oh, I ah, have to get going; you good, Amy May?” I asked, not wanting to leave her, although I knew she’d be fine with Cynthia and whatever proposition she’d thought up.

“Yeah, I’ll see you later.”

“Great. Bye, Cynthia.”

“Don’t forget your coffee, Lila,” Cynthia said with a smile, then led Amy May away.