Cupcake Explosion (Cupcakes 4)

Before I’d been a full-time PI, I’d worked part-time for Amy May. Sure she’d hired more staff since then, but maybe she’d have something I could help her with.

“Morning,” I called as I walked into the bakery.

I waved at Jordan, who pointed toward the back, indicating where I’d find my friend.

I walked through the kitchen, which was bustling with staff creating delicious desserts, and down the hall to Amy May’s office.

I stuck my head inside and said, “Hey.”

My gaze shifted from the desk, where I’d expected her to be, to the loveseat, which she was currently laying down on.

“Are you okay?” I asked, concerned as I hurried over to her.

“Ugh,” Amy May moaned, her hands on her stomach.

“Are you sick?” I asked, my hand covering hers.

“Can’t keep anything down,” she replied, her face looking totally pale.

“Oh, I’m sorry, hon, is there anything I can do?” I asked.

Amy May gave a dry laugh and asked, “Can you go to the storefront and check on things, then head over to Cynthia’s and pick up the first order? Her computer died yesterday, so she can’t email it. I told her I’d stop by, but that was last night, when I didn’t feel like death.”

“Yes, I can do both.”

“Really?” she asked, her eyes widening. “Don’t you have work?”

“Nope, nothing right now. I’d be happy to help you out. You know I don’t do idle.”

“Oh my gosh, you’re the best.”

“You stay here and rest, I’ll go to the mall and Cynthia’s and be back with your order and a full report.”

“Thanks, Lila.”

“Anytime, babe, you know that,” I assured her. “You need anything while I’m out? Tea?”

“Maybe some of those ginger suckers?”

“You got it.”

I took off, sorry that my friend was feeling miserable, but happy to have something to do.

I’D MET BRAN early for our workout, then showered and left him to go on ahead to the coffee shop.

I didn’t want to arrive with either Bran or Carmen, since I was friends with both, and didn’t want it to seem like I was taking sides. Plus, I was the one pushing them to give this a second try. If it went bust, I needed to be able to hightail it outta there.

“Morning, Cynthia,” I called as I grabbed my coffee. “I’m meeting some friends, so I’m gonna grab the table in the back, okay?”

“Sure thing, Lila, let us know if you need anything,” Cynthia replied as she continued stocking books on her shelves.

I was checking my emails on my phone when Carmen came up and pulled out the chair next to me and said, “Did I beat him? I wanted to beat him. I need to be sitting down and mentally prepared when he walks in. I’ve been trying to plan out what I want to say and didn’t get any sleep last night.”

I looked up to see a frazzled-looking Carmen.

Carmen never looked frazzled. She was chic and put together, which usually made me what to kill her, just a little bit, but right then? She looked like she hadn’t slept in a week and had been wearing the same clothes for just as long.

“Are you okay?” I asked, honestly worried. “If you don’t want to do this, you can head out and I’ll let Bran know.”