Cupcake Explosion (Cupcakes 4)

I gave them both the contact numbers they’d need while here, then we all dug into our food while Lena and Elin caught everyone up on the last few months.

“What about you, Alani? What have you been up to since graduation?” I asked.

Cade’s mom cleared her throat and muttered, “Not school,” under her breath.

Alani shot a glare and her mother.

“Not much. I’ve been hanging out at the beach a lot, I got a part-time job lifeguarding,” she said.

“I was going to say . . . your tan is lovely.”

“Thanks,” she replied, then slid her eyes to her parents before bringing them back to me. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you and Cade about coming out here and going to school. I could stay with your guys, or at Cade’s cabin, to save money. I’d promise to get good grades and attend all my classes . . .”

I looked at her in surprise, then at Mom and Pops, who didn’t look too thrilled with their daughter’s requ

est.

“So, you’ll go to school here, but not at home? Why? Are you so eager to get away from us?” Mom asked, her tone hurt. “Why would you put that on your brother and Lila when they’re newlyweds?”

“I’m eighteen,” Alani countered. “If I want to move, I should be able to, and I don’t think Cade will mind.”

“How about we get through this week, then Cade and your parents can sit down and talk about it,” I suggested, trying to diffuse the situation without pissing anyone off.

They all nodded, Alani a little reluctantly, but seemed to agree to tabling the conversation. At least, for now.

WE GOT GROCERIES, Cade’s family settled into the cabin, and Elin and Lena, along with Rufus and CB, happily joined them for a sleepover.

Okay, a couple of sleepovers.

I was eager to meet up with Carmen and get out to Junior’s gas station, but since I was passing Amy May’s bakery on the way anyway, I figured I deserved to stop and pick up a dozen sorted cupcakes.

After the week I’d been having, I needed them.

I walked into the bakery, happy to see Amy May herself behind the counter, then I realized what time it was and asked, “Why aren’t you home?”

“I’ve been my most productive in the evenings, so I’ve adjusted my schedule so I can sleep in and be home when I’m feeling queasy, and get work done in the evenings when I’m not. It’s been working out so far, except Jason says he misses having me home for dinner. Which actually translates to, he misses me being home to make dinner.”

I ordered my cupcakes, leaving the assortment up to her.

I was salivating over a custard filled when I looked up to see Amy May glaring at me as she filled my box.

“What?” I asked.

“You haven’t called me or texted me yet . . . about the research.”

The last she said with a whisper and shifty look around the mostly empty bakery.

“I’m sorry, I’ve been busy with Cade’s folks, but I do have a name for you to look up. But, remember what I said . . . if you uncover something that feels dangerous, let it go. Okay.”

“Yay!” Amy May exclaimed, boxing up the cupcakes and leaning over the counter conspiratorially. “What is it?”

I took a folded piece of paper out of my back pocket, which had Scam and Diablos Rebeldes written on it, and slid it to her across the glass.

I could see the glee threatening to bubble out of her, she was so excited, but Amy May was able to put a lid on it and give me a solemn nod. Okay, the nod was serious, but the grin on her face was goofy as hell.

Clown, I thought affectionately with a shake of my head.

“Thanks for these,” I said, taking the box reverently.