Rush

Sliding a few bills from my wallet, I drop them on the table before I stand too. “Point me in the right direction.”

“Follow me, Emma.” Bella turns toward the door. “I’m in the mood for one myself, so I’ll show you the way.”

Chapter 14

Emma

The dozens of treats on display inside Sweet Bluebells on the Upper West Side look decadent. I suddenly wonder if Case has ever been here. Does he have a sweet tooth?

Should I grab a few as a thank you gift since he’s letting me stay at his place?

I shake away the thought because he doesn’t seem like the cupcake type.

“Emma, did you hear me?” Bella elbows me in the side. “You’re in a cupcake coma, and you haven’t even taken a bite yet.”

I tear my gaze away from the glass display case to glance at her. “How could I not be? This place is incredible.”

“I agree.” She flashes me a grin. “I’ll introduce you to the cake artist behind these mini-masterpieces, and then we’ll order.”

I catch sight of a woman around my age approaching us. She’s wearing a white T-shirt, faded jeans, and a light blue apron sporting the shop’s name. Her blonde hair is styled into a tight, neat bun on the top of her head.

“Delaney,” Bella calls to her. “Come meet my new friend.”

I can’t help but smile at the declaration. Bella and I chatted on the subway ride here. She was born and raised in New York City. Her best friend, Max, is in Boston for two months setting up a new location of his family’s shoe store and she misses him like crazy. She was most excited to tell me that she’s engaged to the love of her life, and according to Bella, a more perfect man doesn’t exist. Although she’s currently working as an executive assistant, she plans on leaving that job in a few months to help her fiancé launch the business they’ll grow together.

When it was my turn to share, I told her about growing up in Seattle and my decision to pursue a teaching degree. I also slipped in the fact that I came to Manhattan to visit my brother who jetted off to get married right before I arrived.

As she listened to me talk about Drake’s decision to elope in Ireland, Bella smiled and told me that sometimes she wishes she could run away with her fiancé to tie the knot.

I like her.

“Delaney Wilts, this is Emma…” Bella’s voice trails. She looks to me for help.

“Owens,” I add. “I’m Emma Owens.”

I take Delaney’s outstretched hand for a quick shake. Her blue eyes slide over my face. “It’s great to meet you, Emma.”

“Emma is visiting New York.” Bella surveys the sugary treats in the display case. “I told her that she had to taste the best cupcakes in the state, so here we are.”

Delaney beams. “Bella knows what she likes. We’re grateful it’s our cupcakes.”

“I don’t just come for the cupcakes.” Bella glances at me. “Delaney is a gem. I come in so often that we’ve become friends.”

Delaney giggles. “It’s kind of impossible not to become Bella’s friend. I’ve never met a kinder heart.”

Bella wraps her arms around Delaney for a quick hug. “I’m extra hormonal, so don’t make me cry.”

“Fine.” Delaney playfully swats her arm. “What can I get you two?”

Bella looks to me. “Emma wants a red velvet, and I’ll take a vanilla with strawberry buttercream frosting.”

I reach in my bag for my wallet until I feel Bella’s hand on my arm.

When I glance at her, she’s shaking her head. “I’m covering it today. Next time, you’ll treat me.”

I can’t help but smile at the promise of more time spent with my new friend. “Deal.”

***

Bella glances at her watch as we step out of Sweet Bluebells into the afternoon sun. “I need to get back to the office. This has been a blast, Emma.”

It has been.

We ate our cupcakes and sipped lemonade. Delaney sat down with us briefly during her break. She’s been working at the bakery with her aunt for years. Her love of all things cupcakes is apparent. When she told us about the new flavor combinations she’s planning on introducing, I was in awe.

At home, a boxed cake mix is the foundation for any dessert I attempt to bake.

“I’ve had the best time,” I say honestly. “Thank you for everything, Bella.”

Before I can react, I’m drawn into a hug. “I got to see Marti, eat pasta, and meet you. It’s been a great day so far.”

I step back and smile.

“What are your plans now?” she asks as she looks over my shoulder. “If you’re heading downtown, we can hop back on the subway together.”

“I think I’ll take a walk in Central Park, and I might try and find a bookstore. I have a lot of spare time right now and nothing to read.”