Page 10 of The Cupcake Standard

Derek gave her a brilliant smile. “I’m so sorry. I just found out my best girl here was sick.”

The nurse blinked in the blinding light of his sudden charm, and I fought a giggle.

“Julie.” I kept my voice low. “Is there anything you can do about that?” I pointed to Yolanda leaning against the doorframe, still glaring at me. “She kind of tagged along when she wasn’t supposed to.”

Julie looked from me to Derek, knowingly. “You just leave her to me.” She escorted Yolanda down the hall despite her screeching protests.

“Can I have your phone?” I asked Derek, feeling mischievous.

He arched an eyebrow, unlocked it, then handed it to me.

I found Yolanda’s thread and sent her a quick text, telling her thanks for getting Derek here, but he could find his own way home. And asked her to wish Rhonda a happy birthday. From both of us. Derek chuckled as he read it.

When Julie came back, we both thanked her profusely. She gave Derek an extra half hour to visit, but no more.

Once we were alone, I shot Derek a sheepish smile. “Sorry I didn’t give you my answer about being your girlfriend. Got a little sidetracked with everything.” I waved a hand at all the gizmos behind me. “I told Gina that gyro tasted funny.”

His brows knit together. “Gina? Gina Rossi?”

I nodded, staring at him in confusion. “How do you know Gina?”

“We had a class together last year—economics—and we partnered up for a research project.” He smirked. “She is spunky.”

That’s putting it mildly. I nodded again, this time with a smile. “Yeah, she is. She’s also my best friend, food poisoning aside.” I studied him for a moment, still amazed he was even here. “Happy birthday. I’m sorry I didn’t know.”

One corner of Derek’s mouth tipped up. “Don’t worry about it. I was going to invite you if you texted, but I figured you making it to my party was a long shot.” He shrugged. “It was more for Rhonda. Mostly her friends and her scene.”

I frowned. What kind of sibling throws a joint birthday party and only invites her friends? Let alone a twin?

“But I’d still like to hear your answer.” His brilliant blue eyes seared into me.

I played with the rough blanket, feeling a little shy. “Yes, I’ll be your fake girlfriend.” And he turned that megawatt smile on me. Seriously, where are my sunglasses?

“Best birthday present ever.” He glanced up at the clock, his smile dimming a little. “My half hour’s up. Talk to you tomorrow?”

And even though no one was watching, he leaned down to kiss my cheek. As I watched him walk out the door, a warm feeling spread over me, staying with me through the night.

* * * *

I was getting antsy. Julie promised I’d be released first thing this morning, but it was after eleven, with no sign of my doctor. I understood about emergencies and on-calls. However, I just wanted to go home.

When my door opened, the last person I expected was Derek, but there he was. Doesn’t he have better things to do on a Thursday? Gina trailed in after him. I gawked at the two of them together…how did they know each other? Then I registered the expression on her face.

“What?” I asked, instantly on edge.

“Told ya she’d know something was up.” Gina shot Derek a look before perching on the edge of my bed. “At least you’re already sitting.”

My fake boyfriend came to stand on my other side, his blue eyes scanning me.

Now I was really worried. “Okay, spit it out.”

Gina took a deep breath. “We’ve been evicted. Our building was condemned last night.”

What? Before I could ask any questions, Gina kept talking.

“We managed to get all our stuff out. Derek was a huge help.” She flashed him a grateful smile. “He happened to be there when the notice came.”

I could handle this. I’d been through worse things before…though I wasn’t sure what. At least I still have Gina.

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