Page 103 of The Cupcake Standard

I could see Derek out of the corner of my eye, Rhonda’s hand on his arm, keeping him in his seat. It was hard to remain facing the crowd, but I somehow managed it. “Now, most of you know the Elgins. Mr. Elgin, of course, owns the Great Lakes Shipping Co., a company that has flourished under his expert guidance. Mrs. Elgin is well-known for her charity work. She’s started several of her own charities, fundraised for many others and gives generously of her time and efforts. Where there is a need, she sees that it’s filled.” After giving them both tight smiles, I moved on.

“Their children have made their own mark on the world. Rhonda has followed in her mother’s footsteps. She recently started a new charity, working with local schools to make sure children have warm coats, hats and boots each winter. What you may not know is that she’s a kind person, fiercely loyal and someone you would be lucky to call your friend.” I gave her a genuine smile, careful not to meet Derek’s eyes, though I felt them burning a hole in me.

“I believe I have saved the best for last. Many of you have met Derek, though most of you wouldn’t be able to pick him out of the crowd. He’s charming, thoughtful, witty and generous. Graduating in a few short weeks with his master’s from Southern Michigan University, he will be the youngest person to claim that honor from the prestigious university. On top of that, he is recognized here tonight because the thesis he wrote, along with the app he produced, have changed the shipping world forever. He’s definitely a person worth knowing. And, if you give him a chance”—I paused, turning to face him, needing to say the next words to him—“you’ll grow to love him. I know I do.”

Derek’s blue eyes grew wide, and Rhonda shoved his shoulder. He stumbled out of his chair as I clicked off the microphone. His megawatt smile lit his face as he raced over, picking me up and swinging me around to the roar of the crowd. “I love you, too.”

We clung to each other for a long moment, then he kissed me soundly as I threaded my fingers through his hair. When I pulled back, I grinned up at him. “It’s your turn to talk, Derek.”

He frowned. “What?”

My hands gave his shoulders an encouraging squeeze. “I told your dad he could talk. After you.”

“But, what am I supposed to say?”

I grinned. “Whatever you want. Make it short and simple or talk forever. But it’s your time to shine.” That was the point of all this, giving Derek the credit he was due and making him step into the spotlight. I handed him the mic and gave him a gentle nudge.

Uncertainty crossed his face, but it was quickly replaced with determination as he strode up to the podium. “Thank you for that wonderful introduction, Avery.” He mouthed “I love you” once more to me, then turned to the crowd, telling everyone about the app he’d developed. With a confident ease that won them over.

My heart swelled, watching him from my seat next to Rhonda. We shared an excited grin that my grand gesture had worked.

The gala was still going a few hours later. I had my head on Derek’s chest, one hand in his, the other on his shoulder. The night couldn’t be any more perfect. I sighed, looking up into his beautiful blue eyes as he gazed back at me. We just stared at each other, lost in the moment of music and swaying, as the final notes hung in the air.

Everyone around us pulled apart and clapped for the chamber orchestra. I reluctantly let go of Derek to applaud for the musicians, too. They stood, announcing a brief intermission.

“Want to find something to drink?”

I nodded, feeling parched. Derek offered his arm, guiding me to the refreshment table, which had become the gathering point since the music had stopped. We made small talk with several people along the way, mostly well-wishers for Derek, congratulating him on his success.

After handing me a cup of champagne punch, Derek steered me out of the crowd, only to be ambushed by his dad.

“There you are, son.” His dad clapped him firmly on the shoulder with a proud grin, as he looked at the stuffed shirts behind him. “Walk with us for a few. There’s some things we want to discuss.”

A frown crossed Derek’s face. “Not tonight, Dad. I just want to spend time with Avery, okay?”

My heart soared, listening to him say no, telling his dad just what he wanted. I smiled up at him, all my adoration in my eyes.

His dad, on the other hand, looked less than thrilled. He stepped closer, leaning in so only Derek and I could hear him. “Let’s not forget who sent you to school in the first place.” He arched an eyebrow. “Just a short word or two.”

And I watched Derek cave, just that quickly, forgetting that he was worth fighting for, forgetting everything I’d worked so hard to show him these past couple of months. He turned to me, an apologetic smile on his face, and he shrugged. Like, what else was he supposed to do? I gritted my teeth together, holding back the torrent of words I wanted to scream at him.

Why can’t he see? Why does he blindly go along with what everyone else wants?

His dad led him away, and I stood there, annoyed, seething, wondering if he’d ever realize his worth. When I turned around, ready to go get some air, fate had different ideas.

“Hello, Avery,” my mother said, smiling. “I see you’re already being left behind by the Elgins. Too bad, I enjoyed having them around.”

“Mother.” The word came out at least partially on the polite spectrum, though I wasn’t sure how I managed it. “I didn’t realize you’d be here.”

Her expression turned almost sympathetic. “Oh, you poor dear, doesn’t he tell you anything? Your boyfriend invited me.”

The room reeled, even as I knew there was more to the story. Derek would never have invited Mother without a reason. But now I desperately needed that air. I shoved past her, without even saying goodbye. I’d almost made it to the stairway, looking up at the route to my escape, when a firm hand gripped my upper arm.

“Avery, have you seen Rhonda?” Kevin, Rhonda’s ex, asked me, unaware of my near-panicked state. He noticed my dress, his eyes lingering as he leered at me. “Don’t you look pretty tonight? Gold digging suits you.” His gaze looked over my shoulder, seeing what I’d left behind. “Is that your mother? She is something.”

The leer in his eyes transferred to her, and I almost gagged as I wrenched my arm out of his grasp. “I haven’t seen Rhonda, but I know she wants nothing to do with you. And neither do I.” I continued on my path up the stairs. I finally reached the balcony overlooking the gala, pausing while others made their exit.

Raised voices below had me turning to see what all the fuss was about.

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