Page 12 of The Cupcake Standard

I stayed silent for a long moment. “You really think so?”

If Gina vetted someone and offered a pass, that was a huge deal. She didn’t trust easily. Not with her background. She nodded. “And I’m sorry. There wasn’t any good way to warn you. I thought it was better to tell you in person.”

Of course, she did. I sighed, still annoyed and hurt. “It’s a lot, Gina. My apartment, my best friend, gone. And I didn’t get a say in any of it. Then my fake boyfriend steps in with this Hollywood rom-com solution, and you’ve already agreed to it?”

She bit her lip. “I swear I have your best interests at heart. He’s a good guy.”

I picked at the blanket again. If it were anyone but Gina…

“So, will you do it?” Apprehension laced her tone.

I swallowed. “Anything’s better than living with Mother, right?”

Derek stood in the open doorway, an amused expression on his face.

Gina sagged with relief. “Your stuff’s already at his place. I knew you’d see it my way.” She stood up, leaning over to give me a hug. I stayed stiff, but she persisted, whispering in my ear, “Give him a chance. Maybe he’ll turn out to be a fairy tale prince, after all.”

“Fairy tales aren’t real.” But I softened before she left, calling out, “Have fun with Josh, and thanks for moving all my crap.” This wasn’t over, but at least I didn’t have to move in with Mother.

“Let me know how all this goes.” Gina nodded to Derek as she walked past him.

“Oh, I will.” I glanced at Derek, who smiled tentatively. “So about this spare room.”

The doctor walked in not fifteen minutes later, and poof, I was discharged. The universe was conspiring against me. Then again, maybe it was for me, because if I had been let out at the crack of dawn, where would I have gone? At least Gina had brought me a change of clothes. I did not want to wear the vomit-covered ones I’d arrived in.

A friendly aide wheeled me to the curb, a ridiculous hospital policy enforced even after I’d insisted I could walk.

Derek opened the door of a sleek black Town Car. “I called in a driver for the day. My usual one had today off. You’ll meet him soon enough.”

I couldn’t imagine having a person on staff whose sole job was to cart me around. My eyes met the driver’s in the rearview mirror, and I smiled as I settled against the leather seat. He grinned back, then my attention shifted to Derek who climbed in the backseat next to me.

“I wasn’t sure where all we would need to go. Is there anything else you want to pick up?”

I remembered my conversation with Gina. “Evidently we have food.” I gave him a pointed look, and he ducked his head.

“Gina gave me a list of all your favorites. Everything’s at my place.”

If only I could find a real boyfriend who went to half those lengths. “That was really sweet.”

The driver pulled up in front of a taller, upscale building with a mirrored front.

“Fancy,” I muttered, trying to find the door handle.

Derek had my door open before I made any progress. I headed into the building, feeling woefully underdressed in my yoga pants and oversized hoodie.

He greeted the doorman. “Oscar, this is Avery Milbourne. She’s living with me now, so don’t give her any trouble, you hear?” His words were accompanied by a teasing grin.

Oscar nodded. “Very good, sir.”

I let out a big yawn as we crossed the lobby, my body stiff from lack of movement. I wished I had more energy to be excited that Derek’s place had a working elevator.

“You look worn out.”

“I’ve never slept well in hospitals,” I confided. “Plus they said the medicine would make me tired.” My stomach rumbled. “I’m more hungry than anything.”

He chuckled. “Chicken noodle soup, coming up.”

I followed Derek to his apartment, almost bumping into him when he stopped because I was too busy gawking at the pristine hallway. His delicious citrus and clove scent washed over me before I forced myself to back up. I wonder what soap he uses?

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