Page 2 of The Cupcake Standard

I had to ask now, or I knew I wouldn’t get the chance. “How’s Daddy? Did you look over those facilities I sent you?” Daddy needed more help than she was willing to give him, and I could only do so much.

Her eyes widened, and she glanced from side to side. “What have I told you about speaking about that in public?”

“But—”

“He’s doing just fine. At home.” She inhaled deeply. “Now, about my coffee?”

Several minutes later, I handed them their drinks.

Mother took a sip. “Delicious. Your shift is over soon, right?”

I froze, realizing it was one of those nights. She wanted to cash in her ‘I pay for your college so you owe me’ chip. I swallowed, nodding.

A Cheshire Cat smile slid over her face. “Wonderful.” She turned to Boy Toy. “Go tell Jack to keep the car running.” She watched him go, taking another sip of her drink before she addressed me once more. “We’ll wait outside, and you can join us for dinner. I have several important people for you to meet.” Her smile was still in place, but her eyes were hard, telling me just how important this was to her.

My chest tightened. The obligation rested heavily on me as I weighed my options against the old well of anger simmering in my gut. I knew she only wanted me there to show me off. I rounded out her image, softening her persona by showing her maternal side. I avoided high society functions whenever I could, out of spite mostly, but it also wasn’t a crowd I wanted to belong to.

Not to mention I’d had a full day of classes and worked a six-hour shift. I had homework to do yet. And I was a mess.

“Mother, tonight’s not a great—”

“Avery.” Steel wound through the syllables. “I’ve already told people you’re coming. As part of our agreement, you committed to attending functions occasionally. This is one you will be attending.” There was no room for argument.

Boy Toy met Mother at the door, shooting me a smirk as he escorted her out.

Only ten minutes before my shift ends. Not much time to finagle my way out of this.

I hurried to finish wiping down the lobby, my brain racing over my options. I’d gotten out of dinners before, but Mother knew my tricks well enough now. After I continually evaded Jack, Mother had started bringing along backup. Hence Boy Toy’s presence.

My shift over, I rushed through goodbyes to my coworkers, then peeked outside. I shook my head at the portly agent lingering out front. It was pathetic how Jack followed my mother around, begging for any shred of her attention, despite her moving on from him ages ago. He was still her agent, but nothing more. Boy Toy wasn’t in sight, and the Town Car’s tinted windows gave nothing away. He could be in there with Mother, but I doubted it.

The back door for employees seemed the best route for escape, so I hurried to it, wishing it had a window. I pushed open the door to find Boy Toy casually leaning against a nearby tree, a sleazy grin sliding across his face.

Panic at being caught flared in me, but I shoved it aside, plastering on a smile and tossing my ponytail over my shoulder. I grabbed the door before it closed, forming a plan on the spot. I kept my cool, sounding casual. “Hey, Mother sent me to get you.” Hopefully, Mother’s only dating him for his looks.

Boy Toy eyed me. “She did?”

I forced my voice to stay even. “Mm hmm. I’m ready to go,” I said sweetly. “Meet you around front?”

He nodded, shoving both hands into his pockets before strolling away.

That was just too easy. I stepped inside, letting the door close until there was only a sliver big enough to watch him walk around the corner as I studied the paths I could take.

In front of me sprawled Southern Michigan University’s pristine campus. SMU’s maze of buildings and sidewalks teemed with students this time of evening as the dinner hour approached. Perfect.

As soon as Boy Toy disappeared from sight, I tightened my grip on my backpack and sprinted toward the street separating me from campus. It wasn’t a busy road, and I darted right across it. I heard Jack shout when I reached the middle, but I didn’t risk a glance until I was safely on the other side.

Jack wasn’t in great shape. To say he ran after me was a gross misrepresentation—lumbered was a better word. Boy Toy still hadn’t caught on, buying me time since he had the only chance at catching me. Game on.

I headed for the first group of students I saw, weaving around them and ducking behind the nearest building. Unfortunately this led me to a fairly wide-open space. Dammit.

My pursuers in sight now, I raced for a gap between two buildings, disappearing between them, then took a sharp right. I glanced over my shoulder, relieved to have lost them for the moment. My steps slowed to a fast walk as I rounded another corner. I scanned the area, my gaze landing on the perfect cover—a tall, dark, and handsome guy leaning against the brick wall of the Franklin building, scrolling on his phone. I yanked the hair tie out of my ponytail, my hair cascading to my waist. My movement caught his eye as I shed my jean jacket and rolled down the waistband of my plaid skirt. His bright blue eyes widened as I approached.

He hasn’t seen anything yet.

With a brilliant smile and a seductive toss of my hair, I closed the distance between us. My jean jacket dropped over his bag as I grabbed his blue striped tie, yanking his lips onto mine. He was taller than I’d thought, which was something coming from me.

Before he could pull away, I spun us around, so his firm body pressed me against the brick wall, wrapping my leg around his waist to keep him there. He didn’t seem to mind. A deep groan rumbled through his chest, and he kissed me back, hungrily. My stomach flipped as I threaded my fingers through his black hair, just the right length to hold on to.

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