Page 32 of The Cupcake Standard

Gina filled Liam in on the warehouse, swearing him to secrecy as well. Then we started quizzing him on Derek’s parents. He didn’t have a lot to offer. It sounded like they didn’t differ much from many of the other stuffed-shirt, rich people I’d met over the years at Mother’s various events, so I was confident I could hold my own.

Greg wheeled into the lot, and we made a mad dash for my unit. The dress was easy, I knew right where that was. Greg and Gina searched for purses while Liam and I looked through the shoes. I wore a size eleven, and it seemed no one else did. Finally, finally we found one pair of silver pumps I could squeeze my feet into.

“Gina, you’ll have to do my hair on the way. Boys, out. I have to change.”

The dress was everything I’d ever dreamed. The only thing I wished I could change was the size, which read XXXL. No wonder models have self-esteem issues. It was a little tight, but the fabric stretched enough to hug me just right, and I couldn’t wait to waltz into the Elgins’ house looking like I belonged. We drove to a local Walgreens where Gina ran in for emergency bobby pins, hair spray and snacks to tide Liam over. Then the backseat became a mobile salon.

As Gina pulled and prodded at my hair, Liam handed her bobby pins.

I eyed him, wondering if I should ask him what was on my mind. Then decided to hell with it. “Liam, who’s Princess?”

He jerked, nearly dropping the handful of pins, his eyes locking with mine. “Where’d you hear about her?”

I waved my hand. “That’s not important. I need to know more if I’m going to be with Derek, and it seems to be a pretty touchy subject.”

Liam glanced to the front of the limo, meeting Greg’s eyes in the rearview mirror.

Everyone knows about this mystery woman, except me.

A sigh escaped Liam. “I wish I could help you, but it’s Derek’s story. And he’ll tell you when he’s ready.”

Disappointment washed over me, but I got it. Liam was Derek’s friend first. I’d known it was a long shot when I broached the subject. Gina’s jaw tightened as I glanced at her, but I shook my head, telling her to leave it.

We sat at the end of the Elgins’ road for a few extra minutes because even Gina couldn’t put on runway-worthy makeup in a moving vehicle. Luckily, I never left home without my makeup, so she had decent stuff to work with. The understated look she picked was perfect, polished but flawless.

I sent Derek a quick text letting him know we’d be pulling up in a second. As we headed for the driveway, I grabbed a different bag with handpicked goodies I’d selected for everyone. Gina squealed when I gave her the Gucci clutch, and I hugged her tight, with an extra thank-you for the huge help she’d been.

“Liam, here.” I’d found some Oakley sunglasses I thought would look decent on him. “Thanks for letting me kidnap you today.”

He grinned, slipping on the shades. “Nice.”

Once Greg had parked, I leaned over the divider and handed him his gift, the softest pair of driving gloves I’d ever seen. “Thanks for everything, Greg.” And I gave him one of the Hermes scarves, too. “And here’s something for your girl, or wife. Or you, if you’re into that sort of thing.”

He didn’t chuckle like I thought he would, instead staring down at the items. Then he shook his head, starting to give them back to me.

But I closed his hand around the objects. “They’re only things, Greg. And I picked them out, just for you.”

“Thank you.” His voice was a little on the rough side.

I patted his shoulder, sitting back down to find Liam staring at me with a thoughtful look on his face. “What?”

“Nothing.” He wouldn’t meet my gaze.

What’s up with the guys in this car? I glanced out of the window and had a mini panic attack when I saw Derek striding down the steps toward the limo. I hadn’t planned on him wanting to open the door. He’ll see Liam! Frantically, I waved to Liam, who smooshed himself up against the wall nearest the door. Gina practically sat on top of him as I stepped out.

“Hi,” I said, smiling up at Derek.

Gina poked her head around the door, effectively blocking his view of the inside of the limo. “Hey, Derek. I’m gonna have Greg run me home before he comes back to pick you up, okay?” With one last emotional smile my way, she said, “Knock ’em dead, girl.” And shut the door behind her.

I waved to Greg who tipped his hat, then I turned back to Derek. “Shall we?” He still hadn’t said anything, so I started up the steps by myself.

“Wait.” He touched my arm, and I paused two steps above him as he took my hand, holding my arm out to take in the full effect of my dress. “I believe Armani made that dress especially for you, Avery. You look stunning.” He kissed my hand before tucking it in the crook of his elbow and leading me up the stairs.

‘House’ was too inadequate a word for the building we approached. Mansion would work. Estate, perhaps. It put my mother’s place to shame.

The door opened as we reached the top step, and a butler took my wrap along with my purse before escorting us to a sitting room. We were the last to arrive, but I didn’t feel the least bit embarrassed. On the contrary, I held my head high, making an honest to goodness entrance.

My gaze landed on Derek’s sister, with her pinched mouth. I smiled, enjoying how she practically seethed with jealousy. “Rhonda, nice to see you again.” I nodded to Kevin who sat next to her, watching him try to reconcile his image of me overdone in the gold dress with the perfectly poised image I presented now. “Kevin, is it? I believe we met at Derek’s the other day. It’s hard to keep track of all his friends.”

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