Page 53 of The Cupcake Standard

“Hey, look at you, all casual.” I nudged him with my elbow as we followed Derek up the big flight of steps to Liam’s parents’ estate. The Davenports were another huge founding family in this area, involved in politics and the community. Their house was massive, at least as big as Derek’s parents’. Will I ever get used to this level of wealth? Fake dating a billionaire and hanging out at his billionaire best friend’s house. I shook my head. Talk about rubbing elbows with the upper crust.

Derek didn’t bother knocking, just let himself in. His own parents’ house was only one street over, and their properties butted up to one another which accounted for Derek and Liam being friends for so long. He bellowed Liam’s name. An answering shout came from the kitchen, and Derek tossed his coat over a dining room chair, glancing to see if I would like to take off my zip-up. But I shook my head, wanting to wait for my reveal. Plus, it was a little on the chilly side.

The smell of delicious food permeated the air, and I inhaled deeply as we rounded the corner into the kitchen. I gaped at the variety of foods, ranging from ribs to dips to potato skins and quesadillas. “Just how many people are coming?”

Liam’s shoulders bobbed up sheepishly. “Maybe I overdid it. It’s us, Gina and her boyfriend. And maybe Rhonda.”

Greg let out a strangled noise at Rhonda’s name, but he covered it with a cough. We stared at him for a second, then Liam glanced at Derek for confirmation on his sister. I raised my eyebrows at Derek as well.

Derek nodded. “Yeah, we’ve been texting some lately. Sounded like she could use a break from her regular group of people, so I invited her.”

I grinned at him, happy to hear that she’d taken my advice.

“Wonderful.” Greg’s mouth looked pinched as he turned to Liam. “Could I use the restroom?”

Liam nodded, giving him directions. As soon as Greg was out of earshot, Liam frowned. “Is it just me, or was that weird?”

I nodded my agreement.

Derek glanced at both of us, taken aback at our eager expressions. “What? There’s nothing to tell. Greg was primarily Rhonda’s driver growing up, so he worked for her first once we graduated. It didn’t work out, and he switched to me.”

Yeah, right. I exchanged a disbelieving look with Liam. Maybe that’s what he told Derek, but there’s definitely more to that story.

A horrendous twanging noise echoed throughout the house, so loud we all winced.

Liam sighed. “Who rang the damn doorbell?” He emerged several minutes later looking even more annoyed.

Gina’s hands were on her hips as she followed closely after him, Josh right behind them. “How was I supposed to know not to ring the doorbell? There’s no sign, and no one told me. I’m not psychic, you know.”

Liam ignored her, then he stopped and looked around. “Crap.” He disappeared without another word.

Gina let out an exasperated sigh. “Derek, your friend is an arrogant, pig-headed—”

I stepped in. “Gina.” My voice held a note of warning.

Her mouth closed with a snap as she turned her glare on me.

“Look at all the delicious food Liam bought. For us. And he’s the one with the pool table. Could you just not? Please?” I shot her a tight-lipped smile, mentally telling her all the things I’d do to her if she didn’t shut her trap.

She seethed for a minute more, then let out her breath with a whoosh. Just as Liam returned. Her smile seemed a bit forced, but she said, “The food looks amazing. Thanks for inviting us, and I’m sorry about the doorbell.”

Liam shrugged, barely acknowledging her words before setting down a stack of plates.

I was grateful Josh put a restraining hand on her arm as she stepped toward Liam. Maybe between the two of us, we could make sure she kept her temper.

Speaking of Josh. “So guys, this is Josh. Josh, this is my boyfriend, Derek. Liam is our host. And that’s Greg—most days he’s our getaway driver.” I pointed him out as he reappeared.

Everyone shook hands, exchanging greetings, and the tension dissipated. Thank goodness.

Liam’s phone dinged. “Oh good, Rhonda’s here.” He typed something then shoved the phone in his pocket. “We’ll get some food then head downstairs.”

Rhonda came in. She looked perfectly put together as always, in a beautiful pantsuit and high heels, her dark hair piled elegantly on her head, a few tendrils curled loosely around her cheeks. The smile on her face was tentative, a far cry from her usual expression of confidence.

I hurried to greet her, going over for a one-armed hug. “So good to see you.”

“You too.” Her eyes flicked past me to Greg, and she paled.

Yep, definitely a story there. I tried to remember a reaction that day I’d taken the Three Musketeers to lunch. There’d been something. I would need to get to the bottom of this. Maybe not tonight, but at some point.

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