Page 87 of The Cupcake Standard

One of the assistants scampered off to do her bidding as I gaped at Rhonda. I didn’t even own five bras now that I truly liked.

“What? Derek’s paying. He’ll appreciate it, and if he doesn’t, say it’s part of his Christmas present to you.”

Oh, I can just imagine that conversation. My cheeks were hot as I tried to focus on the current dress I was being stuffed into like a doll. Despite Rhonda and Selena’s nitpicky taste, they finally approved one dress for the party on Friday. Halfway done with our mission, I was already exhausted. Thank goodness I’d eaten those tacos, or I’d have fainted from lack of fuel. Who knew finding the perfect dress was such grueling work?

With no clock to measure the time, I had no idea how long it had been when Selena finally clapped her hands, a slow smile spreading across her face as I spun toward her.

Rhonda practically melted, clasping her hands under her chin. “Ave, it’s perfect.”

I hardly wanted to look in the mirror. What if I hate it? I held my breath and crossed my fingers, spinning around slowly with my eyes squeezed shut. Sneaking a peek, both eyes flew open, and I gasped. Is that really me?

“You’re going to steal the show,” Rhonda said, coming to stand next to me.

One of my hands lay on my chest, and I could feel it against my heart as well as see it in the mirror, otherwise I’d have doubted my own eyes. “Thank you,” I whispered to Rhonda, reaching out to squeeze her hand with my free one.

She rested her head on my shoulder. “You’re welcome.”

The mirror reflected both of us, and I realized it showed me what we were unexpectedly becoming. Friends.

Chapter Seventeen

I wouldn’t have made it through dinner Thursday night without Rhonda. She expertly steered the conversation, complimenting those who deserved it and small talking with the best of them. Between the dress hunt the night before and the socialite triathlon tonight, I was nearly dead on my feet. I hoped I’d have enough energy for the party tomorrow.

Somehow Rhonda spun it so my mother was the one telling us to go home and get our rest. I need to figure out that trick. Immediately. She made Greg drop me off first, and I stumbled my way bleary-eyed to the apartment, shot a good night text to Derek, then crashed out.

Friday morning I woke to my phone ringing. It was Patty, wondering how soon Greg would be there because my mother was on a rampage. She wanted to get started on the ravioli.

So I called Greg and explained.

“Oh, that’s no trouble. The event center is ours for the day, and I’d be happy to pick up Miss Patty right away.” He paused. “Let me know if there’s anything else I can help with.”

“Thanks, Greg,” I said, gushing with gratitude before I texted Patty the good news.

One crisis down, I snuggled back under the covers, almost drifting off when the phone rang once more. This time it was my uncle with a question about the whiskey delivery. As soon as I’d hung up with him, another call came in. Then a text. And it didn’t stop.

I was on the phone with my mother when the apartment door opened around noon. Figuring it was Liam, I whirled around to beg him for help only to be greeted by Derek’s megawatt grin.

“Hi there, Cupcake. Happy birthday!”

My knees gave out, and I dropped the phone. Tears coursed down my cheeks as the flimsy dam I’d used to hold back the frustrations of the day crumbled. My mother’s shrill voice echoed through the phone, calling my name.

Derek rushed to my side, kneeling next to me. “What’s wrong?”

I pointed to the phone with a loud sniffle. “She demanded I do dinner last night, so I brought Rhonda, which she texted was fine. But now she’s saying I didn’t live up to my end of the bargain.” I buried my face in my hands, unable to handle one more thing.

One strong arm wrapped around me, pulling me to his chest. He used his other hand to pick up the phone. “Mabel, this is Derek Elgin.” His tone rang with authority. “Per your contract with your daughter, we were required to come to three dinners on nights of your choosing. I do believe if I was out of town on business, Avery was given a bye. Since I have just returned from Canada, on business for my father, our contract has not been voided. Furthermore, the text messages you sent confirming that Rhonda, my sister, was a valid replacement for me, would be considered a binding agreement if tested in a court of law.” He winked at me as I glanced up at him, my tears starting to slow.

“Lastly, if you had one ounce of kindness in you, you’d do well to remember this is your daughter’s birthday. However, if you fail to find that kindness, let me remind you that your daughter is very important to me. And if you want to continue being accepted in the current social circles you run in, you’d do well to stay on my good side.” He paused, nodding as he rolled his eyes. “I see. Well, if that’s all, I’ll hand you back to Avery.”

I shook my head, wanting nothing more to do with her, but he insisted, holding the phone out. Reluctantly, I took it, holding it up to my ear as Derek’s warm hand rubbed circles across my back. “Yes?”

“Darling, I’m so sorry for the confusion. And I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday. Lots of love. Ta-ta!” Then she was gone.

Torn between throwing the phone across the room and laughing maniacally, I decided on neither, focusing on Derek instead. I tilted my head up to meet those blue eyes I’d missed so much, soaking them in. “You’re home.”

I threw my arms around him, nearly knocking him over with the force of my hug. I clung to his neck, sighing when he wrapped me in his strong embrace. Then my toes were dangling in midair as he stood up.

“What are you doing?” I asked as he carried me down the hall.

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