Page 10 of Almost Love

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Shaking her head, she looked at her iPad, using her index finger to scroll back and forth through her notes. They’d perfected the cake tasting process—Frankie would send a list of requirements, allergies and favorites from the couple, then Clementine would sift through her notes and pair flavors, finally she’d work with her staff to make small cakes the couple could sample when they came in.

Pretty Baked might be her business, but it was collaborative in so many ways.

“Clem?”

“What?”

Frankie chuckled, clearly used to her brusque personality. “What’s going on with you?”

“People are exhausting, aren’t they?”

“They are! Which is why I’m going to keep annoying you.”

She shot Frankie a glare, which only got her a beautiful smile in response. Before either of them could say anything more, the bell above the door chimed and a good-looking couple stepped inside.

“Hello!” Frankie greeted them, stepping around her to shake hands and hug the couple. Clementine used those few minutes to straighten herself out and paint a smile on her face. “Stacy, Mike, this is Chef Clementine Kinney. Maker of the most exquisite wedding cakes and owner of Pretty Baked. Chef Kinney, Stacy and Mike are getting married in a few months.”

“It’s nice to meet you, welcome to Pretty Baked.”

Stacy beamed, practically blinding her as she twirled like one of those ballerinas in a box, before turning to face her. “So excited to be here! I’ve been dreaming about your wedding cakes since before Mike asked me to marry him.”

This time, her smile was genuine. Because knowing that peoplewaitedto have her make their cakes was the most fulfilling thing in the world. “You’ve made my day. Please, have a seat. We’ve got coffee, tea and water.” The couple slid in one side of the table and Mike poured them coffee as Frankie sat at the other end, like she always did.

“Frankie gave me a list of things to keep in mind, so we’ve whipped together eight options for you to try. You don’t have to make a decision right away. In fact, you can take the tasters home if you need to think on it. Then let Frankie know which works for you. Are you ready?”

Stacy nodded and Clementine stepped aside as Freya and Roscoe brought out the cake-filled trays. Once the slices had been arranged in order, she resumed her position in front of the couple. “Since chocolate is the one flavor that you were certain about, we’ve put together four options where chocolate is primary,” she explained, seeing Frankie’s eyes widen at the display. “This is a Chocolate Chai. It’s got some Bailey’s, lots of cocoa and chai-spiced buttercream. Juicy Chocolate, where we’ve brought together chocolate and raspberries for the perfect blend and a slight bite. A Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl, which might sound boring, but the flavors will surprise you. And finally, a Chocolate Hazelnut Praline, which is nutty, but smooth at the same time.”

“Oh my god, these are incredible. What about the other flavors?” Stacy asked, eyes wide.

Clementine chuckled at the excitement. “These are Pretty Baked specialities. I try to blend fruit with cake as much aspossible, because it lends to a certain kind of magic. So we’ve got a Raspberry Champagne, Maple Pumpkin, Rhubarb and Tea, and finally a Blueberry Elderflower.”

“Can we have a cake with multiple layers and put all these on there?” Mike asked, making everyone laugh.

She knew she was good at this, but never tired of the praise. It reminded her that what she was doing was worth it.

“How about you pick any three flavors you like and I’ll see what I can do.”

The couple nodded, like they were seriously going to do that and she stepped away to let them try the cakes. Most couples felt pressured if the chef was standing there and honestly, she needed to unscrew her smile for a few minutes. Walking into the kitchen, she released a shaky breath and pulled out her phone.

Clementine

Donuts or cupcakes. Which should I take him?

Mack

Doesn’t he come in for donuts like every day?

Clementine

Yeah, so?

Mack

Introduce him to something else you do really well.

Clementine

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