Page 42 of Hers to Marry
Kat put a smile on her face. “I don’t think anything will happen. Drew and Parker are back together, and they want to make things work. I’m just an old friend to Drew. He and Parker have been stressed out about the wedding and Parker’s job. Now that she has the position, there’s nothing to worry about.”
Susie gave her an exaggerated look of disbelief. “Do you hear what’s coming out of your mouth?”
“Yes,” Kat said firmly. She went to the mountain of dough on the island’s metal countertop and began kneading. “And they are my friends. I’m committed to seeing this through. To seeing them happy. I’ll continue to plan their wedding as if nothing happened.”
“But something almost did happen,” Susie argued.
“Butnothingactually happened. It’s over. Whatever it was, or could have been, it’s gone. Drew made sure of that by staying with Parker. And I’m going to make sure of it by getting them to the altar.”
Susie sighed and crossed her arms. “Well, I don’t like it.”
“You don’t have to. But you’re about to get a lot of money for their cake, so that should make up for it.”
Susie’s pink-stained bottom lip poked out. “I want to see you happy, Kat. That’s all. I’m not pushing you to break them up…I mean, unless it’ll mean your happiness.”
Kat genuinely laughed. “You’re a good friend, Susie, thanks. But I…I am happy.”
Her gaze roamed around the tiny kitchen. She caught sight of one oven timer about to go off, saw the automatic mixer slowly stirring the ingredients to another pound cake creation she couldn’t wait to bake. All day she was surrounded by lovely sweet aromas and customers who never failed to smile in pleasure at the goodies they prepared. With Drew’s standing order, Susie could afford to expand, which would only mean more money in Kat’s pocket.
Until she handed it over to the bank.
But she would get to keep her house.
“Life’s not perfect, but it could be a lot worse.”
“I love your outlook, even if it’s unrealistic.”
Kat rolled her eyes. “Get out of here. I have to make some more cupcakes for Drew to eat so he can pick their cake.”
“Too bad we gave away all the ones you made yesterday. They were an absolute hit! You’ll have to add them to the regular menu.”
“But then they won’t be selective flavors for wedding cakes.”
Susie frowned. “Yeah, you’re right. We’ll have to come to some sort of compromise. Those cupcakes flew off the display tray. I meant to tell you that yesterday before you left. We might have to consider how much money we’ll make if they’re part of the daily menu.”
Kat had kept to the kitchen after the incident with Parker and Drew. Too many patrons had eyed her, and she was embarrassed over what they might’ve heard. She worked on perfecting recipes and creating ones that would pair well with melodrama and depressed feelings like unrequited love.
“Okay, whatever you want. You’re the boss.”
“Thanks,” Susie said dryly. “I’ll let you know. Good work, Kat.”
Susie left and Kat went on to shape the dough for a new bread recipe she was just dying to try.
Tears of Rye.
