Page 93 of Mercy (The Sins Trilogy 3)
“Got it,” Bobbi says, and immediately switches lanes, heading for an off-ramp.
“Perfect. It’s decided, then,” Mrs. Min says.
I stare at her. I don’t think we’ve decided anything, but I don’t have the courage to tell her so. I guess I’ll just have to go to the shop and give it a chance. My plan was to pick up something off the rack, given how little time we have, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.
Just be flexible, I tell myself. Maybe I’ll find something amazing at Avery Parker’s store. You never know.
“Let’s talk about the cake, shall we?” Mrs. Min says. “No four-tier ones, obviously.”
“What’s wrong with four?” I ask.
“Bad luck. Means death.”
“In Korean,” Yuna explains, “the words for four and death sound the same. That’s why.”
“Ah.” I nod. “Okay, no four-tiers.” I’ve had one too many brushes with death. I don’t need anything related to that at my wedding, even in another language. “Three or five would be just as gran—”
“Seven to nine tiers would be better,” Mrs. Min says. “Three is too short. Practically invisible. You want your cake to be seen.”
How much cake do you need to bake for nine tiers?“I don’t think we’re inviting enough people for such a huge cake. Most of it’s going to go to waste.”
“Not necessarily,” Bobbi says. “You can put in a structure to raise it without wasting food.”
Mrs. Min smiles. “Excellent. I’m glad you’re here to agree with me. Seven tiers, white with pearls and roses made with molding chocolate and pink fondant. Lightly whipped and soft cream frosting. Possibly flavored with your favorite berries, unless you’re okay with vanilla?”
I don’t know what to say. A baffled smile is all I can manage. It’s like she’s spent her life baking, and I don’t know half the stuff she’s talking about.
“Ms. Kim, the cake photo.”
“Kim?” Startled, I look at the assistant. Is she related to Mr. Kim? They don’t look that similar, though, except for the stern and serious demeanor. My phone buzzes. A text from Yuna.
Half the population in Korea is Kim or Yi.
I mouth, Thanks.
She grins.
“Here you are, Lady Min.” Ms. Kim taps her tablet a couple of times and hands it over.
“See?” Yuna’s mom shows me the screen.
It shows a huge nine-tier cake covered in white frosting, with pink roses spilling over one side like a waterfall. On the top, the bride and groom figures are so lifelike that I wonder if a picture of real people was Photoshopped on it.
“Her favorite flower is tiger lilies,” Yuna points out.
“Then we will alter the design,” her mom says, shrugging.
“I thought you were gathering cake pictures for me.”
“I gave up.” Yuna’s mom looks at Ms. Kim. “Mock one up with tiger lilies, fondant lace, ribbons and pink chocolate pearls. Seven tiers. Pearly white, with the faintest hint of pink for the overall frosting. Classy, grand. It must make a statement.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ms. Kim takes the tablet back.
“Did Tony give you anything special?” Mrs. Min asks me.
“What do you mean?” He’s already given so many gifts that I don’t know where to start—the pendant, the ring, a home, love… On the other hand, she might be thinking of something else.
“Any special memento? A gift? We need some ideas for ice sculptures.”
