Eve squeezes my shoulder. “Well, screw that. The best baker in this town isn’t allowed to be sad during the holidays, while everyone else is happy getting super fat off the goodies you made. You’re coming over for Christmas.”
“Oh, no, no,” I tell her gently. “I don’t want to make a fuss.”
“You and Skye and Luna are spending Christmas and New Year’s with the Frost family,” Eve declares. “Every year from now on. So, get used to it.”
Tears touch my eyes again. I always used to spend the holidays with them when I was younger. “I don’t want to cause any trouble,” I tell her. “If they all find out—someone will tell Jack. They’ll ask questions.”
“Listen,” Eve says. “Ihave an important question. How could younotshow my niece theMadagascarmovies? She didn’t know where Madagascar was, Stella. I’m very disappointed. I am hereby declaring that you must invite Luna over for a movie marathon with my family. If you don’t, I’ll post a 4-star review for the bakery online. I’ll say your pastries areonly okay. I’ll say that I’vehad better.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” I say with a weak smile. As far as extortion goes, that is not so bad. She could have blackmailed me by threatening to tell Jack. She could have threatened to tell Luna that Santa isn’t her real father. “But I think she might be a bit young for those movies. They are rated PG.”
“Well, then it’s very lucky for Luna she has such a cool aunt who is going to show her movies meant for big kids, isn’t it?” Eve reaches into her pocket and pulls out some sunglasses, which she slides onto her face to emphasize her coolness. Then she steps forward and grabs a tasting spoon, and dips it into the raw batter I’ve been mixing. She brings it to her lips and samples it, before nodding appreciatively. “Mmmm. Whatever this is going to be, bring it over for dinner tomorrow. 6 PM, don’t be late! And don’t forget to add lots of vanilla.”