Take the Cake (35 page)

“Don’t propose on Valentine’s Day,” she responded promptly. “It’s too cheesy.”

“Okay, so that wasn’t where I was going, but I appreciate the advice all the same.” Michael scratched his chin, listening to his stubble rasp beneath his fingertips.

“You said advice,” she replied in a mild tone, “you didn’t say what
for
.”

“Only because you didn’t let me finish,” Michael rebuked her but smiled as he spoke.

“All right, so what’s the situation?”

“The weather,” Michael said promptly.

“Oh, honey,” Susan sighed. “By the time you’re just talking about the weather, there’s something seriously wrong. Have we taught you nothing?”

Michael rubbed his forehead. His mother was being deliberately obtuse which was something she did from time to time when he hadn’t been in touch often enough for her liking.

“You win,” he sighed. “What’s this conversation going to cost me?”

“Sunday lunch with the two of you.” Susan had the answer so readily that he knew she must have been thinking about inviting them for a while now. “Come early so we’ve got plenty of time. No need to bring anything.”

“I’ll check with Kate and let you know,” Michael allowed with a slight smile. “Can we talk now?”

“Of course, now that we’ve taken care of business, I’m prepared to play nice.”

“I appreciate it,” Michael said in a droll tone, “but I really was calling to talk about the weather.”

“Really?” Susan sounded taken aback now. “In what context?”

“Getting Kate a winter coat.” Michael sat waiting as his mother gave the situation some thought.

“I’m assuming she already has a duck down one,” Susan ventured after a pause.

“Sure,” Michael replied. He’d caught a glimpse of the puffy sleeve of it in Kate’s wardrobe the last time he’d been over. No self-respecting New Yorker was without a coat that could withstand the wind chill factor once winter tightened its grip on the city, “but I’m thinking something of middle ground would be good.”

“Okay.” Susan was thoughtful now, and Michael smiled at how seriously she was taking the proposition.

It had been a month since Michael had introduced Kate to his parents. They had been well aware that he was dating, thanks to an injudicious comment David had made to
his
parents, thus setting the lines of communication aflutter between the two families. Susan had phoned Michael, ostensibly to see how he was but fishing for information. Bowing to the inevitable, Michael had suggested his parents meet Kate and a lunch invitation and promptly been issued.

Kate had been charmingly nervous, and his parents had worked to put her at ease. Their approval of her had only deepened upon the discovery that she had a degree in English literature. Michael had breathed a quiet sigh of relief that his mother hadn’t immediately hauled out his books for literary show and tell. By the time their lunch had concluded, there seemed to be a genuine fondness growing between them that had Michael smiling all the way home.

Returning his attention to the present, Michael realized his mother had asked him question that he hadn’t caught.

“Sorry, Mom, I didn’t catch that,” he apologized.

“I was asking you what other coats she has,” Susan repeated.

“I haven’t gone prowling through her closet if that’s what you’re asking,” Michael retorted. “But we were out a couple of weeks ago and what she was wearing didn’t look warm enough.”

“Lucky you were there, huh?” his mother replied, and he could hear the smile in her voice.

“Yeah,” he conceded, “but getting back to the question, what do you recommend?”

“You’re after a mid-winter coat, so something fully lined and something that isn’t black. Kate likes color,” Susan concluded. She had visited the store a couple of times and the vibrant aprons and artwork-covered walls had given her a good sense of Kate’s style.

“I’m going to need more information than that,” Michael admitted, making his mother laugh.

“Michael, go to Saks, find the women’s fashion department, and then go to the coat section and get someone to help you.”

“Really? Just like that?”

“Just like that,” Susan confirmed. “You’ve got the money, and they want the sale.”

“If you say so,” Michael replied, trying to keep the dubious tone out of his voice.

They talked for a while longer before Michael excused himself and ended the call. He set the phone down on his desk again and stared out at the gray weather. He wanted to make sure Kate kept warm.

~~~

Kate blinked as she opened the oven door and the rush of warm air hit her face. Grabbing a couple of dishcloths, she pulled the trays of golden cupcakes out of the oven. Moving quickly she set them down on the waiting cooling racks and transferred another two trays into the oven to cook.

“Smells good in here,” Emily commented with an appreciative sniff as she popped her head around the doorway. “Nice and warm too.”

“How is it out there?” Kate asked, jerking her chin toward the storefront. “Everyone okay?”

“It’s fine,” Emily assured her. “I don’t think we’ll need to start using the heaters just yet.”

“Okay, as long as it’s comfortable.”

“Sure, boss.” Emily nodded, laughing as Kate gave her a look of fond exasperation. “By the way, those muffins you made are popular this morning.”

“Really?” Kate looked pleased. She had been in an experimental mood so had whipped up a tray of cranberry and orange muffins with a demerara sugar crust to hold off the morning rush before the daily cupcakes were ready.

“Really,” Emily confirmed with a nod. “I think you might have to make those again.” She gave the cooling cupcakes a curious look and then glanced back at Kate. “What’s today’s special going to be?”

Kate shook her head. “Work in progress, Emily. You know the drill.”

“Okay.” Emily held up her hands in surrender and withdrew.

Kate gave the cupcakes a gimlet stare as she pulled the mixer toward her to start making the frosting. Pouring in a generous measure of powdered sugar, she added a scoop of soft butter as she switched on the mixer. “Tiaras,” she muttered to herself as a faint idea began to stir. “Tiaras and shoes.” Leaving the mixer running, she turned and opened a drawer, eyeing the collection of inch-tall pots sitting in a neat row. She hadn’t used the contents before; perhaps today was the day.

~~~

Wren spooned some milk froth into the waiting cups and quickly drew a leaf pattern into the coffee. Emily grinned at her as she picked up the coffees, transferred the cups to their saucers and carried them out to the waiting customers. A quick glance confirmed that all the orders had been filled, and she held up an empty cup to Emily as she approached.

“Oh, please,” Emily sighed as she rounded the counter. “The first one barely touched the sides.”

“Another heart starter comin’ right up,” Wren replied as she cranked the coffee measure again. She turned to face the kitchen door. “You okay in there, boss?”

“Sure,” Kate answered. “Be right out.”

“Coffee?” Wren called back.

“Yup.”

Emily leaned against the counter and watched Wren get to work. Her own coffee skills had improved considerably since she had started, but she didn’t think she moved with the confident grace that Wren did. The small woman moved seamlessly from one task to the next, shooting Emily a couple of sidelong glances as she worked.

“Okay,” Wren said at last. “I give up. What’s on your mind?”

“You and David.” Emily had the answer so readily that Wren knew it had been on her mind for a while.

“What about us?” Wren kept her attention on the espresso coffee that was filtering into the cups.

“Just …” Emily paused and fidgeted with a pen before taking a deep breath and continuing. “Just how long do you think you can keep downplaying what you’ve got with him?”

“Huh?” Wren added a third cup and tried to feign ignorance.

“You heard me. You can shrug off David all you want, but the man is
good
for you, Wren. If you lose him, you’ve got no one to blame but yourself.”

Wren paused and brushed some hair off her face as she tried to collect her thoughts.

“That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?” she replied in a mild tone.

Emily huffed out a breath and, to Wren’s surprise, nodded her agreement. “It is, but maybe it’s the kick in the pants you need.”

“Mmph.” Wren shrugged and began to frappe some milk. “If you say so.”

“I do say so,” Emily said more quietly. “Wren, you’re happier than I’ve seen you in a long time. Why can’t you admit it?”

Wren said nothing. Emily waited her out.

“Maybe sometime,” Wren said at last when she finished frothing the milk.

“When?” Emily pressed, and was startled to see the look of vulnerability on Wren’s face.

“Soon,” Wren replied. She knew that Emily was right; the moment was coming and it excited and exhilarated her all at once. David was a patient man, but even Wren knew that he wouldn’t wait forever. She sighed, letting her shoulders slump as she finished making the coffees and slid Emily’s cup toward her.

“You know, for someone who puts so much work into making everyone else happy, why can’t you accept some happiness of your own?” Emily said as she took a sip.

“Self-preservation,” Wren quipped. “It worked for Mom, so I thought I’d try it too.”

“Hmm, and how happy is she?”

Wren was silent and sipped her coffee.

“Look,” Emily said quietly. “I won’t push you any further. This is a conversation that you and David need to have, not us.”

“Thanks,” Wren said, surprised at this sudden reprieve.

“Just do yourself a favor and talk to him about it. You might be surprised at his reaction.”

“Okay.” Wren nodded, turning as she heard her name called from the kitchen.

Kate appeared carrying a tray and a broad smile. Wren and Emily exchanged a glance and stepped out of Kate’s way to let her pass.

“Oh, wow,” Emily gasped, “is that—”

“Yup.” Kate nodded, pleased.

“You’re kidding, right?” Wren gaped. “I didn’t even know you had that stuff.”

“Babe, we’ve only just begun,” Kate replied as she set the tray down in the counter and tweaked Wren’s nose. “Is that my coffee?”

“Sure,” Wren said automatically, her eyes not leaving the cupcakes. “Boss, they look spectacular.”

“They sure do,” Emily agreed. “What are they called?”

Kate smiled. “I thought you’d never ask. Wren, Get your chalk.”

“Got it.” Wren picked up the stub and reached for the small chalkboard that sat waiting on the counter.

Kate dictated, Emily laughed, and Wren wrote with a sigh.

“You like?” Kate asked when Wren had set up the chalkboard on its easel.

“You win,” Wren replied, as she exchanged a high five with Kate.

“Let’s see how long they last,” Emily replied as she nodded toward the door. All three women glanced up to see customers heading indoors, drawn by the smell of fresh coffee and baking.

~~~

Hours later, Kate waved off another customer with a smile and leaned back against the counter behind her with a mild sigh. The day had been a busy one, and now things seemed to be winding down. She pushed herself away from the countertop and strolled toward the display case to bend in for a quick inventory.

“Stock seems to be holding,” Emily commented as she walked past with a tub of cups and plates to be stacked into the dishwasher.

“Which is good. I don’t know that I’m in the mood to bake more this afternoon,” Kate replied as she slid the Plexiglas door closed and straightened with a mild wince. She hadn’t slept very well the night before, and her back still felt a bit stiff. The best nights for sleep and pleasant dreams seemed to be when she was with Michael—a fact she had only realized when she had woken up clutching the pillow that held so much of his scent.

“You’re looking a bit tired. Are you okay?” Emily paused in her stacking and gave her friend a concerned look.

“I’m fine,” Kate assured her. “I think I’m just burning the candle at both ends.”

“The store does keep you busy,” Emily agreed, “but what about the home front?”

“Mmm?” Kate pushed some damp hair off her forehead and reached beneath her apron to tug down her T-shirt. She was going to have a long shower when she got home, whenever that was.

“You’re dividing your time between your place and Michael’s. That must get a bit tiring.”

“Sometimes,” Kate admitted. There were evenings when she found herself wanting a favorite book to re-read, only to discover that it was at her apartment and Michael didn’t have a copy. Michael had given her free rein at his apartment, but there were times when she found herself wanting her own things. Michael’s kitchen was impressive, but she found a certain level of comfort in baking with her mother’s bowls and equipment. A sentimental approach perhaps, but one that provided a certain amount of tranquility that was reassuring at the end of the day. “But I’m okay.”

“And Michael?” Emily pressed.

“He’s fine,” Kate replied, opening the refrigerator and reaching in for a bottle of sparkling mineral water. She offered it to Emily who shook her head, and then opened it and took a long swig, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “Michael can work anywhere.”

“But he’d rather work at his place?”

“I guess.” Kate shrugged, not noticing the contemplative look on Emily’s face.

“So if he’s okay and you’re tired, we need to work out how to cut you some slack,” Emily continued.

“Don’t fuss so much. I told you I’m fine.” Kate smiled.

“Yeah? So what happens to the store if you get hit by a truck?” Emily regretted her words the moment she saw Kate’s face blanch. “Oh, God,” she babbled, “poor choice of words, boss, I—”

“Relax, Emily.” Kate waved off Emily’s remonstrations. “It’s just a figure of speech.”

“Yeah, but you’ve experienced it literally,” Emily said, her expression overcome with remorse. “What I meant to say was—”

“Seriously,” Kate interrupted again, “it’s okay. You were talking about a backup plan, am I right?”

“Something like that.” Emily gave a weak nod, inwardly cursing herself for her carelessness.

“Well …” Kate wiped some condensation off the bottle and rubbed her damp hand on the back of her neck, hoping the cold would revive her a little. “You’ve jumped the gun on what I wanted to talk to you about, but I guess now’s as good a time as any.”

“For what?”

Kate gave Emily a tired but fond smile. “To talk about you being second in command if you’re interested.”

Emily gaped at her.

“Finally, the Oracle is speechless,” Wren commented as she stepped out from the kitchen. She glanced at Kate who was watching Emily’s reaction with quiet pleasure. “I take it you told her?”

“I’ve just started to,” Kate replied.

“You knew?” Emily managed at last as she glanced at Wren. “And you didn’t tell me?”

Wren gave her a smug smile by way of answer.

“I thought you didn’t do suspense?”

“Actually, it’s something we talked about a while ago, but we had to wait and see how things worked out for you and the store,” Wren answered. “Not to mention that the boss lady here threatened me with grievous bodily harm if I gave away so much as a peep.” Wren glanced at Kate. “Now how about you two take this conversation to a table, and let me know when Emily says yes.”

Kate picked up her bottle of water and draped a comradely arm around Emily’s shoulders.

“She sounds like she means it,” Kate said, “so let’s go.”

“It’s okay,” Wren said soothingly to Emily who was still looking surprised. “I’ll bring you a soy chai to soothe your nerves.”

“Bossy little thing, isn’t she?” Emily commented as they headed toward a table.

“You’re only just telling me that now?” Kate muttered as she took a seat. “Now, about the offer …” She paused to take another swig of water and then leaned forward in her seat to begin talking.

Wren began to frappe some milk and stirred in some chai syrup, glancing over at the two women with a smile from time to time. She knew that Kate was doing the right thing and was pleased for both of her friends.

“So here’s the offer,” Kate began, “and feel free to turn it down, but I’m offering you more work, more responsibility and a bit more money.”

“Right.” Emily gave her an uncertain nod. “But shouldn’t you be having this conversation with—”

“Wren?” Kate finished for her. “She and I have already talked about this, and it’s not what she wants. You, on the other hand, have got a good approach; you like baking and I think this could be good for both of us.”

“But, Wren …” Emily paused and swallowed before continuing. “I mean, she’s been with you from the start. Shouldn’t she be the one who takes this on?”

“Have you not seen my stunning fashion creations?” Wren chimed in as she set down a cup in front of Emily. “Honey, you know fashion is my thing, not cupcakes. Sure, I can make a mean bagel, but that’s the extent of my kitchen prowess. You, on the other hand, are a natural.” Wren smiled as she said this, her hands smoothing down her apron lovingly as she spoke, twining some of the fluttering ribbons around her fingers. “Sorry to interrupt, but that’s just my humble opinion.”

“Humble.” Kate snorted as she swatted at Wren’s rump. “Yeah, right.”

“I’m going,” Wren protested as she retreated to the kitchen.

Kate was laughing as she turned back to see Emily looking thoughtful. “So, what are your thoughts?”

“When you say more work and responsibility, what would I be doing?”

“We can work that out, but I’d imagine it will be opening up for me on occasion, cupcake production …” She paused as Emily gave a mild squeak. “What?”

“You want me to make the cupcakes?”

Kate reached out to pat her hand. “All the recipes are written down. You’d be surprised just how easy they are.”

“It’s not the baking that worries me, it’s the
competition
,” Emily replied, making Kate laugh.

“Wren has promised to go easy on you,” Kate assured her. “You’ll be fine.”

“Okay.” Emily shrugged.

Kate looked puzzled.

“Okay, as in, okay, I’ll do it,” Emily clarified.

“Really?” Now it was Kate looking surprised. “I thought I’d have to sweet talk you for longer than that.”

“Meh.” Emily sipped at her chai. “Wren probably told you I was a sure thing, and what have I got to lose by giving it a try?”

“You go, girl,” Kate said as she raised her bottle of water in a toast. “Here’s to you.”

“No, here’s to us,” Emily said with a smile as cup and bottle clinked together.

Wren watched them from her position at the kitchen doorway with a wistful smile. The chance to manage the store had been offered to her, but she had refused it. She knew that in her heart of hearts the bakery wasn’t the right path for her, but the prospect of job security had been enough temptation to give her pause. It had been David who had helped steer her back on course.

“Wren,” he had said at last when she had finished explaining the scenario a few evenings earlier, “would that make you content?”

“I don’t know.” Wren had stared down at her risotto. She had arrived home to discover David cooking in her kitchen. “I guess.”

“That’s not enough of an answer,” he’d chided her gently. “Think about it.”

“I know I have a lot of fun there during the day. Kate makes the store a happy place to be.”

“Sure, she does,” David had agreed. “But being happy can come and go; contentment is a kind of core happiness that lasts a lot longer.”

“Right,” Wren had allowed cautiously. David was having another one of his “moments” as she now thought of them: moments when he seemed to take her happiness very seriously indeed, and urged her to think about what it was that she wanted and why. She wasn’t used to being challenged like this and found it deeply unsettling and provocative. She’d found herself looking at the crease between his eyebrows and wanted to smooth it away.

“Would making cupcakes make you as happy as you are when you’ve finished another one of your couture creations?” David had persisted.

Wren had paused at that. “No,” she had ventured at last.

“Then you know what it is that will make you content, and you go for it.”

“And that’s why you threw away a journalistic career to go back into academia?” she’d challenged. “Because the financial rewards must be huge.”

David had thrown his head back and laughed, confusing her all the more.

“Oh, you know I didn’t do it for the money. I just realized that life is too short to have an average day at work.”

“Right, and what does your landlord say?”

“My landlord is fine.” David smiled. “You know I wouldn’t do anything stupid, but I wanted to feel proud of what I do.”

“And teaching comatose students makes you proud?” Wren was curious.

“They’re not comatose by the time I’ve finished with them,” David had retorted, aware that Wren had not yet discovered that he had a reputation for being unconventional in his approach to his subject. “And I’m working to get published soon, so that’ll bring some more dollars in.”

“You’ve covered all the bases then,” Wren had replied in a dry tone.

“Got to, if you’re going to be realistic about it. If you’re doing what you love, it’ll never feel like work again.”

Wren stood behind the counter, watching Kate and Emily as they made plans for the future. Taking David’s words to heart, she had acted on her heart’s desire and turned down what she had known was a good opportunity. She wanted to be content with her decision, and now she knew what she had to do.

~~~

Michael was about to enter the store when he remembered to check the chalkboard hanging outside. He stepped back a pace to scan Wren’s quote of the day and grinned.

With the right pair of shoes and a tiara,
I could rule the world.

He could just imagine Wren writing that and wondered how Kate was going to match it; he stepped inside, eager to find out. He glanced around to see a few of the tables occupied by customers, but for the most part the café seemed quiet. He walked to the counter and peered at the cupcake display, smiling when he saw the daily special.

Everyone’s a princess: strawberry shortcake
with white chocolate frosting and Regal Red edible glitter.

Edible glitter? Now he’d seen everything. He turned from the counter with a grin and that’s when he saw Kate and Emily sitting at one of the side tables having a quiet talk. Emily saw him first, and Kate turned in her seat to see who she was smiling at.

“Hey, you,” she called as her face lit up with a smile of recognition.

Michael felt an answering smile of his own, walking toward the table and dropping the shopping bag at his feet to give her a long kiss.

“Phew.” Wren walked past them with a comment as she moved out to collect some empty cups “And there I was thinking someone had turned the heat up, but it’s just you two.”

Emily muffled a laugh of her own and got up to move away. “Take a seat, Michael. I think the boss and I are done.”

“Funny girl.” Kate broke away from the kiss to laugh, but kept her fingers twined in Michael’s hair as he nuzzled her neck. “So how’s my guy?” She turned her attention back to Michael.

“Better now. How’s my girl?”

“Much, much better,” she said, rubbing his stubble with the tips of her fingers and gently biting his earlobe.

Michael felt a jolt of heat start in his belly and start to drill down. “Kate,” he warned in a rough whisper as he dragged a chair over to sit as close to her as possible, “don’t start what you can’t finish.”

“Can’t?” she asked softly as she ran her tongue along his lower lip.

“Won’t,” he amended with a shudder as she pressed her soft body closer, hitching one of her legs over his thigh.

Kate continued her gentle assault for a moment longer, and then broke off with a sigh of regret. “You’re right,” she admitted. “Don’t want to scare the customers off.”

Michael looked over his shoulder to see a few of the customers regarding them with quiet amusement. “I don’t think they’re scared, but you might have given a couple of them ideas,” he commented, and smiled as she ducked her head against his shoulder with a quiet snicker. “Had a good day?”