Take the Cake (47 page)

“Huh?”

“Well, you know what we’re up to these days, how about what’s up with you?” Emily ventured. She kept making the bagels and wraps with her usual efficiency, but a brief glance upwards showed that Wren had paused in the act of flipping through the folder of CDs that Kate kept in the store.

“Oh, you know,” Wren commented in a perhaps too casual tone. “The usual.”

“Ah, so you’re talking about moving in together, then?” Emily added.

“Who told you?” Wren whipped around to face Emily with a startled look on her face.

“No one.” Emily grinned. “But you just did.”

“Shhh.” Wren frantically waved her hands in a shushing gesture. She opened the folder and grabbed a disc, put into the stereo, and pushed play. As soon as the Black Eyed Peas were pumping out of the speakers, she started talking again. “We’re only—” she waved a hand in a vague motion, “—you know, talking.”

“That’s generally how these things start,” Emily noted with a droll smile. “But what brought it on?”

“We went shopping over the weekend.” Wren shrugged as she began filling the water jugs. The mixer started up in the kitchen, and Wren relaxed slightly knowing that she wasn’t about to be put on the radar just yet. “I got excited over some vintage clothes, we started talking about my fashion, and he wanted to talk more about Kate’s offer.”

“It’s a good offer,” Emily replied. “You know we love you here, but, honey …” Emily downed tools to give Wren her full attention. “You’ve got such a talent. Why don’t you see where you can take it?”

“You sound like David.” Wren gave her an amused smile as she dropped slices of fresh orange into the jugs before hefting them to carry them over to the small table where they would sit for customers to help themselves. “He keeps telling me the same thing.”

“Maybe we’re right,” Emily commented. “We’ll always want you here, babe, but just ask yourself,” she paused and looked at Wren, “do you still want to be here in ten years’ time, or do you want to be doing something different?”

~~~

Michael took a few steps back as he inspected his handiwork and grinned at the thought of how different his life had become over the last few months. Gone were the mornings of museum-like quiet in his apartment. Now he woke to the sounds of cohabitation: quiet singing in the shower, the rustling of clothes, and clinking of plates and cups in the kitchen. Power tools shattered today’s peace and quiet, and he found he couldn’t be happier about it. Kate’s move had gone smoother than anyone had expected, although Paul hadn’t been surprised.

Earlier that morning he had woken to the sound of a soft curse, and had cracked his eyes open to see Kate looking blearily at the time on her bedside clock before she had settled back into his arms with a quiet sigh. The pair of them had stayed in bed, tangled around each other as the minutes ticked by before Kate had nuzzled his neck and moved with regretful smile.

“Stay?” he had asked in a hopeful voice. The weekend had been a rush of boxes and unpacking, and he was still looking forward to the notion of waking up without either of them having to go anywhere.

“Want to, can’t,” she had replied in their sleepy morning shorthand as she hauled herself into a sitting position and sat there for a moment, trying to wake up. Michael had reached up and ran his hand lightly down her back before cupping his hand on her hip. Kate had turned her head to look over her shoulder at him. “You’re not helping.”

“Sorry,” he’d mumbled into his pillow, but he really wasn’t. His lips had curled into a smile as she leaned over and brushed a kiss against his cheek, squirming away as he reached for her again.

He had dozed in bed until Kate had left for work, and after a quick breakfast, had retrieved the supplies he had stashed under the bed where he had hoped Kate wouldn’t find them. A couple of hours later, Michael frowned and climbed up the ladder to jiggle what he had just fixed to the wall to ensure that it was sturdy. Satisfied, he climbed down again and put away the stepladder before returning to sweep up after himself. He looked at the walls again with a slight grin; Kate was going to love it. He glanced at the items that had been left stacked along the bookshelves and hesitated over them for a long moment. It had been his plan to have the project finished for when Kate got home, but now that he stood so near completion, he realized the pleasure should be hers. He stepped away with some reluctance and began to pack away the drill instead.

He was eager to see her reaction, but for now he was going to have to wait.

~~~

“Now?”

“Not yet,” Kate called back in answer to Wren’s plaintive question.

There was a very brief pause. “Okay, how about now?”

Kate choked back a laugh as she finished garnishing the cupcakes on the tray, and then stepped back with a nod of satisfaction. Wren had timed it well as the batch was ready, but she still got a kick out of making her wait. She turned toward the sink and washed and dried her hands before picking up the tray and walking out of the kitchen.

“Here they are,” she announced as she appeared in the kitchen doorway.

“Finally.” Wren turned and put her hands on her hips as she watched Kate walk toward the display cabinet.

“You just can’t handle suspense at all, can you?” Kate commented with a short laugh as she set down the tray.

“Not when I’m hungry,” Wren quipped as she got three cups off the shelf and set them down next to the coffee machine with an expectant smile. “And I just know one of those will go great with a coffee.”

“Do you now,” Kate drawled. “Well, I guess we’re lucky there’s good coffee available.”

“Damn right.” Wren nodded as she fished out her piece of chalk. “Okay, boss, what are these ones called?”

“I’m calling these ones
Original Temptation
, Apple Crumble Cupcakes,” Kate announced as Wren scribbled furiously.

“Nice.” Wren propped up the chalkboard on the waiting easel. “They’ll go well today.”

True to her prediction, two customers stepped up to the counter moments later and ordered coffee and temptation cupcakes to go.

“There’s just no resisting those,” one of the customers remarked.

“Preachin’ to the choir.” Wren smiled as she reached into the display cabinet with the tongs.

~~~

“Mom, you’re not telling me anything I don’t already know.” Michael laughed as his mother huffed at him through the phone line.

“Oh, really? That sure of yourself, are you?”

“Uh.” Michael sobered at that. His parents had called to see how the big move over the weekend had gone, and Michael was filling them in on the details. “Well, no, not entirely. I don’t know that I’d ever think of it as a
fait accompli.”

“Good.” Michael was startled to hear his father’s voice on the line. “But it sounds like you have things well in hand.”

“Dad?”

“Morning, son,” Charles greeted him. “I heard the tone in your mother’s voice and knew who she was talking to, so I picked up the extension.”

“Oh, now there’s a comment that’s going to get you places,” Susan retorted.

“Now I’m the one in trouble?” Charles objected. “How did that happen?”

“Well, you—” Susan began but broke off as Michael interrupted.

“Guys, do I need to be here for this discussion?”

“Sorry, honey,” Susan soothed. “Your father gets these ideas in his head sometimes.”

“It’s called independent thought,” his father chipped in with a dry rebuttal.

“And any other comments like that are called ‘you’re getting your own dinner,’” Susan retorted, making Michael laugh.

“Thanks, guys. You’re making me feel really good about this.”

“So what’s it like, living with Kate?” his father asked.

“She only moved in yesterday,” Michael pointed out, “but all signs point to pretty damn good so far.”

“Good to hear,” his father praised. “Just remember to agree to everything, and you’ll be fine.”

“Wait a minute, I don’t remember you using that tactic with me,” Susan pointed out.

“Uh, son, a little help?”

“I’m not getting involved,” Michael vowed.

“That’s my boy,” Susan said in a fond tone, “taking your mother’s side. Well done.”

“Who said he was taking your side?” Charles objected, making Michael grin. For a smart man, his father really managed to dig himself into a hole at times.

“I did,” Susan replied. “Don’t you think that’s the right thing for a good son to do?”

“Yes, dear,” Charles sighed after a heavy pause.

The conversation degenerated into a babble of explanations and laughter. By the time Michael got off the phone, he was none the wiser about the best approach to take, although he felt more convinced that he was doing the right thing.

~~~

“So have you worked out what you’re going to do?” Wren asked as Kate rinsed the coffee filter before clicking it back into place.

“Yup,” Kate replied and looked out at the activity in the store before turning toward the notebook she kept on the workbench beside the phone. “And you’ve just reminded me I have to make some calls to confirm the details.”

“When do we get told?” Wren asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.

“As soon as I’ve confirmed things, I’ll tell you guys straight away. You’re going to like it so just calm down.”

“Okay,” Wren grumbled as she turned to the counter where a customer stood waiting. “Can you believe she won’t tell me anything?” she asked the customer, jerking her thumb over her shoulder to indicate Kate’s departing back.

“Tell you what?” the customer asked, distracted from his eager perusal of the lushly sugared wares in the cabinet.

“I don’t know.” Wren shrugged. “But I wanna know. Now, what can I get you?” Wren beamed.

“You know you’re driving her nuts,” Emily commented as she sidled past Kate, having cleared the tables of cups and plates.

“That’s the plan,” Kate replied in an absent tone as she reached for the phone. She glanced over at the door as more customers came in. The front door was kept closed in the cold weather, and Wren had switched on the overhead gas heaters which kept the room cozy without being oppressively hot. “Are you guys okay to deal with them while I make some calls?”

“Go ahead,” Emily assured her. “If we need help, I’ll let you know.”

“Thanks, babe.” Kate flashed her a grateful smile before picking up the phone and going into the kitchen to finalize some details.

The trickle of customers became a flood, and Kate was pressed back into service. The three of them were run off their feet for the next few hours until the lunchtime rush had slowed enough for them to take a short break.

“Damn.” Emily grabbed a tissue and dabbed at her forehead and the back of her neck. “Where did everyone come from?”

“That review has really boosted trade,” Wren agreed as she leaned forward with her elbows on the countertop and gave a long sigh.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I need something to eat,” Kate commented as she paused to untie her hair and pull it back into a fresh ponytail. Maybe she’d get a haircut soon, she thought, glancing over at Emily’s smart bob. “What have we got that’s good?”

“Everything’s good,” Emily said. “How about you go take a seat, and I’ll bring you something.”

“What about you?” Kate’s forehead wrinkled with concern. “Are you going to get something to eat?”

“Listen,” Wren butted in, “we’ve actually got a quiet moment. How about you two sit and eat, I’ll make us some coffee, and then the boss here can tell us what we’re doing for our party.”

“Deal.” Emily nodded. “Now you—” she nodded at Kate, “—go sit.”

“Done.” Kate turned and headed for the nearest table and sank down into the chair with a sigh of relief.

A few minutes later, Emily carried over two plates bearing lunch and set them down before taking a seat. “Thanks.” Kate gave a grateful smile and then picked one up and took a bite. “God, these are good.”

Emily took a bite of her own and stared at the display cabinet while she chewed thoughtfully. Stocks were holding well, and she took a moment to admire the latest offerings. Kate had been expanding her repertoire on an exponential basis, and Emily gave a quiet sigh as she looked at the blueberry and pear tarts that had been artfully dusted with powdered sugar and slivered almonds; one day she’d be able to bake things like that.

Wren made the coffees and served another customer before making her way over to the table and taking a seat herself, although she sat facing the door so that she could see any new customers.

“You’re not eating?” Kate looked up from her plate with surprise.

“I’ll grab a protein shake later.” Wren shrugged. “Or a bagel if there’s one going.”

“Any reason for the lack of appetite?” Emily raised an eyebrow and laughed when Wren gave her an indignant look.

“Yeah,” Wren said after giving them both a very pointed look. “It’s because David insisted on cooking an enormous breakfast, so don’t go getting any ideas.” She sipped at her coffee and then set it down and looking at Kate. “So, c’mon, boss, spill.”

“Okay.” Kate finished her mouthful and sipped at her coffee before beginning to speak. “I’ve booked some
great
catering. Seriously, guys, you’re going to love it, and Michael said that he and David are going to arrange the drinks. Paul’s coming, and I think Thomas is going to stop by, so if there’s anyone else you want to invite just let me know.” Kate paused with a gleam in her eye. “Actually, Bear’s being a little bit secretive lately; I think he could be seeing someone.”

“Do you think he’ll bring her?” Emily looked interested.

“Hope so.” Kate smiled. “I’m as curious as all hell, so he’d better.”

“Music?” Wren asked after a ruminative pause.

“Whatever you want.” Kate shrugged. “Just remember we’re going for an intimate kinda gathering.”

“Right.” Wren nodded, her mind ticking over with ideas. “What did you think of the window idea?”

“The sheers?” Kate squinted over at the windows. “I think it could work but …” She gave Wren a hesitant look. “I really want to avoid you guys going to any trouble. The party is my thank-you to you both, so how about we come up with something else?”

“Stars,” Emily said suddenly, blinking as Kate and Wren turned to look at her. “Sorry.”

“Care to elaborate?” Wren smiled over the rim of her cup.

“We’ve got to get the Christmas decorations finished,” Emily went on. “I was thinking we could just get some metallic paper and cut out all different size stars and hang them on different lengths of ribbon.” Emily took a sip of her coffee. “It’s simple enough.”

“And a nice classic look,” Wren mused. “I like it.”

“You do?” Emily was surprised and flattered at their resident style guru’s acceptance of her simple suggestion.

“Sure.” Wren nodded. “We can do that this week. It’ll be fun.”

“Do you always get excited over the prospect of extra work?” Kate grinned at her.

“When it’s creative stuff, it never feels like work so …” Wren broke off as she remembered David’s comments from a few weeks ago. “Anyway,” she went on, “I’ll take care of it.” She finished off her coffee and stood up to get back to work.

“Interesting,” Emily mused as they both watched Wren put away her cup and turn toward a new customer with a bright smile.

“Very,” Kate commented before taking another bite of her lunch.

In the end, the three women only managed to grab twenty minutes apiece for lunch, and even that was disrupted by the occasional order. Kate was thinking about this as she locked up and began to head toward home. Ten minutes later, she realized with a start that she was heading in the direction of her old apartment and changed direction at the next intersection with an inward sigh. She was going to be late. Shoving her hands deeper into her pockets, she walked on.

~~~

Michael flicked the catch on the front door and walked back into the kitchen to give dinner another stir. A few moments later, he heard the door close and walked into the living room to see Kate standing in the hallway shedding her overcoat.

“Hey,” he greeted her as he gave her a soft kiss. “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” Kate grumbled before relaxing against his chest with a sigh. “I took the wrong way home, and then forgot my key.”

“So that’s why I had to buzz you in. I thought you were going all formal on me,” Michael said with a teasing smile.

Kate gave a tired laugh against his chest, and then lifted her head as she gave an appreciative sniff. “Do I smell dinner?”

“Porcini mushroom risotto,” Michael said with a pleased smile at her look of delight. “You go unwind, I’ll finish up and then I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“Which is?” Kate gave him a hopeful look.

“Not telling until you’ve shed your day,” Michael said as he turned her in the direction of the bedroom and gave her a gentle push. “Go.”

~~~

Kate put down her fork with a sigh of satisfaction and smiled at Michael across the kitchen island. By the time she had showered off her day and changed into some old sweats and a T-shirt, Michael was dishing up dinner. It had all smelled so good that she had relaxed her usual rule and enjoyed a glass of red wine with the meal. Now she sat back in her seat and watched as Michael gathered up the plates and put them in the dishwasher.

“That was fantastic,” she said as she swirled the wine in her glass, admiring the color of the liquid in the light.

“Let’s see if you’re saying that in a few days’ time. I made enough of it to feed an army,” Michael commented. “Mom gave me the recipe this morning, but she didn’t think to scale back the quantities.” He turned and saw Kate gazing thoughtfully into her glass. “Ready for your surprise?”

Kate perked up at that. “I’d forgotten,” she admitted with a smile, “but hell, yeah.”

“C’mon.” Michael held out a hand and pulled Kate to her feet. “You can bring your drink,” he offered as he began to lead her back out into the living room. “It’s nothing much, but it’s something I know we’re going to get a lot of use out of.” He gestured to the walls of the room, and Kate gave him a puzzled look before looking at where he was pointing.

“Is that … picture rails?” She took a step toward the wall as she peered up at the ceiling. She gave him a look of delight before turning and following the tracks that Michael had installed on every wall. “It just keeps going. How much did you put up?”

“I’ve done the whole living room, a wall in the kitchen and the whole bedroom.” Michael grinned at her. “C’mon, I know how many pictures you’ve got and you know we’re going to keep getting more.”

“You don’t mind?” Kate stepped toward him, and then remembered she was still holding her wine glass. She turned and set it down on his desk before wrapping her arms around his waist. “I was worried that you’d feel a bit overwhelmed.”

“Is that why you didn’t hang anything up over the weekend?” Michael pulled her closer.

“Maybe,” she admitted to his shirtfront. “I mean, your apartment is gorgeous and I didn’t want to cramp your style too much.”

“Kate, I’m a guy,” Michael said, sighing. “Style isn’t something I chart my life by, but I want you to feel like this is your home now.”

“Okay.” Kate offered him a shy smile that became wider as she glanced around at the wide expanse of living room walls. Oh, she was going to have
fun
.

~~~

The days went by in a blur of activity and baking. Since the review, business had been building at a steady rate which had led Kate to wondering if she needed to find another new employee.

“I don’t know if lightning can strike a third time,” she said to Michael over breakfast on the day of the party. “I mean, first Wren and then Emily. What do you think the chances are finding someone else that will fit in?”

“All you can do is try.” Michael shrugged as he spread some butter on his raspberry muffin and bit into it with a satisfied groan.

Michael could appreciate Kate’s concern, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but reflect on how good life was being to them. He got up and began to make himself another latte; Kate had been a very patient teacher, and although it was going to be a long time before he could consider himself a barista to Wren’s exacting standards, he could make a decent coffee for himself. Carrying his cup back to his seat at the kitchen island, he sipped at it as he studied the long expanse of the apartment.

Kate had taken his advice to heart and set about making the apartment homey. Michael’s framed vintage movie posters were now interspersed with Kate’s collection of prints and found objects that made for a riot of color on the walls. Kate’s latest interest was butterflies, and she had somehow acquired some framed specimens that floated on the wall beside some Indian shadow puppets and Michael’s 1960s Modesty Blaise poster. It was a collection that logically made no sense at all, and yet somehow it all seemed to work.

“So what time do you want me there today?” Michael asked before biting into his muffin again.

“Has David called you about the wine?” Kate looked up from the notebook in front of her where she was ticking items off a list.

“Sure. He and I made a list of wines we’re getting, so we’ll deliver that to the store before you guys close for the afternoon. Anything else?”

“I don’t think so.” Kate tapped her pen against the pages as she thought. “The decorations are all up, Emily’s bringing the candles, and Wren is bringing our dresses to work this morning.” Kate paused and gave a short laugh. “I still can’t believe she won’t let us see them until tonight. Do you know anything?”

“Nope, only that she told me what I was allowed to buy,” Michael said as he gave her a satisfied smirk.

“Fine,” Kate sighed. “Be like that, then.”

“Okay.” Michael grinned at her as he licked some residual crumbs off his fingers and followed it with his coffee.

Kate stood up with some reluctance and rounded the island to stand between Michael’s knees with her arms around his neck.

“Guess this is the part where I leave for the day,” Kate murmured as she gave him a soft kiss.

Michael ran his hands up her sides and around her waist so that he could pull her closer. “Something like that,” he agreed as he kissed her again. Kate smiled against his lips, and he took the opportunity to dip his tongue into her sweetness. It was so nice that he went back for more. By the time Kate managed to lean back, her eyes were heavy and dilated.

“Wow,” she managed. “What was I doing?”

“I have no idea,” Michael said as he pulled her back, “but I can think of a few things.” He slid his hand up and under her shirt to feel her smooth warm skin beneath his fingertips. Kate moved closer still, and he felt his stomach clench as she tangled her fingers in his hair to hold his face to hers as they kissed. He’d been thinking about getting another haircut soon, but the feel of her fingers in his hair had him re-thinking his options.

“So those things you were thinking about,” Kate ventured when they broke apart, “I don’t suppose you could give me a general idea?”

“I believe I could,” Michael said as he tried to look thoughtful before giving up and cupping her bottom with his hands and squeezing gently. “But it might take some time. I know you’ve got a busy day ahead and—” He stopped when Kate kissed him again.

“I’m ahead of schedule,” she said in between kisses as Michael got up from his seat and began to walk her toward the bedroom. “And Emily has a key.”

After making love, Kate had to shower and get ready for work all over again, which was probably a good thing as Michael had left her with a spectacular case of sex hair. She was late enough that Michael insisted on calling her a cab and joining her for the ride, kissing her all the way so that she entered the store pink and flustered but with a smile that would last the whole morning.

~~~

“Don’t tell me,” Wren deadpanned as Kate swept past them with a sheepish grin to hang up her coat in the kitchen. “Something came up?”

“I’m not even going to dignify that with a response,” Kate called back after a snuffle of laughter.

“Just means I’m right,” Wren retaliated as she got a cup to make Kate a coffee.

Kate was tying on her apron when she saw two zipped up garment bags hanging on one of the coat hooks in the kitchen. “Are these in here what I think they are?”

“No peeking,” Wren hollered back before fixing Emily with a beady stare. “And that means you too.”

“Gotcha.” Emily nodded with a smile. Emily was feeling quite pleased with herself this morning. Although she hadn’t beaten Wren to work—and suspected that she never would—she had arrived at the store earlier than usual to get the day going. It was Saturday, two days before Christmas, and they were all looking forward to the party that night. Emily had quickly set about making more cranberry muffins while Wren had made up some of their lunch bagels and wraps. The two of them had agreed a few days ago to get a head start on the day, and so far it seemed to be working well.

Kate stood at the counter, sipping her coffee and gazing around the store with approval. True to her word, Wren had cut out dozens of gold and silver stars in different colors and suspended them from the ceiling and windows with red metallic ribbon. The stars swirled and danced in the air and added a distinctive festive touch to the store. There were boxes of beeswax pillar candles waiting to be arranged throughout the store that evening for the party, and Kate could already tell that it was going to be a very enjoyable evening, especially if the morning had been anything to go by. She sipped at her coffee to hide her blush and satisfied smile.

“So, Wren,” Kate said as she finished her coffee, “last quote before Christmas. Bring it on, baby.”’

“Oh, you’re going
down
,” Wren said with an evil grin as she grabbed the chalkboard and began writing. And kept writing. After a long moment, Kate and Emily exchanged a look of concern.

“Uh, you’re not writing your life story there, are you?” Emily ventured.

“Hush,” Wren scolded as she kept writing. Finally she held up the board, and the two women gaped at the board in unison.

The Four Phases of Life:
You believe in Santa;
You don’t believe in Santa;
You are Santa;
You look like Santa.

Kate stared at the board for a long time, and then walked into the kitchen. Wren hung up the board and walked back inside to get herself another coffee. Ten minutes later, the kitchen was still silent. Wren and Emily glanced at each other, and then peered around the doorway to see something that they never thought they’d see: Kate flicking furiously through her recipe notebook, looking frustrated. Aware of their scrutiny, Kate looked up at them and offered Wren a wry smile.