“Sorry.” Romy pulls the hat and sunglasses off me.
Laurel’s eyes widen. “Oh.” She glances toward the front area, then back at me. “Why are you bringing trouble into my store?”
“We’re not bringing you trouble,” Romy says. “Zander just heard something about your cupcakes and…”
“Oh, you did?” She smiles, and her hand covers her heart. “What did they say?”
“Romy’s doing me a solid. I wanted off the ranch. People keep raving about your pumpkin spice ones. After some swindling, Romy agreed to sneak me in here.”
Laurel laughs. “It’s not really the best time. I’m expecting about fifteen little visitors in”—she checks her watch—“three minutes. If you look at those tables, it’s all set for them. So, I’ll grab some cupcakes, put them in a box, and bring them to you. Then you’re going out the back door.”
“Thanks, I really appreciate this,” I say.
Laurel gives Romy a look, then disappears to the front of the place.
The bell above the door rings, and suddenly kids’ voices flood the bakery. Romy’s eyes widen.
We hear Laurel panic in the front area, saying, “No, no, wait, wait, wait!”
But it’s too late. The kids have already walked into the back room.
And lo and behold—Leia and Wren are two of the fifteen visitors. Both squeal and scream at once. “Zander!”
Romy shoots me a look that says I told you so.
Chapter Thirty
Romy
I grab Zander’s arm and pull him close, whispering in his ear, “I told you so.”
All he does is laugh and hold up his hand. “Leia, Wren, give me high fives.”
Of course, they run to him, with expressions on their faces that say, Isn’t this great? I know Zander Shaw. They both jump up and slap his palm.
A little kid my nieces refer to as Peyton pipes up, “I want a high five! I want a high five!”
So, Zander gives him one too.
Laurel turns the corner, still empty-handed. She nods for me to go out the back door. Now I’m thinking there’s someone in the front room who isn’t just a customer. Someone who’s part of the press.
“Okay, guys, time to start your class,” I say, clapping. The teachers join the kids in the back with us and help, although they keep glancing in Zander’s direction. “We have to get going.”
“Noooo,” Wren says. “Are you coming to dinner Wednesday?”
“Yeah, are you coming?” Leia waits anxiously for his answer.
I haven’t had Zander over since the first time because it feels weird. We’re not a couple.
“Are you inviting me?” he asks, side-eyeing me.
He seems different today. Lighter almost. It’s refreshing.
“Yes, you can come. Grandma will love it,” Wren says, taking the lead.
I smile at the two innocent girls who have no idea the complicated situation I’ve gotten myself in.
“Okay, girls, we have to go.” I kiss the tops of their heads. “I love you.”
