“I want to pull a prank on Ian.”
Her eyebrows shot upward. “Your twin brother? What kind of prank?”
I described my plan, and she bit her lip to keep from laughing. “Noah. That’s both genius and disturbing.”
Right? “Well, I know it’s asking a lot, but will you do it?”
She seemed to think it over. “You have my back, and so does the club, in case something happens? I don’t want to lose my business or be convicted of a crime.”
“It won’t happen, but, yeah, I got your back, Nina.”
“Okay. I’ll do it.”
Yes!
Let Operation Lax commence.
“HEY, NINA,” I GREETEDthe shop owner as I guided Nylah inside, my hand resting at the small of her back as we entered the bakery. “Have you had a chance to get those samples ready?”
“Hi! Yes, I’ve got a whole platter of flavors for you to try. Have a seat on the couch. I’ll grab them and join you.”
Nina locked the door and flipped the shop sign to CLOSED with a little clock that showed she’d open again at one after lunch. She left us to walk behind the register and display case and into the area where she prepared her baked goods.
“I’m really looking forward to this,” Nylah announced as I kissed her temple.
“I just love cake.” I shrugged as she punched me playfully on the arm. “Okay. Okay.” I laughed, stealing a kiss before Nina walked out, carrying a platter.
She placed a tray of cupcakes in various colors with little cups that I assume were filled with water, in front of us. Plastic forks and knives, along with napkins, were stacked beside them. “I want you to try the white cake first and give me your opinion. I use almond, and it’s a classic wedding flavor.”
Nylah used her fork to cut off a little piece and tasted it. “It’s good.”
I picked up the rest and stuffed it in my mouth. Chewing, I thought it tasted a little dry and bland. Would it be okay to say that?
“You don’t like it,” Nina observed, watching me.
“Not my favorite,” I admitted.
“No problem. I’ve got plenty to choose from.”
We tried red velvet, something Nina called presidential, with raspberry jam and buttercream filling. Vanilla bean. Oliveoil with coconut, which Nylah hated. Carrot, apple spice, and Funfetti. None of them were hitting right.
Nina stood with the tray. “Round two.”
Shit. There were more?
I lost track after that, growing full and tasting the last few with a worn-out palette.
The last we tried, something Nina named Chantilly with fresh berries and mascarpone seemed to be the winner. Nylah raved about it. She loved the simple syrup soak and the flavor.
Me? I wanted whatever flavor she did. I honestly didn’t care. All the cakes were flavorful. They just started to taste similar to me after the first few.
“What do you think, Rael?”
I couldn’t let her down. “The Chantilly.”
“Right? It’s the best one.”
“It’s decided then.”
