It’s not a lie. I don’t indulge in pasta often, but this ranks at the top of the best I’ve ever had. I might have to sneak in another meal here before I go home.
“Your grandma is a fantastic cook.”
Bella smiles. “She’s the best cook and the best grandma.”
I look over to where Marti is chatting with two women who just walked into the restaurant.
“She’s probably trying to set them up with my cousins.” Bella laughs. “I’m sorry if she seemed pushy about Luke. You two would make a great couple though.”
I glance across the table to find her winking at me.
“I’m only visiting New York so I’ll have to pass.” I inch my eyebrows up. “I won’t pass on dessert though. Do you have a recommendation for something sweet from the menu?”
Leaning forward, she rests both of her forearms on the table. “If you keep this between us, I’ll let you in on a little secret about the best dessert in Manhattan.”
I follow her lead and lower my voice. “Are you going to tell me that it’s not at Calvetti’s?”
“Don’t get me wrong,” she begins with a sigh. “Marti makes this honey ricotta cheesecake that I’d walk barefoot over rocks for, but…”
“But?” I interrupt with a soft laugh.
“If you love cupcakes as much as I do, Sweet Bluebells is the place to be.”
“I probably love them more than you,” I say. “I have two questions. Where’s Sweet Bluebells, and do they make red velvet cupcakes with real cream cheese frosting?”
With a quick push back from the table, Bella is on her feet. “Not only are they made with real cream cheese frosting, but the crowning glory is a sprinkle of red, white, and pink candy hearts on top.”
Sliding a few bills from my wallet, I drop them on the table before I stand too. “Point me in the right direction.”
“Follow me, Emma.” Bella turns toward the door. “I’m in the mood for one myself, so I’ll show you the way.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Emma
The dozensof treats on display inside Sweet Bluebells on the Upper West Side look decadent. I suddenly wonder if Case has ever been here. Does he have a sweet tooth?
Should I grab a few as a thank you gift since he’s letting me stay at his place?
I shake away the thought because he doesn’t seem like the cupcake type.
“Emma, did you hear me?” Bella elbows me in the side. “You’re in a cupcake coma, and you haven’t even taken a bite yet.”
I tear my gaze away from the glass display case to glance at her. “How could I not be? This place is incredible.”
“I agree.” She flashes me a grin. “I’ll introduce you to the cake artist behind these mini-masterpieces, and then we’ll order.”
I catch sight of a woman around my age approaching us. She’s wearing a white T-shirt, faded jeans, and a light blue apron sporting the shop’s name. Her blonde hair is styled into a tight, neat bun on the top of her head.
“Delaney,” Bella calls to her. “Come meet my new friend.”
I can’t help but smile at the declaration. Bella and I chatted on the subway ride here. She was born and raised in New York City. Her best friend, Max, is in Boston for two months setting up a new location of his family’s shoe store and she misses him like crazy. She was most excited to tell me that she’s engaged to the love of her life, and according to Bella, a more perfect man doesn’t exist. Although she’s currently working as an executive assistant, she plans on leaving that job in a few months to help her fiancé launch the business they’ll grow together.
When it was my turn to share, I told her about growing up in Seattle and my decision to pursue a teaching degree. I also slipped in the fact that I came to Manhattan to visit my brother who jetted off to get married right before I arrived.
As she listened to me talk about Drake’s decision to elope in Ireland, Bella smiled and told me that sometimes she wishes she could run away with her fiancé to tie the knot.
I like her.
