“Delaney Wilts, this is Emma…” Bella’s voice trails. She looks to me for help.
“Owens,” I add. “I’m Emma Owens.”
I take Delaney’s outstretched hand for a quick shake. Her blue eyes slide over my face. “It’s great to meet you, Emma.”
“Emma is visiting New York.” Bella surveys the sugary treats in the display case. “I told her that she had to taste the best cupcakes in the state, so here we are.”
Delaney beams. “Bella knows what she likes. We’re grateful it’s our cupcakes.”
“I don’t just come for the cupcakes.” Bella glances at me. “Delaney is a gem. I come in so often that we’ve become friends.”
Delaney giggles. “It’s kind of impossible not to become Bella’s friend. I’ve never met a kinder heart.”
Bella wraps her arms around Delaney for a quick hug. “I’m extra hormonal, so don’t make me cry.”
“Fine.” Delaney playfully swats her arm. “What can I get you two?”
Bella looks to me. “Emma wants a red velvet, and I’ll take a vanilla with strawberry buttercream frosting.”
I reach in my bag for my wallet until I feel Bella’s hand on my arm.
When I glance at her, she’s shaking her head. “I’m covering it today. Next time, you’ll treat me.”
I can’t help but smile at the promise of more time spent with my new friend. “Deal.”
Bella glancesat her watch as we step out of Sweet Bluebells into the afternoon sun. “I need to get back to the office. This has been a blast, Emma.”
It has been.
We ate our cupcakes and sipped lemonade. Delaney sat down with us briefly during her break. She’s been working at the bakery with her aunt for years. Her love of all things cupcakes is apparent. When she told us about the new flavor combinations she’s planning on introducing, I was in awe.
At home, a boxed cake mix is the foundation for any dessert I attempt to bake.
“I’ve had the best time,” I say honestly. “Thank you for everything, Bella.”
Before I can react, I’m drawn into a hug. “I got to see Marti, eat pasta, and meet you. It’s been a great day so far.”
I step back and smile.
“What are your plans now?” she asks as she looks over my shoulder. “If you’re heading downtown, we can hop back on the subway together.”
“I think I’ll take a walk in Central Park, and I might try and find a bookstore. I have a lot of spare time right now and nothing to read.”
“If you can hold off until tomorrow, I’ll take you to the bookstore of my dreams.” Her blue eyes brighten. “It’s in Brooklyn. I’ve been going there since I was a kid.”
Since my calendar is wide open, I nod. “I can hold off.”
“We should exchange numbers.” She palms her phone. “I promise I won’t pass yours on to any of my single cousins unless you want me to.”
“I live in Seattle, remember?” I ask teasingly. “I’m here for a brief visit. That’s it. I’m not looking to find my soul mate in Manhattan.”
“I wasn’t looking for mine either and boom, there he was.” She darts a hand into the air. “You never know when you’re going to come face-to-face with the man who will own your heart.”
“The chances of it happening during this trip are slim.”
“There’s just as much chance of it happening here as there are in Seattle.” She gestures at my phone. “I’ll give you my number. Text me tomorrow so we can set up a time to go to the bookstore.”
I plug her number into my contact list as she recites it to me.
