I stare at my phone, wondering who Cosette invited to the tasting. If I know my stepmother as well as I think I do, I’m sure she invited as many people as possible to partake in this tradition. My bottom teeth worry my upper lip when I wonder if Dimitri will be there. Am I ready to see him again so soon? I’m still reeling from everything that happened late last night.
My feelings for him are slowly changing. I can feel it deep inside my bones. But the real question is…do I want them to?
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Savina
THE FRONT BELLchimes as the door swings open, letting in a swirl of warm August air and the metallic scent of Manhattan rain. Frosted Vows Bakery is nestled between a flower boutique and a fancy wine bar on a quiet block in the West Village. Even though my stepmother picked this place, I actually have no complaints. She did something right this time, and I’m extremely grateful. I’m sure there are selfish reasons behind it all, but I try not to think about those and just focus on the fact that she wants me to have a great wedding cake, at the very least. And that’s called progress in my book, considering our history.
Darby and I head inside quickly to escape the sporadic raindrops, and this place feels like its own, little world. There are pale pink walls with white daisies painted on them sporadically, and brass shelves scattered throughout the store with cake stands in every color of the rainbow. On the marble countertop front and center sits afive-tiered wedding cake waiting for final touches. Tiny hand-painted sugar flowers climb up one side of the masterpiece on an intricately piped dark green vine like they’re trying to chase the sunshine through the skylight above.
“This place is beautiful,” Darby comments, and I nod in agreement.
A few moments later, the bell chimes again and in walks Cosette, Pavel and Dimitri. Cosette closes her umbrella and announces, “Your father couldn’t make it, Savina. He’s busy.”
I’m sure Papà wasn’t busy at all. He probably just made an excuse not to come. He hates stuff like this, and I can’t say I blame him. I definitely take after him in that regard.
“Same with our father. He sends his regards,” Pavel says, but I can see the glint of amusement in his eye. He’s probably thinking the same thing I am. Our fathers were lucky to get out of this situation. None of us truly want to be here right now. Well, except for maybe Cosette.
Speaking of which, she’s oohing and ahhing over every single thing she sees, making a big deal out of nothing, as per usual. Her tight, designer dress clings to her body, although I’m not sure who she’s trying to impress, and her Louboutin heels click against the tiled floor with every exaggerated step she takes.
My gaze finds Dimitri across the room, and he looks bored already. His eyes skim over the cakes with disinterest. And if I’m not mistaken, he looks tired, worn out. I can’t help but wonder what he did after he left my apartment last night. Maybe he had to tie up some loose ends and didn’t go home right away. It doesn’t look like he got any sleep, and that troubles me.
But when his icy, blue eyes lock onto mine from across the room and he gives me a gentle smile, it makes all my worries instantly melt away. Usually, we’re scowling at each other and trying to make the other one miserable or uncomfortable. And, well, I hate to admit it, but this change of pace feels…nice.
A woman steps out from the back room, stealing my attentionaway from Dimitri. She’s older with streaks of gray hair mixed in her blonde, and she has a warm smile on her face as she approaches me. “Hello, I’m Helen, the primary baker and owner. Are you here for the Cipriano-Sokolov wedding cake tasting?” she asks.
“Yes, we are,” Cosette answers for me.
I simply bite my tongue, smile and try to remember that Cosette picked this amazing place. I have to give her credit for that at least and I suppose some leeway in return.
“Great,” Helen remarks. “I have you all set up in the back. Please follow me.” She then proceeds through a door, and we all trail behind.
“You should’ve worn a dress, Savina,” Cosette chastises me when she gets closer.
I’ll admit I wanted to be comfortable today, but I am by no means inappropriately dressed. I’m wearing a one-shoulder navy blue jumpsuit. Darby told me before we left that it was tasteful and sexy all at the same time, and I always take her opinion very seriously.
“I love your pearl necklace, Cosette,” Darby says, interrupting us and trying to take the heat off of me, which I appreciate. I can hear the snark behind my best friend’s tone, and it makes me smile.
“Why, thank you, Darby. That’s such a nice thing to say,” she answers with a toothy grin. Then, she walks off to go to a table of samples, speaking with the owner privately.
I cough to cover up a giggle as Darby makes a face and some rude gestures behind Cosette’s back. “I can’t believe she commented on your outfit,” she says with a frown. “You look great, Savina.”
“It’s okay but just be careful. You might just make her clutch her pearls if she finds out what you’re wearing under your jacket,” I warn. Darby is going straight to work after this, so she’s wearing her uniform, which consists of short shorts and a low-cut top. But right now, the long, black jacket cinched around her waist is covering everything up.
“Oh, I’m sure I’ll make her clutch her pearls,” Darby says while waggling her brows. “In fact, I’ll bet money on it.”
“Howmuch?” I whisper conspiratorially.
“Ten dollars.”
“Deal,” I tell her with a handshake.
There is a huge dining table set up with little plates and cake samples, and the owner ushers us towards it. “Please, have a seat.” Once everyone is seated, she continues. “Our first round of samples will include the following,” she starts as she begins to read off a menu in her hands. “We have vanilla, which is baked with a house-made crème fraîche and layered with whipped vanilla bean Chantilly cream filling. And then there is our classic chocolate, which has a hint of coffee in the cake, along with layers of dark chocolate ganache and vanilla cream cheese. And lastly, there is our red velvet with the cream cheese filling and icing.” She puts the menu down and smiles brightly. “Enjoy.”
“Thank you,” Cosette says before eyeing up the three slices of cake in front of her. “Oh, I don’t know which one to try first!” she exclaims eagerly.
You would think her excitement would rub off on us, but it doesn’t. If anything, everyone in the room becomes more annoyed. I risk a glance at Dimitri, but he’s focused on his phone, barely paying attention to anyone or anything around him. Pavel pokes around at a piece of cake and takes an extremely small bite. He looks like he’d rather be anywhere but here, and I have to admit that I knowexactlyhow he feels.
