People were already gathering. Daisy bounced over with a tray of millionaire's shortbread. Gloria arrived with something that appeared to involve meringue and edible flowers. Even Arty had contributed, gingerbread, of all things, which he claimedwas a recipe he’d gotten from a star he’d once interviewed and then refused to discuss the issue any further.
"This is brilliant," Lily said, appearing at Annabelle's elbow with a cardboard box. "You've done an amazing job."
"We've barely started yet," Annabelle protested, though she couldn't help grinning.
"You've got half the village here already. That's success in my book."
And it was true, parents were arriving with their children, villagers were browsing the tables, and the donation jar was already starting to fill with coins.
Then Kayley Long arrived.
She swept in wearing what Annabelle privately thought of as her "intimidation outfit," designer jeans, cashmere jumper, sunglasses that probably cost more than Annabelle's monthly grocery budget. She set down a professional-looking cake carrier with the air of someone presenting the crown jewels.
"Good morning, Kayley," Annabelle said brightly. "Thank you so much for coming!"
"Well, someone has to make sure standards are maintained." Kayley's gaze swept the tables with the practiced efficiency of a health inspector. "Though I must say, it all looks rather… homemade."
"That's rather the point," Lily said dryly.
Kayley ignored her, adjusting the position of her cake carrier. "I do hope we raise something respectable. I'd hate for people to think Bankton Primary can't organize a proper fundraiser."
Before Annabelle could respond, something diplomatic and cheerful that wouldn't acknowledge the barb, there was a small commotion near the school gates.
"Oh my God," someone whispered.
"Is that…?"
"No. Surely not."
Annabelle turned.
Raven was walking across the playground, carrying a large white bakery box.
She was wearing dark jeans, a black leather jacket, and sunglasses despite the overcast morning. Her hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail. She looked uncomfortable and vaguely annoyed, which Annabelle was starting to recognize as Raven's default expression when around other humans.
The murmuring intensified as people recognized her.
"Morning," Raven said shortly, depositing the box on the nearest table. "Brought biscuits."
"You…" Annabelle's brain had temporarily stopped working. "You baked?"
"Don't sound so shocked. I'm capable of using an oven."
Annabelle opened the box.
The biscuits inside were… extraordinary. Intricate. Beautifully decorated with royal icing in delicate patterns, flowers, music notes, tiny books. Each one was a small work of art.
"Raven," she breathed. "These are incredible."
"They're just biscuits." But there was a faint flush creeping up Raven's neck that suggested she was pleased despite herself.
"These are not just biscuits. These are, oh my goodness, is this one shaped like a guitar? And this one's got little musical notes! They're absolutely gorgeous!"
"You made these yourself?" Kayley had materialized beside them, eyeing the biscuits with an expression that might have been grudging respect. "From scratch?"
"Yes," Raven said flatly.
"Impressive." Kayley paused. "For a rockstar, I mean. I wouldn't have thought you'd have the patience for decorative work."
