Page 25 of Howling for Cupcakes

“Ah, yeah.” Lark chuckled. “I like that idea more.”

“So we’ll have guys’ night at the brewery with beer and burgers,” Arden said.

“It won’t be as fun as girls’ night.” Mari gave an evil grin. “Tonight it’s a Mexican fiesta.”

Ellie nodded. “Tacos, margaritas and loteria.”

“Loteria?”

“It’s like BINGO but different. Lots of fun.” Ellie gave the men a sad smile. “Too bad you guys can’t join.”

“I’m starting to feel like girls’ night is anti-men,” Lark grumbled.

The women laughed. “It is,” they all replied.

Arden shook his head but didn’t debate. He loved that Mari had something fun to look forward to. “I’ll pick you up after and walk home together.”

She smiled softly at him. “Sounds great.”

FOURTEEN

Mari stepped into the festively decorated community center, her senses immediately overwhelmed by the vibrant colors, lively music, and mouthwatering aromas of the Mexican fiesta. Tabitha had truly gone all out, transforming the space into a slice of Mexico right in the heart of Whispering Pines.

Strings of colorful papel picado banners hung from the rafters while flickering candles in painted terra cotta holders cast a warm glow over the room. A long buffet table laden with an array of traditional dishes that made Mari’s stomach rumble in anticipation dominated the far wall.

“Mari, you made it!” Celeste called out, waving her over to a group of women clustered around a pitcher of sangria. “Here, try this - Ivy outdid herself with the drinks tonight.”

Mari accepted a glass of the ruby-red liquid, inhaling the heady scent of wine, brandy, and fresh citrus. She took a sip, the flavors bursting on her tongue in a delightful medley.

“Wow, Ivy, this is incredible,” she praised, savoring another mouthful.

Ivy grinned, raising her own glass in a mock toast. “Just wait until you try Ellie’s paloma. That woman has a magic touch with tequila and grapefruit.”

Laughter rippled through the group, Ellie taking a playful bow. “What can I say? It’s a gift.”

As Mari mingled, she couldn’t help but marvel at the spread Tabitha had put together. Ivy handed her a glass of Horchata juice. “I’ll make you a paloma but try this awesomeness in the meantime.”

Mari took a sip and moaned. “This is so yummy. I love cinnamon and this tastes divine. There’s liquor in this?”

“Nope. This is like a juice. But there’s tequila in a paloma. You’re gonna love it.”

Platters of homemade tamales, both savory and sweet, sat alongside bowls of richly spiced pozole and fragrant chipotle-lime chicken tacos. Chilaquiles, mole, and guacamole were making her mouth water. A colorful array of salsas, from mild pico de gallo to fiery habanero, offered a spectrum of heat to suit every palate.

For those craving a sweeter treat, Elsie had whipped up a batch of her famous churros, the cinnamon-sugar-dusted fritters still warm from the fryer with homemade cajeta. Molly’s tres leches cake took pride of place at the center of the dessert table, the moist, creamy confection a decadent temptation.

Mari filled a plate, her mouthwatering at the enticing scents. She settled at a table with Luna, Sera, and Marianne, content to bask in their easy camaraderie.

“Ophelia!” Tabitha yelled, a wide smile on her face. “You’re back.” Tabitha ran to her sister and enveloped her in a tight hug.

“That’s Tabitha’s twin sister,” Molly said to Mari in a soft voice. “She went away for a little while to get some therapy. It was meant to help her deal with her past trauma.”

Ophelia’s arrival brought squeals of excitement from everyone, all eyes turning to Tabitha’s twin. Mari’s heart clenched at how much everyone obviously cared about her. The sweet, tentative smile on her face made Mari smile.

Sera was the next to break the silence, rising to pull Ophelia into a warm hug. “Welcome back, honey. We’ve missed you around here.”

Ophelia’s smile grew more confident, her shoulders loosening. “I’ve missed you all too. More than I can say.”

The others crowded around, offering embraces and murmured words of love and encouragement. Mari watched, throat tight with emotion, as Ophelia basked in the outpouring of support.

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