Page 18 of Playoffs & Promises

"Where's the cake?" Penelope asks.

Maria glances at her watch, then back at me with a tight smile. "Oh, look at that. Closing time, and I have a private cake tasting. Goodbye, Lou."

The dismissal stings more than I care to admit, but I know better than to argue. I leave without a fuss, but as I walk out, I can't help but feel like I've missed something important. Something that goes way beyond a missing lemon bar. I'm going to need to up my efforts.

Seven

MARIA

Lia is contemplating the carrot cake on the end of her fork like it holds all the answers to the universe. We both know she's more of a chocolate person, but if I'm asked to do a cake testing, I'm going to do a cake testing. Wedding cake isn't my normal cup of tea. Too much pressure, and too many bridezillas out there for me. But I refuse to let Lia end up with anything but the best for her engagement party or her wedding.

In honor of the fake engagement Nate and Lia entered into, and the very real engagement they have now, the two are celebrating with a party just after New Year's. I'm grateful they didn't pick December as I'm exhausted by the holiday orders coming in. January is slower, and I'll have extra time to make their cake.

Nate is currently grinning as he watches Penelope take a bite of each of the cakes on her plate and makes notes on the paper next to it like a judge at a bake-off. I gave each of them a paper so they could rate flavor, texture, and notes against each other. Makes my job easier if they come to a consensus without me playing mediator. The three of them told me after Lou left that the goal is to find a cake they all agree on.

"What's the verdict?" I ask her.

Penelope straightens and picks up her paper. "The red velvet is nice, the carrot is gross but I like the frosting. Chocolate and vanilla are tied."

Nate nods. "The vanilla is really good. What's your secret?"

I smile, "If I told you..."

Lia rolls her eyes. "She makes her own vanilla extract. It's amazing."

"Have you considered selling it?" Nate asks.

"And give the competition an edge?" I ask him. "Never."

Picking up the water pitcher I move to refill cups.

"Do you know what I need to try to really make a decision?" Lia asks me. "There's a flavor missing."

I look at her aghast. "Missing? What flavor could possibly be missing?"

"Lemon. With our wedding date booked for August, a lemon flavor could be just the thing." She turns to look at Nate. "Right Honey?"

He shakes his head. "I'm staying out of this."

Lia frowns. "He's our friend."

"I'm your friend." I remind her. "But if you really want a lemon cake. I can make you a lemon cake."

Penelope pipes up. "I don't want lemon."

I smile at Lia, knowing that they won't pick a flavor Penelope doesn't agree with. "Looks like lemon is out."

Lia rolls her eyes. "We all know lemon isn't what I want. I just wanted to figure out why you've taken every lemon thing off your menu."

"I have not."

"You don't even make lemon poppyseed muffins anymore." She points to the far display.

"I'm not having this conversation." I turn to Nate. "How about you?"

"I think it would really help the team out if you started making lemon bars again," He says.

"Not you too." I groan. "It's bad enough I get it from all the book club ladies, and the daily asks from the other guys on the team coming in here. Not to mention Lou."

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