Page 26 of Delicate Escape

Sutton laughed as she released me. “You’re good at the bread. And you’re an expert taster. That’s more important here. You can guide customers to their perfect treat.”

I grinned back at her. “This isverytrue. And that pumpkin spice latte cupcake you’re testing for fall?” I made an exaggerated fainting motion. “Perfection.”

Sutton did a jump in the air, letting out a squeal like a little kid. “I loved it, too. I’ll try it on the menu as soon as we hit September. Should get us in the fall mood.”

“People will love it. Especially when you pair it with that drink.” I knew the high school girls who came in regularly would be all over it.

“I hope you’re right. I’ve got some watermelon ones I’m trying tomorrow, too. They’re super cute. The cake is green, and the frosting’s pink with mini chocolate chips for the seeds.”

I frowned at her. “I’m not sure how I feel about green cake.”

Sutton chuckled. “Luca wanted me to make zombie cupcakes with the batter.”

“I bet he did.” I marked off the second bag of flour on our inventory sheet and moved the sack to the other side of the room. “How was skating today?”

Sutton sighed as she grabbed the third bag. “He’s definitely got the bug. Of course, he had to pick the most expensive sport imaginable to fall in love with.”

“Hey, at least it wasn’t horseback riding or Formula 1,” I offered.

“True. But I wish he would’ve fallen in love with drawing or ballet. I can’t say I’m thrilled with my kid wanting to smash into other kids on a freezing-cold ice rink.”

“Fair enough. They must keep the full contact to a minimum at this age, right?” I asked.

“They don’t have a team yet, so I’m not sure. I think they’re still looking for a coach. But in the meantime, they’ve all been playing hockey superstar during open-skating time. I just brace the whole time, but at least he’s happy.”

The wistfulness in Sutton’s voice had me turning toward her. She never spoke about her ex, and I’d never seen any sign of him. All I knew was that she’d moved to Sparrow Falls to start over. It seemed this was the place for that.

I squeezed her arm. “You’re a good mom.”

The corner of her mouth kicked up. “You sure about that? My kid is sitting in the store right now eating cupcakes and playing games on his tablet.”

“Everyone deserves a treat at the end of the day.”

“That is true.” Sutton straightened. “And you do, too. Because I think we’re done.” She dusted the flour off her hands. “Let me give you some of our leftovers from the day.”

“Not too much,” I warned. “You always forget I only have one stomach.”

“You need to eat more,” Sutton said, heading out of the storeroom and down the hall to the main bakery.

Luca looked up as we walked in. He had blue icing from a Cookie Monster cupcake smeared across his face as he grinned. “The kittens are snoring.”

I glanced at the carrier, seeing the pile of fluff inside. They were definitely getting used to people, between coming with me to the nursery and being here. “They always love a nap after they eat.”

“Can I name one of them Zombie?” Luca asked hopefully.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’m not sure the name Zombie will help a kitten get adopted.”

Luca frowned. “Okay, what about The Reaper? That’s what they call my favorite hockey player.”

“See why I’m concerned?” Sutton asked as she handed me a bakery box. “What kind of sport gives people that sort of name?”

“The awesome kind,” Luca said with a blue-stained grin.

Sutton just shook her head and grabbed the kitten carrier. “Let me help you get loaded up.”

“Thanks,” I said, ruffling Luca’s hair. “Don’t kill too many zombies.”

“Can’t promise that,” he called, looking back at his game.

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