I LEFT THE diner and was trying to figure out the best way to approach Carmen about giving Bran another shot, when I looked through the window of Amy May’s Bakery and saw her working behind the counter.
I swung my van into a parking spot on the street and jumped out.
I am done letting her stew, dammit. It’s time for Amy May to listen to reason.
I swung the door open and marched behind the counter. Amy May’s eyes hit me as soon as I entered, and tracked my movements warily.
“You,” I stated. “Office.”
I was about to charge back there without saying anything else, you know, to let her know I meant business, but the sight of fluffy white topping with chocolate in the case had me pausing and asking, “What’s that?”
“Cheesecake cupcake with chocolate drizzle,” Amy May replied, biting back a smile.
I glared at her and said, “Bring one of those with you,” then I stormed into the back and went to her office, not waiting for her to follow me.
A couple seconds later, Amy May came in to find me already sitting on the flower-patterned loveseat, my eyes locked on the delicious confection in her hands. She handed it to me silently, then went to sit behind her desk, probably to try and assume a position of power.
“You ready to talk?” I asked, my mouth salivating as the scent of chocolate and cream hit my nose.
Amy May sighed.
“I know I overreacted,” she began, tucking a blonde lock behind her ear. “I was shocked, angry, jealous, and finally, hurt, when I saw Bea and Carmen go into Cynthia’s Coffee and Books. I know I shouldn’t have stormed over there and made a scene. I’ve been so embarrassed, that I haven’t been able to reply to any of your texts, or Bea’s, or Carmen’s. I know I need to apologize, not just to them, but to Cynthia as well.”
“What got you so pissed?” I asked, finally giving in and taking a bite of the cupcake. “Holy Toledo!” I exclaimed. “This thing is amazing.”
“Thanks,” Amy May said with a small smile. “I thought you’d like it.”
“Cynthia’s is really no competition for you, you know that, right? Sure, she has a few selections, but nothing like what you’re doing here. And, you never have to worry about Bea or Carmen doing anything to jeopardize your friendship, or your livelihood.”
“I know. I’ve just been so stressed with the addition of the storefront, worrying about getting it open in time, and then whether or not it will take off. Plus, I’ve been working so much that I haven’t been eating right, and I’ve been making myself sick with all of it. I’ve been on the edge, and seeing them that day, I just snapped.”
“Hey, I get it, you have a lot on your plate. You know Bea and Carmen will forgive you, and I’m sure Cynthia will appreciate the apology.”
I stood up, popped the last bite in my mouth, then rounded her desk to pull her into a hug.
“Don’t go radio silent for that long again,” I ordered. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too,” Amy May said, squeezing me harder. “How’s everything going with the wedding?”
“On track, other than the fact that the groom is gone.”
She pulled back and asked, “What?”
“It’s nothing, Cade’s just away on club business. He said he’d be off the grid for a while, but promised to be back in time for the wedding.”
“Oh, okay, then he will be.”
Amy May loved Cade. Sometimes I thought maybe more than me, like, if we ever broke up, she’d probably take his side. If he told her he could walk on water, she’d believe it.
“You still good to go dress shopping this weekend?” I asked.
“I can’t wait. I’m so excited to find something pretty to wear, and to find the perfect dress for you.”
“And, the cake . . . all good there?”
She narrowed her eyes.
“Are you fishin’ for clues?”
“Nope,” I said, holding up my hands in surrender. Even though that’s exactly what I’d been doing. I couldn’t help it, I wanted to know. “I trust you.”
“Good,” Amy May said, then looked away and bit her lip. “Would I be a total chicken shit if I asked you to go with me to Cynthia’s to apologize . . . since you know her and all?”
“Nah, I’d be happy to go with you. Now?”
“May as well, while I’ve got the courage . . . and you to hold my hand.”
Amy May told Jordan she’d be back, then we walked down the street to Cynthia’s Coffee and Books. When we walked inside, the smell of coffee filled the air, and I heard the telltale tinkling of Cynthia’s bracelets as she approached us.
“Good morning, Lila,” Cynthia said with a smile.
“Hey, Cynthia, I don’t think you’ve been formally introduced. This is Amy May, my best friend and the fabulous owner of Amy May’s Bakery.”
“It’s lovely to finally meet you, Amy May,” Cynthia said, reaching out to grasp Amy May’s hand in both of hers. “I just love your bakery and have heard wonderful things from Lila about you.”
“You’re very kind,” Amy May replied, her cheeks getting red. “I really want to apologize for making a scene in your shop the other day. It was completely unprofessional, and not the way I want to treat a fellow business owner.”
“Think nothing of it,” Cynthia said kindly. “It’s in the past. In fact, there’s another reason why I’ve wanted to meet you, other than mutual friends. I have a business proposition for you.”
“You do?” Amy May asked, surprised.
“Yes, why don’t you come with me. We can have a seat, I’ll have coffee brought over, and we can discuss.”
“Oh, I ah, have to get going; you good, Amy May?” I asked, not wanting to leave her, although I knew she’d be fine with Cynthia and whatever proposition she’d thought up.
“Yeah, I’ll see you later.”
“Great. Bye, Cynthia.”
“Don’t forget your coffee, Lila,” Cynthia said with a smile, then led Amy May away.
I watched them for a minute, pleased at the turn of events and hopeful that this meant we could all be friends and an epic night out was in my future, then I went to fuel up so I could get on with my day.