Take the Cake (45 page)

“Ours,” Paul had clarified. “We’re both investors in the property.” He’d regarded Michael for a moment before continuing, “Listen, man, I’m not trying to be the bad guy here, but she’s my little sister. I’ve gotta know she’s going to be okay.”

“She will be,” Michael had said as he sipped at his beer. “She and I have talked it through, and she’s talked to you. What else do you need to know?”

“Nothin’,” Paul had admitted as he rubbed the back of his neck and surprised Michael with a sheepish grin. “Sorry, I guess I’ve always looked out for her, and it’s kinda hard to let that go.”

“No problem.” Michael had shrugged. “Sometimes I wonder what it would have been like to have a brother or sister to relate to, the way you guys do.”

“Wasn’t always easy,” Paul had confessed with a rueful smile. “We’ve had our moments. But once Jack and Gwen were gone, we suddenly realized we were all we had.” His expression had become pensive for a moment. “For a while there, I figured she and Tom would—” He’d broken off with a sigh, and then looked at Michael. “But we all know how that turned out.”

“Was it that bad?” Michael had risked the question. He hadn’t wanted to pry, but with Paul in an expansive mood, he couldn’t resist the opportunity.

“How much has she told you?” Paul had given him a shrewd look.

“She told me how he came out, how it all happened.”

“Man.” Paul had stared down the neck of his beer bottle and had shaken his head before having another swig. “She was philosophical at the time, but yeah, it was bad. She just retreated into herself for a long time.”

Paul had thought back to the months after Tom had come out. Kate had put on a brave face when she was in public, letting her guard down only in the presence of Paul and friends whose discretion she trusted. She’d thrown herself into her studies and withdrawn from socializing. Paul hadn’t realized what had been happening until one of her friends had emailed him to give him the basics of the situation. He’d flown her to New York for a weekend, and she had seized at the opportunity to escape. By the time she’d returned to college, she still felt vulnerable but strengthened by her brother’s reassuring presence in her life. Mercifully, Tom had maintained a low profile, respecting his friendship with Kate enough not to flaunt his newfound lifestyle in front of her.

Paul had watched as his sister forged a new life for herself, throwing herself into the endless variety that New York had to offer, but all the while maintaining a careful distance between herself and anyone that got too close. Watching her as the years progressed, Paul had lamented Gwen’s passing anew, wishing that Kate had someone to talk to. When Michael came on the scene, Paul had watched his sister slowly blossom.

“Still,” the big man had continued, “everyone moves on, and the store has been really good for her.” He’d given Michael a meaningful look. “I’ve watched her go from strength to strength, so if she’s ready for what you’re offering, then more power to her.”

The chili had bubbled in the pot again, and Michael had turned to give it a quick stir before glancing at his watch; dinner would be ready soon.

“Thanks, Paul,” Michael had said. “She means the world to me.”

“Likewise,” Paul had said, holding up his beer bottle in a silent toast.

Michael had grinned and clinked his bottle against it before pitching his voice loud enough for his girl in the next room to hear.

“Kate,” he’d called, “dinner’s nearly ready.”

“So am I,” Kate had called back and then had appeared seconds later to see Michael regarding her with a slight smile. “What?”

“Nothin,” Michael had said as he gave her a quick kiss. “Just admiring the view.”

“Oh, hush.” Kate had smiled. “You guys look like you’re having a moment.”

“Hey,” Paul had objected, “we were having a serious conversation here.”

“I dunno. Seems like there’s a bit of bromance in the air.” She’d narrowed her eyes at her brother. “What were you talking about?”

Paul had been the first to blink. “Okay,” he’d said as he looked at Michael, “time for chili?”

“Sure,” Michael had responded as he pulled the pot off the heat. “Get the corn chips, and there’s some fresh guacamole in the fridge.”

Paul had given Michael a hopeful look. “How do you think that went?”

“Smooth, Paul,” Michael had said with a laugh as he’d carried the pot over to the table. “Really smooth.”

The evening hadn’t been late, but it had been very good. The conversation had been punctuated with teasing comments and laughter, and Michael felt the warmth of a genuine friendship growing between himself and Paul. It felt good, and it felt like family.

Michael smiled to himself as he remembered Paul’s cautious line of questioning last night; Kate’s brother took his role of protector quite seriously, in a way that was loving but not intrusive.

He finished stacking the dishwasher and then walked around the apartment, giving it a once-over. He found that he was looking at his home in a new light now that he knew he was going to be sharing it with someone else. He was pleased to note that there was plenty of blank wall space, so Kate would have fun finding places to hang her numerous pictures and curios. His mother had helped him furnish the apartment, and they had kept things to a neutral color scheme. No doubt Kate would be adding a lot of color, and he grinned at the thought. He couldn’t wait.

~~~

“I’m cleaning up while we’ve got a moment. I don’t think we can afford to wait on stuff like that today.”

“Do you think we’ll have enough stock?” Emily said as she slid another tray of turkey and ham wraps into the cabinet.

“I guess there’s only one way to find out.” Kate shrugged. “We’re heading into the great unknown now, but it’ll be fun.”

“I think so,” Emily agreed.

“Speaking of which, Michael and I decided that we’re going to live together.” Kate kept her tone casual as she worked, not wanting to make a big deal about it.

“Sorry?” Emily put her knife down and stared at Kate who was focusing her attention on the coffee that was trickling into the cups. “Could you say that again?”

“Say what again?” Wren paused on her way to the dishwasher, a fully laden plastic tub balanced on her hip. “What’d I miss?”

“I think the boss lady here—” Emily gestured to Kate, who was starting to froth the milk, and hid her grin, “—said something about living arrangements.”

“Oh?” Wren’s eyes were wide with curiosity now. She set the tub down on the workbench with a thump and served a customer while Kate finished making their coffees. “One more, boss, tall latte.”

“Right,” Kate said. She banged out the filter and filled it with fresh coffee that she set to percolate as she got the milk out again. Working seamlessly with Wren, the order was filled and the customer departed with a muffin and some coffee.

Emily had gone back to work clearing up the workbench where she had been making the bagels and wraps, putting the cover back on the tubs of meat and fillings that she then moved into the refrigerator. As soon as the customer had left, she and Wren both pounced back onto the conversation with Kate.

“Tell,” Emily commanded as Kate handed her a coffee. “What’s going on?”

“And when did this happen?” Wren chimed in as she accepted her cup from Kate with a smile.

“Yesterday morning.” Kate smiled. “We’re still working things out, but it’s definitely happening.”

“Good,” Emily commented as she sipped at her coffee before setting her cup down with a smile and attending to another customer. It seemed their days of being able to relax for a coffee and leisurely chat were behind them.

“You don’t think we’re rushing?” Kate asked, curious.

“Nope,” Emily said as she returned to the conversation. “It’s a natural progression, and you guys are good together. Of course,” she went on, “it makes me feel better about telling you that Brad and I have been talking about it too.”

The two women turned and looked at Wren.

“We haven’t talked about it,” Wren answered the unspoken question, biting the inside of her lip. It was true. She and David hadn’t discussed living together. They had, however, discussed marriage.

“So you and Brad,” Kate said with a speculative glint. “You’re going to have to tell us more.”

“I could,” Emily agreed with a nod, “or I could get back to work.” She swigged down her coffee as another customer approached.

“She got out of that easily enough,” Wren commented as Emily greeted her customer with a smile and got to work.

“Sure did,” Kate replied, nodding as Emily called out the coffee order. She grabbed a takeout cup and set the coffee to percolating. “There’s something else we need to talk about too.”

“Which is?” Wren gave Kate a wary look.

“Our Christmas party,” Kate answered as she poured some milk into the stainless steel jug and began to froth it.

“Ohh.” Wren’s face lit up. “Have you thought of anything?” As far as Wren was concerned, it was a welcome distraction. She avoided the topic of her relationship with David as much as possible, not wanting to jinx what was going on.

“I’ve been looking around at some bars we could go to,” Kate said as she poured the milk into the cup and spooned on some milk froth before covering it with a plastic lid and handing it over to Emily. “And some restaurants nearby.”

“Right.” Wren nodded. “Guess it won’t be as small as last year’s get together, either.”

“You’re right there. For one thing, there’s Emily and Brad.” Kate smiled.

“And David and Michael,” Wren added.

“And Paul and a date if he’s got one,” Kate went on. “And maybe Tom, if he wants to come along. He’s dating someone, and it sounds like it could be going well.”

“Really?” Wren was surprised at this. “You’ve heard from him?” Since Tom and Kate had what Wren now referred to as “The Talk,” he had been missing in action for a few weeks.

“Not often, but we’ve been emailing.” Kate shrugged. “And he calls from time to time. This new guy sounds … nice.”

Wren watched Kate’s expression turn thoughtful. “Is that nice in a good or bad way?”

“Huh?” Kate glanced at Wren as she put the milk in the fridge. “Oh, it’s good, definitely good. Tom was actually sounding relaxed when we spoke. I think he might actually be settling down.”

“Sounds like everybody’s doing it,” Wren commented as she picked up a dishcloth and gave the counter a quick wipe. “Maybe relationships have gone viral this year.” She grinned as Kate laughed. “But back to the main topic, what ideas have you had?”

“Actually …” Kate stepped away from the coffee machine and leaned against the counter behind her as she folded her arms. “I was thinking about maybe having the party here.”

“Here?” Wren looked skeptical.

“What’s here?” Emily appeared at Wren’s elbow looking curious.

“The boss is thinking of having the Christmas party here,” Wren explained.

“We get a Christmas party?” Emily looked excited. “That’s so cool.”

“It’s nothing huge,” Kate explained, “but I was thinking that we could have it here after hours. Think about it.” She pushed herself away from the counter and rounded the coffee machine to gesture out to the shop front area. “We can move some of the tables aside, do it all by candlelight with some great music.”

“And we can make some good food,” Emily supplied.

“Oh, to hell with that.” Kate turned back to the two women with a grin. “I’m getting it catered. I don’t want us working in the kitchen if it’s our party. Plus if we have it here, we can kick our shoes off and have a really great time.”

“You know,” Wren said slowly as she warmed to the idea, “I think you might be on to something.” A thought occurred to her, and she spun around to point at Kate and Emily in turn. “We’ll have to work out what you two are going to wear, of course.”

“I didn’t think it would take you long to get to that.” Emily laughed. “I suppose you already have something in mind?”

“I may have one or two ideas,” Wren said with a gracious nod.

“Ideas?” Kate prodded.

“Preliminary sketches,” Wren clarified. “Along with some fabric swatches.”

“You started designing what we were going to wear to the Christmas party?” Emily asked in a faint voice. Wren’s forward planning could be a little intimidating at times.

“Not really,” Wren admitted. “But I found some great vintage fabric pieces that I bought for a song and knew they would work for you two. Why not kill two birds with one stone?”

“You’re on,” Kate said with a decisive nod. “But I’m paying you for them.”

“Like hell you are.” Wren snorted. “They’re my Christmas present to you guys.”

Kate walked toward her and put a friendly arm around her shoulders for a gentle shake. “Wren, I’m paying you for my outfit one way or another, so just get used to the idea.”

“I won’t take the money,” Wren said as she put her hands on her hips.

“Tough,” Kate replied in a voice that was just as stubborn. “Everyone that knows you figures it’s only a matter of time before you’re selling your stunning creations, so you might as well get used to the idea.”

Wren looked up into Kate’s warm regard. “What, you don’t want me here?”

“Are you nuts?” Kate scoffed. “You will always have a job here, but I think we both know that toting coffee isn’t your real passion. We’re all just waiting for you to take the leap and do it.”

“Huh?”

“Okay.” Kate rubbed her forehead with her free hand and then gently pushed Wren toward a free table. “This is going to take a couple of minutes. Emily, are you okay for a while?”

“Yup.” Emily nodded. “Go do your thing.”

Kate turned back to Wren. “Sit.” She pointed at a chair. Taking the seat opposite, Kate leaned forward with her elbows on the table. “Wren, I’ve watched your design style get better and better. You’ve
got
to do something about it.”

“Have you been talking to David?” Wren asked with slightly narrowed eyes.

“No, but it’s good to know he and I are of the same opinion,” Kate replied. “Wren, I believe with my whole heart that you are destined for greater things, and what I’m trying to say here is that I’m going to support you however you want to do it.”

Wren opened her mouth to protest but then paused. “What do you think I should do?”

“I think we both know I don’t know enough about fashion to advise, but maybe you could talk to Paul about the financial side of things. As for getting it all made, you can cut your hours back here, so you’ve got more time to work at home.”

“Cut my hours? But you’re just getting busy now that you’ve been reviewed.”

“Then I’ll hire another worker.” Kate shrugged. “And you can help screen whoever it is, unless you know another Emily.” Kate smiled at Wren’s dumbfounded look. “You don’t have to decide now. Take your time and let me know when you think you might feel brave enough to do it.” Kate stood up from the table and walked around it to give Wren a quick kiss on the cheek. “In the meantime, let’s get the Christmas party organized.”

Wren gave Kate a grateful smile. “You know, you’re a great boss.”

Kate grinned. “Wren, don’t call me boss.”

“Sorry, boss.”

Wren sat at the table a moment longer, and then looked up as some customers began to filter into the store. Glancing up at the wall clock, she saw that it was nearly lunchtime, and she had a feeling they were going to be very busy indeed.

~~~

David looked at his wristwatch as he waited to cross the street. It was the end of the day, and he was on his way to meet Wren at the bakery to walk her back to his place. He got out his cell phone and sent her a text.

Nearly there. C U in 5 xD

He kept his phone in his hand until he heard a quiet cheep and checked the screen.

V.busy day. Look for the tired zombie xW

They got home to David’s apartment where he made them a quick dinner while Wren luxuriated under a warm shower. The meal was enjoyed on the sofa in front of the television, and David leaned back and flicked through cable channels as Wren gathered their dishes and gave them a quick wash. Retrieving some notes from his rucksack, he began to flick through some lessons, listening to a news station with half an ear. Twenty minutes later, he realized that Wren was pacing aimlessly around his apartment.

“You okay, sweetheart?” he asked as he looked over the back of the sofa.

“Hmm? Yeah, I’m fine,” Wren replied in an absent tone as she flicked through the newspaper. “I just feeling like doing something is all.”

“I thought you were going to have an early night?” David commented from his position on the sofa. He was a little surprised to see her looking so alert. She had all but sleepwalked home under his guidance, but now that she had eaten, she seemed to have a new rush of energy.

“So did I,” Wren said in an absent voice as she read the local cinema offerings, “but I feel too wired to sleep. Let’s go see a movie.”

“O-kay,” David said in a dubious tone. “Whatever you want is fine by me.”

“Well, what do you feel like seeing?” Wren asked, her gaze not moving from the screen.

“Whatever you feel like.” David shrugged as he scratched his chest through his T-shirt and went back to his lesson plan for the rest of the week.

“C’mon, there must be something you want to see.”

“Nope, I’m easy,” David said as he kept reading.

“Look, just pick one and we’ll go,” Wren said in exasperation.

“And I’ve already told you, I don’t care what we see.” He looked up to see Wren standing in front of the table, casually flicking through the movie listing.

“David.” Wren stamped her foot. “I’m telling you to pick one.” She thrust the newspaper into his lap and headed into the bathroom.

“What are you doing?” David called after her.

“I’m getting ready to go out,” she called back. “Assuming you make a decision.”

David watched her go with a slight smile. He honestly didn’t care which movie they went to see, but it amused him to see her so bothered by his easy-going approach to the situation. For someone that was used to being in control, she didn’t respond to uncertainty very well at all, but she needed to relax a bit. He pushed his glasses up his nose and looked at the movie offerings again.

“Okay,” he said as he pitched his voice so that she would be able to hear him from the bathroom, “we’ll go see the French one.”

“Fine,” Wren said. “But I’m choosing the snacks.”

“Done,” David answered. He got to his feet and looked around for some shoes. “Walk or cab?”

“You’re just not able to make decisions today, are you?” Wren said as she breezed past him and reappeared holding his Doc Martin boots. “Here.” She handed them over along with a pair of socks.

“How did you know I wanted those?” David said as he accepted the boots.

“Because I know you better than you think I do, and don’t think—” she tapped a finger on his chest, “—that I don’t know that you’re pushing my buttons.”

“Aw, c’mon,” David tried to protest, but his grin gave him away.

“I knew it.” Wren threw her hands up in disgust and went to collect her coat and scarf while David pulled on his boots. “Just tell me why?”

“Because it does you good to get all riled up sometimes.” David finished lacing up and then strolled over to accept the coat that Wren held waiting.

“Can’t think why,” Wren muttered as she pulled her scarf on and around her neck with quick, angry movements.

“Well, for one thing …” David stepped closer so that he could slide his hands around her waist and pull her back against his hips, “… you’re really hot when you’re mad.”

“Am not,” Wren retorted as she ducked her chin to hide her smile.

“Yes, you are,” David whispered, giving her earlobe a gentle nip before sliding his hands up to cup her breasts. “You are the sexiest, most exasperating woman I’ve ever met.”

Wren’s eyes fluttered closed, and she wavered between annoyance and arousal.

“Damn you, Watson,” she growled. “Get your coat and let’s get out of here before we miss the movie.”

“Yes’m.” David grinned before he made a soft growling noise and sank his teeth into her neck, backing away with a laugh as Wren wriggled and squirmed out of his grasp.

“That’s just cost you some Junior Mints, smart guy,” Wren said, although the smile on her face completely undermined her threat.

“Totally worth it,” David said with an unrepentant grin as he finished pulling on his coat and followed Wren toward the door. He looked at her clothing and realized that they were going to have to pay a visit to her apartment soon to retrieve some more clothes. They clumped down the stairs together hand in hand, and David held the door open for her as she stepped outside with a wince into the cold night air.

“Oh.” Wren turned to David suddenly and put a hand on his chest. “I can’t believe I didn’t tell you the news.”

“Which is?” he asked, amused at the delighted smile on her face.

“Michael and Kate are going to live together.” She grinned.

“Really?” David’s eyebrows went up at this. Michael hadn’t mentioned it to him, although he knew that Michael had been keen to finish his manuscript as soon as possible. The weather had kept them both from jogging, and he immediately made a mental note to call his friend soon to catch up. “Sounds like things are getting serious.”

“Has he gotten serious like this before?” Wren asked as they walked and David scanned the traffic for a vacant cab.

“Not that I recall,” David said, “although the opportunity has certainly been there.” He glanced down at Wren. “How about Kate?”

“Dunno.” She shrugged. “I don’t think she’s lived with another guy since Tom.”

“Ah.” David gave a sage nod. Wren had filled him in on that aspect of Kate’s history. “Interesting.”

“You could say that,” Wren replied after they had walked on in a thoughtful silence. “Do you think they can do it?”

“Why not?” Now it was David’s turn to shrug. “They’ve got as much chance as anyone.” He gave her a sidelong look. “Even us.”

“Yeah, right,” Wren scoffed, and then looked up to see that David was still regarding her with a thoughtful air. “You’re serious?”

“Sure, you know we’ve talked about this.”

“Well, yeah,” Wren said, floundering now. She had gone from introducing what she thought was a hot new piece of gossip to finding herself in uncharted territory. She had mapped out her life well enough so far but found, when it came to matters of the heart, she was completely lost.

“And?” David gently guided her back to the conversation. “What’s your snappy comeback this time?”

“I can’t believe we’re talking about this again,” Wren muttered. She withdrew her hand from David’s arm and stuffed her hands into her coat pockets, hunching her shoulders against the chill.

“C’mon,” David cajoled as he put an affectionate arm around her.

“I’ve told you before,” Wren huffed in irritation. “I grew up getting told not to get married and not to have kids, and here I am.”

“Mmm.” David nodded. Wren’s childhood was a touchy subject. “And you know I’m not going to push,
but
 …” He paused to make sure he had her attention. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“So I see,” Wren replied as her hand crept out of its pocket to reach out for David’s. He immediately clasped her hand in his own and gave it a gentle squeeze. The rest of the conversation remained unspoken and yet they walked on in perfect understanding.

~~~

“I just don’t get it.” Kate sighed, flopping onto the bed and gazing at Michael as he shucked off his jeans and pulled on a pair of track pants.

She felt exhausted; every muscle in her body ached and she felt a hundred years old. Now that she was home, instead of resting, all she could think of was how much she had to do. That and how good Michael looked, of course. She was distracted from her thoughts of packing as she admired the play of muscles in Michael’s legs as he pulled on his change of clothes. She had called him to suggest they meet at her apartment, but instead he’d surprised her by arriving at the bakery not long after closing time, in a cab that he had kept waiting with the meter running until she was ready to go. She had bundled up the day’s takings, which had exceeded her expectations, and stashed them in the store safe before locking up and stumbling into the cab and Michael’s open arms.

“You don’t get what?” He walked over to the bed and crawled toward her.

“How I can have regular culls and yet
still
end up with so much stuff that has to move.” She rolled onto her side and propped herself up on one elbow. “I’m having my doubts, Forrester.”

“About moving?” Michael frowned as he turned his head to gaze at her.

“Not about moving,” she assured him, and he managed to hide his relief. “Just the logistics.” She waved her free hand at the room. “I mean, I work six days a week. I just don’t see how I’m going to get this done.”

Michael stared up at the ceiling for a moment, gathering his thoughts before looking back at Kate. “Well, I know one thing you could deal with so that you don’t have to take it with you.”

“Oh?” Kate was miles away as she tried to think of where she could get some more packing boxes. “What’s that?”

“The elephant in the room,” Michael said simply, and held his breath as she turned to look at him. “I’ve finished the manuscript. Why won’t you read it?”

Michael held her gaze until she blinked and looked away. The silence stretched between them, and he found himself counting their breaths, wondering about the argon flowing between them. Such a simple thing: an inert gas that was used in fluorescent lighting. And yet it had been there in the vows and sighs of ancient lovers and the battle cries of Waterloo. Now it was floating between himself and Kate, and he watched her take a deep breath as she blinked and looked at him with worried eyes.