“So, why is she suddenly so interested in this wedding?” Craig asks as he puts a California roll into his mouth. I really wish he wouldn’t have asked that question because the thought of it makes me start to sweat. Before I can respond, Craig starts talking again.
“I think it’s about time I got to meet the wicked stepsisters,” he adds with a sinister tone in his voice. “I’m a great judge of character, and I will be able to figure out exactly what this Ellie person is up to.” He leans back in his chair with an air of confidence that only Craig can pull off.
“Oh, please,” Sienna exclaims as she finally looks up from her phone. I start to wonder what she is so consumed with because she seems very preoccupied. “Craig, you are way too self-absorbed to be able to see through anyone,” she says. We all start to laugh, including Craig.
“I resemble that comment,” he says as he fixes his hair while looking at his phone. He even goes as far as to make kissing faces at himself.
“Madie, do you think it’s possible that your cousins just sincerely want to be a part of your day?” Abby interjects.
“Of course it’s possible,” I say. “I really do feel that Stephy is sincere, at least she seems to be. She seemed to grow out of that bullying phase a while ago. I just don’t think she cares enough to stand up to Ellie,” I say as I take a sip of my water. “Ellie, on the other hand, is definitely a wild card.”
“It’s pure, old-fashioned jealousy. That’s it,” Sienna replies. “At least it has been since the day I met you, and I’m sure it was that long before I ever met you. I will give her a call back tomorrow.” She picks up her phone quickly to answer another text.
“Who are you texting?” I ask. “You seem very interested in whatever is happening on that phone.” Sienna looks up to see Abby, Craig, and me staring at her.
“It’s just a potential client,” she says nervously. “Just a lot of questions, you know work never stops for me. Anyway . . .” she says, obviously trying to change the subject. “When’s the big cookie debut?”
“Next weekend! Bev really liked my Four Seasons idea,” I say excitedly. “I will be baking non-stop for two days straight. So, about the apartment.” I look at Sienna with a little bit of hesitation. “I promise I will clean it from top to bottom, or even better, I will hire someone to clean it.”
“Madie, don’t worry about it; this is a really exciting time for you,” she says sincerely. I know she means it, too. Sienna has been very supportive since day one about my cookie endeavor. She has very calmly overlooked the mess I make, and I have gradually gotten much better about it. Even I couldn’t stand the mess and chaos when I first started.
We have an awesome night out. We talk about my cookies, baby Ace, and Craig auditioning for some local showing of Hairspray. I really have the best friends. Reluctantly, I finally decide to bring up the elephant in the room.
“OK, Sienna, time to spill it. When are you seeing Ace again?” I ask as I take a bite of my tiramisu. I close my eyes as my favorite dessert melts in my mouth.
She lets out a huge sigh as she puts her phone down on the table. “Madie, didn’t we just have this conversation? I told you he’s still out of town for work.”
“Yes, you did, but you also didn’t elaborate on it. You know me well enough to know that wasn’t a good enough answer,” I say with a smile. Both Craig and Abby have become completely silent. I’m sure they are waiting to see if Sienna completely freaks out on me. For a second I think I may regret bringing it up, but her phone rings. She quickly excuses herself and leaves the table.
“Madie, you’re my hero,” Craig says excitedly. “You don’t know how many times a day I try to talk to her about him. I know she really, really likes him, but she’s being so stubborn. He’s probably getting so bored with her that he’s ready to move on. I’m sure a man like Ace Eckelund will have no problem finding a new love interest, and I don’t blame him one bit.” He adds. “I tell her all the time that she better stop dragging this out.”
“No way,” Abby says firmly. “Ace is totally committed and he has told me that he will be patient with her. Also, you guys can’t tell her this but . . .” She leans in close to Craig and me. “He hinted around to Matt that he thinks he may be in love with her,” Abby whispers.
“Ahhhh!” Craig screams. “Seriously, I love the girl but she’s exasperating. She will never get any better than him.”
“Craig, that’s awful.” Abby replies calmly. “She’s just being extremely cautious. She can’t bear to have her heart broken again. We just have to . . .” Abby stops talking when Sienna returns to the table.
“Sorry, you guys, I was waiting on that call. Craig, guess who that was: Bianca Grazian! She has just hired us!” Sienna announces. “You guys have no idea what a huge deal this is. Her wedding will be the social event of the year.” She claps her hands together.
“Wait, I thought my wedding was going to be?” I say, giving her a wink.
She smiles and has seemed to forget all about our previous conversation. I decide to drop it because she and Craig start talking excitedly all about their plans. I glance at Abby and nod my head. I know just what needs to be done; maybe something good will come out of my cousins joining the party after all.
Chapter 4
The next week seems to fly by. Before I know it, I’m forty-eight hours away from my cookie debut at Bev’s Sweet Treats. I’m so stressed because nothing seems to be going right. Poor Cole has been on non-stop runs to the baking supply store as well as food runs for Chinese, pizza, and even McDonald’s at midnight. I’m so nervous that I ended up throwing up the entire meal. Truthfully, that may not have been nerves but more the fact I should never have eaten all that junk food in the middle of the night. Either way, I haven’t slept. I have actually thrown away whole batches of cookies. I didn’t tell Sienna though because there has been many a day that she has practically survived on my cookies alone--that is, when she isn’t on one of her no sugar diets that last a day or two.
When Friday morning rolls around, I have finished the fall and summer displays. All of my spring cookies turned out horribly. I consider quitting while I’m ahead, but I refuse to give up. I still have a little over twenty-four hours to pull this together, so I need to stay completely focused.
Easier said than done. While I was having a minor anxiety attack, I used the wrong amount of butter in my dough and didn’t even realize it. I run to my room, scream into the pillow, and throw a few things. A little while later Cole finds me in my room having some kind of crazy hugging-my-knees, rocking-on-my-floor toddler tantrum. I wish I had a picture of his face when he saw me rocking as if I was possessed. I think I left my body for a minute.
“Madie, you OK?” Cole asks with concern. He stands back for a few minutes until I respond.
“I think so,” I say softly. “Except, I have to wonder what I’m doing. Seriously, I should just stick to doing hair! I’m GOOD at doing hair; no, I’m GREAT at doing hair! I have no business being a cookie designer or doing anything in the kitchen!” I shout and start to rock again and Cole sits down next to me.
“First of all,” he says as he puts his arm around me, “please stop the rocking; you’re creeping me out.” Leave it to Cole to make this into a joke.
“Thanks for your support,” I reply glumly.
“Oh, don’t be mad.” He kisses me on the cheek. “Yes, you’re great at doing hair, but you love your cookie business and you’re great at that, too. Why don’t you just have fun and enjoy yourself?” He’s right, and as always, he makes me feel much better.
A few hours later, I’m able to finish my project and even make some fun cookies for our emergency stash. This stash tends to disappear quickly during certain times of the month in an apartment with two women. I spend the rest of the night cleaning up the disaster that has accumulated over the past week. I have everything ready to deliver to Bev tomorrow morning before heading to bed. After I shower for the first time in almost three days, I sit down in front of my co
mputer, and I glance at my wedding countdown calendar. I can’t remember the last time I looked at this. I count the days and realize that it will be here before I know it. I pull out Sienna’s list that she left for me weeks ago and get to work.
~*~
I wake up and glance at my phone; wow, 7:30 a.m. sure came quick. The last thing I remember is attempting to conquer my wedding to-do list from Sienna. So far, the only thing I have checked off is finally deciding on the centerpieces. I still have to make final choices for the music list, wedding favors, and bridesmaids’ gifts. For some reason I was able to choose my dress rather quickly, but these simple tasks completely stress me out.
Once again, I put the list aside and start to get ready for my exciting day.
“Help me choose my outfit,” I yell to Sienna. We’re getting ready to bring everything to Bev’s. Thankfully, she has been advertising for weeks and is expecting a great turn out. I even created an invitation on Facebook, so hopefully a lot of my friends will come to show their support. I’m also a little nervous that it’s going to be too successful. Is that even possible? Am I weird for worrying about this?
“Sienna!! Hurry,” I yell again, much louder this time.
“Sorry, was on the phone with a client,” she says as she comes running in. “I already told you blue tunic, black skinnies, and you can borrow my Jimmy Choos.” Sienna has a bit of a shoe obsession, which I have no issue with since we wear the same size. I purposely helped her find a new apartment close to mine so I could borrow shoes anytime I need to. Of course, that’s not the only reason, but it’s an added perk for sure.
“How are you feeling?” she asks as I get dressed. “What an exciting day! To think your hobby has turned into such an amazing opportunity. “Sienna’s phone rings again, and she quickly excuses herself in the middle of her thought. Hmm . . . I start to wonder what she is up to. She’s being so secretive, and for some reason, she doesn’t want me to know whom she keeps talking to. I haven’t seen her put that phone down in days. Just as I’m finishing up, I get a text message from Ellie. When I read it, I feel my heart sink into my stomach and I think I may vomit.
Grandmother told me that today’s your bakery thing. Can’t believe you didn’t tell me. Planning on stopping by.
OK, I’m not going to panic. I need to stay focused on my day ahead. I send her my response, short and sweet.
Great. See you there.
On the way to the Bev’s, I ask Sienna about her mysterious secretive phone calls. She defensively insists that they are phone calls from clients and potential clients, and I decide to leave her alone for now. I’m surprised at how nervous I become as we get closer. My heart starts racing and my mouth is dry. I mean, this is just a hobby, right? I guess I haven’t really thought about all the possibilities that could come from this.
“You’re really quiet all of a sudden,” Sienna says, interrupting my thoughts. “I know you don’t believe me, but why does it really matter who I was on the phone with?”
Hmmm . . . She is definitely hiding something.
“Why are you acting so defensive?” I demand. “To be honest, I wasn’t even thinking about you and your BIG secret.”
“There is NO SECRET!” she yells.
“OK. Whatever. What I was thinking about was why I feel so nervous about today? I mean, it’s not like I need a job or a new career. I love what I do.” Before Sienna can say anything, we pull up at Bev’s. “Here we go,” she says.
As we pull up, I see a sign hanging in the window announcing this month’s feature:
COOKIES BY MADIE
That reminds me, I still have to come up with a cute and clever name. I take a deep breath and walk in.
I love Bev’s! It is the most adorable little bakeshop and has been in business for over twenty years. The walls are pink and aqua with different shaped mirrors covering them. Delicious pastries, or “sweet treats” as Bev calls them, line the shelves. There are cozy chairs everywhere for customers to enjoy; that’s if you’re lucky enough to get a seat. Most of the desserts are homemade by Bev herself except when she features an up-and-coming baker or in my case, “cookie designer.”
When I walk in, I see Cole is already enjoying one of Bev’s amazing banana pudding cupcakes.
“There she is!” Cole cheers as I walk in. “Looking fierce, of course!” He gives me a big hug and twirls me around like he always does.
“Thanks, babe.” I give him a kiss. “Can you help bring everything in? I’m going to go find Bev and find out where she wants to set up.”
“Madison!” she exclaims as she comes over and gives me a warm hug, “Honey, you are looking really thin. Are you feeling OK?” I smile because she says this to me every time she sees me. I get the feeling that she has a belief that no one in this industry should be thin. I could tell her that I’ve eaten junk food for the last few days and then thrown it all up due to nerves, but then she will think I have bulimia so I decide not to say anything.
“Of course, I feel great!” I reply excitedly. “Thank you again for having me. I hope I make you proud. Where do you want to set up?”
A little while later I stand back proudly as “4 seasons by madie” is on display. I’m especially excited about the fall designs I created. The summer is winding down and my wedding is in the beginning of October, so I took my time with that particular season. I expect that those will be the first to go. I turn to see that customers are already coming in the door. I fidget a bit, fix my hair, and smile. Here goes nothing!
A few hours later, I finally sit down. What an amazing, fun day! We took several pictures, and many friends stopped in to see my feature. Bev introduced me to all of her regulars, and I’ve had many requests for my business card. I’m feeling both overwhelmed and excited that I’ve also met some potential clients. But doing hair will always be my number one love (other than Cole of course). As I start packing things up to leave, my grandmother and Ellie finally show up.
“Madison, I apologize for us being late, but we had to run a few important errands.” My grandmother kisses my forehead and walks directly toward the display. I hear her introduce herself to Bev. Knowing Grandmother, she is hoping to become best friends forever with Bev because Bev is very well known in Beverly Hills. Not that Grandmother is an opportunist, but she wouldn’t mind telling her friends that she knows Bev personally.
“Wow, Madie, I’m impressed,” Ellie exclaims. “This is a really cute shop. Once again, you outdid yourself.” I can’t decide if she is truly being kind or just sarcastic. Regardless, I feel like I’m on top of the world so I decide to just thank her for coming. Before I can say anything, she makes a beeline for Sienna.
“Sienna, I was hoping you would be here,” she says. “We have a lot of wedding plans to discuss.” I can tell that Sienna is biting her tongue. “Not only that . . .” she continues, “I have to tell you that it really is a small world after all. I met someone who knows you; his name is Luke Price.”
I feel like I’m having an out of body experience. That’s a name that doesn’t come up very often with us and leave it to Ellie to open up old wounds. I feel bad for Sienna because that name brings up a lot of pain for her. I think that’s the reason she hasn’t been able to move on with Ace. I hurry to try to defuse the situation before Sienna gets upset.
“Ellie,” I whisper, “let’s not talk about Luke; that’s a really touchy subject.” She looks at me with a puzzled look. “Oh. I didn’t realize, sorry,” she says unconvincingly. I breathe a sigh of relief as I feel like I stopped a major volcano from erupting; however, I was wrong.
“This sounds really juicy; you have to tell me what happened,” Ellie says. Her eyes are wide and innocent, and I realize she probably doesn’t know the story. Who says the word juicy anymore anyway? Sienna still hasn’t responded, but I can tell she is on the verge. She very calmly starts speaking, and I can tell she doesn’t want anyone to think this situation still bothers her.
“Madie, it’s totally fine; we c
an talk about Luke,” she says, giving me a big fake smile. She turns to Ellie. “Luke is my ex-boyfriend; we broke up several months ago. Not on the best terms, but I do wish him luck in the future. Where did you meet him?”
“Wow, I really am sorry for bringing up your ex-boyfriend,” she exclaims. ”I met him at a party my friend was having. We ended up talking for a while and somehow Madie’s wedding came up. He mentioned he knew you pretty well and asked how you were doing. That was pretty much it so don’t worry your pretty little head; we didn’t spend the whole evening talking about you.”
Sienna changes the subject as she always does when she wants to avoid talking any more about a subject. They start discussing my wedding, and I wander around the shop. Cole and Grandmother are still talking to Bev, and I can hear them discussing our wedding cake or rather us not having a wedding cake. We decided to do a variety of red velvet, German chocolate, and coconut cupcakes in lieu of a traditional wedding cake. Grandmother absolutely hates the idea; although, that’s not a surprise.
“I just think that a vanilla wedding cake with white icing is proper for an event such as this; cupcakes are so juvenile. This is not a sixth birthday party,” she says. Cole gives me a look, and I can tell he wants me to save him.
“Grandmother, we already discussed this; we wanted to choose something that would be different and fun. Bev, please tell her that a lot of people are choosing different options when it comes to cakes.” Hopefully she will be able to talk Grandmother down off the ledge.
“Yes!” she says, catching on to my hint. “You would be surprised how many people are choosing different varieties. These young people have new, fresh ideas, and trust me, it really will look gorgeous. Come and look at some pictures of a few cupcake towers I have done.” She takes Grandmother over to a table, and they sit down with a stack of photo albums.
“Thanks for leaving me in the trenches taking grenades for twenty minutes,” Cole whispers exasperatedly. “You couldn’t have come and saved me sooner? Your grandmother thinks you are marrying a hoodlum who is forcing you to have cupcakes at your fancy wedding. She thinks that it will destroy the whole event.”
Wedding Haters (Event to Remember Series-Book 2) Page 5