Donut Go Breaking My Heart

by Suzanne Nelson

  She shrugged. “You know where your apron is.”

  I slipped it over my head, thinking about how many hundreds of times we’d done this together through the years, how naturally we took up our stations at the counter and oven, working side by side. She set the tray on the counter in front of me, and I grabbed the sifter. Holding it over the donuts, I tapped the side and watched as powdered sugar fluttered down on the donuts like snow.

  We worked for a few minutes in silence, and while I wasn’t sure how Kiri would react once I started talking, I took it as a good sign that she wasn’t throwing me out or rambling on and on. She seemed to be waiting for me to go first, which was something new, for both of us.

  “Thank you,” I finally said, “for fixing my model.”

  She paused mid-step, another hot tray in her mitted hands. “Did they still let you turn it in?”

  I nodded, and her face broke into a relieved smile. “Oh, I’m so glad! I was worried they wouldn’t accept it late …”

  “I figured you already knew. That you’d checked in with Cabe.”

  She shook her head. “I didn’t. I thought it might be better for you and Cabe to work things out without me getting involved. But—oh my gosh!—was it hard to hold back!” I couldn’t help but laugh. “Please tell me, because I can’t stand it anymore. Are you going to the premiere with him?”

  I took the next tray from her and began sprinkling. “I don’t know.” I swallowed. “I told him I needed to talk to you first.” I turned to face her fully. “The thing is, I can’t go to the premiere with him if it’s going to hurt you. I like him. You know that now. But I don’t want a boy to mess with our friendship. Because I love you too much.”

  Kiri rushed forward, throwing her arms around me so hard that we both nearly toppled onto the floor. I caught myself against the counter just in time.

  “I love you, too!” she cried. “And you were totally right. I didn’t want to admit it, because I knew it wasn’t one of my better moments as a person, but …” She whooshed out a breath. “I did fake my sprained ankle. It was horrible, I know, but all I could think about was that if I could stage a kiss with Cabe in front of the press, I’d finally get my big break.”

  I shook my head. “Kiri, you’re super talented. You don’t need to rely on someone else’s success for your own.”

  She glanced at me doubtfully. “Thanks, but I don’t always feel that way, and I get so tired of Mom reminding me that if acting doesn’t work out, I’ll always have donuts.”

  I giggled. “That should be a line in Donut Go Breaking My Heart.”

  Kiri snarfed out a giggle, too. “It does sound like a cheesy movie line, doesn’t it?” She sighed. “I shouldn’t have used Cabe the way I did, like he was some kind of fast track to fame.”

  “The only fast track you need is your own,” I said. “Jillian and Simeon have been watching you. I don’t know for sure, but I have it on good authority that they might be asking you to play some parts in movies down the road.”

  Kiri’s shriek of excitement made my ears ring. “Omigod, omigod, omigod. Mom, did you hear that?”

  “Not a word” came Mrs. Seng’s voice from the other side of the door.

  “A legit movie actress!” Kiri hollered.

  “Humph,” said the door.

  Kiri grinned at me, then grew serious. “I wish you’d told me how you felt about Cabe a long time ago.” She tilted her head at me. “You can be tough to figure out, and you can’t always expect people to read your mind. You’ve got to spit it out or else nobody will know what you’re feeling.”

  I nodded. “But sometimes you’re not that easy to talk to. You get a little wrapped up in … in …”

  “Myself?” Kiri rolled her eyes. “No newsflash there. Mom’s been reminding me since birth. But hey, you’re my BFF and that’s part of your job. To keep me in check. If you can’t do it, who can?”

  “If that’s what you want,” I said hesitantly.

  “I do!” She looked at me, waiting to see if I’d take her up on it.

  “Here goes.” I held up a hand and ticked off one finger at a time. “Talk to your mom about the way she is with your acting. Tell her it hurts your feelings when she compares me to you.” Kiri nodded, and I hurried on. “And quit telling everyone how shy I am. I might be shy, but I don’t need you to do all the talking for me anymore. I’m planning on doing a lot more on my own.”

  Kiri’s eyes filled with tears—real ones. No acting. “You’re so right, Sheyda,” she said softly. “I’m sorry about everything.”

  “Me too.”

  She reached for a napkin to dab her eyes but ended up getting powdered sugar on her face. Then we were both laughing and flicking puffs of powdered sugar at each other. We only quit when Mrs. Seng stuck her head around the door. She glared, but there was the hint of a smile tugging at her lips.

  “You girls better have this mess cleaned up before we open,” she said, but her voice was playful.

  After she’d gone, I turned to Kiri. “So would you mind if I went to the premiere with Cabe? Be honest.”

  “Are you kidding?” Kiri tossed a wet towel toward me. “Cabe would be miserable without you there. You better be his date.”

  A smile spread across my face, and I clasped my hands together, hopping up and down. “Eeee! I’m going to go to a movie premiere with Cabe Sadler!” Then I froze in panic. “Omigod. I’m going to go to a movie premiere with Cabe Sadler.” I started gasping for air.

  Kiri slipped her arm around me. “Quit hyperventilating. Maybe we can go shopping later today. Val and Phoebe can come, too. We’ll find you a killer dress to wear. You’ll look so fabulous that no one will be able to take their eyes off you.”

  “But … maybe I want them to take their eyes off me?”

  Kiri laughed, then shrugged. “Okay, so we’ll find something that says ‘I’m fabulous but sh—’” She caught herself before “shy” came out of her mouth.

  “Fabulous but … demure?” I suggested.

  “Demure.” Kiri contemplated. “That’s sounds very old-school Hollywood. I love it! You’ll look perfect.”

  “Not perfect,” I responded. “I’ll look like me.”

  * * *

  I stared out at the red carpet, my stomach fluttering. Hundreds of fans and paparazzi were pushing against the ropes that kept them off the carpet, and there were even some of New York’s finest on security detail. Actresses walked the red carpet in to-die-for dresses, waving to the crowd. Above the heads of fans waved a sea of pink and red hearts, homemade by people in the crowd and emblazoned with glittery messages like WE LOVE CABE and BE MY VERY VALENTINE.

  I sat back against the leather seat of the limo, suddenly wondering what on earth I’d been thinking when I’d agreed to this.

  “Hey,” Cabe said beside me. “Are you okay?”

  He looked so handsome in his black tuxedo, with its burgundy lapels, that I could barely concentrate on forming any thoughts at all. Finally, I blurted, “What if I trip and fall on my face? What if people yell or throw rotten tomatoes at me?”

  Cabe smiled, squeezing my hand. “Are you kidding? If anyone even tried to launch a rotten tomato, I’d dive in front of you and take the hit.”

  I laughed a little at that, then smoothed out my dress with shaking fingers. “I’m not sure I can do this.”

  I glanced at Cabe worriedly.

  “Okay,” he said. He slid his phone out of his pocket and swiped the screen, then held it out to me. “Does that look like a girl who could ever be capable of flubbing a movie premiere?”

  I stared at the photo. Mina had taken it back at the house, about half an hour ago. (She was still grounded, so seemed happy to have something to do, at least.)

  Cabe and I were standing in my kitchen, his arm around me. My hair was swept up in a loose knot at the base of my neck, and wisps of it trailed by my ears, making me look surprisingly sophisticated. My dress, a shade of deep rose, swept across my shoulders in a sweeth
eart neckline and down my legs in cascading folds adorned with silk flower petals. I was smiling confidently in the photo, looking at the camera like I was brave enough to take on the world.

  “There’s something else, too,” Cabe added. “I was going to save it until after the premiere, but Kiri said I should use it in case of an emergency. I think this qualifies.” He tapped the window between us and Ben. Ben rolled the window down and passed a medium-sized pastry box back to Cabe.

  Cabe set the box in his lap, then opened the lid. I laughed in delight. Inside was an enormous heart-shaped donut with pink icing and the words, “To My Very Fine, Very Mine Valentine. Love, Caleb.”

  “I think that has to be the sweetest thing anyone’s ever done for me,” I whispered. “Thank you.”

  He grinned. “Maybe a little snack will help you find your bravery?” He pinched off a bite for me, then one for himself, and we touched them together in a “cheers” motion before popping them into our mouths.

  “Mmmm, delicious,” I said. “Kiri might hate donuts, but she sure knows how to bake them.”

  “Actually, I baked this donut,” Cabe said shyly. “This afternoon at Doughlicious. Kiri helped a little with writing the words, but I did the rest.” He reached for my hand. “Here’s the thing. I’ve been to hundreds of movie premieres. If I have to miss this one, it’s no big deal. My manager will be furious, but I can deal with that. If you’re not ready, then—”

  “No,” I interrupted. “I want to do this.” And I did. It was important to Cabe. And if we were going to spend time together, I’d have to try to get used to the limelight. Not all the time, but sometimes, for his sake.

  “I might not be brave enough to take on the whole world by myself,” I said. “But I’m not by myself, am I?” I smiled at him. I had Cabe, and my parents, and Kiri and Mina. And Phoebe and Val and Ms. Feld. So many people who cared about me and who would stand by me, no matter what.

  I glanced out the window. “Besides, look who just showed up.” I watched Sonora Grace sashaying down the red carpet in a sequin dress, striking poses every few seconds for the cameras. Cabe’s manager had invited her to the premiere to help promote Donut Go Breaking My Heart. “She’ll make sure to steal the spotlight long enough for us to walk in.” Cabe laughed as I straightened in my seat and put my hand on the door handle. “Are you ready?”

  “Not quite,” he said mysteriously. “There’s just one more thing I need to do first.”

  Before I could ask, he took my face in his hands. His mouth met mine in a soft, sweet kiss. I tasted the faintest trace of icing on his lips as everything spun around me, dizzying and exhilarating.

  He pulled away gently, and I had to press my hands into the seat to reorient myself to the world again.

  “Wow,” I managed breathlessly. “Please tell me that wasn’t acting.”

  He smiled. “I could never fake my feelings for you.”

  He kissed me again. “Now I’m ready,” he said finally, and so was I.

  Ben opened the door for us. Cabe climbed out, then extended his hand to me. I took one more deep breath, then stepped out of the car and into the flashing lights of hundreds of cameras.

  “I’ve got you, Valentine,” Cabe whispered, lifting his elbow so I could slide my arm through his.

  And he did, hand and heart.

  Craving donuts that will melt your heart? Sheyda and Cabe fell for these sweet treats and you will, too! Just remember to always use adult supervision when you’re using a stove top or oven, or when you’re handling hot foods. Bake up a batch for your own Very Valentine. Mmmm … they’ll taste doughlicious!

  For the baked vanilla donuts:

  1 cup flour

  1 tsp. baking powder

  ¾ cup granulated sugar

  ½ tsp. cinnamon

  ½ cup buttermilk

  4 tbsp. butter

  1 egg

  2 tsp. vanilla extract

  Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Spray a nonstick donut pan with cooking spray, or grease it with butter. Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. In a smaller bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg and whisk together. Melt the butter in the microwave in a microwave-safe container, then add it to the buttermilk mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture and blend well. Pour the batter into the donut pan, making sure to keep the batter just below where the donut hole will be (if you overfill, the batter will bake over the hole). Bake the donuts for approximately ten minutes, then remove from the oven. Let the donuts bake a few more minutes in the pan before trying to remove them to a wire cooling rack. Let the donuts cool. Use the remaining batter to bake a second batch of donuts. Makes 10-12 donuts.

  For the caramel icing:

  1 cup of light brown sugar

  4 tbsp. butter

  ⅛ cup cream

  1 tsp. vanilla extract

  ¼ cup powdered sugar

  1 tube of chocolate cake decorator’s icing

  Sea salt

  For the icing, melt the brown sugar and butter over medium heat in a saucepan on the stove. Add the cream, and let it bubble gently for about five minutes. Slowly add the powdered sugar and let the icing thicken. Don’t let it get too thick, though, or dipping the donuts in it may be difficult. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Dip the top of each donut into the icing, then place the donut on a wire rack or wax paper. While the caramel icing is still moist, drizzle chocolate icing over the top, and sprinkle with a dash of sea salt. Let the icing set. Enjoy!

  For the donuts:

  1 cup flour

  1 tsp. baking powder

  ¾ cup granulated sugar

  ½ cup buttermilk

  4 tbsp. butter

  1 egg

  2 tsp. vanilla extract

  Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Spray a nonstick donut pan with cooking spray, or grease it with butter. Combine the flour, baking powder, and sugar in a medium bowl. In a smaller bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg and whisk together. Melt the butter in the microwave in a microwave-safe container, then add it to the buttermilk mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture and blend well. Pour the batter into the donut pan, making sure to keep the batter just below where the donut hole will be (if you overfill, the batter will bake over the hole). Bake the donuts for approximately ten minutes, then remove from the oven. Let the donuts bake a few more minutes in the pan before trying to remove them to a wire cooling rack. Let the donuts cool. Use the remaining batter to bake a second batch of donuts. Makes 10-12 donuts.

  For the cheesecake icing:

  1 cup powdered sugar

  1 block of cream cheese, softened

  ½ cup chopped strawberries

  ½ cup graham cracker crumbs

  Pink sprinkles

  Milk (optional)

  With a hand mixer, beat the powdered sugar and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add in the strawberries and blend. If the icing is very thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it becomes thinner. Dip the top of the each donut into the icing, then place the donut on a wire rack or wax paper. While the glaze is moist, sprinkle the donuts with graham cracker crumbs and pink sprinkles. Let the icing set. Enjoy!

  For baked chocolate donuts:

  1 cup flour

  1 tsp. baking powder

  ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  ¾ cup granulated sugar

  4 tbsp. butter

  ½ cup buttermilk

  1 egg

  1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract (your choice)

  ½ cup chocolate chip morsels

  Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Spray a nonstick donut pan with cooking spray, or grease it with butter. Combine the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and sugar in a medium bowl. In a smaller bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg and whisk together. Melt the butter in the microwave in a microwave safe container, then add it to the buttermilk mixture. Stir in the vanilla o
r almond extract, and then the chocolate chips. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture and blend well. Pour the batter into the donut pan, making sure to keep the batter just below where the donut hole will be (if you overfill, the batter will bake over the hole). Bake the donuts for approximately ten minutes, then remove from the oven. Let the donuts bake a few more minutes in the pan before trying to remove them to a wire cooling rack. Let the donuts cool. Use the remaining batter to bake a second batch of donuts. Makes 10-12 donuts.

  For the peanut butter and honey icing:

  ½ cup creamy smooth peanut butter

  ½ cup powdered sugar

  ⅛ tsp. vanilla extract

  2 tbsp. butter

  Honey

  Almond slivers (optional)

  Milk (as needed)

  In the microwave, melt the butter in a microwave-safe container. Then heat the peanut butter in the microwave until it softens and thins. Mix the butter and peanut butter together, then blend in the powdered sugar with a hand mixer. Add the vanilla. If the icing is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it. Dip the top of the each donut into the icing, then place the donut on a wire rack or wax paper. While the icing is still moist, drizzle with zigzags of honey. Finally, sprinkle with almond slivers. Let the icing set. Enjoy!

  Suzanne Nelson has written several children’s books, including Cake Pop Crush, You’re Bacon Me Crazy, Macarons at Midnight, Hot Cocoa Hearts, and Serendipity’s Footsteps. She lives with her family in Ridgefield, Connecticut, where she can also be found experimenting with all kinds of cooking. Learn more about Suzanne at www.suzannenelson.com, or follow her on Twitter @snelsonbooks or on Instagram @suzannenelsonbooks.

  Cake Pop Crush

  You’re Bacon Me Crazy

  Macarons at Midnight

  Hot Cocoa Hearts

  Serendipity’s Footsteps

  Copyright © 2017 by Suzanne Nelson

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