Quinn arrived at the party early, so she headed for the back door of the bakery and let herself in. Music wafted through the kitchen, along with the aromas of chocolate, butter, and vanilla. Her stomach rumbled in a mixture of appreciation and longing.
Amanda’s back was to her, so she took a moment to appreciate the view. The dress Amanda wore hugged her curves, but then flowed to her knees. The gray fabric, complete with pale pink polka dots, didn’t match the bakery exactly, but complemented it. Quinn couldn’t help but smile at the choice. “You look as beautiful as one of your cakes.”
Amanda turned. She had a pink Bake My Day apron on over her party dress and a piping bag of frosting in her hand. “Hi.”
Quinn’s breath caught in her throat. “What can I do? I’m at your disposal.”
“Um.”
She pointed at the frosting. “Except that. You do not want to see what happens when frosting and I mix.”
Amanda gestured with the tip of the bag. “Is it as cute as powdered sugar on your nose?”
She flashed back to their first meeting, the one where she’d been caught mid-donut. “Well, I might look adorable covered in frosting, but sadly, I’d probably wind up wearing more of it than the cupcakes would.”
Amanda’s gaze traveled down her body and back up. “There are worse things.”
Quinn tipped her head. “Noted.”
“I wouldn’t want to ruin that gorgeous suit you’re wearing, but perhaps we should experiment later.”
The comment—silly and playful but laced with innuendo—sent a stab of lust through her. It still struck her how immediately and intensely Amanda could have that effect on her. “You should save some frosting.”
Amanda licked her lips and she seriously considered tossing the pastry bag aside, pushing her up against the table, and kissing her, despite her declared intention of helping. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, Tanya pushed through the swinging door before she had the chance.
Tanya lifted a chin in her direction. “Aren’t you looking sharp?”
She gave the hem of the jacket a tug and angled her head toward Amanda. “I can’t look like some two-bit chump next to my date here.”
Amanda gave her an exasperated look. “I told you you didn’t have to dress up.”
“Kidding.” She lifted her hands defensively, then turned to Tanya. “Kidding. I’d be playing the part for any opening I had a hand in.”
“Well, it suits you.” Tanya nodded her approval. “But I’m still going to put you to work. Jack and Erin are setting up drinks and could probably do with a little adult supervision.”
Amanda looked around the kitchen, then at Quinn. “Do that. Things are under control here.”
She made to leave the kitchen but stopped. She might not devour Amanda in front of Tanya, but there was no reason she couldn’t give her at least a little kiss. She crossed the space—the space that had nearly doubled in size—and took Amanda’s face between her hands. She planted a very reasonable kiss on her mouth and said, “Holler if you need me.”
She grinned at Tanya’s low whistle, then headed to the front of the bakery. Despite Tanya’s teasing, Jack and Erin seemed to have everything under control. A coffee and tea station had been set up where the register would normally be and matching glass dispensers of pink lemonade and iced green tea sat on a table off to the side.
She was about to commend them on their handiwork when the bell hanging from the front door jingled cheerfully. Cal walked in, followed by Daniella and Mel. She got that now familiar mixture of delight and apprehension.
“Hey, Quinn.” Cal strode right over to her and gave her a hug. “You look like such a grownup.”
She chuckled. “I kind of am a grownup.”
He made a face. “Overrated.”
Daniella offered her a polite nod and Mel extended her hand. “Good to see you.”
It was entirely possible she was imagining it—her own mild discomfort laced with uncertainty—but she got a strange vibe from Mel. Not challenging, exactly, but something close. Smug, maybe. Like there was a competition Quinn didn’t even know about and Mel had just won it.
She brushed off the feeling and turned to Cal, who was raving about the new design and asking her a string of questions about how and why she’d come up with this or that. Mel and Daniella put their heads together and whispered to each other. At this point, she was perfectly happy to let them keep to themselves.
Amanda emerged from the kitchen and a flurry of hugs and compliments and enthusiasm ensued. She took that as her cue to fade into the background, at least for the moment. She joined Erin and Jack and chatted with them about the bakery and the weather and whether or not Amanda would manage to hold on to some of the more laid-back lifestyle she’d embraced over the last month.
Julia and Taylor arrived with a bakery warming gift—a photo of Seneca Lake in a frame made with wood salvaged from the renovation. Amanda cried and asked Quinn to hang it in the seating area where a more generic piece of art had been.
Guests started to arrive in earnest and Quinn slipped into architect mode. She chatted about the project and handed out business cards. She talked up Joss and pointed her out to anyone and everyone who expressed interest in any kind of reno work. As much as she wanted to be at Amanda’s side, she was content to do her own thing and let Amanda shine.
And shine she did. Every time Quinn had a free moment, she searched the room for Amanda. She talked. She laughed. She positively glowed. And when Mel sidled up to her and whispered something in her ear, Quinn hardly even minded. Because when the party was over, Amanda was going home with her.
* * *
“I bought you a gift.” Mel’s face was sly.
“You did?” Amanda’s mind went to the framed plans she’d ultimately decided to hang in her decorating room, making her smile.
Mel winked. “I couldn’t let such a big day pass without something.”
No point telling her the smile was for Quinn. Mel might not give her the flutters anymore, but the fondness remained. Always would, she supposed. “Are you giving it to me now?”
“That was the plan.”
If a small part of her was annoyed Mel chose the middle of the party to give it to her, she brushed it aside. That was Mel’s way. “All right.”
“It’s out front.”
A warning bell sounded in her brain. “It is?”
“I arranged to have it delivered.”
The warning bell grew louder and words like danger flashed through her brain. Whatever it was, it was going to be showy. “You didn’t go overboard, did you?”
Another sly smile. “What’s overboard, really?”
Without waiting for a response, Mel took her hand and led her through the crowd toward the door. She searched for Quinn, relieved to find her deep in conversation with Erin and Julia. She resisted the urge to yank her hand free.
On the sidewalk, topped with a giant red bow, sat a dough sheeter. And not any dough sheeter. No, it was the kind of high-end, free-standing model she’d lusted after for years. The kind that cost ten grand. “Mel.”
“I think it’s about time you have one of these, don’t you?”
Whether she did or not was beside the point. It was expensive, extravagant, and completely inappropriate. “You shouldn’t have.”
Mel slung an arm around her shoulder. “But I wanted to.”
She shouldn’t accept it. Couldn’t. Though, God, it was beautiful. “It’s too much.”
Mel released her shoulder and turned to face her. “There were so many years I wasn’t as supportive as I should have been. Let me do this for you now.”
There was no answer because the first part, at least, was true.
“And don’t pretend you don’t want it. Daniella assured me this was the thing you’ve been most pining for.”
“That’s not the point.”
Mel grinned. “Of course it is. I’m giving you what you want.”
She realized they weren’t talking about a piece of kitchen equipment or how often Mel did or didn’t show up while they were together. They were talking about something much more in the moment. Embarrassment was suddenly the least of her problems. “Mel—”
“It’s here. Do you love it?” Daniella’s enthusiastic voice interrupted her train of thought. Which maybe wasn’t a terrible thing because she had no idea what she was going to say.
Mel’s arm went around Daniella. “She’s getting there. You know how she feels about gifts she thinks are over-the-top.”
Daniella rolled her eyes. “Seriously.”
The fact that they’d commiserated over this gave her pause.
“What’s going on?” Cal appeared, Zoe in tow. “Whoa. What’s that?”
“M got Mom the dough roller of her dreams.” Daniella seemed to take satisfaction in knowing something Cal didn’t.
Tanya emerged next, followed by Erin and Jack. Then Julia with Olivia and Joss. The exact thing she didn’t want to happen was happening. The only thing worse than becoming the center of attention was having Mel right there with her, part of the spectacle.
Mel lifted an arm. “No need to stop the party, folks. I was just giving Amanda her bakery warming present.”
Amanda closed her eyes and wished she could simply melt into the pavement. And maybe reappear in the kitchen all by herself. Or home. Or maybe in Quinn’s cabin, preferably with Quinn. Anywhere but here. With Mel. And an audience.
She braved a look around, not wanting to see Quinn, but needing to know if she was among the onlookers. It was a silly question. Of course she was. And if the look on Quinn’s face was anything to go on, she’d have been better off not knowing. She turned back to Mel. “You really, really shouldn’t have.”
“Sure she should have,” Daniella said and started to clap.
As it so often did in this sort of situation, people started to join in, and the next thing she knew, everyone was applauding. It would have been sweet if it hadn’t been so humiliating. She waved her hands in a futile attempt to make it stop. Eventually, it did. Only everyone continued to look at her and Mel and the large and shiny dough sheeter. Daniella stepped forward with two glasses of champagne. She handed one to each of them, like the whole thing had been perfectly orchestrated.
“Since we’re all out here, what do you say we raise a glass to the return of Bake My Day? And, of course, its beautiful owner.” Mel lifted her glass. “To Amanda.”
A chorus of “to Amanda” enveloped her. Much like the applause, she appreciated the sentiment, even as being the center of attention made her cringe. She looked back to where Quinn had been, only Quinn was no longer there.
She was pretty sure things couldn’t get any worse.
“All right. All right. I think I’ve officially exceeded my capacity for being in the spotlight.”
That earned her a good laugh from the crowd. She gestured to the bakery and people shuffled inside. A few used it as their cue to offer congratulations and head out. Inside, guests continued to help themselves to snacks. She looked around for Quinn but didn’t see her. Great.
“Could we talk for a minute?”
Mel’s voice behind her made her jump. “Really? You didn’t get enough attention outside?”
“Please.”
She should say no on principle. She should also go find Quinn. But she wanted to give Mel a piece of her mind while her irritation was still fresh. “Fine. Come with me.”
She led them through the kitchen to the decorating room, quiet and removed from the bustle of the party. “You shouldn’t have bought me such a lavish gift.”
“I stand by what I said. You deserve it. But I’d be lying if I said that was the only reason I bought it for you.”
The embarrassment of before gave way to a sprouting seed of dread. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Mel took a step toward her. “Surely you do.”
Part of her did. Part of her knew deep down exactly what Mel was getting at. But she’d be damned if she was going to own it. Or give Mel even the slightest hint of encouragement. “I do not. And I’m pretty sure anything you have to say on the matter will turn out to be something we both regret.”
“I’ve ended it with Bella. Amanda, I’m in love with you.” Mel made it sound like a declaration of victory.
Victory for whom was the question. “Mel, we’re not doing this. I’ve told you that. Several times, in fact.”
“But you thought I was trying to play both sides. I’m not doing that anymore.”
Amanda rubbed her hands over her face. She wondered if Mel’s use of “anymore” even registered. “That isn’t the reason. If you actually listened to me instead of fixating on what you want, you’d know that.”
“Is this gesture not grand enough for you? Is that the problem? I can go grand.” Mel squared her shoulders and patted her chest, like it was a point of pride.
“Jesus Christ, Mel. No.” She couldn’t keep the irritation from her voice. Even now, Mel pulled out the same old bag of tricks. And with it, that same old way of making everything about her.
“What will it take then? I’m prepared to do whatever you ask.”
She couldn’t come up with an honest answer that didn’t feel at least a little bit cruel. “There’s nothing. It’s not about that.”
Mel’s brow creased, like she heard Amanda’s words but they didn’t compute. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m not in love with you. I haven’t been in love with you for a very long time.” It was the first time she’d ever had to say such a thing. As much as she didn’t want to, especially right now, it hit her how significant it was to say it out loud.
“So, the last few months meant nothing to you?”
She shook her head. “You say that like we’ve had this whole affair.”
Mel looked genuinely confused. “Didn’t we?”
As much as she didn’t want to rehash the specifics, it seemed like that was the only way she was going to get anywhere. “We slept together twice. One of those times was a drunken accident. That’s it.”
“But we had dinner, we hung out.”
“And we planned one date and you stood me up.”
Mel pounced. “You’re still mad about that, I can tell. I’ve said I’d make it up to you.”
Her patience snapped. “You’re not listening to me. You never listen to me.”
That seemed to catch her attention. “I listen.”
“Then it’s worse because it means you hear what I’m saying and choose to ignore it.” How could she not see that?
Mel offered a playful smile. “Is it so bad if I want to convince you I’m right?”
“I’m not a target market, Mel. I’m not some coveted demographic you’re trying to sway to your product.” She’d never used that analogy before, but it struck her how much it resonated. Now, but also during their marriage. Even when it came to matters of the heart, Mel never stopped thinking like a marketing professor.
Mel didn’t answer right away. Amanda could tell her words had landed hard. What she couldn’t decide was whether they were sinking in or if Mel was putting together her counterpoint. Eventually, she said, “I don’t think of you as just some consumer. I love you.”
Amanda sighed. “I know. I love you, too. As the parent of my children and the first person I ever really fell in love with. But we can’t be together. Please, please believe me when I say that.”
“You’re a very stubborn woman.” Mel put a hand on Amanda’s cheek.
Finally, she’d managed to convince her. Amanda leaned into it slightly. “Thank you.”
The next thing she knew, Mel’s mouth was on hers. It caught her so by surprise, she stood there for a moment, stunned.
“Oh, my God.”
Cal’s voice yanked her back to the moment. She pulled free and took a giant step back. “Not what it looks like.”
“So, you weren’t kissing?”
“So, maybe it was a little bit what it looked like,” Mel said.
Amanda glared at her. “You are not helping.”
Because things weren’t bad enough, Daniella appeared in the doorway. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing,” she said, but it was drowned out by Cal’s reply of, “Our moms were kissing.”
“Oh.” Daniella seemed neither bothered nor surprised.
“Your mother and I have been seeing each other,” Mel said.
“No, we haven’t.” Her tone was sharper than she would have liked but, seriously, what the hell was Mel thinking?
Mel didn’t miss a beat. “Okay, perhaps that’s a little bit of an exaggeration.”
Cal stuck both hands out in a show of confusion. “Well, you either have or you haven’t.”
Amanda blew out a breath. As much as she did not want to be having this conversation with Mel, she wanted to be having it with her kids even less. Especially as a party—a party she was hosting no less—went on mere feet away. Still. She didn’t trust Mel to do the explaining. “We had a moment. Maybe a couple of moments. But one of us came to our senses and ended it before things got out of hand.”
“Out of hand?” Cal asked.
“Moments?” Mel and Daniella said, both in disbelief.
Oh, dear God. Could this get any worse? “Yes. And it’s over and done and we all need to accept that and put it behind us.”
She glared at Mel, who finally seemed to be getting the picture. “I’m sorry,” she said.
Amanda closed her eyes for a second. When she opened them, Mel looked both sad and defeated. “I think you should go.”
Mel nodded. She sighed. She offered Cal and Daniella what seemed like an apologetic look. And then she was gone.