Chapter Twenty #2
Kyle’s entrance played like a slow motion scene in a movie. He strode in, all broad shoulders and fake gallantry, sweeping Celia into his arms like an old Hollywood moment.
I didn’t miss how he flashed the cameras a wide grin while doing it.
“I know how important it was for me to be here,” he said loud enough for the mic to catch his words. “I moved things around and got my clients covered. I’m sorry it took me so long.”
He kissed her, and my stomach turned—not because I cared, but because he had never once moved anything around for me. Not a client, not a meeting, not even himself.
I looked away, jaw tight. But I kept my chin up. I was not going to let them—or the cameras—see how this affected me. How had I let myself be treated that way? Accepting the tiny breadcrumbs of affection he threw my way, believing that was love.
What a fool I’d been.
“None of that matters. You’re here now,” Celia cooed, peppering kisses along his jaw.
Kyle lowered into the chair Celia had vacated, arranging her on his lap like it was the most natural thing in the world. She nuzzled into his neck. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
He tightened his hold on her. “Me too.” His eyes finally flicked over to me, sharp and assessing.
Beside me, Drew let go of my hand with a squeeze and casually draped his arm over the back of my chair. His fingers gently rubbed at my back in slow circles between my shoulder blades, the gesture intimate but soothing, grounding me.
He leaned in and whispered loudly in my ear, “Oh, so this is Kyle.” His unimpressed tone made me press my lips together so I didn’t laugh.
The flare of irritation in Kyle’s eyes was almost worth the heartbreak he’d cause me. I sat taller, petty satisfaction prickling through me.
“Ellie, nice to see you,” His clipped tone matched the stiffness in his shoulders.
I offered the blandest smile I could manage. “Hello, Kyle.” My voice came out steadier than I felt, but there was a confidence under it I’d been lacking in our previous interactions.
He and Celia were perfect for each other. And I had no doubt they’d either destroy one another or eat the other alive, and honestly, I didn’t care which.
“Baby, you’re just in time to try the first flavor.” Celia picked up a fork and fed him a bite, her whole body angling towards the cameras again. “It’s blueberry-lemon.”
Kyle’s nose scrunched before he could stop it. Even I knew that Kyle wasn’t a fan of fruit in his desserts. He said it defeated the purpose of the sweetness.
“Oh, yum.” he forced out, voice flat.
I nearly laughed at his half-hearted attempt at enthusiasm. Some performances even the master manipulator couldn’t sell.
“This is delicious,” Mom announced, her eyes fluttering shut like she was auditioning for a commercial. “Definitely a contender.”
Of course no comment for Penny’s hard work. Typical.
I leaned closer to Drew, letting him cut us a bite. His fork scraped the plate and the taste of lemon and jam burst across my tongue as he fed me—bright, fresh, perfect. Only made better by Drew’s lingering gaze on my lips. “Penny, this is incredible. It’s light and sweet. I love it.”
Penny’s face glowed, gratitude evident in her wide smile. “Yay! Thank you. I wasn’t quite sure about the lemon balance, but hearing you say that makes my day.”
Beside me, Drew echoed, “I agree. This is fantastic, Pen.”
Celia’s smile tightened, and she hurriedly added, “Yes, it’s wonderful. But is it right for a fall wedding?”
Seriously? After all of Penny’s hard work coming up with these cakes so last minute, now Celia was questioning her choices?
“Who says lemon can’t be for fall?” I asked, my first quiet pushback. “Pumpkins don’t get to hog the season.”
Penny laughed. “Exactly! Cake is for whenever you need it, which let’s be honest, is always.”
We moved on to the strawberry champagne, and I loved how Penny set the slices down like she was handling fine china. “Don’t let it fool you. This one sparkles in disguise. Berries and bubbles—what’s not to love?”
The first bite melted across my tongue, sweet and tart with a fizzy aftertaste. “Wow.”
Celia watched me as I chewed, her gaze sharp, like she was cataloguing my every microexpression. “Which one do you love so far?” she asked.
I met her gaze. “Honestly, they were both fantastic. I don’t envy your choice.”
Celia chewed at her bottom lip, and for once she didn’t have an immediate come back. And I wondered why she didn’t just go with a vanilla cake. That had always been her favorite in the past. “What did you think, babe?” she asked, Kyle.
He adjusted his posture so his face angled toward the cameras.
Sadness pinged my heart. This was all about the social media content tonight. Not their wedding.
“Well, they were both great. And I’m happy with anything you choose.”
Of course he was. A noncommittal answer was his specialty.
The door swung open behind us, and all I could think was, no more surprises, please.
“Glamma, what are you doing here?” Penny asked, delight in her voice.
I shot Drew a look. We’d told her where we’d be. That only meant one thing … She was up to something. And when Glamma was up to something, I was quickly learning that chaos ensued.
“Does she really go by Gl—“ Mom began, but Celia elbowed her.
Drew’s glance was all sharp edges with the message: Don’t go there.
Mom’s return look was fake innocence: I’d never.
And then I saw her—Glamma strutted in like she’d been invited, Coco trotting at her side without a leash. The Frenchie’s rhinestone collar caught the light like a disco ball.
This was going to be interesting.
“Glamma! How lovely you’re here.” Celia gushed, springing to her feet, and reaching out to her. “I’ve wanted to tha—”
“Sofia,” Glamma cut in.
“Who?” Celia blinked, frozen mid-gesture.
“My name,” Glamma said slowly. “It’s Sofia. Only my family calls me Glamma.”
The confusion on Celia’s face was priceless.
“Oh, but everyone … ” Celia’s lips twisted as she looked at me, then Penny. The only reason she didn’t roll her eyes was likely because the cameras were still pointed at her. “Sure.”
Glamma breezed past her like she hadn’t even spoken, beelining for me. “Ellie, sweetheart! There you are. I brought Coco since I figured you could use some positive energy tonight.”
Warmth rushed through me. Sure, she was meddling—but I loved it.
“Let me get this little sweet girl a treat,” Penny cooed at the dog, reaching for a jar.
The simple word treat was about to set off a chaos like none I’d ever experienced.