Stud Muffin (Donner Bakery #2) - Jiffy Kate Page 0,44

hard, grateful I haven’t had a chance to eat today, because it might be making a reappearance. Back in high school, that smile was a precursor to evil. Right before her sharp tongue would dart out and slash you, she’d smile.

“Tempest,” she says, my name sounding condescending and patronizing and making me want to hurl… all the remaining muffins in her face. But that would be a waste of very delicious muffins, if I do say so myself.

And I do.

I made them.

I may not be confident in many things, but muffin making is my domain. I kill it. Own it.

I am the Duchess of Muffins.

After my brief mental pep talk and envisioning her with layers of crumbs and chocolate and cream all over her, I give her a smile in return. “Stella,” I offer, hoping it comes out sounding just as ugly as I intend it.

“So,” she says, taking a few more steps toward the counter. “I hear you’ll be joining us at the reunion.”

Oh, God.

“Mmm hmm,” I manage, unable to open my mouth for fear I’ll say something I’ll truly regret.

“And you’re bringing a date?”

Oh, God.

“Uh, yeah…” Cutting my eyes across the bakery, I look for help, anyone.

She places her expensive bag on the counter, leveling me with her stare. “Is it someone I know? Someone we went to school with?” Her questions come out inquisitive, like we’re two old friends and she’s interested in my life. “It’s a shame about you and… Asher,” she says, whispering his name behind her hand. “I mean, you know me and Mindy are tight, but that’s just not the way to go about things.”

For a second, I almost fall into her trap, a false sense of security creeping up on me before I give it a good kick, along with myself. Wake up, Tempest. Do not fall for her tricks. You are older and wiser… this is not high school.

Back then, I would’ve assumed she was genuinely trying to be my friend, but now, I see her for what she truly is—a snake in the grass, scoping out the latest gossip. A full-time employee for the enemy.

“A friend,” I tell her, hoping my face expresses the mock confidence I’m going for. “You wouldn’t know him.”

Why are they so concerned about who I’m bringing? Is it not enough that Asher and I are divorced? I assumed they’d lose all interest in my life once I was no longer a part of his. So, is this morbid curiosity or is my life so pathetic they assume I’m lying? I am, but she doesn’t have to know that.

Her lashes bat quickly. “Oh… is he from… out of town?”

“Yep.”

I only put plus one on my email because I didn’t want to sound pathetic. I have no clue who I’d take with me, my choice of friends is limited.

And that’s when a plan starts to take shape.

Glancing back over my shoulder, I eye the box of muffins I set aside earlier. “Yeah, he’s from out of state, actually. No one you’d know.”

The look of confusion and obvious skepticism is blatant. She wants to call me out on the lie, right here in front of God and everyone, but instead, she gives me that same smile. “Well, I can’t wait to meet him.”

As she turns, walking back toward the door, I call out after her. “Did you want some muffins?”

“Oh, God, no,” she says, pausing long enough to put a pair of expensive-looking sunglasses over her fake ass eyelashes. “I’m trying to drop another five before the reunion… gotta look good for my prom dress. We’re all wearing them. You should too.” Smiling, she waves, tossing her bag over her shoulder and walking out of the bakery.

The urge to puke or punch something is so strong, I have to walk away from the counter.

“Mikey, cover for me?” I ask, passing him on my way to the back. “Please,” I add, tossing my apron on the counter and not waiting for his reply as I push my way through the back door.

Once I’m alone, I hide my face in my hands and let out a muffled scream.

When that doesn’t work, I start punching the air, putting into practice the moves Cage taught me yesterday—right jab, left hook, uppercut.

That’s it, nice and smooth. The memory of Cage’s voice in my ear washes over me like a soothing balm. Breathe. I continue with the movements, over and over until a sheen of sweat breaks out on my forehead and I feel