Only sleep wasn’t coming.
She was frustrated, and bothered. Rather than fight it, she got up and got dressed and went back to her happy place—The Cake Factory.
Last Christmas, the factory workers had pooled their resources and had a sign made for her that read Cake Factory Boss Parking Only and posted it in the parking space right next to the back door. The letters were a wild mix of stripes and polka dots, just like the storefront decor. Black and white with hot-pink accents, and a little cupcake crown over the O in Boss. It still made her smile every time she parked here.
The sweet aroma of cake hung in the air. The sky held the twinkle of a million promising stars. She wished on one as she stood at the back door, because a girl could never have too much luck.
With the swipe of her card key, she entered through the back factory entrance. The whir and chug of the equipment was soothing. Employees talked as they finished their baking for the night, raising a hand in a friendly hello as she walked through.
If she wasn’t going to get any rest, she might as well be productive. She had that groom’s cake to bake, and that would keep her busy for hours. If that didn’t make her feel better…nothing would.
Chapter Seven
Andrew stood at the edge of the driveway with his mom and Dawn, watching the last few people leave. It had been a great party, but it was after midnight.
“Thank you for going to all this trouble. I’d wanted to just lay low and slide out of town unnoticed, but I’m glad I didn’t miss out on seeing everyone. I had a great time,” he said to them.
It had been cool talking about his accomplishments since he’d been gone. Kind of made him feel like less of a failure when they’d seemed so impressed. No one but Kelly had even asked about him having a restaurant of his own. Then again, that had been their dream. A long, long time ago.
“I’m so glad you enjoyed it,” Mom said. “I was afraid you’d get mad, but Dawn was going to do it with or without me, so I figured I’d better help. Thank her for everything.”
Andrew was glad they’d surprised him. It was good to rekindle those old friendships. He felt whole and fulfilled in a way that he’d forgotten. All of his friends back in Paris were actually more of the work acquaintance variety. This was different. “I love you, Mom.” He hugged her, then stood next to her with his arm around her. “Thanks to both of you.”
“Yes. Thanks, girls,” the deep voice came from the other end of the barn.
“Dad!” Dawn spun around. “You did make it.”
Andrew turned to see his father standing there dressed in his usual flannel shirt and khakis. He seemed smaller than Andrew remembered.
“Tried to get here sooner,” he said as walked toward them. “Sorry I missed the party.”
Andrew pushed his hand toward him. Seven years rushed back to the day he’d called home to say he was staying in Paris to take advantage of the scholarship he’d been awarded. There hadn’t been a congratulations from his father. Instead, Dad had said he couldn’t believe after six months of playing “Suzy Easy Bake Oven,” he hadn’t wised up. Even after all this time the memory was as raw and painful as it had been that Christmas. A hard Christmas in more ways than one.
Dad shook his hand, then yanked him in for a hug. “Good to see you, son.”
Emotion swept through him. He’d been worried about the day they’d reunite. Unsure of how it would all turn out. Never expecting this.
“It’s great to see you too, Dad. Thanks for coming back early. I didn’t expect you to cut your trip short. I mean…I should have called first.”
“Jeff can cover that show,” Dad said. “I go every year. Not every year I see you anymore.”
“That was a long drive for you.” Andrew noticed how weary his father looked, or maybe it was just that his hair was completely gray now.
“Nine hours. Took eleven though. It was snowing to beat the band up there.”
“I’m glad you’re home safe,” Mom said, pushing her arm around his waist. “I was getting worried.”
Dad scoffed. “You know better than to worry about me.”
“I’m pooped,” Mom said. “I’ll clean the rest of this up tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Dawn said. “I’ll come over after my yoga class tomorrow and clean up. There’s really not much left to do but gather up the trash. I’ll drive the truck and take it up to the dump for you.”
Andrew said, “I’ll help.”
“Deal.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Love you, brother.”
“I love you too. Thanks again.”
Dad cuffed his shoulder. “Okay if we wait until tomorrow to catch up?”
“Yes, sir. That sounds good.”
“I’m going to the shop, but maybe you could come by at lunch time.”
“Count on it,” Andrew said, feeling acceptance from his father for the very first time. At least he was trying.
He watched as his parents walked up to the house arm-in-arm. The party had been good. This whole day had been pretty awesome. He stretched and rubbed his stomach. It had been a long time since he’d eaten so much junk food, but it had been totally worth it.
He headed to the house. Dad had stopped to get his duffel bag out of the truck. They walked inside at the same time, and Dad headed straight to the bedroom.
Mom stopped at the telephone table where the light on the circa 1990 answering machine flashed. She pressed the button to play it. “Hey honey, pick up the phone. Where are you? You’re probably in the barn with those horses. I just wanted to let you know we’re headed home. I wanted to surprise you and make it home for the party, but the
