Gray bounced to his feet and led the way to the walkway that led to the backyard. She took him inside through the back and put his harness and leash away. A quick rubdown to get any mud from between his hooves and off that low dragging belly, and then he was ready to eat. She fed him, then headed to work. Dad’s car was already parked behind the cafe. Mom would straggle in a little later, as usual.
She had a light morning ahead, except for convincing her parents she was going out of town for fun, and she was looking forward to having the free time to focus on the cooking show.
As soon as she got to the bakery, she wheeled the cart of cakes over to the Main Street Cafe.
She took a deep breath and hoped for the best. “Hey, Dad. I’ve got your cakes.”
“Thanks, Kelly. Let me help you with those.” He lifted the seven-layer cake from the cart and moved it to the empty cake stand on the counter. In his signature Main Street Cafe short-sleeved T-shirt and khakis, he looked more like he owned the hardware store than the cafe, but everyone knew and loved CB McIntyre. CB stood for cornbread – a nickname he’d gotten in college in Northern Virginia, and it had stuck. “They look perfect. As always.”
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“I was thinking about throwing a surprise party for your mother on Valentine’s Day.”
But I’ll be gone. Unless I get eliminated in the first round. That would be awful. “Why then?”
“It’s the anniversary of our very first I Love You’s.”
“Dad, are you getting sentimental in your old age?”
He looked insulted. “Are you calling me old?”
“Well, older…ish.” She’d heard the story a million times; just her luck Dad would go all mushy when she wouldn’t be in town, and it wasn’t like she could tell him either.
“What do you think about me renting the gazebo in Town Square?” he continued with excitement.
“It might be cold.”
“Good point.”
“You know everyone will have their own plans on Valentine’s Day, and there’s the steak dinner the night before. I’m not sure it’s great timing.”
“That could present a problem.”
Thank goodness. Besides, I don’t want to miss something like that.
“It would be a bigger surprise if you did it another time. Plus, you know hard she is to surprise.”
“That’s true. We need to come up with a better plan.”
Mom walked into the room. “What do you two have your heads together about?”
“Talking about you.” Kelly stated the obvious, hoping it would work like reverse psychology.
“Yeah, yeah. Like I believe that,” Mom said.
Dad busied himself with the cakes and then pulled money out of the cash drawer for her. “Here you go. We’ll need an extra red velvet cake tomorrow.”
“I’ll add it to the list.” She would add some decorative hearts and Cupid to help remind guys that Valentine’s Day was just around the corner. It’d give her an excuse to practice something unique for the bake-off too.
Her mom leaned in close. “Do you have any special Valentine’s plans this year, Kelly?”
“Well.” She widened her stance, hoping her knees wouldn’t buckle. “Actually, I have some news.”
Her heart river-danced in her chest. “I have the chance to go on an RBA Road Trip event.” She swallowed, trying to keep from blowing her own cover.
“The Retail Bakers Association trips? That’s wonderful.”
“Yes. I’m really looking forward to it.” Kelly hoped Mom didn’t notice her bottom lip quivered as she spoke. “It’s short notice. I entered a recipe in the quarterly contest. They’re paying for my airfare and everything. I can’t believe I won. I never win anything.” Why am I adding all this to the lie? I’m going to put my foot right in it. “I leave on Tuesday.”
“Kelly! That’s wonderful. Congratulations.” Mom and Dad both hugged her.
“We’re so proud of you,” Dad said.
“It’s too bad you’re leaving when Andrew just got into town,” Mom said.
They were more concerned about Andrew than the fact that she was doing something totally out of character. At least it was playing to her favor.
“He’s not sticking around long anyway. I heard he’s helping a friend open a restaurant up in New York.” A surprising feeling of disappointment fell upon her. How long would it be before she saw him again after that? If ever?
Mom pressed her lips together, then patted Kelly’s hand. “I’ve always told you I thought you should go to one of those baking conventions. I know you’ll come back with a hundred new ideas.”
“I hope so.” Here goes nothing.
Mom’s face lit up. “Is it in Atlanta? A bunch of them are there. That would be close enough to drive! Girls’ trip. Your dad could hold down things here on his own.” She turned to Dad. “Right, CB?”
“Sure,” he said. “Anything for my girls.”
This isn’t going according to plan at all. Kelly scrambled. “This one is in Orlando. They’re flying me.”
“Oh, darn.” Mom looked genuinely disappointed, then forced a smile. “I’m really proud of you for going. You never do anything for yourself.” She hugged her tight. “Which recipe?”
This was exactly why she didn’t lie. “I don’t even remember.”
“That’s so funny.”
As long as you believe it, and forgive me for the string of white lies when you find out what I’m really doing. I hope I’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.
She promised herself right then that if she won, she’d treat her parents to some upgrades at the diner. Mom had talked about new countertops for as many years as she could remember, but Dad was never willing to splurge on the upgrade. And for Dad, a new commercial range, like she’d splurged on for herself. It would be the best surprise ever, and that made her want to win even more.
She’d better get out of here before Mom figured out she wasn’t telling the truth. “I’ve got to get back. I’ve got to finish the cake for the Barco wedding.” Kelly practically ran for the door, but before
