After throwing everything into the blast chiller, I sit on my stool while I wait for the cupcakes to bake. I bring my heels up onto the highest foot rail so I can lean on them as I check the cameras at the house to make sure everyone is still asleep. When my older brothers, Aiden and Asher, lived at the house, it was hell since they were early risers. I had to come up with the lie that I was working out. And, in my opinion, cupcake-making could very well be a workout.
I squat to get the cupcakes out of the oven, I sweat like mad, and I lift heavy pans.
Problem is, I ruin the “workout” when I stuff my mouth with my creations.
Before I can check my Instagram, I hear the oven bell ring, so I move the cupcakes to the cooling area. I then clean because I’m a neat freak, and I make sure everything is ready for decorating. My favorite part. I get my piping bag ready just as the side door opens and my aunt comes in while pulling her hair up into a high bun. As always, her grin is bright and happy, and it gives me that fuzzy feeling.
I love my aunt Audrey.
She is so cool and such a free spirit. She is always laughing, and you can’t help but feel welcomed and loved. That’s probably why Audrey Jane’s cupcakery is such a success in Nashville. There is some stiff competition out there, but Audrey makes a mean cupcake. She’s even moved into cakes, hot chocolate bombs, and together, we’re learning some breakable chocolate hearts that can be filled with candies or gift cards. We haven’t mastered them yet, but we’re getting there.
“There is my gorgeous niece,” she coos to me as she comes over, placing her hands on my shoulders and kissing me on my cheek. “Good morning.”
“Morning. No Penny or Phillipe this morning?”
She shakes her head. “Penny started her period last night and is currently dying on the couch—I’ll need to bring her something on my way back home. And Phillipe is gone with Tate for the hockey tournament in Alabama.”
I nod. “That’s right. I forgot.”
“So, it’s just us.”
I beam over at her. “My favorite.”
She snickers. “Goodness, you’re your momma made over, with Lucas’s eyes. So gorgeous.”
If my grin could grow, it would. If I ever feel bad about myself, all I have to do is hang out with Audrey for a bit. She inflates my head with affirmations that hold me over until I get down on myself again. Really, she is the best aunt ever.
“So, what’re you making?” she asks me as I start to decorate.
“Maple bourbon bacon pecan cupcakes.”
She groans loudly. “Thank the heavens. I’ll need to post that ASAP so people know to come in.”
“I soaked the pecans in bourbon.”
“God bless you.”
We giggle together as I start to assemble, using such care and precision just like Audrey taught me. I may not be as fast as her, but I’m getting there. I know I’m good at it, but hearing her gasp and cheer as she looks over my masterpieces solidifies my confidence.
“Oh, Stella Ann. So good. Where is my taste?”
I hand her an extra, and she moans once the flavors hit her tongue. “Jesus above. I swear, you are a magician with your flavors. So damn good.”
My face warms as I take a bite, all the flavors exploding in my own mouth and making me feel all kinds of good. “I think Thursday, I want to do a butterbeer cupcake, with little Harry Potter glasses on them.”
She nods eagerly. “Yes, I’ll do a pumpkin juice. Maybe a Sorting Hat!”
“Ooh, we should plan for a Harry Potter theme day!”
“Yes, girl! Yes! I love those days. The kids will enjoy that, and of course, we’ll have to get some for Aiden.”
I lick my lips nervously. “You will.”
She side-eyes me. “Stella, why don’t you—”
“You know why,” I interject very quickly, not having this conversation.
She grabs my arm, though, stopping me from cleaning up. “My love, they’ll be supportive. I know them. And if they’re not, I’ll kill them for you.”
I can’t help but laugh. “You can’t kill your sister, and we both know orange is not your color. Also, can we trust Tate with Penny’s hair?”
My cousin has the craziest curls that came with puberty. Only Audrey can tame that mane. With a knowing look, she holds out her hands. “These are all huge truths, but another truth is, they’d be supportive.”
I disagree with a shake of my head before going back to cleaning. “Let’s seriously plan that Harry Potter theme. I’ll think of something else for Thursday.”
She knows I won’t argue with her, that I’ll just shut down about the whole thing. I know it frustrates her, but I can’t tell my parents what I do in the mornings.
I just can’t.
I sneak down the hall very quietly before slipping into my room.
I exhale once more, relieved I wasn’t caught since I hate lying to my family. I throw down my bag and kick off my sneakers before heading toward my bathroom to shower and get ready for my day. I have a long day of classes and then a shift at Brooks House tonight. I’m gonna be exhausted, but when I have night shifts, I don’t work the next mornings at Audrey Jane’s. I guess I can’t call it work since I don’t get paid. It’s more having fun, which is payment in itself.
I undress as I head toward the bathroom, but when I reach my open door, I notice that my younger sister Emery’s door is open and her light is on.
Fuck.
I reach for a towel, wrapping it around my naked body, and walk toward her room. I find her in bed with her favorite stuffed animals surrounding her, a huge blanket wrapped around her as her eyes are fixed on the TV. Like it always is, some true crime documentary is on, and she’s completely engrossed.
At six o’clock in the morning.
My sister is a psycho.
I scrunch up my face as I look over at her. “I thought we said we would save the docs for nighttime. No killing before going to school.”
With the most even look ever, she says, “You said that. I feel this gets my rage out so I won’t commit these acts on the idiots at school.”
I scoff. “Or you’re making sure you learn not to get caught.”
She grins with all her teeth, her eyes hooded, and I swear her mug shot is going to be incredible. “Maybe.”
“Please don’t. I really don’t want a murderer for a sister.”
She waves me off. “Eh, don’t worry. I don’t have plans today.”
“Thank God,” I mutter, but then I remember why I came in here. “Why are you awake?”
“You woke me up with all the cussing you did when you dropped your necklace behind the sink. Also, why do you need jewelry for working out?”
“I always wear my necklace. Dad gave it to me.”
“Gag, you’re such a daddy’s girl.”
“So are you!”
“Whatever,” she says, knowing damn well I’m right. “Also, are you eating a lot during the day? Because you haven’t lost any weight in that head of yours.”
I let out a groan of annoyance as I head back into the bathroom.
“Doesn’t the kind of fashion you like hate bigger ladies?”