Page 66 of Offside Rules

"I’ll talk with coach, but I don’t think it will be a problem. It’s good PR for the team too. Our next game isn’t until Saturday, and this is important."

"Send me her number. I’ll figure it out." He pauses. "I wouldn’t be playing without them. The least I can do is show up."

"I know. She said Mom and Dad could come too."

"Mom will buy a dress before we hang up."

"They’re going to be so excited to see you up there."

I tell him about the flavors and the guest count, and he whistles.

"You’re going to need a bigger mixer."

"Ellie already volunteered to help. I think we’ll make it."

"You will make it. Just in case I haven’t told you lately… I’m proud of you for going out on your own like this."

"Thanks, Beau."

"Love you, sis."

"Love you too."

He has to get to a team meeting, so I promise to send Juliet’s information and let him go. Then I text Ellie.

Me: I got it. Four cupcake flavors and both cake pops.

Her answer comes before I can send the next message.

Ellie: YES! Come by later. I want details. We’ll work out space here for the gala prep. You’ll need more ovens and cooling racks.

I want to tell her she doesn’t need to rearrange her kitchen for me, but five hundred people is a lot of cupcakes. Her commercial ovens would make it go so much faster, even with the cinnamon roll orders going out around us.

Hopefully, this is the last big order I’ll need to squeeze into someone else’s kitchen. If I can pull this off, I’ll be closer to having my own shop two doors down from hers.

Another message comes through.

And bring the agreement before you sign anything.

I laugh. This is why Ellie is so good at what she does. She can get excited about cupcakes and remember the part where somebody has to pay for them.

I send Wolf a message too.

Juliet said yes.

I put my phone in the cup holder and start the truck. First try. Apparently, Sprinkles wants credit for a successful afternoon too.

By Friday, the agreement is signed, the invoice is sent, and I’ve spoken to the leasing agent about what he’ll need if I apply for the shop. Income records. References. A business plan. Things I can actually give him. He hasn’t promised to hold it, but he hasn’t leased it to anyone else either.

I’m updating my numbers at Wolf’s island when my phone rings. I almost let it go to voicemail. I have two trays coming out in four minutes, and I’d like to finish one thing before starting another.

Then I see Megan’s name.

"I promise, I’ll do lemon cheesecake next week," I say when I answer.

"Oh, good… but that’s not what I’m calling about. My friend’s engagement party is tomorrow, and her dessert caterer just canceled. Pneumonia. I told her to call you, but she’s convinced it’s too late."

I put down my pen. "For how many people?"