Page 12 of The Do Over
And there were so many indeed because Sophie was starstruck as soon as she walked in. The owner, a small and nice man named Pedro, met them when they were through two aisles, walking up to Sophie with hands caked with flour.
“You’re Andrew’s younger sister,” he greeted. Then turned to Jack, “And you must be the best man. It’s nice to meet you two.”
He looked at Bethany, unsure of how to address her. He finally settled on a polite smile. “It’s nice to meet you too.”
As soon as Sophie saw the monogram cream tart cake, she knew it was one of the best options for Emily. Her soft and sweet bride-to-be would want something aesthetically pleasing and light, like the pink champagne truffles, wine-toasting cakes, and spring flower lollipops.
For non-gluten, she went with banana split bars, slices of chocolate almond pound cake, and meringue cookies.
Pedro had given them papers—her and Jack—to write down which they thought the couple would love. Since they were low on time, they would start making them that evening. He added that he was sure they would have some similar items and he would go with those.
Sophie told Jack to take a couple of aisles and check shelves to the north end of the bakery, while she took the other. Bethany, of course, went with the man. Eventually, they came back to the back room to meet Pedro with their lists.
When he shook his head and tutted, Sophie knew something was up. She collected Jack’s paper from Pedro and read what he wrote on it.
“I’m sorry, coca-cola cupcakes? DIY donut boards? Homemade waffles?” She looked at him with utter confusion and waved the paper high. “What is this? Your attempt to feed hungry people at a frat party?”
Everything on the list did not fit the theme of a wedding. At all.
Jack collected hers and his face scrunched up as he read through. He waved the paper in the air. “What is this? Are you trying to feed people tiny bites, in the hopes that they keep their appetite at home? Your choices are no better than mine.”
Oh, Sophie wasn’t having that. “My choices fit a wedding. They are aesthetically pleasing, light enough that you have more and they suit the bride. Her best color and some of her best desserts.”
Jack folded his arms, causing Bethany who had been clinging to them all while long to drop her hands. “What about Andrew? He gets to have a say in what desserts you get, doesn’t he? We might as well add two or three from my list.”
“Add everything.” Bethany rode on the back of his opinion like it was her lifeline, turning up her nose at Sophie. “If they don’t want to eat stomach-filling desserts, then they might as well starve. Besides, what do you know about desserts?”
“I know that I’m not agreeing to anything on this list.” Sophie wasn’t going to bulge.
Pedro raised a hand. “Perhaps we can call the couple and ask them to pick, right?”
Sophie already knew what was going to happen. Her brother would end up siding with her because he didn’t want to make Emily upset. And it would make her win, but she knew it wouldn’t be because she knew what desserts were suited for a wedding and that would be providing Bethany’s point.
She shook her head. “They are incredibly busy. But Pedro,” she gave him her best serious face, “would you advise that we get anything on this list?”
Pedro looked scared to be caught between them, in an argument. She felt like she had to bail him out, so she ended up calling Andrew who said that they had to go with what Emily wanted.
Bethany huffed.
“Of course, he would agree with you. He’s your brother, isn’t he? And I bet you’ve done something to have the bride wrapped around your finger, haven't you?”
Sophie had gotten enough of her attitude. It was up to her throat and if she didn’t get Bethany to shut up, she would end up either getting a black eye or giving her black and blue eyes.
“You were never invited to the wedding, Bethany. I don’t know what relationship you have with Jack, but he’s not Andrew. He’s not related to Emily. You are someone who took a flight and decided you had the right to put yourself into a gathering where you are not welcome."
Sometimes, I wonder if you aren’t ashamed of how desperate it makes you look.”
If the woman had shame, she did not show it. Instead, she wrapped her hand around Jack’s arm, putting on her best snobby face.
“And the only reason why Andrew invited you is because there might just be someone, a man who might like you enough to date you. After all, you tried it with Jack in college and it didn’t work out.
Or,” she let go of Jack’s arm and came to stand really close to Sophie, not understanding the concept of personal space, “did you beg Emily to make you the maid of honor so you could try your luck with Jack? I heard from some of the bridesmaids that you two aren’t close at all. All of it sounds very fishy.”
Jack grabbed Bethany’s arm, pulling her back and stepping forward so he was between them. Sophie was fuming and trying not to let it show with her fists clenched on both sides.
“Don’t. Cut it out.”
“She started it,” Bethany whined. “She could have let you pick the colors. You have better taste than her and I bet this man knows it too.”
