The Magic Cupcake Read online

  He thinks for a second before he replies, “There’s a dinner slash poetry reading thing at this place in Haight-Ashbury, but I can change my plans if you wanna hang out? Or do you want to join?”

  “No, no… actually I was hoping you might be out… I have someone coming over for dinner.”

  His eyes shine with interest. “Someone?” he asks, raising his eyebrow, “Like a date, you mean?”

  “Yes, a date.” My stomach flutters at the thought of it.

  “Who is he?” he demands.

  “You’ll never guess who.”

  “Did you meet someone last night?”

  I shake my head.

  “Not Mr. Sexy and Mysterious from across the hall?!” he exclaims.

  “No way. How did you know!?” Maybe all this spiritual stuff Danny was into really did make him a bit telepathic.

  “Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you lust over him!”

  “I have not been lusting over him.”

  “Yes, I believe you have.”

  “Stop it.”

  He grins from ear to ear. “I’m impressed, honey!”

  I reach out my hands and reciprocate his double high five. I can’t control the size of my grin either as I’m not only feeling pretty pleased with myself, I also feel quite empowered too.

  “I love this new confident you!” he gushes.

  “Actually, it’s Andrea who should take the credit. She basically made me pinkie promise that I would ask him out.”

  He rolls his eyes, “And how did she do that?”

  I hesitate and sigh. I knew I’d have to tell him at some point, so it may as well be now. “I did something very stupid last night…”

  “Oh?”

  I pull a fake grimace and then smile. I’m actually feeling remarkably blasé about the whole gypsy malarkey now. First of all, I might not be losing my job after all so it’s only money I’ve lost. Also, if not for the gypsy and the ensuing mess, I definitely would not have gotten the guts to ask Jackson out.

  I sure as hell know Danny is going to love the story so I start from the beginning. From where I know he will appreciate. From Nina’s penis problems. Danny is in rapture. He’s always a perfect audience, it’s one of the many reasons I love him so much. I’m at the point where I’m handing over the cash, but still only encouraging ‘ooh’s’ and ‘ah’s’ have come out of his mouth.

  “So, what happened then?” he asks me, like I’ve missed the end of the story or something.

  “I just got conned out of four hundred bucks!”

  He shrugs. “Didn’t she give you the potion?”

  “Yeah, she did. I have it,” I say, a little surprised he’s not baulking at the amount of cash involved.

  “So, what’s the problem?”

  “Danny, she’s a con artist. I was slurring all over the place and she must have realized I was already more than half drunk so she lured me to her house and sold me a vial of bullshit.”

  “Said Andrea,” he replies, looking at me knowingly.

  I laugh. “You know us all too well sometimes.” I give him a nudge. “So, do you really think it could work then? I mean, it just looks like pinkish water.”

  He puts on a deep voice and says, “Seeing is not always believing, my dear. And believing is not always understanding.”

  “Huh?”

  He sighs. “You have to trust that some people in this world are blessed with a heightened spiritual sense than the rest of us. They are ultra-connected somehow and they can guide spirits together, and do all sorts of things that we just have to accept we will never understand.”

  I study his face looking to see if he is messing with me, but those dark brown eyes of his seem completely genuine.

  “Look, sweets. Whether you believe in the powers of the potion or not, what have you got to lose? You may as well try it.”

  “What? No, I can’t,” I say, my heart suddenly beating a little faster.

  He nods and goes wide-eyed. “So, let’s see. The gypsy woman told you to give it to the ‘intended’ aka Mr. Sexy and Mysterious from across the hall, before the full moon, right?” He grabs his schedule, and flicks through it, then gasps dramatically. “That’s tomorrow!”

  I stare at him in amusement.

  “It’s meant to be,” he whispers.

  “Do you really think I should give it to him?” I ask curiously.

  “Why not? Do you like this guy, or not?”

  “Of course, I do. I mean, he’s gorgeous.” My stomach flutters at the thought of him. I still can’t believe he’s coming over for dinner tomorrow.

  “Then there’s nothing more to be said about it. Apart from how you’re going to get it in him? So that he wants to get in you!” He makes a crude gesture with his pointed index finger.

  I whack him hard. “Quite frankly, Mr. Daniel Purdy, I’m shocked at you. I can’t believe you would encourage me to do something that would obstruct someone else’s freedom of choice.”

  “Excuse me. You just said it was a load of old baloney. I’m just trying to jazz up your life.”

  “Regardless, I will not be using the potion.”

  “Fine. Do you mind if I keep the potion and use it on someone I fancy?”

  I giggle. “You don’t need a love potion. You already have too many men falling at your feet and begging to be your humble servant.”

  “This is true, but I need a more permanent addition to my harem.”

  “Take it.” I walk to the living room, grab the vial and give it to him.

  “Thanks,” he says, “Okay, then. I’ll go have my shower and we’ll get started on cooking dinner.” He starts walking away then, turns back. “What will you make for dessert tomorrow?”

  I shrug. “Don’t know yet.”

  “How about those delicious red velvet cupcakes with your mother’s famous frosting? Everybody loves them.”

  I make a face. “Except me.”

  “How about you bake some for him and me, and I’ll help you make a batch of vanilla ones for you.” He smiles winningly.

  I smile back. It’s hard to say no to Danny. “Okay.”

  “Great. You’ll see, with one bite of those and he’ll never be able to resist your charms.”

  “If I didn’t love you so much I would be insulted by that comment.”

  “But you do love me so much, so chill. You think we have everything we need?”

  “Aw, you’re such a star!” I give him a big bear hug and then go to look through our fridge and cupboards. “Yeah, I reckon we have everything.”

  “Okay, I’m off. Start chopping these,” he says as he throws me an onion then a couple of tomatoes and grins. “We’ve got a busy night, sweets. Remember, we’ve got two episodes of Tits and Dragons to catch up on.”

  “It’s called Game of Thrones,” I reply, sinking a sharp knife deep into the onion.

  Yep, Danny really is the best roomie ever.

  Chapter Eleven

  Lauren

  I open my eyes feeling so much better than the day before. A shiver of excitement runs through me when I think about the day ahead. Then I sit up in bed in alarm. “Draco?” I call.

  He replies with an affectionate yap from the floor. He potters around to my side, tongue hanging out. Such a cutie.

  “Come here, you gorgeous doggie,” I say, patting the space beside me.

  He makes to jump up, but stops in his tracks.

  “Aw, Draco.”

  I’ve been worried about this day when he would eventually be unable to make it up onto my bed. The thought of no longer having my doggy lick-wake me every morning makes me feel sad. I lean down and scooping him up, lye back down with him on top of me.

  “You love a tummy rub, don’t you!” I say as I spoil him with attention. He makes those little sounds of lazy pleasure until I stop and tell him, “Okay, that’s it now. We have to go shopping.”

  I wander into the kitchen and find a note from Danny on the fridge door:

  Hey sleepi
ng beauty.

  Was going to wake you but you looked too peaceful! Feather picked me up and we took all the cupcakes and left just one for Jackson. We’ll have them after yoga. Hope that’s cool! Meeting Andrea there so will give her some too. Going straight to Josh, so won’t see you till tomorrow. Love ya lots, good luck for tonight!!!!

  Btw: Brian will be coming around later to repair your car. Leave the car keys under usual brick.

  I look in the cake tin and check that the pink-cased cupcake is still there. Yes. Good. My stomach flutters a little thinking about tonight. But no time for that now.

  After a quick shower and a coffee for me, and some ‘extra healthy’, high-protein, ridiculously expensive doggy biscuits for Draco, we’re off and walking briskly down the street. The sunshine is blazing, but the air is chilly. I shiver as I think about Danny’s sunrise yoga session. Well, Andrea’s too. I knew she’d jump at the chance to go after I messaged her about it last night.

  I pull Draco away from some garbage he’s taking an unhealthy interest in, and we turn down Grant Avenue. I always gravitate towards China town for grocery shopping, rather than going to one of the big stores. I guess I just love the hustle and bustle, although it’s definitely easier with Draco too. I tie him up at the entrance of one of my usual stores and grab a basket.

  By the time we get home, my phone is lit up with new messages, all from the usual suspects: Danny, Andrea, Nina, my Mom! It’s nice to feel loved. I scroll through quickly.

  Danny: Wake up! Come to yoga!!

  Clearly, that didn’t happen.

  Danny: Cupcakes are delicious!!

  Andrea: Hey lazybones, why no yoga?

  Nina: OMG are you excited about tonight??? Are you gonna use the potion?? Are you around for brunch? We have to talk! I’ll come to your place at noonish??? xxxxxxx

  I check the time. It’s just past eleven. I send her a quick message to confirm. I could do with some of Nina’s excited energy before tonight.

  Mum: How are you my darling? I haven’t seen you for ages! Are you busy tonight?

  Ugh, Mum. Not tonight. I’ll text her later.

  “Well, then Draco. Are you gonna help me prepare for tonight?”

  He looks up at me thoughtfully and then settles down into his bed next to the sofa.

  I smile at him. “Nope, I thought not. Guess it’s just me then.”

  I start unpacking groceries. I have to make sure dinner is impeccable.

  Chapter Twelve

  Lauren

  “It smells amazing in here!” Nina cries out as she steps through the door.

  “Thanks.” I grin, returning her hug. “I’ve managed to pretty much get it all done I think!”

  “What are you making? It smells like chicken.” She’s sniffing the air as she throws her coat to one side and flicks her beautiful dark ringlets around.

  Sometimes, I think she’s such a flirt that she flirts with me without even realizing she’s doing it. “Yep, chicken cacciatore with roasted rosemary potatoes.”

  “Well, if that’s not the way to a man’s heart, then I don’t know what is!”

  “This, maybe??” I say to her, opening a cake tin to reveal the last beautiful red velvet cupcake Mom’s special cream cheese frosting piped into careful swirls on top. It looks quite luscious if I say so myself. “This cupcake recipe has won awards.”

  “Hmm…imagine how much better it would be with a bit of love potion in it.”

  I shake my head decisively. “Nope.”

  “Come on. Why won’t you give the Gypsy’s potion a chance?”

  “Because I have principles, Nina. There is no way on earth I am tricking him in falling in love with me. I wouldn’t even have gone to the gypsy if I hadn’t been so drunk.” I take a deep breath. “Yup. Principles. That’s me.”

  She sighs. “All right. It looks real pretty. Are you excited?”

  “Excited but nervous… I’m worried we won’t have anything to talk about. What if we have nothing in common?”

  “Just ask him questions about himself. Men always love talking about themselves.” She gives me a knowing look and smiles. “I hope he’s not into old tanks and guns though! I told big cock it’s not going to work, by the way.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. How do you feel?”

  “I’m fine. I’m relieved actually. And I have a blind date tomorrow with a friend of a friend from work anyway! So onwards and upwards.”

  This girl never ceases to amaze me. “It doesn’t take you long, does it!?”

  “The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else!” she replies with a grin.

  “Cheers to that,” I agree, and we clink our coffee mugs together.

  “Did you wanna go out for brunch?” I ask her. “The other option is leftover Thai green curry from last night, and… you can help me figure out what to wear tonight!”

  “Mmm…Thai green curry, yes please! And I know you’re gonna need my help dressing.” She eyes me up and down. “Please don’t tell me this is the kind of stuff you were wearing when you asked him out.

  I look down at my patterned leggings, neon pink Nike’s, and oversized hoody. “Um, similar, I guess,” I tell her.

  She tuts and shakes her head. “Take me to your wardrobe.” She holds out her hand for me to take, with a hint of seduction.

  This girl just oozes sex appeal. I’ll take whatever help I can get. I take her hand, pull her up, and we head to my bedroom.

  She pulls open the door of my wardrobe with a look as though a huge spider is going to crawl out of it. It’s not like she hasn’t seen the inside of my wardrobe a million times before! She fingers each item, making little disapproving noises and shaking her head. Finally, her fingertips make contact with something they approve of.

  I groan as she shakes out a Jessica Rabbit style cocktail dress, an item I sadly bought and never wore. I feel like she probably knows how many times I’ve tried it on in my room alone, twirling in front of the mirror and wishing I had somewhere to wear it.

  “Don’t be ridiculous, I’m not wearing that!”

  “Oh, it would be marvelous! He would be knocked out! Can you imagine the look on his face when he opens the door and sees you standing there in that!?”

  “He’ll think I’m ridiculous!”

  There is no way I’m wearing that dress.

  She stares at me with raised eyebrows.

  “Nope. There is no way I’m wearing that,” I tell her, shaking my head. “It’s a casual cozy meal at home. We’re not going to a ball!”

  Nina sighs heavily and shoves it back in.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Lauren

  I scan my eyes over the living room, checking if I’ve missed anything. I’ve set the table for two, with wine glasses, napkins. I’ve lowered the blinds a little and there are a few candles flickering on the windowsill. I hope I’ve got the vibe right. Cozy and a little bit intimate. The rich, meaty aroma of sparerib ragu simmering quietly fills the air.

  The sound of a knock on the door makes my stomach flutter. Oh, my goodness. He’s early, I think. But checking my phone, he’s actually exactly on time. Well, that’s a good sign, I guess. I check myself quickly in the mirror. I decided on a simple black top and slim fitting jeans. I take a deep breath, and open the door.

  As our eyes meet, he’s already smiling and I can’t help but smile back.

  “Hey, you made it,” I say. “Come in!” My heart is thumping and I can’t believe how hard. “I hope you didn’t think it was weird that I invited you around so early for dinner! I always have dinner early on Sunday, I guess. We don’t have to eat yet, if you’re not hungry.”

  Am I babbling? I can’t tell. The nerves are getting to me.

  “It’s cool, so do I.” He grins, his eyes twinkling even more than in the hallway just the day before. “And actually, I’m starving!” He comically rubs his stomach, but as he does his T-shirt rises revealing just a little of strip of his tanned, flat stomach, a section of the trail
of little dark hairs leading down from his navel and disappearing at the start of his jeans.

  Oh, my goodness. I need to pull myself together.

  “Great,” I say, hoping he doesn’t notice my shaky voice. “What would you like to drink?”

  “Water for me to start with, but I brought you this.” He thrusts a bag towards me.

  Peeking inside, I find two expensive-looking bottles of red and white wine.

  “I didn’t know what we’d be having for dinner.”

  “It’s okay. I don’t ascribe to the whole red-with-red-meat rule, anyway. I’ll drink whatever tastes good.” I fill up a glass with water. “Here,” I say, holding the glass out to him.

  He takes it and drinks deeply.

  God, I’m admiring his physique again as he finishes the glass. I’ve only ever seen him in work or gym clothes before, but today he’s wearing jeans and a black polo shirt. His bicep flexes as he drinks and I feel my knees wobble slightly beneath me. Thank goodness, I decided to stick to jeans. I manage to stifle a snort with laughter as I imagine myself sitting in front of him in my Jessica Rabbit dress.

  He looks at me. Quite strangely, I have to add.

  Jeez, be normal. I take his glass and refill it for him. “Did you just work out?” I ask stupidly.

  “Yes, do you mind if I bring another guest. A four-legged one?” he asks. Draco is already sniffing at his pant legs, jumping around. “Does your boy like meeting new friends? I know Tyrion always does.”

  “Sure thing.” I put the white wine in the fridge and open the bottle of red at the dining room table while he fetches his dog and brings him back. The two of them sniff each other for a long time, with Jackson and me watching closely, then run off to play.

  “Whew.” I laugh as I hold up the bottle in a silent question.

  He nods, so I pour him a generous swig and hope I don’t sweat through my top. It only took me seven tries to find something I thought was acceptable for tonight.