Just Good Friends

Chapter 52

SAM's POV

"One, two, or three? Which one do you like?"

"Why you asking me, it's y'alls wedding..." I reply while licking every bit of chocolate icing from my plastic fork.

"Yes, but your opinion matters, too. You'll be at the reception like everybody else, so your taste is important," my mama explains.

"Speaking of everybody else, have you mailed the rest of the invitations yet?" Antonio asks.

"I'm gonna do it tonight."

"Alright," Antonio replies while trying the strawberry shortcake.

All three of us are sitting at the counter of a bakery shop with plates of cake samples displayed in front of us. Mom is on my right and Antonio is on my left. It's quiet; just us in the shop with the owner. It's kinda peaceful on a Sunday afternoon.

"So... what flavor do you like?" My mama asks, trying to read my facial expression.

"Mm... the chocolate," I say.

"I do, too. It's so sweet and moist -- mmm!" My mom sings while licking her fork like a mad woman.

"Ma, why you act like you haven't eaten in days?" I respond, disgusted by her antics.

"What?" She asks all innocent-like.

"Chocolate is good. The strawberry is good, too," Antonio adds.

"I know, right? But so is this coconut cake... and the lemon was ohmagawd!" My mama sings again, as her eyes roll back into her head.

Antonio chuckles. "The lemon was good, too..."

"I don't know if I can chooooseeee!" She frowns, stuffing more cake into her mouth.

"Uh-oh. You sound like you're in a dilemma," the bakery shop owner says, appearing from the other side of the counter, grinning from ear to ear.

"I ammmmmm," Ma whines.

"We are..." Antonio states with a chuckle.

The shop owner chuckles. "Well, that's good for me, because that means you like my cakes, haha. Can I give you a suggestion?"

"Please." Mama nods.

"A simpler flavor with a fruit filling is popular right now, and also good if you're worried about pleasing everyone's tastes. You could also get a traditional tier cake, then have some smaller cupcakes in a variety of flavors on the side so everyone can sample multiple things. It's really up to you," she smiles. "Just make sure YOU'RE happy."

"Agh! You make it sound so easy!" Mama exclaims.

"Well, it is my job. I know my clients and my cakes," the bakery owner says.

"You may be right... either one of those ideas sounds like a good option. What do you think, babe?" Mama asks while looking toward Antonio.

"I think either idea works, too. It's your day, love, so pick whatever you want and I'll be satisfied."

"No, but it's OUR day. Your opinion matters just as much as mine."

"Well..." Antonio exhales. "At the end of the day, I'm marrying you, not the cakes. So it really doesn't matter to me, just long as you're happy."

I can feel their mushy smiles without even looking up. Can they just pick a flavor already so we can bounce??

"Ah, you picked the right one to marry, Martha." The bakery owner gushes.