Love and Bloody Cupcakes

3

Rosie dropped me off at the bakery while she took the kids back to Cannibal Town's Park. She gave me a small smile and a peck on the cheek. 

"If you are free later tonight, Husker is hosting a speakeasy event at Byron's Pub. I would love to see you there," Rosie offered as she gave me a small hug. The idea sounded amazing. "It is a black-tie event though, so you gotta dress to the nines." My smile fell slightly as the words left her lips. 

"Oh, I don't own much of anything. Guess I will have to wait till the next one," I replied sadly. The edges of Rosie's lips tugged slightly down at the words before they turned into a glittering white smile. 

"Well, if you change your mind, I would love to see ya there." Her fingers snapped and a small card appeared. When I glanced it over, it was an invitation. "Show that to the doorman on your way into the pub!" She walked away before I could reply. I gulped as I looked at the invite. It was close to here. But there was no point in hoping. I did not make much while working for Mavis, but that never bothered me. 

"There ya are! I was wondering how long you'd be gone!" Mavis called out from inside the bakery. I turned toward the human-eating baker. She waddled over to me with a bright smile across her face. "So? How'd it go? Did you have a fun morning out?" I shrugged as I slid the paper into my pocket. 

"It was nice. I had a really nice time." The thoughts of the morning with Rosie were enchanting. I wished that I had more time with her, but she probably wanted some time to her shop. I bit my lower lips as I turned toward the shop. "She really is a wonderful woman. I love being around her." 

"I'm sure the feeling is mutual," Mavis chuckled as she pulled me inside the bakery. "I know I said that you were allowed the day off, but I would appreciate the help with the front desk for an hour or two. Milo came in looking for you and ended up leaving with three dozen cookies." Shock fell across my face as I aimed for my apron. 

"Why was he looking for me?" 

"Oh, you know that boy is head over heels for you," Mavis waved me off. "And it doesn't seem like he's the only one either." My brow furrowed as I glanced toward the baker. "Don't worry about it. Just worry about making everything looking presentable for customers." 

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I leaned against the counter bored out of my mind. The usual clientele walked in around their usual time. Mr. Benson always showed up at 12:30 sharp. Ms. Clark showed around 1 o clock. And then some kids showed up throughout the afternoon for something small and sweet while their parents stood in line at the emporium. My eyes glanced over to the emporium from time to time. I wished to see the silver-haired woman that resided inside. However, I was surprised when I saw Winifred, one of Rosie's retailers, sped out of the doors and over to the bakery. I raised a brow as she entered the bakery. There was no way that Rosie was out of cupcakes this early in the afternoon. She held a large white box in her hands. 

"Madeline!" Her eyes spoke of the hatred she held for everyone alongside a forced smile. She wore her usual dark pink dress that swashed around her legs. 

"Ms. Winifred, Good afternoon." My forced politeness tightened her smile. 

"Rosie wanted to make sure you got this." Winifred tossed the box onto the countertop and walked away as fast as she came. Mavis poked her head out of the back. 

"Who was that?" Mavis asked. "What is that?" 

"Winifred came by," I murmured as I opened the box. A small gasp escaped my lips as I glanced inside. The dress I looked at earlier in Rosie's shop was pressed and folded neatly along white wrapping paper. A small note was written in neat cursive by the dress's strap.