ROMEO

7

R.O.M.E.O.

Today is the day me and Evie's cupcakes are tested. My stomach is doing flips, mouth watering with nerves.

Mr. Brooks stalks toward us and examines a cupcake. His finger swipes the frosting and he plops it into his mouth.

"Mmm, strawberry, my favorite."

I look at Evie, who's already grinning at me. Her grin stumps me and I'm confused. If we mess up his favorite thing, it's a definite F.

He puts down his clipboard and takes a bite.

His eyes widen a fraction and he moans, shaking his head. "It's light, fluffy, and moist. This is stunningly delicious. Great job guys."

Evie smirks, taking a bite out of a cupcake. "Told you we would be fine."

I shake my head in disbelief. I just got an A on a baking project. The last time I cooked, I set my stove on fire.

I smile at her. "Owe it all to you, Evie."

She goes to speak but Mr. Brooks cuts her off. "Why is it crunchy?! A cake isn't supposed to be crunchy! And what God awful flavor did you choose?!"

"Berry apple," Watson informs, his face scrunching up into a grimace.

Mr. Brooks looks at the pair like they've grown three heads. "Absolutely disgusting."

Watson sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. "Sorry sir, we were stressing over football practice. You know the game's tonight."

"Stressing over what? You're undefeated," I laugh, earning a chuckle from Evie.

Zach chimes in. "Yeah and we'd like to stay that way."

"So can we get a second try?" Watson turns to Mr. Brooks, hands pressed together.

Mr. Brooks shakes his head. "Sorry guys, I don't have time to have you remake a cake. And honestly, I don't want you two anywhere near a kitchen."

They slump in their seats and Evie shakes her head with laughter. "What were you worried about again?"

Her infectious laughter makes me beam. "I forgot those two were in the class with us for a second."

She laughs as Mr. Brooks voice surfaces again. "If it makes you feel better, those two have charcoal instead of cake."

Everyone turns to look at two boys cake. Or what should have been a cake. The black tar was hardened onto the edges of the pan and the inside was filled with icing.

"But sir, you didn't even taste it yet," One of the guys say.

"F!"

***

"Hopefully they play better than they bake," Blake says, walking with me to the front of the bleachers.

I laugh, the air feeling cooler than before. "Let's hope."

My feet come to a halt as the smile drops from my face. Blake groans with annoyance, a scowl plastered on his face.

Hannah stands in front of us smirking. The same smirk she always used when trying to seduce me.

I guess she didn't realize it never worked.

"What do you want, Hannah?' Blake asks, not looking pleased.

The smirk drops from her face and a look of genuine want replaces it. "I need a favor."

The sound of her voice makes my ears ache and I plaster a glare similar to Blake's scowl, in hopes that she'll go away.