Cupcake Diaries :- Series 19

Wedding Cupcakes

I got up early to shower and blow-dry my hair since Mona had warned me that I might do a little modeling today. The other girls were up and eating cereal when I came out of the bathroom; Mia and Katie were in their cute pj's, but Alexis was fully dressed, of course. I sighed. I kind of wished I could hang out with these guys rather than work this morning.

"Lookin' good, Emma!" said Mia approvingly.

"Thanks," I said with a smile as I grabbed a bowl off the counter.

"Very pretty, sweetheart," said my mother, coming to plant a kiss on my cheek.

"Yeah, sweetheart," sang Matt and he strode into the kitchen, also fully dressed. Usually, if he doesn't have sports, he sleeps late and then spends a long as possible in his pj bottoms and a ratty old T-shirt. Hmm.

"Can it, mister," I said.

"Kids!" warned my mom. I glared at Matt.

"Looking pretty spiffy yourself there. Going somewhere?" Now I was annoyed and wanted to embarrass him.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" He said sarcastically as he pulled out a stool from the counter and sat. My dig had not fazed him at all. Annoying. Alexis had her back to him, but I could tell by her face that she was totally attuned to his every move, even though she couldn't see him.

"Actually, I wouldn't," I said. "I'm sure it's something gross." I wanted to tease him that he was going to meet a girl, but I realized that would hurt Alexis's feelings, and I couldn't very well tease him about her with her there. Ugh! Now I couldn't wait for this sleepover to end, so I could get to work.

"Em, we'll go in five minutes, okay?" said my mom. "I'm just going to run upstairs for a sweater. Girls, I'm not kicking you out- you're welcome to stay as long as you like- but if anyone wants a ride home, you can come with us and I'll drop you off after I drop Emma at the store."

Mia and Katie were heading into the city to see Mia's dad, so they had their plans set. I looked at Alexis, who I knew wished she could stay, but staying without me here would be really weird. She struggled for a minute, then said, "I'll come with you, Mrs. Taylor. Thanks!" She stood to take her bowl to the sink, and I watched her try to avoid looking at Matt. But then he said something totally lame, like "Rushing off to work on a business plan, boss lady?" SHE started giggling like she'd been waiting for any excuse to laugh with him, and I wanted to puke.

I shoveled in my last bite of cereal and went to get my coat. Katie and Mia said they'd call Mia's mom for a ride to the train station and would clean up the air mattresses and blankets in my room before they left. I glanced at Alexis and saw her struggle again with the idea of staying, but now it was kind of too late; she had to follow through on leaving with me. I hugged Mia and Katie and got into the car while Alexis went up to get her bag.

A minute later my mom hopped in and said, "Are we taking Alexis?"

I rolled my eyes and said, "You mean Matt's girlfriend, Alexis?"

My mom laughed. "She does like Matt, doesn't she? It's cute. Puppy love! So sweet."

"Puppy puke!" I said, crossing my arms tightly.

"Oh, Emma, don't be a bad sport. It's very safe to have a crush on your best friend's brother. I had one on my friend Sandy's brother when I was a girl."

"What did Sandy think about that?"

"She didn't mind. I don't think."

"Aha! But you don't know!"

"Well... We lost touch."

"See?"

Just then Alexis got into the car, and my mom gave me a knowing smile. I was too annoyed too even turn around.