Sighing happily, I reach for the tiny bottle of orange extract and twist off the cap, adding a couple of drops to the vanilla frosting. I have a small bowl full of orange zest I made earlier, and I grab a pinch, sprinkling it into the bowl. Then I grab a spoon and start stirring.
“Not using your mixer?” Brooke asks.
“This one is—delicate,” I tell her, hoping she understands. “I have to get the flavors balanced just right. I’d rather do it by hand.”
“The master at work.” Brooke rises to her feet and starts to exit my kitchen, coming to a stop right beside me so she can press a quick kiss to my cheek. “I want a slice, but I have to go.”
I pause in my stirring. “You didn’t even get to taste it yet.”
Brody just texted me, asking if I’d meet him for dinner, so I need to go home and take a shower. He mentioned he has a surprise for me.” She smiles. “You should join us.”
Frowning, I shake my head. “What if your surprise is his—penis wrapped in neon pink paper?”
Brooke laughs, covering her mouth with her hand. “Seriously, Brooke! We’re meeting for dinner. In public. He’s not going to present me his penis at the dinner table.”
This conversation just took a weird and confusing turn. “You never know,” I mumble, my cheeks hot. I don’t want to go to dinner with them. Oh, I know they’ll include me in their conversations and make it be about the three of us versus the two of them, but still. I’ll feel like a third wheel. Witnessing their love is both beautiful yet pathetic.
As in, they make a beautiful couple. And they make me feel pathetic.
“You’re being ridiculous.” Another kiss on the cheek from my sister and then she’s gone, the scent of her flowery perfume still lingering in the kitchen. “I’m going to text you later!” she calls as she opens the front door. “Convince you to come to dinner with us!”
“And be the tag along little sister during your romantic dinner where he gives you a surprise? No thanks,” I mutter under my breath, ignoring how my arm aches. My date tonight is with my kitchen and this orange cake. That way I can be alone with my thoughts.
My Tucker McCloud-filled thoughts.