Page 78 of Shut Up and Drive

I hang up the phone and slide into the water up to my knees, and the sound of relief that escapes me causes a fisherman floating by to stare. I smile and wave, and he shakes his head at me.

My phone rings again from an unknown number. “This is Serafina,” I say in my professional baker voice.

“Serafina, my name is Veronica, and I have ahugefavor to ask you.”

“I’m listening,” I reply.

“My fiancé and I are in desperate need of a new baker for our wedding cake. The one we originally hired got arrested for fraud. We have tried several bakeries in Manhattan and they are all booked.”

“When is the wedding, and what did you have in mind for your cake?” I ask, rubbing my temples.

“My fiancé is a huge fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger, so we chose to get married on his birthday, July thirtieth.” She says that last part and I can hear the cringe in her tone.

“Of this year?” I ask to clarify, but I already know the answer.

“Yeahhh. I’m sorry it’s so last-minute.”

“Okay, I’m booked pretty solid for most of the summer, but can you send me some photos of the cake you’re wanting?”

“Of course. Hang on.”

A few moments later my phone chimes and I open my messages. I stare down at the three-tiered chocolate cake covered in a chocolate ganache and decorated with tiny flowers. When I spot something odd in the reflection of the glass case, I stop cold where I stand. I zoom in on the photo and the floor drops from under me.

“That cake seems simple enough,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “Can you text me all your info, the groom’s info in case I can’t reach you, and your wedding date for myrecords? I’ll check back with my assistant and see if we can squeeze you in, and I’ll give you a call back.”

“You’re thebest!” Veronica squeals. “I’m sending you the info right away.”

I hang up the phone and stare at the blank screen. When her next message comes in, it confirms my suspicions and I sprint back to the lake house.

Chapter 32

OH HOW THE TURNTABLES HAVE TURNED

Sera

“Call Bradley an Uber,” I say to Thane as I rush up the patio steps.

“What’s going on?” he asks, but I’m already through the back door.

I take the stairs two at a time and stop just before I get to the bunk room door. I fix my ponytail, wipe the sweat from my face, and catch my breath before I crack open the door.

“That’s great news,” Bradley says in a hushed tone. “Who is the new baker?”

I know exactly when his fiancée, Veronica, says my name on the phone. His shoulders stiffen, and his jaw tenses. That is the moment I choose to fling the door all the way open and hold my phone up toward him with Veronica’s messages on display. I tilt my head, daring him to speak.

“Hey, babe, I gotta call you back,” he stutters, and hangs up the phone. “Serafina,I can explain.”

“No need.” I grab his suitcase and throw his clothes inside, and toss his backpack over my shoulder. I head downstairs without another word.

“Sera, where are you going? Will you just listen to me for a second?” he begs, and I smile. It’s nice to be on the other side of the table when it turns.

“What was your long game, huh?” I ask, throwing his shoes at him on the stairs from the front door. “Were you just planning on stringing me along forever?”

“It’s not like that. I love you,” he says, trying out a new pitiful persona.

“You wouldn’t know love if it hit you in the face, which I’m about to do if you don’t leave right now.”

He leans against the door, preventing me from opening it, and lowers his face inches to mine. “I. Don’t. Get. Dumped,” he sneers. His eyes narrow, pinning me in place.