“Lauren!” I yell from the other side of her door after three knocks. “Are you ok?”
She eventually comes out, sobbing. Takes me by the hand and leads me to the sofa.
“What is it?” I ask her, my alarm growing.
“Draco,” she sniffles.
“What’s wrong with him?” I ask, hugging her tightly, fearing the worst, but honored that she’s called me in her time of need.
“I took him to the vet…” she mutters through tears. “They said it didn’t look good. He’s got to stay there tonight. I don’t want him to die.”
She hugs me back tightly. Her back is trembling and she’s crying desperately into my jacket. I just want to make it better, but I don’t know how. It’s a terrible feeling. I just carry on hugging her, knowing it’s all I can do. “I really like you, Lauren,” I suddenly blurt out. “I think I’m falling in love with you.”
She draws in a deep breath, and ceases sobbing. Pulls back from me and looks up at me, those beautiful brown-green eyes blinking back tears. “Love?” she gasps.
“Yes, love. I think I have the worst case of insta-love this side of the Atlantic,” I say teasingly, hoping to cheer her up.
But her eyes quickly fill with even more distress. “You don’t love me, Jackson!” she suddenly cries out. “You just think you do! You’re under a spell! It’s the love potion. That’s the only reason you think you love me. You’d never be with me otherwise. I’m not blonde, am I? You didn’t notice me until poor Draco pooed on your welcome mat.”
“What on earth are you talking about?” She’s making no sense at all A love potion?
“I bought a love potion from a gypsy woman,” she explains miserably.
I stare at her in surprise. “You bought a…love potion to use on me?”
She chews her bottom lip and nods.
“Right,” I say slowly. “So when did I ingest this…potion then?”
“It’s a long story, but I’ll give you the gist of it. After I bought it I changed my mind, but Danny secretly put it into your cake. I didn’t know he had done it and only found out when he rang me after I’d served it to you. I ran out to get it back, but you had already eaten it.
Ahh, the cake she’d given to me on our very first date. No wonder she had walked up to me as if I was a bomb that could have gone off any moment. I can’t help but laugh when I remember her face.
She frowns. “Why are you laughing?”
“Oh, Lauren, my sweet Lauren, you don’t understand. I have no idea what you’re going on about with this love potion. All I know is that I didn’t eat the cake.”
Her jaw drops. “What do you mean, you didn’t eat the cake?”
“I’m not really a cake person. And I ate a lot of your delicious meal.”
“Oh,” she says, her eyes softening and filling with wonder, “Really? You didn’t eat it?”
I shake my head. “No, I didn’t. So you can’t blame the cake.”
She frowns. “But you were already yawning and people only do that when they’re losing interest, then after you ate the cake you changed. You were like a different person.”
I laughed. “No, I wasn’t. I pretended to yawn so I could ask you to get me coffee. Then you’d leave the room and I could disappear the cake.”
“Why?”
“Because I hate red velvet cake. I hated it ever since I was child. We were eating in a restaurant and I got a fish bone stuck in my throat. I was choking to death. My mother grabbed somebody’s dessert from the next table, which turned out to be a slice of red velvet cake. She smashed it and turned it into a ball in her hands. Then she stuffed it into my mouth, closed my jaw, and made me swallow it. It pushed the bone down and I could breathe again, but ever since that trauma I’m paranoid about bony fish, and hate the taste of red velvet cake.”
“Oh,” she whispers.
“I really liked you and I didn’t want you to hurt your feelings that evening. You had gone to a lot of trouble to bake a different one just for me, and I was damned if I was going to make you feel bad. At the same time, I couldn’t bring myself to eat red velvet. I couldn’t believe it when your mother tried to offer me one. Hell, I nearly ran out of your house then.”
“So, you really do have feelings for me then?” she asks in awe.
“I do, yes. I liked you from the first moment I saw you, bouncing up the steps, chatting away to Draco as if he was a person, not realizing I was just behind you.”
“Oh, my God, that’s so embarrassing.”
“It was utterly adorable,” I say, “I wanted to ask you out, but I thought you were with Danny so I told myself it was for the best. I didn’t need the distraction what with the building work I had just taken on.”
“Really?” she asks, wide-eyed.
I can hardly believe any girl this gorgeous could be so unsure of herself.
“When you first asked me to dinner I was smiling because I’d promised myself the next time I saw you, I would ask you out. But I chickened out and you got there first. I was very impressed.”
“I was too, actually,” she says and laughs.
Jeez, I really love this girl a lot. Maybe too much.
And then she’s kissing me, her hands either side of my face. I kiss her back, with all my heart. Her lips tasting of salty tears and I kiss them all away.
She’s laughing into my kiss and then crying again.
“But don’t you think I’m crazy?” she asks. “I tried to put a spell on you!”
I can’t help but laugh. “I think you’re crazy, yes! But I love it.”
She giggles through her tears but then she stops. “What happened to the cupcake, then? Where did it go?”
“I…” I stop suddenly. Oh, shit. She’s not going to like this part.
“What is it?”
“Draco ate it,” I confess with a grimace.
She stares at me in horror. “The whole thing? He’s not supposed to eat stuff like that. He’s old now, Jackson and he has a delicate system. I spend a substantial part of my income buying him the very best food and supplements.” Suddenly she goes white. “Oh, my God! Dire consequences, she said. That’s why he has suddenly fallen ill. Draco is never ill. Oh, no. He could die.”
I go to hug her again but her body stiffens and she looks at me accusingly. “How could you do that?”
“Hey, hang on a minute. I didn’t mean to hurt Draco. I actually held it out for Tyrion to eat, but Draco jumped up and literally snatched it from his jaws.”
“If you had just been honest with me, I could have rushed him to the vet and told them to pump his stomach or something.”
“I didn’t know it wasn’t anything but cake. My dog eats cake without any problems and the way he jumped up and stole it was like he was used to it.”
“No, he did that because he never gets anything like that. I’m very strict with his diet.”
“Anyway, all this happened more than a week ago so how can it be the reason he is ill now?” I argue.
“Who knows how long the medicine takes to show its effect.”
“I’m so very sorry, Lauren. I know how much you love Draco and I would do anything to make it better for both of you.”
She shakes her head sadly. “It’s ok. There isn’t anything you can do. I think I just want to be alone for a while. I need to think.” A lone tear slides down her cheek making me feel awful.
I wipe away the tear away and kiss her on the forehead. “I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.”
“I know. Can you please go now?”
I can see that she is blaming me because she needs someone to blame. “I don’t want to leave you like this.”
“I’m fine. I promise you. I’ll call you later, okay?”
I stand up, feeling lost and helpless. It’s a horrible feeling. “Text me if you need anything,” I say as I walk to the door, but she doesn’t reply.
Chapter Thirty
Jackson
“Hey, Joe!” I say, trying to look happi
er than I feel.
“What’s up, dude!” he yells, slapping me on the back. “I was early so I already ordered, hope that’s ok?”
“Cheers, man. How’s it going?” I ask, as I take a seat opposite him.
“Ah, you know. Can’t complain.”
“Things all better with you and Gina now?”
“Yeah, of course! I’ve been a good boy this week,” he says, winking at me. “Need to save up bad boy credits for Tahoe, don’t I? Can’t wait! Gorgeous leggy blondes looking all cute with their snow gear on. They’re gonna be lining up to strip off and get in our private hot tub!”
I remember then. Only two weeks until the big bachelor party. “I’m not going,” I announce.
“What? All the plans are made. You can’t not go. We’ve got three condos in Squaw Valley and last time I checked twelve of us going. We need to sort out a big grocery shop and then figure out some pranks for the groom to be.” He’s got a wicked grin plastered across his face and I feel sincerely sorry for the poor groom to be, David.”
“I’m not going,” I say again, this time even more firmly.
“Aw come on dude, it’s gonna be epic! I’ve heard the chicks down there are crazy on spring break.”
“How is that unlike spring break anywhere else?”
“You’re only saying that because you’re all loved up,” he sniggers.
My expression must have given me away, because he practically pounces on me. “Whoa, what happened with the hot brunette?”
I shrug. I don’t want to discuss Lauren with Joe or anyone else.
“Come on, man. Get if off your chest.”
“I don’t know. I thought it was going well. But she got crazy at me last night for feeding her dog some cake. Reckons I might have made him sick.”
“Women!” he says, rolling his eyes. “They’re so unpredictable. Gina gets mad at the weirdest things. Well, most of the time, I don’t even know why she’s mad. I just say sorry and buy her something.”
I narrow my eyes. “Somehow, I feel like she has plenty of reasons to get mad at you!”
“Hey, whose side are you on?” he says, grinning, knowing full well what a handful he is.
“What you need to do is organize some grand romantic gesture,” he continues. “Sweep her off her feet and make her feel like a princess. If she’s worth the effort, of course.”
The waiter places two steaming plate of buffalo wings in front of us.
“Best wings in the Bay area,” he says as he takes a particularly plump one from the pile and pulls off all the meat into his mouth in one go, like a pro. “So good,” he mumbles.
We chew in silence until he breaks it, “Or maybe you should just forget about this Lauren chick until after Tahoe?” he says, winking.
But Tahoe girls are far from my thoughts. Lauren’s the only one I can think of. Inside, I’m hurting. Somehow, I have to win back her trust. I rack my brain to think what she would like. She doesn’t seem like the kind of girl to lavish with flashy nights out and fancy hotels. She’d see through that bullshit. It has to be something really special.
“Daydreaming about Tahoe girls?” Joe asks me, grinning and as clueless as ever.
Chapter Thirty-One
Lauren
“Any news, sweetie?” Mom asks gently, putting a cup of tea down on my bedside table.
I shake my head.
Since the vet is closer to my folks’ place, I decided to wait here, in my old bedroom. I’ve been lying in bed remembering the good times with Draco. This was his first home. He was the cutest pup ever. The memory of his first night with me is crystal clear still. Mom and Dad had insisted that he learn his place and put him in a box filled with blankets in the kitchen, but he had cried so much I had sneaked down and brought him into my bed.
In the morning, Mom had found us in tucked up in bed together and she had pronounced that I had ruined the dog forever, but she was wrong. Draco did not become spoilt or unruly. I didn’t have to toilet train him, he naturally knew to do it outside. With the exception of that time with Jackson’s mat, of course, I’ve had no toilet problems. I glance at my phone but still no news from the vet. I wonder if poor Draco is still on the operating table.
“It’s ok,” I reply, sitting up and thanking her for the tea.
“Well, I’m sure we’ll hear soon and then we can go straight to pick him up.”
“Thanks Mom,” I say, “I just hope he’ll be ok.”
“Me too, darling. But he’s a tough old dog, let’s try and stay positive. Why don’t you take another day off tomorrow as well? I’m sure Draco will want lots of attention after his op.”
I smile weakly. I love my Mom for trying to be positive but the truth of the matter was that there was a high chance he wouldn’t survive the surgery. It broke my heart to think of him lying there on the operating table.
“I need to go back in tomorrow. I told you about the big Montfort project, didn’t I?”
She nods vaguely. Mom has no interest in work stuff. She doesn’t even believe women should work. “Are you sure you’re up for it, dear? I’m sure Mr. Jenkins will understand if you take a day off work. After all, your dog is sick.”
“Actually Mom, he would. He would expect me to go in and I’ll have to. I think I’ll just stay here for a couple of days with you guys and go to work from here. At least you can watch over Draco.
“Of course, darling. Stay here as long as you want to.”
The truth is I cringe at the thought of going back to my house. So empty without Danny or Draco. And worst of all, the thought of bumping into Jackson. He must think I’m unhinged after my crazy rant last night but I don’t even care right now. All I can think about is Draco.
Mom pats me on the arm and tells me she’ll be downstairs if I need her. I nod and manage to hold back the tears. But when she pulls closed the door they trickle down my face and I’m sobbing again. Why is my life such a mess all of a sudden? I’ve even messed things up with Jackson.
An hour drifts by as I lounge around watching old movies and not really concentrating at all. I call the vets for updates, but they can’t tell me anything yet.
There’s a knock at my door and my Mom pokes her head around. “Someone’s here to see you.”
“I don’t want to see anyone,” I huff.
But Nina is already at my bedside, hugging me. “This is so sad,” she cries, “Draco’s the best dog in the world.”
“I know,” I say, managing half a smile. “Thanks for coming to see me.”
“I’ll leave you two alone,” Mom says, withdrawing.
That’s fine with me because I’m ready to tell Nina what really happened. I blurt it all out to her.
She’s sitting there with her hands over her mouth. “Oh, no! Do you really think the love potion made Draco sick?”
“I don’t know...”
“What did the vet say?”
“He said Draco’s arthritis has deteriorated massively over the last couple of weeks. It could just be old age, but we’ll never know that for sure, will we? The gypsy did say there would be dire consequences if it went to the wrong person!”
“Draco isn’t… a person though. Do you think it’s the same for dogs?”
“I know it’s wrong, but I just can’t help being annoyed at Jackson for feeding him the cake. He has digestion problems too. Surely, he must have figured that out when he pooped on his doorstep!”
“But I’m the one who persuaded you to use the potion!” Nina gasps, “It’s all my fault!”
“It’s not! It’s not,” I tell her firmly. “It’s Jackson’s fault. He shouldn’t have fed a whole cupcake to an old sick dog. What was he thinking?”
“Maybe he just didn’t think…” Nina says, looking uncomfortable. “So, are you not going to see him again then?”
“I don’t know.” I sniff. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m blaming Jackson although I know everything is my fault. I think guiltily about the bit of pizza Draco devour
ed too. “I’ve probably blown it with him anyway to be honest. What with my behavior last night.” I hang my head in shame. I wish I could turn back the clock.
“But now you know that he does really like you,” Nina says gently. “That’s what you always wanted.”
“Not like this,” I say, starting to cry again. “He even said he was falling for me, but now I can’t think of anything. I just want Draco to be ok.”
“He told you that?” Nina’s eyes are wide and she’s got a goofy look on her face. “I really think you should at least give him another chance?”
There’s a knock at the door and it’s Mom. “I just phoned the vet again, love. They were just about to call you. Draco is out of surgery! And it went well. They are going to keep him in for a few hours to make sure, but we should be able to pick him up later this evening.”
I can hardly believe my ears. “He’s really ok?”
“That’s wonderful!” Nina shrieks.
The three of us bundle into Mom’s rusty old car and head straight there to pick him up.
“Oh, Draco!” I exclaim, when I see him. His big brown eyes light up and he whimpers affectionately as I gently embrace him. I’m crying again but they’re tears off happiness and relief.
Mom drops us back at my place and Nina comes up with me, carrying Draco as I open the door. He’s still really groggy and we put him in his bed next to the couch.
“Jackson was meant to be coming over for dinner tonight,” I say, glancing at my phone. “I really don’t feel up to it.”
“You’ve had a tough day, Lolly,” she says. “I’m sure he’ll understand if you change to another night. I’m glad you want to see him again…”
I smile. “I do want to see him,” I tell her earnestly. “If he’s still interested in me… God Nina, what have I done? I went crazy at him last night. He’s probably having second thoughts.”
“Have you heard from him today?”
The Magic Cupcake Page 13
