SHAMELESS

ll

th a hand on my hip and admire my handiwork. The script writing is some of the best I’ve ever done. I purse my lips together and exhale a sigh. With an i

tantly remind me and my twin sister, Parisa, of all the things she had that we didn’t. But I always took the high road. So, the day she came into my bakery and the first thing she did was blatantly glance down at my empty left hand, I knew I was going to hate what came out of her mouth next. Sure enough, a lit

ble pearls in a swooping pattern around the center layer of the t

u, girls

lla, the owner of The Sweet Spot, will finish th

ancing down, Olivia’s name flashes on the screen. I answer, putting her on speakerp

me, showered, bags packed,

eam frosting and a red flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up to my elbows. “

arted working together at The Blue Stone Group.

give you an hour. If you’re not home, I’m c

’m only half listening as I con

Olivia's voice echoes through

less work tomorrow. I lift the cake and carry it to the commercial refrigerator and place it next to t

st shower imaginable. When I’m done, I throw on a sequin mini-dress and apply a light coat of ma

g next to the wide open car door. Olivia pokes her head out. “Hu

tarted without me, didn’t you?” My

ight red lips pull into a wide

e far side next to Liana, Charlie’s soon to be sister-in-law, and Tatum, Olivia’s sister. Olivia and Parisa sit across from me, while Charlie and a coupl

ping open another bottle and pouri

from earlier. But only a teeny tiny bit. “I don’t know why I agreed to make Krystin’s wedding cake. It’s been a nightmare fro

pays well.” P

dipping into their pocketbook. “There has to come a t

and soothing. “But on the plus side, you’re d

r that.” I ta

engagement and a baby on the way to finally get together for a girls' weekend. Cheers bitches!” Everyone raises

t life, Charlie’s wedding plans, and Parisa’s pregnancy. Then s

d.” I tip back the glass, the last drop of champagne w

l come around when you least expect

d her grandson is around my age and single and she wasverypersistent that I meet him. I told her to have him come to the bakery, and he did. At first sight, he was attractive, well groomed. I had high hopes for the date. Ev

na asks before takin

the cheek and then whispered in my ear, ‘What do you

ry before. And all I can do is nod vigorously, still i

irl actually falls for those words, I feel sorr

seems like something he would say,” Liana says

, eyes wide. “He did

n his face. The worst part was when I had to face his grandma when she came into the baker

what you were talking about.” Oliv

on. That would be all sorts of bad karma. Maybe my expectations are too high.” I wrap

k otherwise,” Tatum says as she nudges me with

ually as bad, if not worse. A guy took me to Bella

eir chicken piccata is to die for. But

n was flowing, but his gaze kept darting around

livia leans forward, resti

have been less awk

he car as everyon

nt, and he wanted to see if she had been cheating on him with a co-worker like he suspected. I figured

gle at my expense, and I can’t blame

ppens to you,

a magnetic current in me that only attracts assholes and creepers. Do I have

used with ‘if you have a

e fun versus trying to find the one?”

o say. You’ve f

after a snowstorm stranded them in a motel together, they put their differenc

past seven years, or the pool of guys is

d have a good time tonight. Scope out the guys and if you find someone who catches your attention, go for i

g. This night isn’t for me.” Slowl

brought this for yourself and safety and all that.” Olivia’s

r. I hold the box out in front of me. “Condoms. You got me condoms.” I stare at the box and shake my h

erkill. Twelve was perfect. But look, they’re ribbed for her pleasure.” Olivia po

us if it will happen. One-night stands aren’t my thing. Every person I’ve had sex with, I’ve also been in a relationship with. Is this what people do? Who makes plans to have a one-night stand with a total stranger? Oli