“Not tonight,” I replied. “We’re in town on a break. This is my… this is Liv Sinclair.”
“Suzanne Loving. Wait, you own Livvie Cakes, right?” Suzanne’s eyes lit up.
“Yes, I do.” Liv blushed. “How did you know?”
“My best friend lives over in 12 South, and we were at your bakery a couple of weeks ago. You were out front talking to a customer, and I heard you introduce yourself as the owner. You have the best cupcakes in town. Seriously. That Pumpkin Praline should have songs written about it.”
“That’s high praise coming from the woman with the best mac-n-cheese in town.” Liv smiled. “Jax told me all about it, and I can’t wait to have some.”
“Have a seat anywhere you like.” Suzanne gestured to the mostly empty dining room. “We’re kind of slow on weeknights. You guys are getting the works. You have to try our Red Velvet Hot Chocolate. It’ll change your life.”
“That sounds amazing.” Liv beamed. “Thank you.”
“Thanks, Suzanne,” I said, leading Liv to my favorite table in the back by the window. “Look at you being recognized.”
Liv laughed and took off her jacket, slinging it over the back of the chair. “I can assure you, that’s the first time it’s ever happened.” She looked around the dining room, taking in the bright walls and the framed photos of various slices of pie and coffee drinks. Her eyes settled on a movie poster on the wall opposite us, featuring a piece of Red Velvet Chess Pie. “This place is fun.”
It was so cozy in the converted house, it was easy to forget you weren’t in someone’s dining room. That was one of the things I loved most about the pie shop.
“Two Red Velvet Hot Chocolates.” Suzanne placed two giant mugs in front of us, complete with toasted mini marshmallows.
“This smells delicious,” Liv said, scooping up the mug with both of her hands.
“So, two mac-n-cheese pies?” Suzanne asked. “I can also add some jalapeños to that if you’re feeling spicy.”
“Yes, please.” Liv nodded.
“That sounds great,” I said.
“Coming right up.” Suzanne nodded before disappearing back through the kitchen.
I took a sip of my hot chocolate. “You’re feeling spicy, huh?”
She raised her brow, giving me a little shrug. “Maybe a little.” She took a sip of her hot chocolate, closing her eyes. “Life-changing, as advertised. I’m going to want to come here all the time now.”
I smiled. “I could see us in here, coming up with song ideas over coffee.”
“We need to get to work on those songs we started,” she said. “I know you have to get some ideas over to Cash soon.”
I chewed my lip a moment, my eyes settling on the mug in front of me.
“There you go again.”
I brought my eyes back to hers. “What?”
“You had that same far off look in your eye in the car a few minutes ago.” She peered at me curiously. “Are you stressed about the songs? We can go back and work on them tonight if you want.”
I shook my head. “It’s not that.”
“What is it then?”
My gaze shifted for a moment, my foot lightly bouncing with nervous energy. “I started thinking about something today…”
Liv’s face fell. “Were the songs not quite what you were hoping for? I told you I’m rusty, but I’ll—”
“No, no.” I interrupted her. “It’s not that at all. You’re a phenomenal songwriter. It’s just… it’s gotten me thinking I may not want to use all of these ideas for the band.”
“Oh.” She tilted her head and pursed her lips slightly. “What did you have in mind? Maybe a solo side project?”
