But something within me has fundamentally shifted.
Chapter 8
Audrey
An entire week passes with no news from Cape Easton.
I went to The Bandaged Heart yesterday to call Josie for any updates on a timeline estimate, but she told me to wait a little longer, that the case has gotten bigger and they might need a few more weeks before it’ll be safe to go back.
In the meantime, I’m utterly bored.
I’ve gone swimming, taken many long walks with Anita, introduced her to just about everyone on the island, read more books than I have this entire year so far, and went to a crochet class—which is ultimately not the hobby for me.
And now, I’m on my way to Maisie’s cakery for some cupcake decorating. I don’t have high hopes for myself, but at least it’s getting me out of the castle for a while.
Most of my Starry Hill friends have been gracious enough to take turns meeting up with me during the day, letting me hang out at their shops, having lunch with me, or just generally helping me stay busy.
It’s been fun, but it’s also hard not to feel like a burden, despite all their reassurances. I just don’t know how much longer I can go on like this. I’m aching for a project, anything to really sink my teeth into and keep me from staring up at the canopy of my bed for the majority of my day.
The walk to Maisie’s cottage is stunning. The cobbled footpath curves around gentle hills, cottages with varied front doors peeking out from their flourishing gardens bursting with the most vibrant hues, before heading inland between ancient trees that must’ve stood witness to the lives of countless creatures over their many years.
The zesty aroma of tangerines drift towards me on a light breeze and around the next bend, daisies pop up, decorating the undulating landscape with their cheerful faces, leading me straight to Ren and Maisie’s turquoise front door.
I lift my hand to knock just as the door swings open.
“Audrey! You’re here!” Maisie says brightly, enveloping me in a hug before pulling me inside. “Ren’s not home. He went to help Shinsu with something, but I think it might have been an excuse to give us more girl time. And it might be hard for him to concentrate on his own work if we’re chatting in the kitchen. He says he doesn’t mind, but you know how shy he can get. I mean, he’s made huge progress in terms of what topics he feels comfortable discussing with anyone who’s not me, but he knows just as well as us that we can get a little… descriptive?”
It takes a second to process everything Maisie managed to get out in what seems to be a single breath, but I welcome her exuberance after my quiet morning.
“Smart guy, that Ren of yours,” I remark as Maisie ushers me toward a seat at the kitchen table.
“Smart and hot. And a very generous lover,” Maisie says as she prances over to some covered cupcakes on the counter behind her.
I look around the meticulously clean space, at the fancy baking appliances, the numerous timers, the labeled ingredients—some of which I can’t pronounce—placed strategically against one wall, and the decorative sign in the center that reads “The Tangerine Grove Cakery”.
This kitchen might look professional, but it still contains so much heart, little pieces of Maisie stamped into every inch of the space.
Many Starry Hill creatures were involved in the cakery’s expansion project and it makes me so happy to see how it’s come together, how the community contributed to make Maisie’s business dream come true.
Originally, the cottage was quite small and served as Ren’s home alone. But the moment he and Maisie fell in love, he wanted to give her a reason to stay. He organized a commercial lawyer, Nori, to help make the cakery official and then worked with Bodin, who is a structural engineer, to help expand the kitchen to accommodate all her new equipment.
Talk about romantic.
“The cakery looks great, Maisie. I love everything about it,” I say as I run a hand along the smooth tabletop.
“It’s amazing, isn’t it? Still can’t believe it’s mine,” Maisie replies dreamily as she sets a batch of red velvet cupcakes between us.
“You better believe it. You’ve worked so hard to establish your business.”
“Thank you, Audrey,” Maisie says, her green eyes going glassy before she blinks the emotion away. “I thought we can fuelourselves first with some yumminess while we chat, and then get to decorating.”
“You really shouldn’t have gone through all the trouble. I’m here to help, not eat.”
“With me, you can have your cake and eat it too. Besides, I like to think of it as work foreplay. Got to prep before we dive in.”
I nod as I place one of the cupcakes on the delicate plate in front of me. “Everything is better with foreplay.”
“Don’t I know it,” Maisie says around a bite. “The other night Ren got me off five times without using his cock or tail. Just mouth and fingers. By my last climax, I was sure my soul had left my body.”
