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Five years later and Shari had never truly recovered from the betrayal. How could she when Dina had married her son’s father and prevented them from ever being a real family?
“We got this,” Carter said confidently. He had an arrogant swag about him that Shari sometimes envied.
You Take the Cake’s host came over and stood between the two bakeries and said, “And the winner is... Brown Sugar Bakery!” Applause erupted from the live audience, and Shari’s heart deflated.
How can this be? Shari looked over at Brown Sugar’s creation. The cake was at best ordinary.
Dina came over and laughed. “That’s right, Shari. I win again.”
Shari rushed over to the host of the show and grabbed his arm. “There has to be a mistake. She should be disqualified.”
“Why? What’s wrong?” the host asked.
“The whole world should know what kind of person Dina English is.” Shari turned and glared at Dina. “She traded on our nearly four-year friendship, turned her back on my family’s bakery and then stole the man I loved. You can’t let her win!”
Dina smirked and gave Shari a pitiful look as she walked toward her. “You’re so pathetic. Can’t you see? I’ve already won.”
Shari looked down, but not before seeing, to her horror, Dina holding her son, Andre, in her arms and carrying him away. “Noooo!”
Shari woke up with a start and her eyes popped open. She was surprised to find her four-year-old son, Andre, peering down at her. He was wearing his favorite Spiderman pajamas and was holding his stuffed animal, Wiggles. “Mama, are you okay? Were you having a bad dream? You were yelling awfully loud.”
“I must’ve been, baby.” Shari sat upright, throwing the down comforter back off and pulling Andre into a bear hug. “I’m sorry if Mommy scared you.” She glanced at herself in the mirror. The wrap she’d been wearing on her hair had come off, and her hair was a tangled mess. Add the old tank top and pajama bottoms she was wearing and it was no wonder she couldn’t find a man.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Andre’s expressive green eyes looked into her brown ones, eager for reassurance.
“I’m fine, I’m fine.” Shari scooped him up in her arms, slid on her slippers and padded off into the kitchen to make him some breakfast.
“Can I have Cocoa Puffs?” Andre asked when they reached her large, country-style eat-in kitchen.
It might be modest to some, but her two-bedroom bungalow in Chicago’s Glenville Heights was just perfect for her and Andre. Since she loved to cook, she had added modern white cabinets and appliances, including a flat-top stove, double-sided refrigerator and a dishwasher.
“Are you sure?” Shari inquired. “Because I was going to make chocolate chip pancakes, but if you’d rather cereal...” She shrugged her shoulders and waited for the response she knew was coming.
Andre shook his head. “No, I want pancakes! With lots of syrup.”
Shari smiled. “Sure thing.” She lowered him into a chair at the pedestal table.
She pulled the pancake mix and chocolate chip morsels out of the pantry and the milk and eggs out of the fridge. Usually, she would make them from scratch, but she needed to get to the bakery.
A couple of months ago, her grandmother, Lillian Reynolds-Drayson, had informed her children and grandchildren that she’d signed the bakery up to participate in a reality TV Show called You Take the Cake. On the show, bakeries were asked to perform culinary feats, and at stake was a $100,000 prize. Last year’s winners had become overnight sensations and their bakery had gained national prominence. For two months, the entire Drayson clan had been looking at recipes and cake designs in the show’s “Around the World” theme to blow the competition away.
Her grandmother had made quite a speech about how they had to stop all the backbiting and work together as a family. She indicated she would soon be passing the business to one of her grandchildren. The decision wasn’t going to be an easy one. They were all qualified to run Lillian’s. They’d all started learning the business from the bottom up, delivering cakes, working the dock and cleaning the store.
Shari knew she had tough competition from her cousins for the position. Shari, Drake, Belinda and Carter all considered themselves the best bakers in the shop. No wonder Grandma Lillian couldn’t decide among them.
Her cousin Belinda, Aunt Daisy’s daughter, excelled at everything she did whether it was school or baking. Somehow, she made it all look effortless. Belinda always dressed smartly in designer clothes and didn’t go out of the house without her full makeup and her long black hair ironed bone straight. Now, she’d hooked one-time basketball pro and Lillian’s baker, Malik Anthony. Belinda was now set to be the first of her cousins to marry.
Then there was Belinda’s brother Drake. He knew marketing and social media better than any of them. Drake, Malik and Carter had started a blog called “Brothers Who Bake” that offered recipes and advice and was attracting a wide audience. The success of the blog had inspired them to write a cookbook that was now under contract with a major publishing house.
Last but not least, there was Carter Drayson, Lillian’s artisan cake maker and a real charmer. Up until recently, her cousin had been a true ladies’ man just like his father, Uncle Devon, who’d never married. But then her tall, handsome cousin had gotten hit by the love bug last month. And on top of that, Carter was the most sought-after cake designer at Lillian’s. Shari couldn’t help but be a little resentful of her older cousin. She, too, was an equally skilled baker and designer, but she had to admit no one could create artistry on cakes quite like him.
Shari knew she was good, but in a family of stars, it was hard carving out her piece of the pie. She was not as confident as Belinda, as technically savvy as Drake or as skilled as Carter, but she deserved a shot to run Lillian’s. Her business degree was evidence of that and she had come up with the idea to package Lillian’s cake mixes. But somehow her baby sister, Monica, had taken over running the cake mix business; she just had to prove to Grandma Lillian that she had what it took to be a leader.
* * *
Two hours later, Shari and Andre walked from the parking garage where she had a reserved spot to the front of Lillian’s on North Michigan Avenue. Shari smiled as she always did when she saw the marble facade standing out from the other Magnificent Mile designer boutiques. Her grandparents owned the entire sixteen-story building, which included a slew of offices on floors two through sixteen, while Lillian’s Bakery spanned the entire first floor.
Lillian’s was written in large, gold, script lettering on the storefront windows through which passersby gazed at ornate wedding cakes and lavish cake designs. Some might say the cakes, cookies and other sumptuous desserts looked like fancy pieces of jewelry or handbags, but the best part was that they were edible.
Lillian’s had been a Chicago staple since the 1960s when her grandparents had opened their first storefront in Hyde Park. Their love story was one Shari would never forget. Her grandmother, Lillian Reynolds-Drayson, was a widowed single mother whose husband, Jack Reynolds, died of a heart attack. Shari’s father, Dwight, had only been a year old at the time. Grandpa Henry had arrived a few years later and patiently wooed her grandmother until she’d finally let her guard down. They were married soon after and Grandpa Henry adopted her father. As for the business, the rest, as they say, was history.
Shari couldn’t help but think of that story every time she entered Lillian’s. Today was no exception, even as she rushed inside because she was a few minutes late. Andre had lost his favorite toy, and they’d been unable to leave the house until he’d found it.
The store always brought a smile to her face. Her grandparents had spared no expense with the decor. It screamed opulence and elegance. Rich mahogany woodwork shined throughout the store while the crystal chandeliers sparkled like brilliant diamonds. Ribbons of copper and gold were inlaid in the glistening marble countertops and matched the ambiance of the various boutiques on the Magnificent Mile, where only the rich and famous shopped.
Grandpa Henry was working the front counter and retail area when she arrived. His hair was shock full of gray and he was dressed in a Tommy Bahama shirt and trousers. “You’re late, Shari,” he said. “Everyone’s already here.”
“I know, Grandpa,” Shari responded. “Can you watch Andre while I go into the meeting?”
“Of course, darling.” Grandpa Henry smiled down at his great-grandson. “Come with great-grandpa.” He held out his hand and Andre took it.
Shari rushed down the hallway past the framed photographs of Lillian’s through the years. Her grandmother had been a real looker in her heyday. Even now, she was tall and slim with caramel skin, and her face held nary a wrinkle even though she was approaching eighty. There was a picture of Grandma Lillian holding Shari’s father, Dwight, in front of the first storefront in Hyde Park, another of the grand opening of the Mag Mile location, but Shari’s favorite was the Drayson family picture when Lillian’s was featured in a local magazine a year ago.
She walked past the kitchen to the adjacent executive office area, which included a conference room, and found the entire Drayson family already gathered around a large square table with high-backed chairs.
“Hello, hello.” Shari gave a quick smile to her grandmother, who was sitting at the head of the table, while Aunt Daisy and Uncle Devon, her cousins and Belinda’s fiancé, Malik, sat flanking each other. Shari nodded at her father and her sister Monica before sliding into an open chair.
“So happy you could join us,” Grandma Lillian said reproachfully.
Shari shrugged. “Andre was a handful this morning.”
“When isn’t Andre a handful?” Carter said fondly from across the table.
Shari knew Carter adored his little cousin and the feeling was mutual. Andre looked up to his “uncle” Carter. She supposed Andre had a special place in his heart because he was a little bit mischievous and probably reminded Carter of himself.
Shari’s sister Monica laughed. “This is true.” Watching Andre was not an easy task, Shari knew, and because Monica was so short at five foot three, and Andre was really tall for his age, Monica found him to be a handful.
“Well, as you know, the You Take the Cake competition is almost upon us,” Lillian said. “I’d like to know what recipes and plans you’ve come up with to ensure Lillian’s the win.”
Everyone started talking all at once, eager to impress Grandma Lillian with their recipes. “One at a time, please,” she admonished, holding up her hand.
As usual, Drake was the first to speak. Adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses, he explained, “Carter, Malik and I have come up with a number of great recipes.”
Her cousin Drake had a medium build that was always dressed in trendy clothes. Today he wore a military jacket, jeans, an oxford shirt and Timberland boots. He looked like perfection. And he always thought he was right.
Belinda spoke next. “And I’ve been collaborating with Malik here—” she turned to give her fiancé a wink “—on a couple of wedding cake designs.”
Grandma Lillian turned to Shari. “Shari, how about you?”
All eyes in the room turned to Shari and she swallowed hard.
“I have some ideas, too,” she offered, “using unconventional ingredients in the cakes. You know, the show is known for its mystery ingredients.”
“That sounds great, dear,” Grandma Lillian said. “Sounds like everyone’s come to the table with something.”
“I think we should do a dry run of the recipes,” her father added. “We should start today.”
His booming baritone voice, not to mention the touch of gray at his temples, lent him an air of dominance. Everyone quickly nodded their assent to his suggestion.
“Good. If there’s nothing else...” Grandma Lillian began, but Carter interrupted her.
“Well, actually there is,” Carter said.
“Oh, please, Carter,” Grandma Lillian said. “Please tell me you haven’t broken that young girl’s heart.”
Carter had been dating socialite Lorraine Hawthorne-Hayes for about five weeks. They’d even made the paper a couple of times. Lorraine was not Carter’s typical woman. Yes, she was beautiful, but she dressed in classic fashions unlike the flashier women he usually dated. Lorraine was the daughter of Arnold and Abigail Hawthorne-Hayes of Hawthorne-Hayes Jewelers. The Hawthorne-Hayes family was Chicago royalty and easily outranked the Draysons. Everyone in the family was waiting for Carter to say he’d tired of Lorraine and moved on to the next woman.
Shari hoped not. She’d warned Carter about breaking Lorraine’s heart.
“Actually quite the opposite,” Carter responded, smiling from ear to ear. “Lorraine and I are engaged.”
“Get out!” Devon jumped up out of his chair and faced his son. “You! Engaged?”
“That’s right, Dad.” Carter laughed. “I’m not going to be a perennial bachelor like you.”
“Congratulations, Carter.” Shari leaned over and gave him a playful punch while Malik and Drake reached across the table and shook his hand affectionately.
“That’s wonderful news,” Grandma Lillian replied. “Two grandchildren engaged this year!” She glanced at Belinda and Carter, and then at Shari. “I hope everyone will follow your example.”
Shari lowered her head. She knew that comment was directed at her. Her family had been disappointed when she’d had Andre out of wedlock. She’d tarnished the Drayson family name, but Shari didn’t care. She would do it again a thousand times over. She loved Andre and wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world.
“Don’t worry, kid,” Carter whispered in Shari’s ear. “She’s only using you as a whipping boy because I’m finally out of the doghouse. Keep your head up.”
“Oh, I don’t regret having my son for a second,” Shari replied. It was the one decision she’d been clear on from the moment she’d discovered she was pregnant.
Carter motioned with his hands for everyone to quiet down. “I’m not finished yet. I have other news.”
“As if your engagement isn’t news enough,” his best friend, Malik, replied laughing.
Carter rolled his eyes. “You all know that I was approached by a New York restaurateur who offered me the job of executive baker for his operation, but have decided to stay.”
“No, I didn’t know. Who’s this restaurateur who tried to steal you away from us?” Shari asked. Despite his playboy ways, Shari knew that Andre was attached to his “uncle” Carter and she was glad he wasn’t leaving Chicago.
Carter turned to Shari. “Does the name Grant Robinson ring a bell?”
All color rushed out of Shari’s face at hearing Grant’s name again after all this time, and her eyes widened in alarm. “Uh, I think I remember him,” she finally managed to eke out. “Did he say anything about me?”
“He didn’t say much,” Carter replied. “He only mentioned that you two went to college together and that he couldn’t wait to catch up on old times.”
Like that was even possible, Shari thought. Clearly what she and Grant had shared together had meant nothing to him. How could he think of her so casually as if they’d never slept together?
Carter continued, interrupting her thoughts. “Grant indicated that even if I chose to turn the job down, there might be an opportunity with Lillian’s to supply the desserts to his restaurant chain. He’s on his way here now.”
Grant was coming to Lillian’s? Shari was frozen speechless. She hadn’t seen the man since she’d graduated from Ledgeman University, and he’d broken her heart by marrying her former best friend and college roommate, Dina English.
“Sounds promising,” her father said. “I’d like to meet him.”
Her father, Dwight, had taken over the business aspects of the Drayson Corporation while her uncle Devon focused on the real-estate end of the family business. The Drayson family had leveraged their income from the family business and invested wisely in Chicago real estate. Their real-estate interests had made them multimillionaires.
“Absolutely,” Carter said and then glanced at Shari.
Shari felt like she was going to be physically ill. “If you’ll excuse me...” She rushed out of the conference room, ran to the unisex restroom and locked the door firmly behind her. Shari tried to take deep, calming breaths to steady her nerves, but she was having a hard time catching her breath. Her breathing was shallow and uneasy at the thought of meeting her son’s father face-to-face after five years.
Everyone in the family thought Thomas Abernathy, the guy Shari had dated casually in college, was Andre’s father and despised him for leaving her high and dry. They couldn’t be more wrong. Thomas had been a good friend who’d accompanied her to social events, but they’d never been together sexually. Shari had always suspected he was gay, but it wasn’t until she’d come clean about sleeping with Grant that he’d dropped the bomb and admitted that he was indeed gay. But the poor thing refused to come out of the closet to his family. Shari wasn’t about to force his hand, so she’d allowed the Drayson family to believe he was Andre’s father when in fact, Grant Robinson was Andre’s dad.
How was she going to face Grant after all this time? And how would she be able to keep Andre out of his sight?
Chapter 2
“We’re here, sir,” the driver of Grant Robinson’s town car said when they arrived in front of Lillian’s. Grant glanced out of the window. He’d come to Chicago under the guise of speaking with Carter Drayson about the possibility of having Lillian’s desserts sold at Robinson Restaurants, but that wasn’t his only reason for coming. He was dying to see Shari Drayson again.
What had it been? Five years since he’d seen her last? A day hadn’t gone by when he hadn’t thought of her pretty face, large brown eyes and ample curves. He’d been attracted to Shari since they’d gone to Ledgeman University and had been in the same study group, but then they’d settled into an easy friendship.
It wasn’t until that fateful night at a frat party that their relationship had taken a sudden and interesting turn. After a grueling midterm exam, their study group had gone out partying and Shari had really tied one on. His intent had been to take her home, put her to bed and go home. Instead, emboldened by the liquor, Shari had planted a kiss on him that had stirred his hidden passions. He’d acted on his lust and made love to her.
The next morning, he’d regretted taking advantage of her while she was inebriated, but she’d been so cute and sexy wearing a cutoff T-shirt and fitted jeans that his hormones had taken over. He would have preferred to have courted Shari properly, taken her out to the movies or to dinner. And he would have done so, finally revealing his true feelings for her without alcohol clouding their judgment. Instead, Shari had told him what they’d shared had been a casual hookup between friends and that he didn’t owe her anything.
Worse yet, her roommate and his ex-wife, Dina English, had caught them in bed together, which only added to the awkward situation. After that, Dina had turned up the heat and made a play for him, and without Shari giving him any sign of interest, he’d given in to Dina’s incessant flirting.
Big mistake. Grant should never have gotten involved with Dina. Truth be told, Dina was a salve for his broken heart after Shari. He’d thought the fact that they’d made love would have changed their friendship into something more serious, but it hadn’t. So when Dina had shown genuine interest in him, he’d gotten caught up in the adoration. Then, of course, there was the pressure from his father to settle down and get focused. His father had indicated he wouldn’t pass the family restaurants over to him until he was married.
His parents owned a slew of soul-food restaurants across the country, and Grant was poised to run them—if he found a wife. And so, when Dina convinced him to go to Las Vegas soon after graduation, they’d gotten hitched. Of course, his parents hadn’t been happy. They’d expected a large ceremony full of pomp and circumstance. It didn’t matter, though, because his marriage had lasted less than a year.
Why? Because Grant had regretted the decision almost instantly. Marrying Dina had been one of the poorest decisions of his life. Worse, he’d resented his father, Warren Robinson, for forcing him into a loveless marriage. As soon as he was able, he’d started his own restaurant specializing in New American cuisine. One restaurant had turned into two and so on and so on. Now he owned a chain of Robinson Restaurants across the East Coast.
Regrets. Missed opportunities. Lost time. Those were the words he thought of when he thought about Shari Drayson. But no more. He’d come here today to find out if there was a chance to recapture the passion they’d shared that one night. Now that time had passed, Grant was sure that his emotion hadn’t been one-sided, that Shari had to have felt it, too. This time he wasn’t walking away until he found out.
Grant pulled on the brass-plated door handle and walked inside. When he did, he was overcome with the aroma of freshly baked goods. His nose savored the sweet smell, and his eyes grew large as he looked around the showroom. He was impressed by the crystal chandeliers, marble floors and counters, but even more so by the delectable treats, pastries, brownies, macaroons and cakes aligned in the display counter. He’d come here to see Shari and Carter, but first he had to have a taste of one of these sweet treats.
* * *
Shari couldn’t stay in the bathroom forever. Otherwise, her family would get suspicious and come looking for her. She stared at herself in the mirror. She was in no way ready to see Grant Robinson again. Look at her! The “mom clothes” she wore every day—blue jeans and a simple white peasant shirt cinched at the waist—didn’t scream sexy by any means.
To make matters worse, she had no makeup on other than some lip gloss. Whenever she was baking in the kitchen, she preferred to keep it simple and comfortable.
When she emerged from the bathroom, her family had dispersed in different directions, and she was on her way back to the conference room for her purse, in the hopes that her foundation compact was in it, when a baritone voice said from behind her, “Shari? Is that you?”
Her heart went pitter-pat. Slowly, Shari turned on her heel and looked up to find Grant standing next to Carter and smiling down at her. She’d forgotten how tall he was. He was at least six feet, and those dimples and green eyes... Now, those she remembered...because she saw them every day looking back at her. On her son’s face.
