“Astrid, dear.” Fuck, my mother was back. “Why do you upset Amy? It’s her wedding week.”

I didn’t say a word.

“To keep the numbers even, I’ve paired you with Franklin Pierce.”

“Franklin? You’re kidding,” I said, thinking of the guy I’d gone to school with. He’d always been a handsy sort and never shown any interest in me other than I’d had bigger boobs than other girls in my class. The fact that our mothers were friends was the only reason we got thrown together. He worked with his father in a dental practice and the only thing exciting about him was that he shared a name with a former US president.

“Since Edward will be there and you’re not together… then I had to find someone to be your date.”

“For a bachelorette party?”

“It’s coed. A joint thing.”

I frowned, not sure what that meant. “I have a date, Mother. I’m bringing someone.” The words came out unexpectedly. I’d hoped to arrive for the rehearsal dinner solo, stating that since Thatcher ran a bar that he couldn’t get away on a Saturday night. He’d show up for the wedding on Sunday and be glued to my side for the service and reception. But now… shit.

There was no backing out now. I had to take Thatcher. It wasn’t like I could find another guy in less than a week.

“Really?”

That one word was loaded with questions.

“Yes.”

“Well, then. I… well, good.”

Good. I’d get Franklin off my back, but now I had to get Thatcher to go with me not just to a Sunday wedding, but an entire weekend. Of family hell.

“Friday, Mother,” I finally replied, trying for calm. It was one weekend then I could go back to being ignored. How Amy had landed a fairly decent guy like Michael, I had no idea. Or why he put up with her.

She clicked off before saying goodbye.

“Don’t tell me.” Mary said, holding up her hand. I’d forgotten she’d heard the whole fun conversation. She was my first and only hire, and also my closest friend. Two years ago, she’d divorced. As a newly single mom of two, she needed income and flexibility and I’d needed help. My business had taken off and while that was a great problem, I’d been working too much. Even with Mary, I still was. “She wants her fancy cake a day early.”

I nodded, taking a deep breath and eyeing the wall calendar.

She crossed her arms over her chest, covering the shop logo on her t-shirt. “Now you’re going to a bachelorette party?”

“Looks like it,” I said with a frown.

“And the cake has to be done for Friday.”

“Yup.”

She didn’t say anything else, just shook her head slowly.