Trainwrecked Ch. 03

Well that could have gone better. Shay thought as she swept up the remaining bits of a cake she dropped. She put the cake in the trash and turned to look at the clock. It was almost five and she still had four orders to make. It was a busy weekend and Shay might have bit off more than she could chew. She pulled out her phone and went to her and Kellen's messages.

S: Heyyy...are you busy tonight?

K: Nah. Henry and I were just gonna watch a movie tonight. Why what's up?

S: I bit off more than i could chew and i was gonna see if you wanted to have a pizza party and help me finish up

K: Henry said "only if there's Hawaiian pizza".

S: Duh!!! What kind of monster do you take me for?

K: The best kind of course. LOL We will be there soon.

S: Sounds good. Love youuuuuuuu

K: Mwah!

Shay smiled and called in a delivery to Dante's, and finished getting everything they would need set up.

The boys showed up about half an hour later and they helped Shay push a couple tables together so they could fit everything, and then they sat down to eat. It was an eventful dinner. Lots of jokes and at some point Kellen ended up with a piece of pepperoni on his cheek.

"Well it's not the ideal spot I like meat to go. But it works."

Henry choked on his drink and looked over at Kellen. "Something you wanna share with the class?"

Kellen smiled at him and whispered "Yeah. Im gay!"

Henry feigned shock."What!? No way! Me too!"

The two boys fell into a fit of giggles and Shay rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile.

Once everyone finished eating they went into the kitchen and started finishing up the orders. While Kellen and Henry worked on a couple of birthday cakes, Shay got to work on the order for the bachelorette party. She pulled the work order off the notice board and re-read it to be sure she remembered everything. She let a small smile through as she read Lilly's name. She pulled the cupcakes she prepared earlier out of the fridge and got to work on getting the icing put on. As she worked she glanced up at the two boys working side by side on a dinosaur cake. Kellen was showing Henry how to trace a dinosaur outline. Shay worked on the cupcakes for the majority of the time, being very careful to get every detail looking great. Once finished, she stepped back and admired her work. She added a few decorative candies to reduce the plain look of them. She was very excited to see Lilly's reaction to them. She was honestly a little excited just to see Lilly tomorrow in general. She helped the boys finish their cakes and they got everything cleaned up.

As they were walking out the door Henry asked if Shay would like to come over and watch a movie.

"Sure. What are we watching?" Shay asked

"Outlaw King. It's about Robert De Bruce and his bid for the Scottish crown."

"Oh hell yes. I've seen it but I do not mind watching it again." Shay exclaimed.

"See? Nerd alert." Kellen told Henry.

"Not everyone could be a single brain celled football player in high school Kellen." Shay said

They all laughed and headed to their cars. As they walked Shay peaked at Kellen behind Henry's head and mouth 'Keep him'. Kellen rolled his eyes but nonetheless, she saw the smile he gave Henry as Henry went on a rant about the Highland games. Shit, he just might keep him after all. Shay thought as she climbed into her car.

* * * * *

Shay continuously checked the door anxiously waiting for Lilly to come. It was almost four o'clock.

I really shouldn't be this nervous. She's just another customer. Shay thought. She was just starting to deep clean the ovens when the door opened. Lilly walked up to the counter. Shay came walking from the back room.

"Yes, how can i he-" Shay stopped and

her jaw dropped at the sight of Lilly. She didn't think it was possible for Lilly to look more beautiful than she did before. That was clearly a wrong assumption with her standing there in a royal blue dress. Her hair flowed freely down her back. Her newly manicured light blue nails lay softly on the counter top.

"Hey there, I was hoping for a reaction

like that. Are the cupcakes ready?"

Shay swallowed before she dared to open her mouth and risked drooling. "Uh huh. Yes they're

ready. I'll be right back." Shay walked to the back. She could feel Lilly's eyes on her as she disappeared through the door. She grabbed the cupcakes and the ticket and walked back up front. "That will be $32.26" Shay says as she rang up the order.

"Mmm, that's all? Here, keep the rest."

Lilly handed Shay two $20 bills. "Well I need to get these delivered, but I do hope to see you soon."

Shay watched Lilly walk out the door.

Everything in her told her to run out and ask for her number and pray she was single. But she couldn't get her legs to work. So instead she watched her climb in her car and drive away. As Lilly backed out of the parking spot she gave Shay a wave and drove off. Shay gave her a smile and a wave back before putting her head in her hands. What the hell is wrong with me? Shay spent the next hour cleaning the ovens in between customers.

A few minutes before close, Katie

rushed in. "I'm sorry I'm late work was STUPID busy. Does the offer still stand for my birthday?"

Shay laughed. "Absolutely. Pick what

you like."

Katie walked over to the display case

and picked out a red velvet cupcake.

"Do you wanna eat it here or take it

home with you?" Shay asked as she grabbed it out of the case.

"I'll take it home and save it for

dessert." Katie said as she grabbed a pint of milk out of the fridge next to the counter. "What are your plans tonight?"

"Um. Nothing that I'm aware of. Why

what's up?"

"I am gonna go out tonight again and I

was wondering if you wanted to go."

"I'm down. Just let me know when."

Katie smiled. "Sounds good. I'm gonna

head home and get out of these clothes.

"Mmm, now that's a nice image." Shay responded.

"You can see it later." Katie winked as she grabbed her box and turned around and walked towards the door. "Later lover!" Katie yelled as she walked out the door.

Shay shook her head and rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but smile as she watched Katie's butt wiggle as she walked to her car. Shay's phone beeped letting her know she had a text message. She reached into her back pocket and grabbed her phone and unlocked it to read the text.

Kellen: Aye Gurl!!!! What you doing tonight? Henry invited us to a party

Shay: Define party.

K: Lol it'll be at Guitars. It's for his sister.

S: I would love to but I already made plans with the girl from the bar last night.

K: Henry said bring her.

S: Lol let me see what she wants to do.

K: Bet let me know.

Shay pulled up Katie's messages and sent her a text.

Shay: Hey what plans did you have in mind for tonight?

Katie: Nothing in particular. Why?

S: The boys I was with last night invited us to a party for one of their sisters. Would you like to go?

K: OOOOOOO!!! I am totally down for a party!!

S: Lol okay I will tell them.

Shay sent Kellen a quick text telling them they will be there and to send over the details. Then she finished closing up her store. Kellen texted her to meet at 8. She locked the doors and headed home to get ready.. On the drive home she contemplated on what to wear tonight. It might help to ask Kellen what the dress code is. She thought. While sitting at a red light she texted him and asked.

Comfy and sexy. He responded.

She thought about wearing a nice short sleeved button down with jeans and boots. But she also had a new dress she bought for a christmas party that never got a chance to be worn. She loved the way the emerald color brought out her green eyes.

When she got home she walked up to the steps and saw both of her dogs waiting excitedly at the window. As she unlocks the door she could hear them whining impatiently for her to get into the house. She barely got into the house before the two dogs jumped on them.

"Hi babies! How are you??!! She loved on them for a few more minutes before letting them outside and showering and getting ready. She chose the emerald dress after all. She pulled it out of her closet and smiled as the light hit the sequins on it. She slid it on and tied the back laces together and smoothed the dress out. It was a short dress that barely reached her knees, with a spaghetti strap lace-up back and square neckline. She matched them with a pair of green velvet gladiator strapped criss cross heels. She put on a little bit of makeup to bring the outfit together. Perfect. She thought as she gave herself a look in the mirror. She checked her phone to see what time it was. It was a little after 6. She saw she had a message from Katie so she opened it.

Katie: Hey do you wanna ride together or just meet there?

Shay: We can ride together. Wanna swing by my place and we can take my car?

K: Sure!

Shay texted her the address and sat on the couch and started an episode of her show while she waited. It wasn't long before her door bell went off and she opened the door to find Katie standing there. She wore a light gray t-shirt with a big sunflower in the middle, and a white blazer over it with faded blue jeans and a pair of tan strapped block heels.

"Damn girl. You're just trying to give me a heart attack aren't you?"

"Haha you look pretty delicious yourself." Katie licked her lips as she gave Shay an up and down look.

Shay shook her head and laughed. "Come on in."

Katie walked in and looked around. She admired some of the pictures Shay had on the wall. One in particular made her laugh. It was Shay and Kellen dressed up for a dance. "Is this you and the guy from the bar last night?"

Shay walked over and chuckled. "Yeah, that was senior prom. Neither of us had dates so we went together."

"How cute. However I must say. This dress is by far my favorite."

Shay rolled her eyes and walked into the kitchen. "Would you like a drink?"

"Sure. What do you have?"

"Juice, soda, I can make you a drink if you'd like."

"Soda would be great. Thank you."

Shay brought out two cokes and opened them. She handed Katie hers and took a sip of her own.

"So what time do you wanna head out?" Katie asked.

"Kellen said to meet at 8. I figured we could go grab a bite to eat before heading over there. You hungry? I'm buying."

"I could never say no to free food."

Shay laughed. "Well alright then. Let me just let the dogs in and we can go." She went to the back door and opened it. "Chance! Hope! Come on!! Let's go inside!!"

The dogs raced to the door and barreled through it to Katie.

"Omg HI!!!!!!" Katie looked up at Shay. "I'm gonna need a minute."

"HA! Have at it." Shay watched them play together for about 5 minutes before everyone settled down and the dogs went to get a drink and eat their dinner. "Did you have fun?" She asked.

"Oh yeah. I'm ready now." They walked out of the house to Shay's car and hopped in. They talked about their days as they stopped at a drive in and grabbed a bite to eat. Once they arrived at Sevens they went in to find Henry and Kellen. Shay spotted the boys first and her and Kate walked to the table.

Henry got up to greet them and introduced everyone. "Hey! I'm so glad you made it!"

"Hey honey how are you?"

"I'm good." Henry then pointed at the girl that was sitting to his right and went around the table. "This is my cousin Natalie, she's getting married in a month, that's why we are here. Then this is Chloe, Sarah, Abby, Annie, and Monica. Ladies, this is Shay and Katie. There is another one but i'm not sure where she went"

"Oh she went to the bathroom, she'll be right back." Natalie said. "Oh nevermind here she comes!"

"Congratulations on the engagement." Shy said as she shook Natalie's hand."

Natalie gave her a warm smile. "Thank you"

As Henry looked behind Shay for the missing woman, Shay scanned the table that was full of different desserts and drinks and she spotted a familiar box of cupcakes. She didn't need to turn around to know who the missing woman was in this group. Shay turned around to see Lilly walking towards them and she felt her mouth fall open at the sight of her. She was wearing exactly what she had on earlier at the shop. Yet, as the lights danced off of her body, Shay found it increasingly difficult to breathe. Lilly's smile faltered only slightly when she spotted Shay, but it lasted only a brief second before widening twice as big. She walked over and shook Katie's hand and turned to Shay.

"And this is Lilly. She is the maid of honor and has the sole job of getting my cousin down the aisle." Henry said, giving her a wink. "Lilly, this is Kellen's best friend Shay and her friend Katie."

"I've met this one, she's who made the cupcakes for tonight.. I didn't know you two knew each other. It's very nice to see you again."Lily said, smiling.

"L-Likewise." Shay stuttered. She noticed the side of Lilly's lips tilt up and was thankful for Natalie's interruption.

"You made these cupcakes?!" she exclaimed. "They are beautiful and taste amazing!"

Shay smiled proudly. "Thank you, I'm very glad you liked them. Shay then turned to Katie. "Want a drink?"

"Absolutely!" Katie said and turned to follow Shay to the bar. They walked up and Shay waved for Jason to come over. Hey babes can i get a Bourbon, neat? And whatever she's wanting. Shay smacked Katies hand as Katie went to pull out her card from her wallet. "Acht acht. What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm not gonna make you pay for me."

"You're not paying on your birthday. Put it up." Shay said as she handed Jason her card. "Go ahead and open it up. I'll be back before the night ends."

Katie smiled and slid her wallet back into her purse and gave Shay a dramatic solute. "Yes ma'am."

Shay laughed and rolled her eyes. "weirdo."

Katie looked at Jason. "A Hurricane please."

"You got it." Jason responded and turned around.

As they waited for their drinks Katie clapped her hands together. "So, tell me about Lilly." she said with a knowing smile.

The question caught Shay off guard. "Uh, just a customer, she came in last week to order the cupcakes."

"Is that all?" Katie asked. "She hasn't stopped staring at you since we left the table."

Shay looked over at the table to see that Katie was right. Lilly's eyes met hers before she turned back to her friends.

"She's definitely cute." Katie teased and gave Shay a nudge.

Shay laughed. "Maybe you should go talk to her then."

Jason sat their drinks on the table and went to help a customer.

"Ya know what? I just might." Katie winked and got up with her drink and walked over to the table.

Shay watched Katie walk over to Lilly and lean in to talk to her. Lilly looked over at Shay and smiled. Uh-oh. Shay thought. What is Katie doing? Katie looked back at Shay and gave another wink before kissing Lilly's cheek and grabbing Kellen's hand and pulling him to the dance floor. Shay laughed at Kellen's shocked and Henry's amused looks.

The girls at the table laughed and clapped and got up to follow them to the floor but Lilly started walking towards the bar. Shay finished off her first drink and motioned to Jason for another.

Lilly reached the bar and put her hands on her hips. "Do you always sit alone at bars? Or are you avoiding someone?"

"Haven't you heard? This is the best seat in the house." Shay responded as Jason sat another drink in front of her.

"Is that so?"

"Mmhmm. So why aren't you out there dancing with everyone else?"

"Well dancing isn't really my thing."

"Huh. What a shame. And here I was about to ask you to dance after I finished this drink." Shay said as Jason sat her drink next to her.

"Finish that drink and I'll think about it." She looked over at Jason. "Hey honey, can I get a coke and Amaretto?"

"Sure thing doll."

"Coke and Amaretto? What's that?" Shay asked

"Do you like cherry coke?"

"Yes."

"Then you'll love it."

"Well. While we wait, tell me about you. You clearly know what I do for a living. What about you?"

"I'm a set designer for a theater."'

"That sounds like a very interesting job."

"Oh it is, I get to take blueprints and ideas and bring them to reality."Jason sat Lilly's drink beside her, and Lilly slid it towards Shay. "Go ahead, try it."

Shay picked up the glass and took a sip. "Mm. That's dangerous. Take it away from me."

Lilly laughed. "I love them."

"I see why." say took a drink from her own glass next. "So what got you into that line of work?"

"Well I've always loved art. My specialty is sculpting but I love to paint as well. In high school I helped the theater class because my art teacher said they could use some help painting and setting up and I'd get extra credit. And I just fell in love with it. That whole production made me feel like a child at an amusement park. And watching my art come to life during the performance was inspiring. So the next two years of high school that's what I did. And I was able to get a scholarship at the Rhode Island school of design."

"That is amazing. What brought you to Abilene Texas?"

"Natalie had just got accepted to Texas Tech for her nursing degree and Brent and her decided to move here. I had just got through a breakup and was a little lost after it so they told me to pack up and come with them and get a fresh start. I stayed with them for about a year before I picked up my job and was able to get my own place. It was an adjustment for sure, but it was an adjustment that I'm glad I made. I'm not sure where I would be if I hadn't come with them."

"Well I think it is pretty great that you had that. That was me and Kellen last year. We both went through a rough breakup within a month apart. He left his then boyfriend and moved in with me for 6 months. It was nice having him there and he definitely needed someone as well. He got me out of the house so I wasn't constantly home being boring. He also made sure I didn't lose myself in my job."

"Well I can definitely tell you take your job very seriously."

"I can't tell if that's a good thing or a bad thing." Shay laughed.

"Oh definitely good. Im for one very grateful and I know Nat is too. Speaking of your work. What time do you get off tomorrow?"

"Seven, maybe earlier depending on the orders. I close at five but I use the extra two hours to work on call in orders. Why what's up?"

"Come have dinner with me." Lilly said. "I want to pick your brain in a quieter setting."

Shay's eyes widened at the request. "What did you have in mind?"

"What do you like?"

"I'm not very picky. Do you want to eat out somewhere or I can make dinner?"

"I'm the one asking you out. I'm not gonna make you cook" Lilly laughed.

"I really don't mind. I love to cook. And I have like ten recipes I've been dying to try."

"Haha, okay then. It's a date. What time should I be there?"

"Seven sound good?"

"Don't you get off at seven?"

"I'm definitely leaving at five. I have no orders that are due for the next few days so I can stay late on Thursday to finish them. But I have one condition."

"What's that?"

Shay downed the rest of her drink and stood up. "My drink is finished, how about that dance?" Shay held out her hand and smiled as Lilly finished her drink and grabbed it. They spent the next several hours dancing and laughing with their friends before heading home for the night.