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“Hm, it’s a little tart.” TK says, licking his fork clean.
“That’s because it’s lemon, TK.” Carlos says, taking his final bite. He sees that TK isn’t going to budge and looks at the shop attendant, “Can you bring out the strawberry buttercream please?”
“Happy to.” She says through a tight smile. She’s doing her best to be patient but Carlos can tell her patience is starting to wear a little thin. She goes to grab the next sample and Carlos cuts his eyes over to TK.
“TK, what’s going on?” Carlos asks him, “This is the fourth place we’ve gone this week. You haven’t liked anything?”
“That’s not true; I’ve liked plenty of the ones we’ve tried.” TK says, wiping up the chocolate frosting from the saucer at the top of the stack. “I liked the turtle one, the banana cream pie one, oh and that peach one?” TK says, “What was it called, Peachy Keen?”
“That wasn’t a sample, Ty.” Carlos clarifies, “That was a cupcake you made me buy after I told you we had to release Lou back into the wild, again.”
“I don’t know how he found his way back home, I swear.” TK says, holding his hands up; feigning innocence. “Look, it’s not that any of them were bad. Like I said, I liked them, I just didn’t love them. I don’t know, it feels like something is missing.”
“TK, it’s fine if something isn’t perfect.”
“But shouldn’t it be?” TK questions. “I mean, it’s our day. It should be perfect. Well, as perfect as it can be.” TK says, the statement open-ended. Carlos wants to question him on it; but the shop attendant walks back out, carrying the newest sample.
They thank her before they both take a bit. Carlos can see the gears turning in TK’s head and looks at the attendant. “We’re gonna think on it.” He says with a smile.
After Carlos’ pays, and says another thank you to the shop attendant, he joins TK outside.
He sees that TK’s standing under the awning, looking at his phone. He walks up to TK and sees that he’s staring at a photo of him and his mom. Both TK and Gwyn look slightly younger, like it was taken when TK still lived in New York.
TK notices Carlos next to him and turns. He grabs his hand and with a smile, “Come on, let’s go get boba, my treat.”
“Don’t have to twist my arm.” Carlos says as they begin walking. He pulls out his phone and checks the date. He internally sighs when he sees what date it is. With all the preparations for the wedding, the days have started to meld together.
It seems like something is missing. Carlos thinks he knows what it might be.
— —
“Babe, wake up.” Carlos whispers, gently nudging TK. “Babe,”
“Huh?” TK growls out. He looks up and sees Carlos standing over him. He looks past Carlos, checking the time. 3:18 is staring back at him in bright red. “Is everything okay? Did Lou come back?”
“Only in my nightmares,” Carlos whispers under his breath. “No, everything’s fine, it’s just,” Carlos pauses, “Come to the kitchen. I’ve got another sample I want you to try.”
“Carlos, it’s 3:18 in the morning.” TK responds, getting out of bed anyways.
“Consider us even.” Carlos says as he pulls TK along. Carlos guides TK to the table and tells him to take a seat. “So,” Carlos begins, “I know you haven’t really loved, well, anything we’ve tried.”
TK looks like he’s about to refute that when Carlos gives him a knowing look. “So, I tried my best to think of something you might really like; maybe even love.” He says as he walks into the kitchen. He comes back out with a plate.
TK sighs before saying, “Carlos, that’s not cake, those are,” He pauses as he finally takes in what type of cookies they are. “They’re the same type of cookies I used to make with my mom. You even included,”
“I even included toffee.” Carlos finishes, smiling.
“Carlos, you hate toffee.” TK says, words coming out slightly watery.
“Yeah, but I love you.” Carlos says, as if it’s obvious. “And I know how important it is to you that your mom is there for our special day, somehow, some way.”
TK takes a bite into the cookie, and smiles up at Carlos. “They’re great.” He yanks lightly on Carlos’ shirt, asking him to lean down. He gives Carlos a kiss, one that taste of toffee. “But not as great as you.”