AN: A story based on a dream I had the other night. Not exactly sure where I'm going with this but I hope you enjoy.
"What's the name of this place?" Logan sighed dramatically.
"Love Cake, I think," James replied looking at the map on his phone. "Google Maps said it was just down here to the left."
"Yeah but I don't get why we had to park in the garage at the end of the block."
"There's no street parking and I didn't want to run the risk of having to double back and hitting traffic or something. Clearly we're in a bit of a hurry," James snapped. The two of them had been assigned weeks ago to order cakes for Kendall's birthday and, per Kathy's request, were on their way to a new organic bakery she had completely fallen in love with.
"You're the one who couldn't go yesterday," Logan mumbled.
"But I wanted to go last week!" James nearly shouted. "But someone was continuously hung over." All Logan did was laugh. "If we can't get a cake ordered by Saturday, I'm blaming it all on you."
"I still don't understand why he only eats organic shit. I bet if we just bought him a cake from the grocery store, he wouldn't even be able to tell a difference."
"It's the principle of it, Logan. And it is his birthday. The least we could do is accommodate to his weird eating habits. Plus he's been in a funk lately; it's our jobs as his best friends and bandmates to get him out of it."
"I told him not to date her," Logan shrugged. "The dip-shit took my advice and threw it right out the window and I was actually spot on about her personality."
"Now's not the time for 'I told you so'," James commented. "Look, here it is." The two stepped into a small bakery to be greeted with a warm fragrance of cakes and brownies.
"Well organic sure smells delicious," Logan whispered. Across the shop floor were different tables, set up with different displays indicating the types of cakes 'Love Cake' specialized in baking. From extravagant wedding cakes to simple children's birthdays, this placed seemed to do it all. "Damn, this shit is cool," Logan pointed to a three-tier cake covered with cornelli lace and gum paste flowers."
"Don't touch it," James retorted. "I'm not paying for three cakes because your drunken ass knocked something over. Now, let's try to find the owner." The two continued walking through the shop, admiring the different cakes until they came up to the counter. While Logan marveled over the cooler filled with different pieces of cakes, James looked over the ever so specific demands from Kathy, just to make sure he'd be familiar with what she wanted for Kendall.
"I wonder what the lady looks like," Logan said looking over James' shoulder. "I bet she's real old and from France or something. And she has to be fat."
"And why does she have to be fat?" James asked annoyed.
"All chefs are fat. You can never trust a skinny chef."
"Why can't you trust a skinny chef?" another voice joined them and both boys whipped their heads up to see a young, skinny woman standing before them. "Sorry for the wait," she smiled, "what can I get for you?"
"Sorry," James apologized on Logan's behalf. "I was actually wondering if I could speak to the owner?"
"I'm not good enough for you?" she responded quickly and sharply. Her face was hard, not showing any emotion and as James stumbled over his words, she smiled. "It's because I'm skinny, right?" she directed her comment towards Logan. "I'm just kidding, let me go get her." Both boys laughed to themselves, relieved the girl was only joking. A few moments later, the same girl appeared from behind the wall, but instead of a frosting covered apron, she was wearing skinny jeans and a printed blazer. "Hi, I'm Ava, owner of Love Cake."
"You're the owner?" Logan questioned in disbelief.
"You don't believe me?" she asked him, pulling two pieces of white cake with white buttercream from the cooler. Logan shook his head and raised his eyebrows. He didn't think this girl could be over the age of 20; there was no way she owned her own shop. "It's because I'm skinny, huh?" she smiled at him again. "That's a terrible misconception about chefs," she commented, leading them to the consulting table to the left. "Some of the best chefs I know are in the best shapes of their lives; you don't have to be overweight to be successful in this business."
"Touche," Logan flashed a million dollar grin her way. There was something about the way she was able to refute everything he said, responding to him quickly, that was making her appeal to him. Not to mention she had a cute face.
"Now, from what I saw on that paper there," she tapped the papers James had placed down on the table, "you two are looking for a large cake."
"Yes," James smiled. "Hi, I'm James Maslow and this idiot here is Logan Henderson. We came recommended from Kathy Schmidt, she said if we wanted organic cakes, this was the place to go."
"Ah, Mrs. Schmidt," Ava smiled, "that lady is a sweetheart."
"She's our best friends' mom," Logan said. "She did say your cakes were phenomenal but she failed to mention how beautiful you are." Ava laughed. "Something funny?"
"You're cocky," she commented. "You remind me so much of my brother. Cute." It was James' turn to laugh. Not every day did he see his over confident best friend be shot down by a pretty girl, right in front of him nonetheless. "You need a cake?" she turned her attention back to James, knowing he was the responsible one at the table.
"Yes, two actually, and we need them for this weekend." He winced a little, worried if Ava would able to assist them in such short notice.
"Yeah, I've got these 8" cooler cakes here and…" James interrupted her.
"Actually we need a sheet cake and," he looked over Kathy's handwriting, "a torted cake?" he questioned.
"For this weekend?" Ava repeated. "Like in two days?"
"Can ya do it?" Logan sat back in his chair, challenging her. "Cause we could always go down to Whole Foods and get a cake there, I'm sure they could do it," he smirked at her.
"Can it, Logan," James snapped. "Yeah, I know it's short notice but we've been really busy lately with the show and what not that we haven't had time to get down here and order it."
Ava groaned before placing her head in her hands. "Lemme see the paper." James quickly handed her the sheet containing all the details and Ava scanned them quickly. "Lemon with raspberry, red velvet," she whispered to herself. James looked at Logan and gave him a nervous glance. There was no way they'd ever be on Kathy's good side again if they couldn't get these cakes. "Wow," she sighed.
"We understand if it's too late," James said quietly, nudging Logan to stand up. "We've taken up enough of your time."
"No," Ava said standing up too, "I just finished baking and accidentally made a large batch of lemon. I've got your sheet cake and my baking assistant can whip up those red velvets this afternoon. I can't believe I'm saying it but yeah, we've got the cakes for Saturday." She smiled, "Who woulda thought?"
"You're amazing for doing this, thank you," James extended his hand and shook hers. "Here are all the specifications. I trust you completely to do whatever you think would look best."
"Alright," Ava looked over the paper again, this time a bit more slowly. "I'll go ahead and write you a ticket."
"And we can pay for it now," James said. "I don't think we'll have time to make it back here before Saturday and then we'll be in a big hurry."
"Well, it's going to be a bit pricey with all the artwork and because they're speciality cakes," she warned. "Oh and I completely forgot, I pulled out these samples for you to try," she handed them the slices of cakes.
"We've got the money to pay for it," Logan said. "I'm sure I could buy everything you've got." He smiled again as he took the cake and winked at her. "We're in a band, as if you didn't know."
"Logan," James warned.
"No," Ava smiled. "I had no idea."
"And a TV show on Nickelodeon," Logan said, his confidence falling a little. With the new found popularity Big Time Rush was getting, there weren't many people who weren't fans of them or who at least heard of them. "Big Time Rush?"
"Never heard of it," she shrugged her shoulders. "I don't really pay attention to children's music."
"It's not children's music!" Logan nearly shouted.
"Easy there, cowboy," James said grabbing his shoulders. "Why don't you take this cake and head back to the car and I'll meet you there?" Logan glared at Ava before swinging his body around and heading for the door. "We really don't cater to just children," James said pulling out his credit card, glancing up at Ava slowly.
"Oh, I know," she said handing James the ticket receipt and swiping his card. "My niece watches your show and I bought your latest album. Not to mention I'm loving the new single!" James laughed, taking back his card. "I just wanted to give Casanova a hard time."
"I'll be sure to keep that information to myself then. You should check out a show sometime. It'd be really cool."
"Mr. Maslow, are you hitting on me?" she asked him flirtatiously, but most importantly, sarcastically.
"No," he caught onto her sarcasm and held his hands up jokingly. "I've got a girlfriend." He signed the credit card receipt and picked up his piece of cake. "It was really nice meeting you and I can't thank you enough for making these cakes in such short notice."
"Thank my horrible math skills for tripling the recipe instead of doubling it," she smiled, going over his notes one more time. "Oh wait," she said, thankful she read it a third time. "Is this a mistake?" She joined James on the other side of the counted and pointed to the message for the sheet cake. "You want a Spiderman design but is the age correct? 'Happy 22nd Birthday Kendall', should it be 2nd?" James laughed and patted her on the back.
"No, our friend's just a bit immature. 22 is correct."
"Oh," she laughed with him. "Alright then."
Just as Ava was putting the finishing touches on a wedding cake, her cell phone rang. She groaned to herself. Please don't be a cake order.
"Love Cake, how can I help you?"
"Ava? This is James Maslow, I've got the two cakes going out tomorrow."
"Yes, Mr. Maslow, I literally just finished them and they're boxed and ready for pick up tomorrow morning."
"About that," he started slowly. "We're going to be in rehearsals all day and won't be able to pick it up until after close. Is there any way you could deliver the cakes for us?"
"Um, yeah I could get my driver to bring them to…"
"Can't you do it?" he interrupted her.
"I mean, yeah I guess but I didn't want to have to be working so late and…"
"I'll pay extra," James said. "Not to sound douchey, like Logan but money really isn't an issue or anything. Plus, Kathy would love to see you and I know Kendall would love to meet the person who designed his cakes."
"Why would Mrs. Schmidt be there?" she questioned.
"It's her son's birthday."
"Oh my god! It's Kendall! I've heard countless stories about him, I just didn't put two and two together that these cakes were for him. Duh, Ava."
James laughed. "So you'll come?"
"Yeah I'll drop them off, what time?"
"Invite her to stay for the party, idiot," Ava heard another voice in the background.
"Oh, right. Actually I'm inviting you to the party. So you can bring the cakes and stay." James cleared his throat. "I'm not telling her that."
"Telling me what?" Ava smiled. She heard Logan's voice in the background and figured they were all together getting ready for the tour coming up.
"Logan just wanted to say hello and apologize for how stupid he was being the last time he saw you," Ava heard shuffling and James laughing. "And absolutely nothing about how glad you'll be to see him tomorrow."
"Oh, I'm sure," Ava said grinning. "A real gentleman you got there, James. But I don't want a pity invite or anything, I really don't mind just dropping the cakes off and saying a quick hello to the birthday boy."
"Totally not a pity invite," an unidentified voice said. "Hi, Ava, I'm Carlos and I'm looking forward to eating those cakes! James gave me some of the slice he brought back and it was absolutely delicious."
"Hi, thanks. I'm looking forward to serving them." Ava was having a bit of a fangirl moment. Not that she was a huge fan of them or anything but it was exciting to know she was going to be hanging out with a cute boy band the following evening. She heard a loud click and then muffled voices.
"Alright, Mom," James said. "You're off speaker phone now and Kendall walked in so we're going to get back to rehearsals. I'll call you later with the address you can send it to and yes, it's still a surprise for him. Hey K-Dawg, my mom's mailing you a birthday present."
"Thanks Mrs. Maslow!" Ava heard Kendall shout.
"Okay," James laughed. "We'll see you later, bye."
Ava laughed and hung up the phone. Not two seconds later did a text message with an address and time pop up on her phone. James thanked her again for everything she was doing and told her they were excited for tomorrow.
"Alright well I'm going to head home," Ava said to Becky.
"What about these two cakes here?" she asked. "They weren't picked up."
"Oh, I'm delivering those," Ava answered quickly. For some reason, she was incredibly nervous about tonight.
"James Maslow," Becky read aloud. "Oh my god, James mother fucking Maslow from Big Time Rush? I thought you were joking." Becky's jaw was on the floor. Not only was she interning for the fall, but she had just graduated from high school, perfect age range for a fan girl. "You have to let me come with you."
"No, Becky," Ava said sternly. "I'm not paying you overtime so you can oodle over these boys."
"I'll do it for free! Let me go, please, please, please," Becky was crawling towards her, hands clasped out in front of her.
"Stop it," Ava said laughing, pulling Becky up. "You're embarrassing yourself. But I'll tell you what, I'll get you an autograph, alright?" Becky squealed in delight. "Now, you close up here and I'm going to head home to change and then be back up here to grab these cakes. No funny business, got it?"
Ava frantically went through every single article of clothing in her closet. What do you wear to a celebrity's birthday party anyway? She wasn't sure if it'd be at a club so she'd need to dress nice or if it was just going to be a casual get together. With people like this, you never could tell, so she just decided to send James a quick text and hope he had a minute to respond. Seconds later, she had her reply.
"No it's not formal haha. Pretty casual, I'm wearing jeans. It's just at Kendall's house so I doubt anyone will actually dress up. It's cute you're nervous ;)"
"I'm not nervous," Ava said aloud. "I'm not nervous," she typed back, "just apprehensive because I won't know anyone there." Confident in her response, she tossed her phone onto the bed and decided on a pair of high wasted shorts and a striped blazer. This way she'd look comfortable and still professional in case her work came into the discussion. After styling her hair just right, Ava looked over herself in the mirror and grabbed her phone heading out. Surprisingly, she had two messages from James.
"You'll know me, Carlos, Logan and with the way Kathy talks about people, I'm sure her family will know of you at least. That's basically half the guest list right there. I think you're fine."
"Not sure if I told you or not but this party is a surprise. We're getting there with Kendall at 8 so make sure you're there before 7:30."
Ava checked her watched and realized it was a quarter til seven. "Just need to pick up the cakes and type the address in to Google maps," she said aloud, adding the house number to her pins. When she pulled up to Love Cake, she saw Becky's car still parked out back. "You're fucking kidding me."
"Why are you still here?" she demanded as Becky quickly stood up from the office chair.
"Don't worry, I clocked out hours ago and was just waiting for you to get back. You look cute. Oh my god, are you staying for the party?"
"That's none of your business but if you must know. Yes, I was invited to stay."
"Did James invite you?" Becky helped Ava carry the large sheet cake out to her car. "You're going to be in a date setting with him, he's going to make a move, oh my god, you could get married!"
"Becky! Stop it. James has a girlfriend and he's just being nice. He'd make a great friend! Now help me get this torted red velvet in here." Without much maneuvering, Becky and Ava were successful in getting both cakes into the back of Ava's Prius. "This is why I chose this car," Ava said happily. "Absolutely perfect for delivering cakes. Now, go home Becky," she hugged her intern goodbye and headed for the party.
Thankfully the drive there didn't contain too many turns and the traffic was mild. She pulled up to a nice house only to see a few cars in the extra-long driveway. "Maybe I will know everyone here," Ava said quietly. She made her way up to the door and rang the bell. Quicker than expected, the door swung open to reveal Mrs. Schmidt with a smile plastered on her face.
"Ava!" she exclaimed. "It's so nice to see you and I'm so happy the boys went to you for cakes," she engulfed her in to a tight hug and Ava smiled. It didn't matter how familiar you were with this woman, she always welcomed everyone in with welcome arms. "Do you need help with the cakes?"
"Yes ma'am," Ava replied, getting to breathe again.
"Kent!" Mrs. Schmidt shouted. "Here, come and meet everyone. I was absolutely thrilled when James told me you could make it to the party. I wanted to invite you but wasn't sure you'd feel comfortable going because you wouldn't know anyone. But, well here you are," Mrs. Schmidt hugged her again.
"I appreciate the invite, Mrs. Schmidt," Ava smiled. "You practically live at my shop, the least I could do was make your sons' cakes and show up for a party."
Please, dear. I've told you, call me Kathy. Everyone does." She smiled and turned her attention the small group of people that had gathered. "Everyone, this is Ava Ryan. She's the young woman who owns that organic cake shop, Love Cake. Ava," she turned her attention back to Ava, "this is my husband Kent," she gestured to tall man wearing a hat and thin rimmed glasses. His parents, "Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt," two elderly people waved from the couch. "Kendall's best friend, Dustin," a dark haired man with glasses gave her a quick wave before turning his attention back to his phone. "And finally my other son Kevin," a young, tan man stepped forward and offered his hand to shake. He smiled warmly and gave her a quick wink, giving her a bit of reassurance after meeting so many people. "Kevin and Kendall's other brother, Kenneth couldn't make it tonight but he'll be here in spirit," she sighed and smiled again. "You need help with the cakes, don't you?"
"And you might want to hurry," Dustin added, "Logan just texted and said they're on their way from Paramount."
"Then to the car we go," Kathy said. "Dustin, Kevin, help her bring them in." Both boys quickly stood and up followed her out to the car.
"Yeah, if you two want to grab the big sheet cake, I can handle the other one," Ava instructed.
"You're sure?" Kevin asked. "We don't mind making two trips and it would suck if you dropped it."
"Hey," she said defensively, "this is my job. You two just make sure you don't drop it."
"Alright, alright, gosh," Kevin laughed, sliding the large box out of the car. "Dustin grab that end, you got it?" Luckily, Ava was standing there to catch the side of the cake as it slipped from Dustin's hands. "Shit!" Kevin shouted.
"Oh my god," Ava said laughing a little. "Maybe the two of you should just go up to the house and I'll bring them in."
"I've got it," Dustin said, "I just didn't think it was going to be that heavy but I'm ready now."
"Please, please be careful," Ava stressed.
"Trust us," Kevin smiled beginning to move with the cake. Ava sighed as she brought in the red velvet.
"Quick, quick, inside," Kathy smiled, rushing Ava in. "They're in the neighborhood. Places, everyone!" Kathy shouted.
"You can stand over here," Dustin, motioned for Ava to come hide with him behind the couch. "So have you met Kendall?"
"No," Ava laughed. "I've heard stories about him from Kathy though, but no, never met him."
"Oh, well he's a pretty cool guy," Dustin commented. "I'm sure you would get along." Ava studied his face. She couldn't tell if Dustin was coming on to her or if he was pushing Kendall on to her.
"Yeah, I'm sure I would."
"Quiet!" Kathy whispered. Ava could hear keys jingling and immediately noticed James' voice. The door swung open and in walked the foursome. Kendall flipped on the lights and that was their cue to shout surprise. His eyes widened at first but when he noticed all the familiar faces around, he smiled and began laughing.
"Thanks guys," he said. Despite his genuine happiness on the outside, Ava noticed a tone in his voice that didn't match. His outer expressions gave indication that he was happy to see everyone but his voice seemed filled with sadness. As everyone rushed forward to give the birthday boy his hugs, Ava stood awkwardly in the back, not sure if she should welcome him with open arms considering they had never met.
"There you are," Ava looked up to see Logan standing there with his arms outstretched. "James told me you were just kidding about our music being for kids and that you were a huge fan of me. It's cool, I get it." Ava slowly made her way to him.
"I'm pretty sure half of what you said was false but I'll let it slide," she laughed. "How are you?"
"I'm good," he said grinning. "Glad you could make it. Here let me introduce you to Carlos. Hey, man," Carlos appeared quickly and hugged Ava quickly.
"Nice to meet you," he smiled. "And I'm even more excited for your cake." Ava smiled and looked past Carlos just in time to see Kendall walking from the group, down a hallway.
"Hey," Ava was shaken out of her thoughts by James wrapping his arm around her. "I was going to introduce you to him but, uh," James didn't know how to tell her.
"He's still a little upset, James," Kathy interrupted. "But he'll meet her later. You guys hungry for dinner?"
"Starving."
"Yes."
"Let's eat." Everyone said together. Kathy led everyone outside to a buffet style dinner with tables and chairs scattered around the backyard.
"Oh, I forgot to mention to James for you to bring a swimsuit," Kathy frowned at Ava.
"She could always go without, Mama Kath," Logan winked.
"You watch your mouth!" Kathy commented. "Don't mind him, dear. He's quite the flirt but basically harmless." Ava smiled and shook her head. "Can I get you anything?"
"Bathroom," Ava smiled.
"Yes, it's inside and down the hall, first door on your right." Ava quietly made her way inside and once she was free from everyone, sighed. Clearly there was something going on with this boy she had never met and no one felt the need to clue her in. But then again why would they? She's just a random girl who was invited to this party simply out of pity. There's no reason anyone would tell her anything personal. Just as Ava was about to reach the bathroom, she looked to her left to see a balcony opening up to the Schmidt's backyard, a beautiful view of the stars included.
"Wow," Ava gasped slightly. She made her way into the room before she was startled by a voice.
"Hey," she whipped around to see Kendall sitting in a chair, a confused look on his face.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Ava said quickly, majorly embarrassed. "I was going to the bathroom and I saw the door open and the view and it was just so pretty and I walked in without thinking, I'm sorry," she mumbled and brought her eyes down to her shoes.
"It's okay," Kendall said laughing a little. Again Ava could tell he was generally amused, but there was still something holding back from laughing whole heartedly. "So are you here with Dustin or?"
"No, sorry, I'm Ava Ryan. I own Love Cake and I made your birthday cakes, Kendall," she smiled, addressing him for the first time. "When James and Logan came to order your cakes, they invited me and I came but if you want me to leave, that's fine and I'll just go," Ava started making her way out of the room but Kendall stood, stopping her.
"You don't have to go," he walked past her and shut the doors to the balcony. "Mom hates it when I leave these open," he turned on a lamp and the room was quickly illuminated with light, causing both of them to squint. "Nice to meet you," Kendall extended his hand. Ava stepped forward and grasped his hand firmly. My, were his hands soft, and so large, they completely engulfed hers. He smiled at her and she could see the sadness in his eyes.
"Are you okay?" she said bluntly, cursing herself for being so forward to someone she just met. "You seem a little tired or something."
"Sad," Kendall said simply, shrugging his shoulders, still clutching her hand. "But uh," he cleared his throat and took his hand away from hers, "it's my birthday," he put on an obvious fake smile. "So why don't you show me those cakes you made for me?" Kendall led the way out of the room and into the kitchen where the cakes were waiting.
"Well here we have," Ava lifted the lid to reveal a large Spiderman sheet cake, "lemon with raspberry filling."
"Weird combination, I know," Kendall laughed. "But this is awesome," he admired her artistic ability. "You did this?"
"I did," she nodded her head and smiled back at him. "And it's not weird," he looked back up at her, "I happen to love lemon with raspberry."
"Good to know," Kendall grinned and Ava noticed a light in his eyes that hadn't been there a few minutes ago. "And what's this one?"
"Oh, it's just red velvet. Happy 22nd Birthday Kendall," she both read and recited to him.
"Thanks," he smiled at her.
"Oh good, you've met," Kathy interrupted them. "Do you like your cakes, Kendall? This is the young woman I was telling you about. She started an organic cake shop just down the road from us, how convenient."
"Yeah, she told me," Kendall turned to his mother. "The cakes look amazing," he hugged her and turned back to Ava. "You wanna eat?"
"Yeah," Ava smiled. Kendall waved her over and they walked out together.
"I'd like to introduce, Ava Ryan," Kendall announced. "The maker of the best cakes ever."
"We've met her, Kendall," Logan said rolling his eyes. "Hurry up and eat so we can enjoy those cakes."
"You two can sit down here," Kathy ushered Ava and Kendall towards the end of a long table where Logan and Kevin were sitting. "I'll bring you a plate while you all just talk, alright?"
"No, I can get my own," Ava began standing.
"Sit!" Kathy ordered. "What would you like to drink?"
Ava smiled, "Water please." She sat back down as Kendall leaned over.
"She's real persuasive," he smiled. "I've learned it's always easier to just go along with whatever she says."
"Good to know, thanks," Ava smiled.
"So, Ava," Kevin asked, "how long have you had Love Cake?"
"About two years," she answered him. "I graduated from culinary school when I was nineteen and then moved out here and started a shop. I know how you LA people are so into the whole organic thing, so I knew it would be good place to get started, get my foot in the door, you know?"
"So you're 21?" Kevin asked.
"I am," she smiled, looking over at Kendall who was already smiling at her. Despite the interrogation she was getting, everyone seemed genuine about their questions.
"You got a boyfriend?" Logan asked. Ava saw Kendall cut his eyes to Logan and then back to her.
"Um," she started.
"You don't have to answer that," Kendall said awkwardly. "Logan doesn't really have a filter when it comes to prying into people's personal lives, so you can just ignore anything he says."
"Sorry," Logan held his hands up in defeat.
"No, it's okay," Ava smiled.
"Good, so do you?" Logan asked again, smiling, purposefully taking her answer the wrong way.
"No," Ava looked at Kendall when she spoke, even though Logan was the one asking. "I'm not dating anyone."
"Cool," Logan said grinning.
"Yeah," she turned to Logan, "I just don't have time to devote to anyone. I've got so much going on at work and there's the constant demand for cakes," she laughed. "It wouldn't really be fair to be in a relationship right now when I can't give the person enough of my time, you know?"
"We know exactly what you mean," Logan said. "Between filming for the show and getting ready for tour, there's just never anytime for romancing the ladies."
"Oh, is that what you call it?" Ava said laughing.
"I romance the ladies all day, every day," Logan said proudly.
"I'm sure you do," Ava rolled her eyes.
"So, tell me," Logan started but before he could begin, Kathy brought out their plates.
"Logan, you leave her alone or I'll make you go home," she scolded.
"Yes, Mama Kath," he replied.
"Now, after you finish eating, we'll open gifts," Kathy smiled and Ava's eyes went wide. How could she have forgotten to bring a gift? "What's wrong, dear?"
"I'm sorry," Ava said, and then looked at Kendall. "I completely spaced on bringing a gift."
"Nonsense," Kathy said waving her off. "Eat." She walked away before Ava could protest.
"You made the cakes," Kevin commented.
"There we go," Kendall agreed with Kevin. "And I guarantee that'll be the best gift I get." He smiled at her again, briefly grazing his knee against hers under the table. Ava could feel her cheeks getting red as she turned down to her food. Usually she was confident when she was around boys she thought were attractive but there was something about Kendall and the way he looked at her that made her absolutely nervous.
"So before Logan made it super awkward, you were telling us about your business? It's pretty impressive you're so young and already have a thriving cake shop."
"Well thank you," Ava said, "but I've kind of always known I've wanted to bake for other people, getting to see the happiness in their eyes when you create their creation and most importantly, make it edible," she laughed. "I like being able to make people happy with food."
"That's how I am with music," Kendall said. "It's just so awesome and moving to know that something you wrote, something you sang is changing people's lives."
"Yeah, wow. I never thought of it like that," Ava said. "Makes my profession seem kinda lame," she laughed. "Pretty sure a cake didn't change anyone's life."
"Made me smile," Kendall looked at her. He nudged her again under the table and she looked up at him.
"Yeah," Ava said looking down quickly. There was something about Kendall that rubbed her the wrong way and it was how comfortable he was being with her. He seemed so down and out of it when he arrived there just an hour ago and now it seemed like he was bearing his soul to her.
"It's time for presents!" James shouted. "How's it going over here?" he sat down next to Ava. "Kendall you're going to love what Logan and I got you."
"I'm sure I will," Kendall said not amused. Ava could hear the difference in the tone of his voice and knew it was her fault he had changed.
"Well let's go sour puss," Logan said standing up. "Present time!"
The group made their way back into the house and Ava stood back as they all sat around Kendall.
"Where are Grandma and Grandpa?" Kevin asked.
"Oh they headed off to bed, all the excitement tonight was a little much for them," Kathy smiled. "Ava, come sit next to me." She slowly made her way over to Kathy, feeling Kendall's eyes on her as she sat down.
"First gift," Carlos handed Kendall a large purple sack, "is from me." Kendall opened it to reveal a dozen new t-shirts and dress shirts. Kendall looked up a Carlos questioningly. "You wear plaid too much. The ladies don't like plaid, right?" Carlos and everyone looked over at Ava.
"Uh, well I happen to like plaid," Ava smiled. "But those are nice."
"You were supposed to say you didn't like it!" Carlos laughed.
"Well next time you're including me in on your plan and I have to lie," Ava said sarcastically, "let me know beforehand."
"Then I guess I'll continue wearing my plaid," Kendall said to Carlos, beginning to smile a bit. Ava could tell he wasn't truly happy yet but it was better than seeing him truly sad.
"Here's mine," Dustin tossed a poorly wrapped package towards Kendall's feet. He pulled out a giant bag of Sour Patch Kids.
"Thanks man," Kendall said laughing. "A real sugar high right here."
"Yeah as oppose to your actual high," Logan said pretending to smoke. Everyone, except Kathy laughed; Kendall gave Ava a quick look, almost to see if she approved, she smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
"This is from Mom and Dad and me," Kevin said pushing a large box out from behind a couch. Kendall grinned and walked over to it. "Enjoy it, little brother. We love you." He ripped open the paper so reveal a new guitar.
"It's the one I wanted," Kendall exclaimed. "Shit, this is fucking awesome!"
"Language," Kathy muttered, "but you're welcome, baby." She stood up to hug him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Now our present," Logan stepped forward and started to hand Kendall a medium sized envelope but snatched it back before Kendall could grab it. "In addition to the amazing cakes made by the wonderful Ms. Ava Ryan," he paused so that everyone could applaud her and she immediately was embarrassed. "James and I got you these."
Kendall grabbed the envelope and tore it open. "They're…"
"Taking Back Sunday tickets!" Logan exclaimed. "We weren't sure if you knew they were in town or not but these are front row with backstage passes."
"You're welcome, buddy," James stood up, expecting to be greeted with a hug but Kendall sat there, staring at the tickets.
"Um, yeah I knew they were coming," he started. "Jenna and I were actually going to go before…well you know," he sighed. "But now she's taking David, so."
Ava looked to Logan and James as she heard Kathy groan. Logan's face was pure white and it was obvious he felt terrible about the gift.
"Um," Ava stood up and broke the awkward silence, "now it's time for my gift." Everyone looked up at her. "Cake," she smiled. "It's been known to bring smiles to people's faces, or so I'm told," she looked at Kendall as a small smiled appeared on his face.
"Yes, wonderful idea, Ava," Kathy said standing. "Let me get the candles and my camera." The group made their way to the kitchen as Carlos hit both James and Logan.
"Way to go, idiots," he said harshly. "Just when we thought he was making a little headway, you two had to go and fuck it up."
"Now's not the time for this conversation," Kevin spoke sternly, walking past the three of them and giving Ava a quick smile.
"How were we supposed to know that bitch liked them?" Logan said
"It's not the time," Kevin repeated, he looked at Ava and she cocked an eyebrow, obviously wanting to be included in on what they were arguing about but Kevin, again, just smiled and walked towards Kendall.
"Ava, help me place the candles, I don't want to mess up the design," Kathy called. Ava rushed over to her side and began placing 22 blue candles across the Spiderman cake.
"Good luck blowing all these out," she teased Kendall as she lit the last one. "Make a wish." Kendall smiled at her and took a deep breath, successfully blowing out every single candle. "Looks like your wish just might come true," she grinned.
"Yeah, I hope so," Kendall gave her a sad but true smile.
For the rest of the evening, the group played different Wii games and Ava desperately wanted to know what was going on with Kendall. It wasn't until James went into the kitchen alone that she saw a window of opportunity.
"Hey," he said as she entered the room. "Glad you stuck around?"
"What's going on with Kendall?" she asked him point blank. There wasn't really time to beat around the bush.
"Oh, uh, nothing. He's just getting out of a funk right now. Nothing to worry about," James said quickly.
"A funk?" she questioned.
"Look, it's not really my place to tell you but he's kinda going through a shit fest right now. He dated a girl that was really bad for him and she straight up broke his heart." James looked sad when he told her about it. "We're all trying to get him happy again and Kathy had always wanted to two of you to meet, she's constantly setting up her kids," he laughed, "so she asked us to go get the cakes and invite you to the party but we forgot so I had to make sure you were coming and no, Kendall doesn't know anything about this. But if you want more details about it, you'll have to ask Kendall."
Ava nodded, not really sure how to answer James. "Oh."
"Yeah," he sighed. "But don't tell him I told you or anything. It's not really a great subject to bring up."
"Oh, yeah I won't," she assured him. "Hey, I think I'm going to be heading out."
"It's not because of what I said right?" James looked a little worried.
"No, no, I just have to be up early to help a friend move." She gave James a quick hug goodbye and went to tell everyone else.
"Ava's heading out," James announced as everyone looked at the two of them.
"It was lovely to have met you," she said giving Kevin a hug before turning to Kendall. "And I hope that you have a great rest of your birthday," she wrapped her arms around his neck as he slowly slid his hands around her hips. "And don't be so sad," she whispered to him. "Or else I'll be forced to see you all the time and bring you cake."
"We should all hang out again," Carlos said. "Ava, let me get your number and you can come visit us during rehearsals or something."
"Yeah that'd be really cool," Kendall agreed. "We could, uh, we could all get your number," he smiled shyly at her.
"Oh, definitely," she smiled back pulling out her phone. "I'm always in the market for new friends. Especially ones in boy bands."
"Don't knock the boy band thing," Logan warned. "It's pretty cool once you get used to it."
"Yeah, I bet. Thousands of screaming girls watching your every move, I bet it's absolutely amazing." After everyone had gotten Ava's number, they walked her to the door, thanking her again for the cake. "It's my job," she smiled, then directly looking at Kendall, "Don't forget to call me and make plans. I know where you live."
"We won't," he grinned back.
As Ava walked got into her car, she felt her phone vibrate.
"Maybe it isn't so much the cake that makes people smile rather than the person who makes it for them. Nice meeting you. –Kendall"
She smiled to herself and she drove away. Through all the awkwardness she had experienced tonight and the pure heartache she saw in Kendall, she was determined, making it her mission, to see that boy truly happy again.
AN: Thoughts? :)