Oh my god. James was just about to kiss me, and I was going to let him!
Lily can still feel the remnants of his hot breath on her cheek even though he's now on the other side of the kitchen and pouring out the last dregs of wine in the bottle. What happened to the whole 'this isn't a date' thing? The longer she stayed, and the more time they spent together, the more it felt like a date. Maybe not a first date, but—
No.
Lily would never go on a date with James Potter! Sure, he's proven just how charming he can be today, but his arrogance still tops everything. He can't even go to a mid-range grocery shop for crying out loud! The voices are echoing louder as shoes are thudding on the floor and swishes of fabric signifying coats being shed.
"James, we're home!" Lily hears Dora call from the foyer.
We're? Who's 'we're?'
She looks to James, waiting for some sort of explanation, but there's no time. Dora and two men who look similar in age to herself and James enter the kitchen. The men are clearly brothers. Same facial structure, muscular build, and jet black hair, which both have grown out. One's is tied back in a bun and the other falls loosely at his shoulders. The only other notable difference is that one looks more rugged and relaxed, while the other is refined and tense.
The latter's cheery facade stiffens as soon as his eyes lay on Lily, giving her a weird vibe. She has no idea why he'd react this way. The stranger doesn't even know her. But Lily doesn't have the chance to analyze the situation any further because Dora comes barreling toward her.
"Lily! You're still here!"
The teen's glee and energy make Lily wonder how she could have ever thought Dora was James's lover. Despite having only met her twice before, Dora throws her arms around Lily's shoulders and engulfs her in a big hug. Nervous laughter escapes with the puff of air that Dora knocks out of her with her friendly onslaught.
"I am, yes. We were actually just finishing up here. Weren't we, James?"
His first name feels foreign as it glides off her tongue, but she can't call him Potter in front of his family and friends. That would raise far too many questions.
James agrees with a curt nod. "We were. Sirius, Regulus, to what do we owe the pleasure?"
"Oh, come off it, James! Don't pretend like I don't show up every other day unannounced just because Lily's here." The man who looks more unkempt walks over and extends a hand to Lily. "I'm Sirius Black, James's best friend. I've heard so much about you!"
There's a glint of mischief in his eyes, and Lily wonders whether he's teasing her or if James has confided in his best friend about his opinions of her.
"Only good things, I hope," she manages with a light laugh.
Sirius opens his mouth to respond but is cut off by the other man. Regulus, she thinks James called him. Their names scream 'upper class' and 'my social standing is better than yours,' but only one of the brothers seems to be upholding the image that goes along with his snooty name, and that's the latter.
"James, I was under the impression you'd be joining us for the film this afternoon. Imagine my disappointment when Filius only dropped Dora off at the cinema," he tuts before turning to Lily. "I'm Regulus, by the way. Sirius's brother and James's…special friend."
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
Regulus holds out his hand in a polite introduction, but his attention is elsewhere, distracting him from any ingenuity. Compared to Sirius's firm handshake, Regulus's feels like a floppy wet fish when Lily grabs his fingers because he makes no effort in engaging in a true handshake. Lily opens her mouth to respond to him in kind, but nothing comes out. Regulus doesn't seem to notice, however, because he's already moved past Lily and is descending on James. Lily observes while Regulus holds out an arm and hugs James in greeting. She might have brushed off the encounter had she not seen James stiffen at Regulus's gesture.
"I missed you this afternoon," Regulus purrs, and Lily feels her body tense with the discomfort of the interaction.
Are they an item? Is James gay? Oh my god, what if he is? And there I was sitting here, practically begging him to kiss me!
Lily tries to quell the mortification that's rising as she watches the interaction. At one point, James catches her eye and offers a sympathetic look before he manages to shrug Regulus off.
Okay, maybe James isn't gay. Maybe I'm reading the room wrong. But Regulus is definitely, positively one-hundred percent gay. And he only has eyes for James.
"I didn't realize you could miss someone who had no intentions of attending to begin with. Surely, Dora and Sirius told you I had another engagement."
"No, they didn't." Regulus looks back at Lily, sending an imperceptible sneer her way before prodding about their afternoon. "So, what is it that you and Lucy were doing? Is she the new kitchen staff you were planning on hiring?"
Lily's jaw drops. If it were not attached, it would have hit the counter and shattered from the sheer force of surprise. She can feel the heat rising in her cheeks and takes a few deep breaths to keep herself calm.
I will not lose my temper to this twat who thinks he's better than me.
Dora frowns as she tries to understand Regulus's question as well. "Kitchen help? But why would you—"
"I'm not looking to hire kitchen help. Where you got the idea and why you think it concerns you is beyond my understanding, Regulus. Lily came over today to taste test a new dessert I've been working on, and then she proceeded to show me how a truly unique dessert is crafted."
A hint of a smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth, and Lily forces herself not to get lost in the thought of what his lips might have felt like on hers. Those lips that just called her Lily like it was the most natural occurrence in the world. She responds with a grateful smile, relieved that Regulus's accusation is unfounded and that James didn't really have an ulterior motive in hiring her as his own personal chef.
"So, what did you make then?" Sirius interjects, eyeing the mini tart pans still on display in the center of the island.
Lily and James share a look. He nods, giving her the go-ahead to explain her creation. "Well, James's flavor combination was a tad too bland for my liking, so I showed him what it means to mix and match. It's a chocolate biscuit crumb crust with a vanilla custard infused with peanut butter whiskey and drizzled with a raspberry sauce to top it off."
"That. Sounds. AMAZING!" Dora squeals, wasting no time as she reaches for a tart and looks at James. "Pass me a fork, will you?"
"Please?"
"Fine, yes. Please."
"Sorry, but I'm not going to let our guests think you have no manners, Nymph—"
"Don't you dare." Dora's gleeful demeanor changes in an instant, and Lily can see the storm clouds gathering behind her honey-colored eyes.
In an attempt to ease the tension, Lily steals the spoon James has pulled from the drawer out of his hand and passes it to Dora. Handing it to her, she adds, "You know, James's tart is also right there if you'd like to try it. I may have called it 'bland,' but it was still quite tasty."
Sirius bursts into laughter, and Regulus scowls at her joke. James rolls his eyes but doesn't counter her statement. "Wow, someone who can bake and isn't afraid to insult and pay you a backhanded compliment in the same sentence? I think we're going to get along just fine, Red."
Sirius makes his way around the counter to give her shoulder a squeeze before snagging a utensil of his own and choosing one of the remaining mini tart pans. Lily takes another bite of the tart that's in front of her, and her heart sinks a little when James takes another whole tart. Not that they'd continue sharing in front of the other three. This wasn't even a date.
Lily chooses to eat the rest of her tart quietly in order to listen to the banter of the rest of the group. Since she doesn't know James's friends and is only an acquaintance of Dora, she isn't really sure what to say or not say. Not that much talking occurs. Sirius and Dora waste no time digging into their custards as if it were the first time they've eaten in a week, and the most noise that she hears is Sirius's moaning.
"James, can you keep Red around? This is the best thing I've ever tasted."
"Yeah, sorry, James, but I have to agree with Sirius," agrees Dora.
James rolls his eyes. "Well, who knew how easily I could be dethroned of my culinary prowess in my own home."
Lily laughs. "Just remember that you're the one who invited me."
Their eyes lock, and James smiles at Lily. At that moment, the rest of the people in the kitchen are forgotten while she focuses on his gaze, but the moment is broken too soon by the sound of an aggravated voice.
"Well, I, for one, think your honey vanilla tart is lovely, James. The peanut butter custard left a bad aftertaste in my mouth." Regulus tilts his nose up and away from Lily's discarded creation in favor of another bite of James's tart.
On instinct, Lily feels a gut-wrenching stab of disappointment at the man's harsh review but forces herself to brush it off. It's as her parents always told her when she'd experiment growing up: 'you won't always please everyone because everyone's built with different taste buds.' James, Sirius, and Dora all approve of her newest recipe, and that's good enough for her. She doesn't need Regulus's snooty attitude to bring her afternoon down.
She glances around the kitchen, watching everyone eat in silence. The tension in the air is thicker than the custard on her plate, but no one speaks out against Regulus, so Lily shrugs and decides that perhaps she's overstayed her welcome.
"It's getting late, and Mona's probably wondering where I am. Do you mind if I take one of the extras for her to try?"
"Not at all. I'll wrap it for you while you get the rest of your things." James maneuvers around the kitchen to retrieve the plastic wrap to protect the tart from the elements on its short journey across the street while Lily slides off the stool and gathers the ingredients she purchased earlier.
"It was nice meeting you, Sirius, Regulus," she nods to the two before turning to Dora, "and nice seeing you again, Dora."
"A true pleasure, Red." Sirius beams and Lily chuckles at the nickname.
"Yes, a true pleasure," Regulus forces in a terse tone.
"You'll be back soon, I hope! I'd be happy to stick around for the next batch of taste-testing if James'll let me." Dora reaches out and places her hand on Lily's arm to stop her.
"I'll tell you what, Dora, if I have any new recipes that need testing, you'll be the first person I call."
"Ouch," James calls from behind her.
"I guess you can come too," Lily adds, a hint of playfulness in her voice.
"I'll see you out."
"Oh, no, you have other guests. I know where the door is," she says, but James ignores her protests as he follows her to the door.
As she pulls on her shoes and reaches for her coat that's hanging on the old-fashioned wooden rack, James watches quietly. "Thank you for coming today."
"Thanks for inviting me."
"Make sure Mona tries this. I'm certain that after one bite, she'll insist it be featured on the menu straight away."
"And if it is, will you be there to purchase it?" Lily raises her eyebrows in tandem with the question.
James responds by arching a brow of his own and retorts, "Why would I purchase one when we could bake more together?"
"Are you extending another invitation, Potter?"
"Depends on your answer, Evans." James steps closer with his challenge, and the two stand there, neither backing down.
As much as Lily wants to scream 'yes,' something holds her back. She's enjoying the game they're playing. It's innocent, even though there have been tiny threats that could take whatever this is too far. The rise and fall of Lily's chest is the only inclination of the reactions James evokes, and just as Lily's about to make some sarcastic quip, the moment is broken.
"James, what's taking so long?" Regulus calls from the kitchen.
"Looks like you're being summoned." Lily takes the tart from his hands and opens the door. "Perhaps I'll see you around, then?"
"Sure. Maybe we can—"
Before James can finish, Regulus descends on their goodbye, and while James is distracted by his sudden appearance, Lily slips through the door and heads down the drive. She knows those three words will probably haunt her over the next coming days. Over-speculation is part of her nature. It's her own fault that she didn't stick around to hear the rest of James's sentence, but that doesn't mean she doesn't regret it.
It's better this way.
Despite her growing attraction to the dark-haired billionaire, she knows they would never work. Their backgrounds are far too different, and she's already been burned by a rich, powerful man once. Though her body yearns to know what his lips might feel like on her skin, Lily resolves to keep her heart safe. London is temporary, and she must protect herself from any further destruction.
James was right. One bite and Mona was already readjusting the featured pastry of the week to highlight Lily's PB&J Custard Tart. And do you know what made it better? It sold out every day that week. The continued success filled Lily with pride, but something still felt like it was missing.
But it wasn't just something. Lily feigned blissful oblivion, but she knew exactly what was missing. Despite forcing herself not to think about James, she still found herself looking through the window from the bakery's kitchen to the store multiple times a day, hoping to catch a glimpse of his signature unruly hair juxtaposed to his impeccable put-together self, but he never showed up.
Dora had, though. Wednesday morning, on her way to school, the usually energetic teen popped in for a cappuccino and a cinnamon bun and ended up purchasing a tart to share with her friends. Lily came out to say hi but resisted the urge to ask her about James. Dora didn't extend any information about her guardian either, much to Lily's dismay.
And now that another Saturday shift is wrapping up, Lily won't have any distractions until Marlene arrives tomorrow morning for the expo. If she's not careful, she may end up perched on the window seat in her bedroom all afternoon in the meager hopes of catching a glimpse of Potter. Maybe she'll convince herself to take a nap instead or soak in the tub after a long week. Anything to mask the unwanted desperation for contact with one particular handsome billionaire.
Shoving her thoughts aside, Lily follows the same routine like any other day, hanging up her apron and giving one last sweep of the kitchen before saying goodbye to Chelsea and heading home. The fresh air is welcome after too many hours in front of the stifling heat of the ovens, and Lily contemplates taking a longer route home to enjoy being outdoors a while longer. Her feet don't listen, though, and she finds herself on the familiar path she walks every day.
As she rounds the corner and makes the final turn back to Mona's home, Lily digs in her bag to pull out her phone, intending to text Marlene and see if she has a plan of attack for tomorrow.
Who am I kidding? Of course, she does. This is Marlene we're talking about.
Marlene probably has a map of the vendor hall and an insider scoop on when they'll all be setting up. She tends to go a bit overboard when planning for these types of events. When there's only one day to scour for new designs, her best friend is determined to make the most of it.
For some reason, Lily's phone isn't in the pocket where she usually stows it away in her bag, and her search distracts her from paying attention to the path she's on. That is, until she slams into something hard and feels a pair of arms wrap around her in a steadying embrace.
"Just the person I was looking for."
That voice. That silky smooth voice that never misses a beat. Lily looks up to make sure her ears aren't deceiving her.
"Looking for me?" Lily raises her eyebrows as she meets James's gaze.
"I am. Actually, I was hoping to catch you at the bakery, but this is just as well."
"What do you need?" Lily doesn't mean to sound defensive, but the question slips out as a result of her surprise.
James chuckles. "How were the tart sales this week?"
He was going to walk to the bakery to ask how tart sales were? Yeah, right.
"Oh, so you did know the tart was being featured?"
"Of course, I did. Dora checks the Puff's Pastries Facebook page every day for the new specials."
Lily's heart sinks traitorously. She has no reason to be upset with him, but the knowledge that James was aware that their—no, her—newest creation was on the menu, and he chose not to support her, stung.
"I just thought you liked it enough to stop by and support me then," Lily huffs, picking up the pace to leave him behind. Perhaps their friendship wasn't blossoming as well as she'd thought.
"And deprive the rest of Surrey of trying something so unique? Why, that would be rather selfish of me, wouldn't it?"
Huh. I didn't think about it that way.
But she can't let him win the imaginary game they're continuing to play.
"What do you want, Potter? I highly doubt you'd be walking to the bakery to ask about tart sales."
His smile falters, and a look that Lily can't quite place clouds the hazel in his eyes.
Good, maybe I've knocked him down a few pegs.
"I was hoping you might like to accompany me on a night out this evening." The invitation sounds clipped, as if he's reverted back to the sterile, business-like tone Lily became all too familiar with the first time they met.
She's taken aback by his offer, and before she can stop herself, she asks, "You're asking me out?"
"I am. Though, if you'd rather not, I'll try not to seem too offended by the rejection."
"I…"
A wide range of emotions are buzz throughout Lily's brain. She's shocked at the unexpectedness of it all, skeptical of his true motives, and nervous about what he's got planned. But the overwhelming emotion that she can't ignore is excitement. Her heart is practically beating out of her chest. Even if she wanted to say no, Lily's sure her mouth would retaliate.
"Where are we going?"
"Do you trust me?"
The logical answer should be 'no.' As a rule, Lily no longer trusts anyone with money. How can she after—
No, we're not thinking about Severus while we're in London.
One night couldn't hurt, could it? It's not like they're pursuing anything more. James is probably just being friendly. They'd be going out as friends. Nothing more. There's nothing wrong with having a friend, is there?
"I suppose so."
"Then, I'd prefer to keep it a surprise. I think you'll appreciate it more that way."
"Alright." The word flows like molasses out of Lily's mouth, and she hopes the connotation is clear that she's still skeptical about the whole thing.
"I'll pick you up at six."
"Thanks for the ample notice," Lily quips as she approaches Mona's drive.
She waits for James's retort, but he simply flashes a crooked grin in her direction before continuing down the lane. Never before has she struggled to understand someone. The mystery that is James Potter continues to expand the more she gets to know him. Hopefully, Mona won't be too disappointed when she breaks the news about bailing on movie night tonight.
"Mona, I'm home!" Lily calls as she enters the house, shutting out the crisp air behind her.
"It's about time!"
Lily freezes at the sound of the voice that is most definitely not Mona's. "Marlene?"
"Surprise!"
Her best friend pops her head out from inside the kitchen, and Lily squeals in delight. "You weren't supposed to be here until tomorrow!"
"I know, but there was a seat on an earlier flight, and I thought I'd be better rested for tomorrow if I came a day early!"
"You won't hear me complain!" Lily throws her arms around her best friend in a tight hug before they make their way back to the kitchen.
"So, how is London life? Tell me everything!"
Lily wastes no time launching into elaborate detail of the first two weeks of her stay, though she's careful to leave out her time with James until Mona sells her out.
"Wait, wait, wait. The hot judge is here?!"
"Yes, he is. But must you call him that?" Lily rolls her eyes.
"Where's the lie? And you went over to his house on Valentine's Day and spent the afternoon testing recipes? Lily, what are you waiting for?"
"Marls, there's nothing to wait for. He was just being friendly. Just like he was when he invited me out tonight."
"HE INVITED YOU OUT TONIGHT?!" Both Marlene and Mona shriek at the news.
"Oh, yeah. I was going to tell you that. I didn't know you were coming in early, though. I can cancel if—"
"You will do no such thing! Go out with the hot guy. Mona and I will be fineee," Marlene exaggerates the 'e' on the word fine as she bounces up and down and claps her hands in glee.
"Don't get too excited. We're just going as friends. There's nothing more between us."
Mona shoots Lily a disbelieving glance as Marlene responds with an equally long, 'sure.'
Before Lily can open her mouth to contradict their claims, the doorbell rings.
"I'll get it," Mona chirps.
Lily checks her watch. Even though she's certain there's plenty of time before six o'clock, it doesn't stop the mild panic that appears from the unexpected sound.
"Can I help you?" she hears Mona ask, and Marlene gives her a curious look.
"I'm looking for a Miss Lily Evans. Is she here?"
For me? Who would be looking for me?
Marlene furrows her brows, her expression asking the same question Lily's thinking. She shrugs and tries to keep calm as she strains her ears for more information.
"May I ask why?" Mona questions again.
"I have a special delivery."
"That sounds ominous," Marlene mutters.
Lily agrees, but from her vantage point, there's nothing she can do to avoid it. The person obviously knows she's here, so she walks out of the kitchen and through the dining room before stopping behind Mona in the foyer. The caller peers beyond Mona and eyes Lily.
"Miss Evans?"
"Yes?" she asks tentatively.
The man holds out a thick manila envelope. "You've been served."
Lily's heart plummets into her stomach faster than a free-falling skydiver. Served? She's being sued? Before she can ask any questions, the man is gone, and she's left holding the envelope. Mona places a comforting hand on her back and guides her back to the kitchen, where Marlene is frowning in concern.
"What's going on?"
"I—I think I'm being sued." Lily doesn't recognize her voice. It sounds hollow, with no emotion behind it.
"What? Who the hell would sue you? You haven't done anything—"
"Now, now, why don't we let Lily open it first before we jump to conclusions."
"R-right, yeah."
Mona's right, of course. Lily opens the clasp and folds the flap open, sliding out a single piece of paper. She does her best to focus on what the letter says, but the words blur together as her eyes fill with tears.
As if he hasn't ruined my life enough.
"Well?" Marlene coaxes.
"Snape is trying to sue me."
"What? Why? He's the one who screwed you over!" Marlene exclaims. Her face is red as she slams her fist on the counter.
"Is this the same man who cheated you out of your own business?" Mona inquires.
Nodding, Lily places the paper on the counter before it slips through her shaky hands. Mona knows the details about what happened between her and her former prospective business partner. They had a heart-to-heart during the first week of Lily's stay. After everything Mona's done for her, the least she could do was tell her the truth.
"What are the grounds?" Mona asks, her voice gentle and calm. It's an anchor Lily needs to keep her grounded, so she doesn't let the shame consume her.
"That I lied and tried to swindle him out of money. That I tried to coerce him, attempting to bribe him with sex for his money to open the business."
"NO!" Marlene shouts as she tears the paper away from Lily.
Mona gasps. "That is completely unfounded. He has no grounds!"
"Well, apparently, his lawyer thinks he does."
"We'll fight this, Lily. There's no way he can win," Marlene reassures her.
"Thanks," Lily says the word, but there's no conviction behind it. The shock of it all is overwhelming, and even though Mona and Marlene are trying to stay positive, the only thing Lily wants to do is wallow. "If you don't mind, I'd like to be alone for a bit."
"Of course, dear! Don't worry about us," Mona takes the paper from Marlene's hand and slides it back in the envelope.
"Are you sure, Lils? I don't know if—"
"Yeah, Marls, I just need a little time. Don't worry."
She takes the envelope and retreats to her bedroom. All of this was wishful thinking. So much for hoping she could get her life back on track and move on from such a gut-wrenching setback. Who was she kidding? Severus Snape was the vilest of vile. As if pulling the rug out from under her dream wasn't enough, he wasn't going to leave her alone until he'd completely ruined her.
And for what? Rejecting his advances? Not giving him what he wants? Well, one thing is certain. Lily is done with men like Severus. Never again. It's clear that the only person Lily can trust is herself. And Mona. But it doesn't matter. What matters is now she has to use the money she'd been hoping to save for a fresh start to hire a lawyer and fight a losing battle.
Shutting the door to her bedroom, Lily tosses the envelope on her dresser and collapses on her bed. She'll worry about that later. For now, she gives in to the onslaught of tears she swore would no longer be shed for slimy sleazeballs like Snape.