Lily wakes to the weak winter sun shining on her face and wonders why her curtains weren't drawn. Not that the warmth doesn't feel good as she's curled up in bed with her head resting on the down feather pillow. A smile creeps up on her face at the coziness of it all as images of last night flash in her mind in tiny snippets.

The tent, mentions of London's Top Baker, the assortment of cakes and champagne. And that kiss. Lily avoids opening her eyes so she can savor the moment, allowing it to replay over and over in her mind. If she squeezes her eyes shut tight enough, she can even feel his warm, strong hands grip her hips as she imagines her body pressed against his.

Memories of dinner and sharing a bottle of wine flicker like a film reel in the back of her mind before she remembers how James took her up on her suggestion of snogging like a couple of teens in the backseat of his ridiculously expensive sports car.

In a matter of mere hours, Lily went from determined despisement to being addicted to his touch. Struggling to recall how their night ended, she lets her mind drift to the way his palm rested on her thigh on the way home. She doesn't remember coming home to Mona's, or how she got into bed. Was she even in her bedroom?

Lily forces her eyes open to check where she is. Sure enough, the peach-colored walls and the beautiful window seat greet her gaze and she tries not to be taunted by disappointment. Turning her head, Lily holds onto the last shred of hope that maybe James had stayed. The notion is ridiculous, of course, given how much of a gentleman he is, and how much she'd had to drink the night before.

The word 'stay' echoes in her mind, and Lily wonders if she had indeed asked him to. But that wouldn't make sense. She would never beg him to stay, no matter how good the snogging was. Besides, it didn't matter anyway because the blankets on the other side of the bed are just as stiff and tucked in as they were when she left yesterday evening.

Well, maybe he'd be here if this were a fairy tale, but it's not, so I should probably stop pretending.

Lily throws the blankets back with a resigned sigh. She'll need copious amounts of coffee to prepare her for the day ahead. Attending the wedding expo with Marlene is one thing, but add a hangover into the mix, and the promise of a good time becomes exponentially less. Her feet glide across the plush carpet to find her slippers before she pulls her bathrobe off the hook and throws her hair in a messy bun on top of her head.

She doesn't think she'd slept in that late, but by the time she pads into the kitchen, Marlene and Mona are already seated around the island. The scene brings on a sense of deja vu, given that the two women are in the same spots Lily left them in the night before. The only difference is that their hands are grasping coffee mugs instead of wine glasses.

"Look who's finally awake," Marlene greets Lily. She doesn't even attempt to hide the shit-eating grin that's plastered on her face.

"Finally? It's not even—" she throws a glance at the analog clock on the microwave, "—eight!" Lily makes a beeline for the coffee pot following her retort.

"You must have been tired though," Marlene reasons, and Lily knows it's an opening to coax Lily into spilling the details about last night.

"I guess. It was a long drive."

Lily's vague and airy response is purposeful. She doesn't want to give anything away regarding her muddy memory of last night as she attempts to piece the gaps together.

"Was it everything you ever imagined?" Marlene presses.

Lily cocks an eyebrow at her friend who is trying to play the same game. Mona's been quiet so far, but the smirk she's hiding behind her coffee mug does not go unnoticed.

"The tent? Absolutely! I'm still blown away that everything remains set up year-round. I almost felt as if I was walking on set to compete...I mean if it wasn't evening or the middle of February—what?"

Lily catches Mona's frown and wonders what that's about.

"Lily, honey, they don't usually keep the tent set up. I mean, sure, the tent itself remains erect all year, but the equipment and stations are broken down and stored to protect them from the elements during the off-season," Mona explains.

If it is possible for her stomach to simultaneously sink in despair and flip in unbridled excitement, then Lily's insides did just that. She really should have known. This is James Potter they are talking about. Of course, he has enough clout and influence—not to mention money—to have the Great British Bake Off tent put together for a private tea.

She is speechless. Words are warring in her mind. Why would he go to all that trouble for her? But he had gone to all that trouble! Was this just some show of hand? A way to show off? Lily can't wrap her head around a question long enough to spit it out. Which is probably a good thing since she should be thankful, right?

"He…" Still nothing.

"I told you he liked you," Marlene says in triumph.

"Yeah, but—"

"And we think you like him too."

Finally, a coherent question forms on her lips. "What makes you think that?"

"I thought she'd never ask," Marlene teases.

"Now, now, Marlene," Mona scolds.

Lily looks between the two, waiting for someone to explain. Neither says a word, and growing impatient, Lily's about to snap at them when Mona slides Sunday morning's issue of The Daily Mail across the smooth granite. Nothing catches Lily's eye at first glance.

It's open to the 'celebrity gossip' section. There are a handful of articles with small, bold headlines, and only two sizable pictures. One of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, where reporters are once again claiming her son is illegitimate, and the other is of Victoria Beckham, who is being accused of cheating on David with some up-and-coming actor.

"I still don't see how any of this rubbish has to do with me fancying James." Lily attempts to slide the newspaper back toward Mona but is thwarted by Marlene.

"Ah, ah, ah," Marlene tuts.

Mona taps on a tiny little square with the headline, England's Most Eligible Bachelor Back in the Game? "Read right here."

Lily's eyes zoom across the section as a sense of foreboding rumbles her core.

Could it be? Is James Potter emerging back in the dating field? Or perhaps he's slipping in his secrecy. We were nearing nine long years of Potter's lack of a love life, leading to much speculation among the press. But last night, sources tell me that the Great British Bake Off Junior winner set up a private viewing of the tent in Welford, followed by a romantic candlelit dinner with an unknown female companion. We're not sure about you, but judging by this picture, it looks like dessert took two forms in the tent. And even though we don't know who Potter's mystery woman is yet, perhaps we can put a SOLVED stamp on the question of the billionaire's sexual orientation.

Lily hadn't noticed the grainy little thumbnail of a picture in the corner of the page at first. But now that she's read the article, the black and white snapshot is clear as day. Whoever the photographer was had captured them in a particularly heated moment. Lily was sitting on the counter, leaning back as James supported her with his large hands splayed out across her back. His head dipped low as they were engaged in what looked to be as passionate of a kiss as it felt. The only thing Lily had going for her was that the camera didn't capture her face, and the picture was black and white, hiding her unique hair color from the world.

"How did they…" Lily trails off, indecisive about the nature of the question.

How did they find them? How did they know? Why would they even be on the press's radar?

"The wealthy are just as famous as royalty, Lily," Mona reminds her. "Given the privacy of what James planned, I'm sure he attempted to keep your evening under the radar."

"Yeah, but we all know that The Daily Mail employs Rita Skeeter, and she'll do anything to tear a person apart with a little bit of gossip," Marlene adds.

"But I don't want my picture plastered in a newspaper. I don't want to be the speculation of anything in the press! I can't afford that right now!"

Despair kicks in as Lily tears her eyes away from the article. Between the failed business, her new lawsuit, and agreeing to compete in London's Top Baker, Lily couldn't have the press slinking around because she'd given in to desire and snogged James Potter last night. She knew it would be a bad idea! With her hands wrapped around her coffee mug, Lily collapses into the stiff back of the barstool and stares blankly ahead while Mona and Marlene watch her in concern.

"What am I going to do?"

"Lily, you have nothing to worry about. The picture was in black and white. You are completely unrecognizable—"

"—And the article didn't mention a redhead!" Marlene chimes in, cutting Mona off.

"I wouldn't let it bother you, dear," Mona finishes.

"But—"

"Lils, you just snogged the hottest man in Britain last night! Whether it was a fling or not, take that as a win! Don't worry about the press until the next date."

Lily scoffs. "Ha, next date. Very funny."

"Judging by that picture, I'm sure there will be one."

"Really? Because he dropped me off—asleep—upstairs with no goodbye or note to wake up to this morning. He's probably complaining that I couldn't stay awake long enough to finish out the evening."

"And how would you have finished it?" Marlene wiggles her eyebrows suggestively, and Lily flips her off in response.

Mona breaks up the friendly scuffle with her observation. "When he came in to drop you off, the last emotion that we could see was disgust. He seemed quite enamored if I do say so myself."

"Yeah, well, guess I won't know until I run into him again," Lily sighs in defeat.

"Things will be fine! Now, don't you two have a wedding expo to get ready for?" Mona asks, offering Lily a much-needed change in conversation.

Marlene looks over her shoulder at the clock on the microwave. "Yes! We need to leave soon if we're going to make the early bird exhibits! Slam that coffee, Lils, we'll get more on the way. We've got to go!"

Lily laughs as she watches her best friend scurry around the kitchen before disappearing to get ready. Maybe the expo is just what she needs today. Anything to distract her from the complicated situation that is James Potter.

A few hours later, Lily finds herself sifting through a rack of designer gowns, admiring the various fabrics and intricate beadwork of the dresses she'll likely never wear. Marlene has already dragged her through the exhibit hall, capitalizing on all the free stuff they can find.

Her bag is weighed down by free cosmetics, chocolates, magazines, and ticket stubs for the various drawings Marlene insisted on throwing their names into. They got to sit in the front row of the bridal fashion show thanks to Marlene's 'Salon Representative' status, which made it hard to snigger and make fun of some of the more atrocious gowns that were featured on the runway.

Marlene marked down several styles and planned to email Madam Malkin with the best finds that evening, and that's when Lily suggested checking out the selection of bridesmaid's gowns on display.

"Great idea, Lils," Marlene acknowledges from the other side of the long rack. "There are some good finds here, and I think Amelia will be quite pleased. She's been saying how she wants to expand our range of designers for ages now…"

Marlene drones on and Lily's doing her best to listen, but her attention turns to a beautiful off-the-shoulder floor-length sequin gown that is a rich, dark red, the color of cabernet. Lily's always been conservative with her money, but for some reason, she can't help the urge to buy the dress on impulse.

"...Lily are you even listening to—oh, wow, that dress is gorgeous! Sequin dresses are in right now, but not many people can pull them off, you know? I think you could, though. You should try it on!" Marlene points to the makeshift changing rooms across the room.

"I don't know, Marls. I've got nothing to wear this for! I just liked the looks of it."

"So? Trying it on can't hurt! Come on, I'll pick out a dress too, and if we both look sexy and stunning, we'll buy them. One of us is bound to get married eventually!"

Lily laughs at Marlene's logic. "Yes, and we'd both be okay with the other wearing these when we're standing next to each other on the altar."

"Who says you're going to be a bridesmaid?" Marlene jokes. "Come on, we've gotten most of the work done, let's have a little fun. Treat yo'self!"

Marlene starts rifling through the racks with more fervor, looking for something that catches her eye. Eventually, she settles on a pale blue velvet gown, with a deep V neckline and an open back with criss-cross straps, and the pair head over to the temporary dressing rooms to try their finds on.

The dress fits Lily like a glove, accentuating the curves of her hips and showing off the soft swell of her breasts. The sparkle of the sequins complements her auburn hair, and she knows that with a swipe of gold eye shadow, some mascara, and a deep red shade of lipstick, Lily could be the belle of the ball. If only she had a ball to attend…

"Ready, Lils?" Marlene calls from the 'room' next door.

They're separated by a mere curtain, so it's easy for her to pull the heavy fabric to the side to show off her dress. When Lily grasps the divider and moves it over, Marlene turns at the sound of the metal rings dragging across the bar. If Lily hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she wouldn't have believed the look Marlene gave her, with eyes bugging out of her head and her jaw dropping in awe.

"Holy shit, Lils! You're fucking gorgeous!"

Lily's face heats up and she's sure she's blushing from her best friend's reaction. "Stop, I'm not—"

"Don't you dare try and argue with me! You're buying this dress. Damn, I thought I looked good in this, but you in that makes me look like I'm wearing a frumpy paper bag."

"Marls, stop it," Lily says through giggles, "that dress is hot too. If you're going to make me buy this, then you're absolutely buying that."

"You don't have to tell me twice! Any chance I can convince you to visit me in Dublin? If we show Madame Malkin these dresses firsthand, she might be more likely to pick up the designer. I mean, velvet and sequin? Who would have thought these fabrics would come back?"

"Not me, that's for sure. Let's get changed and then we can get going? I'm still exhausted from last night." Lily lets it slip, not meaning to bring James up on their day in the city.

A knowing smirk crosses Marlene's face. "Oh, yes, I can imagine how tiring last night must have been. I suppose we can go."

She purses her lips, no doubt refraining from another jab before she slams the curtain shut. Lily shakes her head as she reaches around to unzip the gown and change back into her jeans and dark blue sweater. After they pay for their gowns and have them packaged up in garment bags, the girls head out of the event center to wait for the private chauffeur that Mona insisted on sending them with to pick them up.

They're waiting on the far end of the sidewalk when Lily hears a vaguely familiar voice calling to them.

"Red! Hey, Red! Is that you?"

It isn't the first time Lily has been called 'Red' in her life, but that was more of a school nickname. Only one person has recently called her Red, and that was James's best friend. But what would he be doing here? She turns around to see if the source of the voice matches her suspicion, and sure enough, there is Sirius, standing behind a table in what looks like a makeshift vendor booth.

It takes Marlene a moment to realize the man is shouting at Lily, but when she realizes what's going on, she nudges Lily hard in the ribs. "Is that hunk of a man talking to you? And if he is, how do you know him? And if you know him, why haven't you told me about—"

"Marls!"

"What? I'm just saying you better not be hoarding all the hot guys for yourself."

"I can assure you I'm not, Marls. He's James's best friend and I met him last week when I was at his house."

"Right, on your first date."

"It was not a date."

"Keep telling yourself that."

"So, are you lovely ladies going to come and say hello or keep on with your private conversation?" That familiar glint of mischief is visible in Sirius's eyes even from halfway across the concourse.

"We're coming, we're coming!" Lily says, a smile widening on her face.

As they walk back over, Lily notices two old-fashioned Rolls Royces parked near the table. She looks at the banner hanging over the table for any hint or clue about the cars.

'Casseopieia's Classic Car Rentals.'

Huh. Who knew he was in the wedding business? I never would have guessed given his connections and fancy upper-class namesake.

"So, what brings you lovely ladies to the London Wedding Expo today?" Sirius asks when they're close enough to hold a conversation.

"I could ask you the same question," Lily retorts.

"Well, you see, I run this fancy business here. I loan out the family fleet of classic cars for happy couples all around London."

"So, you're competing against limo services?"

"Or they're competing against us."

"Interesting concept," Marlene chimes in before Lily can respond. "I'm Marlene, by the way. Lily's best friend."

Sirius's eyes sweep over Marlene, and Lily can see his pupils widen in interest as he holds out his hand. "The pleasure's all mine. And yes, but it's more common than you think. There's a lack of private moments for couples on their big day. Think of it as us giving them some of those back."

"Isn't that sweet of you." Marlene flutters her eyelashes and Lily bites back a sarcastic remark.

"Yes, quite sweet," a cold voice adds to the mix.

Lily looks around Sirius to where Regulus has just emerged. She's beginning to wonder whether he's always this off-putting or if he has a problem with her.

Well, I'll just continue to kill him with kindness.

"Oh, Regulus! It's good to see you again. Do you and Sirius run the family business together?" Lily attempts to engage him in conversation.

Sirius snorts while Regulus curls his lip in disgust. "Absolutely not. This shouldn't even be a business. Mother is furious with Sirius for it, and yet he still insists on offering the cars up to hoards of average people who have no idea how special these automobiles are. Not to mention what they mean to our family."

"Oh, come off it, Reg. If we weren't using them as a rental service, they'd be sitting in garages collecting dust. Cars are meant to be driven, not left on display for no one to look at!"

"Have you no respect for Mother? Or the Black family name?"

Lily and Marlene share a glance at the brother's argument. She can sense some tension between the two regarding their family and Lily wonders what she can do to make a quiet escape. Maybe she shouldn't have inquired about the business or Regulus's involvement.

"We're not having this conversation right now. You're making the girls uncomfortable." Sirius gives his brother a hard stare, warning him to let it go, and Regulus's nostrils flare in retaliation before he turns on Lily.

"So, Lily, did you do anything interesting last night?"

Lily peers at him, crafting her response carefully in her mind. Does he know? Has he seen the article? Maybe she should play the noncommittal card.

"Same as any other Saturday night. Relaxing and unwinding after a long week at the bakery."

"Hmm," Regulus offers in response.

"Never mind him," Sirius jumps in, saving her from an awkward moment. "He's just...upset that a friend passed up plans with him because they were already busy."

Lily can't help but wonder if that friend is James. Her chest fills with glee at the thought of thwarting Regulus's evening. It's petty, she knows, but his sour attitude makes him deserve it.

"I'm going to grab some more free samples from the booze stands. It's the only way I can get through this afternoon with you." Regulus turns up his nose and shoots Lily one more questioning look before disappearing through the automatic doors nearby.

"Seriously, Red, don't worry about Reg. He's always uptight like this," Sirius reassures her. She wonders if her facial expression gives off any worry, but before she can analyze his meaning, he leans in and lowers his voice. "I won't tell him that it was you with James last night. Nice picture, by the way."

He winks, and Lily's suddenly quite warm despite the chill in the air.

"So Marlene, how long are you in town for?"

"Just a long weekend for the expo, but I'm available this evening if you'd like to grab a bite."

Lily can't help but laugh. That is one hundred percent her best friend. Always capitalizing on an opportunity when it comes to a potential love interest. She can't blame her though.

"Wow, a woman who takes charge and knows what she wants? I'd be honored. I know a bougie place downtown. Are you staying at Mona's as well?"

"I am."

"Brill. I'll pick you up at seven? Red, should I see if James is available and we could make this a—"

"No! I mean—no, I've got an early morning at the bakery and it's going to be a busy week and—"

"She's worried about the press," Marlene cuts her off with a whisper and an eye roll.

"Ah. Well, I'll give James your regards if you'd like?"

"Sure. Er, we should get going. That's our ride right there." She nods to a black town car that's pulling up. "Plus, you wouldn't believe how long it takes Marls to prepare for an evening out."

"Hey!"

"Kidding."

Sirius laughs at Lily's joke. "Very well. I'll see you tonight then."

"I can't wait."

The girls turn away and double back toward their ride. Just as Lily expected, Marlene disappears upstairs to begin preparing for her date straight upon returning home. As much as she would have loved to spend more time with her best friend, she's excited to have an evening to herself. When she reaches the top of the stairs, she runs into Mona and fills her in on the afternoon's events.

"That's wonderful for Marlene! Perhaps we can go over the featured pastry in a bit?" Lily nods and moves toward her bedroom. "Oh! Before I forget, you had a special delivery while you were out. I put it on your bed."

"Special delivery?" Lily furrows her brow in confusion.

"You'll see," Mona responds in a sing-song voice.

Lily wastes no more time entering her room to see what's been left for her. She hangs the garment bag with her new dress in the closet and then doubles back to examine a large emerald green box with navy writing on it. The swirly letters say 'London's Top Baker' on the top.

Her heart skips a beat, wondering if she missed an opportunity to see James. That is if he was the one to drop the box off, and there's only one way to find out. She lifts the lid off of the box to reveal a baker's survival kit for the upcoming competition. Amidst a sea of decorative green 'grass' to fill out the box are two aprons, one emerald and one navy, a guidebook to the competition, and a journal to write recipes down in.

Lily pulls out the guidebook and begins sifting through its pages. Every detail she could imagine is included in the contents of the book. From what time to show up at the premises to what to expect on each Sunday of the competition. The first week will challenge her skills in biscuits, so she'll have to pick Mona's brain and review all of her standard biscuit recipes in preparation. The whole concept is exciting and while Lily was nervous about joining at first, she's becoming more and more eager with every turn of the page of her guidebook.

She becomes so engrossed in gathering information about the upcoming competition that Lily almost misses the small envelope with her name on it. Tearing the envelope open, she reveals a short hand-written note from James.

Lily,

I had a wonderful time last night and I hope you did too. I'm sorry I missed you when I dropped this off. Unfortunately, I have to go out of town on business and I'm not sure how long it will be until I return. I hope to be there for the first week of the competition, but I can't make any promises. The last thing I wanted to do was leave without a word, hence this letter. Should you wish to correspond, I've written my mobile number below. I'm trusting you won't give it away. If I don't see you or hear from you before next week, best of luck with Week One.

Yours,

James

Lily's lips break into a wide smile as she reads James's letter. She's relieved that he actually contacted her sooner this week, instead of waiting a week, or possibly more. And at least she won't find herself on the lookout for James all week. Picking up the box and moving it to her dresser, Lily takes the note and flops back onto the bed, pulling out her phone and inputting James's phone number.

Lily: Was my company that bad that you had to drop the box off when you knew I was out?

She presses send, hoping he'll find humor in the text.

James: Very funny. I'm assuming you read the rest of my note. How was the expo?

Lily: Pretty uneventful. Got a lot of free stuff though. Ran into Sirius too…

James: Ah, yes, I forgot he was advertising there today. He must have been surprised to see you?

Lily: I think he was at first, but then he and Marlene seemed to hit it off and I became invisible.

James: So that's why he was texting me about where to take a date tonight.

Lily: Ha! So much for 'knowing a bougie place'

James: Please don't tell me he said that...

Lily laughs as she stares at the screen, wondering how they'd gone this long without exchanging phone numbers.

Lily: I could, but I'd be lying, and I've already reached my quota for the day.

James: Oh?

Lily: People like to stick their noses where they don't belong.

James: I could respond many different ways to that.

Lily: Take your pick.

James: About last night?

Lily: mmhmm.

James: Let them wonder.

Lily doesn't know how to respond to that. Let them wonder? Is he talking about Mona and Marlene? Sirius? The press? Why did he have to be such a mystery? She waits for a few minutes, trying to determine what would be the best response until she finally settles on something that completely skirts around the ambiguity of his previous statement.

Lily: Sorry I fell asleep last night.

James: There's no need to apologize. I imagine it was a long day.

She hopes that he'll give her a little bit more, but once again, she's left wondering what he's thinking. Despite her desperation to know his thoughts, her stubbornness wins out.

Lily: Thanks again for setting that up.

James: Like I said, it was no problem.

James: My flight is about to take off, so I have to go. Talk soon?

Lily: Sure. Safe travels.

Lily clicks her phone off. The conversation leaves her more confused than before. She's thankful to have this added link to James, even though she tells herself she doesn't need it—or him. The pang in her chest has nothing to do with the fact that he's going away and won't see her for a while.

Instead of wallowing over a man she most certainly isn't developing feelings for, Lily turns her focus to the week ahead. It's time to put her game face on. She's got a competition to prepare for, a bakery to manage, and a lawsuit to counter. It's a good thing that James is going away because she doesn't need the distraction. Out of sight, out of mind, right?