Jennica wanted her wedding cake from a famous New Jersey bakery—an hour's drive away—that had its own TV show. Keeley, having watched several episodes with Jennica, was excited despite Jennica's hectic schedule. They rode with Jennica and Cameron, and the drive felt interminable. Keeley was force-fed dog food while Jennica fretted over cake decorations, details she planned to finalize with the bakery's consultant. Keeley wished she'd driven separately but lacked a car; only the promise of delicious cake sustained her.

The bakery's popularity resulted in a line stretching two blocks. Fortunately, they had an appointment and bypassed the waiting crowd. To Keeley's dismay, Aaron was inside, rising as he saw them. "What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Cameron invited me," Aaron deadpanned. "Said I needed more fun in my life."

Great. The day just got better.

They were seated at a table where the cake consultant awaited. Keeley recognized him from the show but remained discreet; she didn't want to be "one of those people."

"So, is this a joint wedding?" the consultant asked.

Keeley practically leaped to correct him. "No way! I'm the maid of honor, he's the best man; your couple is over there."

"Oh, I see. Usually, only the bride and groom attend."

Keeley sighed inwardly. Why was she here, witnessing this lovefest and enduring Aaron's presence, when it was ostensibly for the couple only? She planned to murder Jennica later.

Cake. She was here for the cake. Everything else would be tolerable as long as she got her samples.

The consultant continued, "As you requested, I have the three flavors you selected: chocolate mousse, cookies and cream, and lemon. Since we expected only two, you'll have to share."

Even better. Jennica, naturally, wanted to share with her fiancé, leaving Keeley to share a plate with Aaron. Why was the universe against her?

The chocolate mousse cake arrived first. Keeley took a bite and nearly moaned with pleasure. It was a chocolate lover's dream—rich and intensely flavorful, complemented perfectly by the light mousse.

After two bites, Aaron subtly nudged the plate toward her. Perhaps sharing a plate wouldn't be so bad.

"What do you think?" he asked.

Keeley wanted to praise the cake effusively, but deferred to the engaged couple.

"I really like it," Cameron said, lovingly wiping crumbs from Jennica's face. Keeley's stomach churned.

Jennica nodded. "It's delicious."

The consultant kindly solicited their opinions, though they didn't matter much.

Keeley smiled. "This is the best chocolate cake I've ever tasted. I'll be back for my birthday."

Aaron merely nodded. Typical.

The rest of the tasting proceeded similarly. The cookies and cream was fantastic, but the lemon was too tart for Keeley. Aaron, remembering a high school Skittles incident, let her have most of the cookies and cream, consuming all but one bite of the lemon.

"I'm leaning towards cookies and cream," Jennica announced. "Cam, your preference?"

"Chocolate mousse."

"Four-tier cake, correct? Two of each flavor," the consultant suggested.

They simultaneously agreed. Their compatibility amazed Keeley. She and Aaron were never so in sync. Yet, he seemed to anticipate her cake preferences, an uncharacteristic act.

"May I see your design references?" the consultant asked. Jennica produced a binder of pictures.

Keeley sighed. This would take a while. She'd rather be studying for her midterm than listening to this. And this was just the beginning—dress shopping, floral arrangements, the bachelorette party She buried her face in her hands, exhausted.

Aaron leaned in. "We've given our opinions; want me to take you home?"

She weighed her options: an awkward car ride with Aaron, or staying indefinitely. She chose the lesser evil.

"That would be great, thank you."

He addressed the others. "Thanks, but Keeley has midterms, so we're leaving. Good luck."

Jennica barely glanced up. "Sure, sure. See you later."

Cameron winked and gave Aaron a thumbs-up, unseen by Keeley.

The walk to his car reminded her of Boston's distant parking lots.

"How did you know I was miserable?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"It was written on your face. Besides, I know your schedule. It's your final year; why be maid of honor if you're this busy?"

"Because I'm a pushover," she said ruefully. Jennica was her best friend; she couldn't refuse. She might have, though, had she known it would be this difficult. It was too late now.

Aaron's expression softened. "See? This is why I have to look after you. You won't do it yourself."

Keeley huffed. The irony that he, of all people, was lecturing her was not lost on her.