Kiss My Cupcake(76)

A few days before the Love Is in the Air event, my phone chimes with an alert about a new video from Tori’s YouTube channel. Over the past few weeks she’s made her way through the top ten bars, narrowing it down to five. I watched the one she put up the day after she visited B&B and The Knight Cap. She was kind enough to edit her video to highlight the few funny moments from the final comedian—there weren’t many—and focused more on the fun, fresh vibe, the themed drinks and cupcakes, and my eclectic sense of style that was reflected in the ambiance of the café.

I consider calling Ronan before I watch the video, but Daphne’s here, setting up her photo booth and taking pretty pictures for the upcoming Valentine’s Day extravaganza, so we crowd around my phone as I cue up the video.

“Ready?” Daphne asks.

I nod and we both cross our fingers as I hit Play. Of course Tori takes her sweet time talking about all the amazing bars she visited while she was touring the Pacific Northwest. “I’ll admit, it was a tough competition and there are some amazing bars out there. I’m going to post a top ten on my site because narrowing it down was such a challenge, but there is one bar that really stood out among the rest!” She pauses for effect. “It’s not just the food or the ambiance that makes one bar stand apart, it’s the whole package, and my winner has it all. A charming, homey environment, the most amazing selection of craft beers, delicious food, fabulous entertainment and a seriously charismatic, smokin’ hot owner.” She fans herself dramatically.

“He won,” I murmur and Daphne squeezes my hand.

“The Knight Cap is the whole package and more, which is why it’s getting the Tori Taylor seal of approval and the title of The Best Bar in the Pacific Northwest! I can’t wait to celebrate this win with Ronan Knight!”

The video goes on to show some highlights from her visit to The Knight Cap. Ronan was wholly captivating, and Tori was happy to wax poetic about the bar, the vibe, and the gorgeous owner.

“I’m so sorry, Blaire. I know how much you wanted this.” Daphne slings her arm over my shoulder and gives me a side hug.

“Thanks. I guess at least if I had to lose, he’s the one person I don’t mind losing to?” It’s more of a question than anything, because as happy as I am for Ronan, I’m disappointed for me.

“You’re still allowed to be sad about it, though. You’re a big part of the reason his events were so successful, especially the karaoke, and your customers were always in his bar after, not really the other way around.”

She’s right. While we both benefited, Ronan was the one who got the most out of our deal, and now he gets the benefit of all the extra promotion. “The Knight Cap has a history and a story I can’t really compete with, though.”

“And you did amazing, despite that.” She taps the comments where Tori has posted a link to her top 10 favorite bars in the Pacific Northwest. Buttercream and Booze has taken the number two spot, right under The Knight Cap.

It’s positive promotion no matter what, but I still give myself a minute to be disappointed, especially since we were just so close at the end, and if my final comedian hadn’t sucked, I might have stood a chance. I remind myself that it’s not Ronan’s fault that my original act got sick, or that his cousin offered a poor replacement. It still really sucks, though.

“I should probably go over and congratulate him.”

“Probably, but if you need to eat a pint of ice cream later and be sad about it, I’m your girl, okay?”

“Thanks.” She hugs me and fixes my hair before she lets me head over to The Knight Cap.

It’s barely ten thirty in the morning, but I find Ronan behind the bar, tossing back shots with Lars.

His huge grin widens when he sees me, and he motions to the TV above the bar with Tori’s vlog playing out on the screen. “Babe! Did you see?”

“I did. Congratulations on the win.” I slip behind the bar and he scoops me up, spinning me around.

When he sets me down, I grip his arms to keep from toppling over. His wide smile falters. “I’m sorry it wasn’t you.”

I curve my palm around the back of his neck, determined not to put a damper on his win. “Don’t apologize. If I was going to lose to anyone, I’m glad it’s you.”

He drops his head, his lips finding mine. He tastes like tequila. “I wouldn’t have won if it wasn’t for you. Without the cohosted events, I wouldn’t have stood a chance. I wish there could be two winners.”

“Well, that would cheapen the award.” I smooth my palms over his chest. “Does Gramps know yet?” I’ve taken to calling Henry that all the time now. He pops by the bakery quite regularly to say hello, and also for cupcakes. He makes me promise not to tell Ronan about his little addiction.

“I haven’t. Should I call him? Or maybe I should tell him in person? Probably in person, right?”

“Definitely in person.” I smile at his excitement.

“Yes. Good call. You’ll come with me? I want you to come with me. Can you leave Callie in charge for an hour?” He kisses me again, making it impossible for me to answer.

When he finally pulls back, I assure him that I can most definitely come with him if that’s what he wants. I pop back over to B&B to let Callie know she’s in charge for a bit.