Chapter 7 - THE NIGHT THE PIE FLEW
The memorial dinner began beautifully.
Eighty guests filled the Benedetti ballroom.
Photographs of Luca's grandfather lined the walls.
A string quartet played softly.
Rose's desserts occupied a long table beneath the windows.
Everything was going according to plan.
Until Serena arrived.
She wore silver.
Her diamonds flashed beneath the chandeliers.
And she looked at Rose as though discovering an insect in her champagne.
"Well," Serena said.
"The baker."
Rose continued arranging plates.
"Good evening."
Serena examined the dessert table.
"Quite a lot of sugar."
"People tend to expect it in pie."
Serena smiled.
"I suppose that's why you look the way you do."
Rose's hands stopped.
Nearby, Tessa heard the remark.
Her face reddened.
"That's rude."
Serena looked at the teenager.
"And who are you?"
"My sister."
"How unfortunate."
Rose stepped between them.
"Please leave my staff alone."
Serena laughed.
"Staff? Darling, you're running a little pie shop, not a corporation."
Carmela approached.
"Serena."
The younger woman turned.
"Carmela. How lovely."
"Your manners haven't improved."
Serena's smile tightened.
"Neither has your taste in company."
Carmela folded her arms.
"Rose is here because I invited her."
"Of course."
Serena glanced at Rose.
"Someone has to feed the guests."
Carmela stepped closer.
"My husband would have liked Rose."
"Your husband liked everyone."
"No," Carmela replied.
"He disliked bullies."
Serena's face hardened.
She looked directly at Rose.
"Tell me something. Does Luca actually take you out in public, or does he keep you hidden in the kitchen?"
Rose felt heat rise in her cheeks.
"That's enough."
Serena smiled.
"Poor thing. You really think he wants you?"
Tessa moved forward.
Rose caught her arm.
"Go check the chocolate pies."
"But—"
"Please."
Tessa reluctantly walked away.
Serena leaned closer.
"Luca was engaged to me. Do you understand what that means?"
Rose met her eyes.
"It means he isn't anymore."
Carmela laughed.
Serena turned sharply.
Then looked back at Rose.
"At least I don't have to wonder whether a chair will hold me."
The room seemed to tilt.
Rose's fingers tightened around the edge of the dessert table.
"Say fat one more time."
Serena smiled.
"Fat."
Rose reached for the nearest pie.
Banana cream.
Freshly whipped topping.
Perfectly arranged slices.
And threw it.
The pie struck Serena squarely in the face.
Cream exploded across her silver dress.
May you like
The tin fell.
And the ballroom went silent.
