Alexis and the Perfect Recipe by Coco Simon Read Free Book Online Page B

the s’mores cupcake, and agreed with him. “Oh, the cake alone is so wonderful, but the marshmallows and the cracker crumbs make this absolutely delicious!”
    I smiled. I knew those would be the tastiest.
    Dylan took a bite of a sliver of the gold flake cake. She chewed it thoughtfully as we waited for her comment. When she put down the rest of her sliver, Emma asked anxiously, “Is it not good?”
    â€œOh, no, it’s fine. I’m just not a big dessert person,” said Dylan with a shrug. Argh! I wanted to scream. Poor Emma looked disappointed.
    Next Dylan tried the gift cake. She pinched off a bit of the fondant and nibbled on it. Then she took a tiny bite. She bobbed her head from side to side as she chewed, as if she was weighing it against the previous cupcake. Finally she swallowed and turned toward the cabinet.
    â€œWell?” I asked.
    Without answering me, Dylan took her time getting a glass and filling it with water. Then she held one finger up while she drank and we all waited.
    â€œFine,” she said finally.
    â€œFine?” I asked, annoyed. “What does ‘fine’ mean? Do you like it or not?”
    â€œDylan, try the s’mores one. You will love it,” said my father.
    â€œOkay, okay,” she said, like she was doing us a huge favor. As with the other samples, Dylan took a small bite, and we all watched as she chewed. Now, I spend a lot of time around people eating cupcakes, and I know what I see. I could tell that Dylan loved that cupcake! Her features softened, her eyes lit up, and her mouth lingered over the bite before swallowing it. I’m sure I even saw a slight smile on her face when she was done.
    â€œSo?” My mom asked, as sure as we were that Dylan’s choice would be the same as hers and Dad’s.
    Somehow the Dylan who enjoyed that very delicious s’mores cupcake two seconds ago was able shake her head and look sympathetic. “I am so sorry, kids, but none of these is right for my party,” she said.
    There was silence for a moment. We were all stunned, even my parents.
    â€œWh-wh-what?” I stammered. “What do you mean? You loved that last one! I saw it on your face!”
    Dylan shook her head again with a look ofpity. “No, Alexis, the problem is that the tasty one is ugly and the pretty ones aren’t very tasty.” She shrugged. “Back to the drawing board?”
    â€œArgh!” I screamed.
    â€œGirls, girls, you all did a wonderful job. Dylan, how about a thank-you, first of all, to the Cupcake Club,” instructed my mother. I could tell she was mad.
    â€œThank you,” Dylan muttered without looking at us.
    My friends were all standing there, not sure what to say. I was mortified. Who was this mean girl and what had she done with my sister, Dylan?
    My mom took Dylan by the arm and led her out of the kitchen, which was a good thing, for Dylan’s own safety.
    â€œWell, I loved them!” Dad said enthusiastically. “How could anyone possibly choose? Now, let’s see, if I was having a birthday . . .” He was clearly trying to make us feel better, but it was not helping.
    â€œIt’s okay, Dad. We’ll just clean up,” I said, gently shooing him out.
    Later, as I was washing off the frosting bowl, thinking about how mean and ungrateful Dylan was, my party dress popped back into my mind. Ha! I thought. I’m glad I got a pink dress! Why should I have to go along with everything Dylan says and wants, anyway? I’m sick of having to do everything she says. Now, instead of dreading what she would say about my dress, I couldn’t wait to see her face when I put it on!

CHAPTER 8
    Hello, New Me!
    R ight before Dylan left for cheerleading practice, she sent out an e-mail my mother made her write. It was to everyone in the Cupcake Club:
    Dear Cupcake Club,
    Thank u 4 the cupcakes u baked 4 me.
    I’m sorry if I was a difficult customer,