Recipe for Trouble by Sheryl Berk Page B

asked Delaney. “That would be so cool! Then we could hang out all the time!”
    Lexi interrupted—she had to change the subject fast. “This next order is for Red Hot cupcakes. What does that mean? We don’t have any recipe yet for that.”
    â€œI was thinking Red Hot candy hearts on top and a spicy cupcake and frosting,” Kylie said.
    â€œWe could do a Mexican Chili Chocolate Cupcake,” Jenna suggested, “and top it with a cinnamon cream cheese frosting. But we’ll need chili powder and ground cayenne pepper.”
    â€œWe should have all those spices from our family taco nights,” said Kylie. “You get working on the batter with Delaney. Sadie and I will tackle the frosting.”
    Jenna put all the ingredients on the counter. “We want the cupcake to have a kick,” she explained. “A pinch of cayenne should do it.”
    Delaney looked at the small container of orange powder. She gave it a shake into the dry ingredient bowl. “A pinch of cayenne! Check!”
    About twenty-five minutes later, the cupcakes emerged from the oven a deep, dark chocolate color. “These look perfect,” Jenna observed. She opened one wrapper and took a taste.
    â€œ Dios mío! ” she cried, fanning her tongue. “Water! I need water!”
    Sadie raced to get her a glass, and Jenna gulped it down and asked for another…then another.
    â€œThat cupcake is way too spicy—my mouth is on fire! Delaney, how much cayenne did you put in there?”
    â€œA pinch, just like you said,” Delaney answered.
    â€œA pinch is about one-eighth of a teaspoon,” Kylie explained.
    â€œOh,” said Delaney. “I kind of sprinkled in a little more than that. Like maybe three or four tablespoons?”
    Jenna was still gulping down water. “Yeah, you sure did!”
    Lexi felt bad for Jenna…but she couldn’t help chuckling. “I guess Delaney still has a lot to learn about baking cupcakes.”
    Delaney looked sad and embarrassed. “I’m really sorry. I didn’t know.”
    â€œIt’s okay,” Kylie said, putting an arm around her friend. “We’ve all made tons of mistakes. Right, Lexi?”
    Lexi shrugged. “I guess,” she replied, and went back to decorating.
    In seven hours, the girls had managed to bake, decorate, and box half the Valentine’s Day orders. They were all covered, head to toe, in flour and frosting.
    â€œThis is hard work!” Delaney yawned. “We’ve been at it all morning and afternoon! I’m exhausted!”
    â€œSo I guess you won’t be joining PLC,” Lexi said hopefully.
    â€œI’d have to think about it,” Delaney replied. “I’m on the swim team at my school and we have a lot of weekend swim meets.”
    â€œThat’s okay, Delaney,” Kylie answered. “I understand. Maybe you could help us when you’re not swimming.”
    â€œThat would be great!” Delaney untied her apron and handed it to Lexi. “I guess I won’t be needing this?”
    Lexi felt a little bad. Delaney had been very helpful…
    â€œYou can keep it…for next time,” she said.
    â€œThanks, Lexi!” Delaney said, suddenly hugging her.
    â€œYeah, thanks, Lexi.” Kylie smiled and walked Delaney out to the door where her mom was waiting to drive her home.
    â€œI guess Delaney wasn’t so bad,” Lexi said helping Jenna and Sadie sweep up the mess of flour, sugar, and candy all over the floor.
    â€œShe was super nice,” said Sadie.
    Jenna agreed. “Kylie does have excellent taste in friends…”
    Lexi was too tired to be jealous or angry anymore. Her fingers ached from piping frosting and rolling fondant. And tomorrow they had a ton more work waiting for them; they hadn’t even discussed what they’d be making for the Blakely Valentine’s Day party.
    Since the Romeo and Juliet