27 Admission
Crystal Bellerose and Pari Malik unpack the bakery items on the picnic bench shaded underneath the pyramid hip roof of the pavilion in Mountain Quail Gardens Park. They set down three paper plates with napkins, forks, and chilled bottles of water.
Nils Gustaffson, after parking nearby, approaches them with a cheerful smile.
"Good morning, ladies," he says, taking the bench seat across from them. "I was really pleased to get your invitation."
"I promise this carrot cake cupcake will be one of the best things you have ever tasted," Crystal says. "It's moist, gluten-free, topped with a heap of cream cheese frosting, and made fresh by the best bakery in town."
"Thank you for joining us, Nils," Pari adds.
While they savor the cakes, Pari notices Nils stealing glances at Cr
