"Are you sure you don't want us to do the baking?" Ma asked, watching you bag up all your supplies. It was 11pm, and you were just getting around to making the cupcakes for Miranda's surprise party.

"It's alright, Ma. Baxter said he would help," you assured both of your mothers. The two women frowned, but let you go. There was an unspoken understanding between you three about the arrangement. Baxter was lonely, even with you as his summer girlfriend. He wanted to be included, and his depressingly empty kitchen needed some life.

Ever since he'd come to Sunset Bird for the summer, he'd been a mystery. He didn't have friends back at college, his parents rarely called and when they did he didn't look happy about it. Even when he'd first come to hang out with you, Cove, Miranda, and Terri, he seemed... separate. Baxter was always there, always willing to come along with whatever, but he never felt like he was truly with you. He never wanted to make choices for himself, even when you insisted he pick what he wants.

It made you kind of sad. You'd only gone on a handful of dates by now, but you took being his girlfriend seriously. Even though he was going back to college in Virginia once summer was done, Baxter Ward was your first boyfriend. You cared for him as such and wanted him to feel like it.

You crossed the street to the condo Baxter was renting. There was no need to knock anymore, you had the combination memorized. You sat your grocery bags on the counter with a tired huff. It was already dark outside and nothing was ready. The lack of planning seemed to freak Baxter out, he was far too meticulous for last-minute birthday party plans like this.

Baxter was leaning against the counter, some baking utensils already laid out. "You made it." The words were casual, polite. But you saw the way his amber eyes lit up.

"Have you ever done this before?" you asked, crossing the kitchen to wrap him in your arms. Baxter accepted the embrace.

"Not once."

You giggled, kissing the mole on his neck. This was going to be a delightful disaster.