Read Online It's Raining Cupcakes by Lisa Schroeder - Free Book Online Page A

told me she wouldn’t listen to me. Because I’d had my doubts. I had told her a Laundromat would be better than a cupcake shop. Easier than a cupcake shop. And knowing her, she’d probably remind me of that.
    I sat there, staring at the picture on the front page, wishing it would disappear, so maybe, just once, Mom could be happy. And maybe, just once, all of us could be happy.
    Right then, it seemed about as impossible as me flying across the world and seeing the Great Wall of China.

Chapter 11
hawaiian sky cupcakes
THE BLUE COCONUT BUTTERCREAM WILL MAKE YOU GO “WOW”
    G randma came over, all dressed up in an emerald green dress along with little white gloves and a white hat with a feather. She marched down the hall and told Mom she had five minutes to get ready because they were going out.
    â€œI think the best thing to do today is get her out of here and get her mind off cupcakes for a while. Let her stew for too long, and she’ll be ready to give up for sure. Wouldn’t you agree, Izzy?”
    I nodded. Grandma always seemed to have the right answer.
    â€œDo you want to go with us, honey?”
    â€œSophie’s coming home today. She’s been gone three whole weeks. I can’t wait to see her. Is that all right?”
    â€œOf course. I know this is hard for you, too. You should go see your friend and have a ducky good time. Tomorrow we’ll regroup. Make a plan. And we must never, never, never give in. That’s what Winston Churchill said, Isabel. He was a wise man. We would do well to follow his advice. Your grandpa met one of his relatives, you know. I can’t quite remember her name. But, oh, your grandfather was tickled pink about meeting one of Churchill’s relatives, that’s for sure.”
    â€œNever give in,” I said. “Okay. I’ll try.”
    She shook her finger at me and smiled. “Never, never, never give in. That’s three nevers. Got it?”
    â€œGot it.”
    She hugged me. “It’ll be okay, my darlin’ Izzy. You’ll see.”
    The phone rang, so I ran to get it, hoping it was Sophie.
    â€œChickarita!” she shouted in my ear. “I’m home!”
    I squealed. “Yay! Can I come over?”
    â€œYeah. Just be prepared. Suitcases and dirty clothes are everywhere! They might put you to work doing laundry or something. On second thought, I’ll wait for you out front. Hurry, before they suck me into the bottomless pit of chores to be done.”
    I laughed. “Okay. I’ll be right there. I have so much to tell you!”
    â€œOh, good. Hey, wanna go to the Blue Moon? I’m craving some fries big-time. Plus, that way, Hayden can’t barge in and interrupt us with stories of how aliens are here on earth, living among us, ready to snatch us at any given moment and take us back to their planet for research.”
    â€œI’m on my way. Bye.”
    After I hung up, Grandma said, “I presume she’s home?”
    â€œYep. I’m going over there and we’re going out to lunch. Tell Mom where I’m at?”
    She nodded. “I’ll be sure to tell her. And I’ll leave your dad a note. Have fun!”
    I flew out the door and down the stairs, then grabbed my bike from the storage closet underneath the stairs.
    Just then, a pretty woman in shorts and a T-shirt with long black hair walked up to the door, carrying a suitcase and wheeling one case behind her.
    I quickly put the kickstand down and went and opened the door for her.
    â€œThanks,” she said, walking in and dropping everything in front of her. “You must be one of the new neighbors.” She stuck her hand out. “I’m Lana. I live in the third apartment upstairs.”
    I took her hand and shook it. Gently but firmly, like my grandpa had taught me when I was three years old. “Oh, hi. I’m Isabel. I wondered when you’d be back. Stan said you were on a