Friend-Zoned(19)
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With Nat here, I get inventory done in 2 short hours. Work goes quickly when you’re gabbing away with an old friend.
After a year apart she still looks the same to me except her hair is longer and dyed a deep magenta, some would call it violet. People always ask us if we’re sisters; we have the same eye shape and green eyes. Except my eyes have a dark rim around them and are lighter, hers are bright grass green.
I’ve told her all about The White Rabbit and the guys. I’m surprised when she doesn’t question me about Max and his gun but I’m glad because I honestly wouldn’t know how to answer her.
I ask her if she can steam some new items and she seems really excited to be put to work. After showing her how to use a professional steamer and warning her about steam burns (which I have had many of), I leave her to it.
The red mailbox on the computer flashes. I find one unread email.
It’s from Vanessa.
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To: valentinatomic@safira.net
From: vanessagraves@nt3advertising.com
Subject: Re: Cupcake Recipe :)
Thank you so much, can’t wait to make these for my husband!
Who ever heard of mayonnaise in cake? But whatever work, right?
Kindest regards,
Vanessa Graves
P.S.
Tell your boyfriend he’s got himself a new sponsor. Doing the paperwork right now. Should be there Monday.
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HOLY CANNOLI! Yay!
After yesterday’s accidental meeting with Vanessa, I went back to the store and typed out the recipe to email to her. I was just about to email it when I read what business she was from. NT3 Advertising is a huge advertising firm in New York. So, now I understand why this was so important to Nik. If he succeeded in getting them as a sponsor it would open the door to him for a lot of other sponsors. NT3, alone, has over ten sub companies.
I’m so happy for him right now I could dance a jig!
Instead, I forward the email to him and wait for a reply.
My excitement deflates when I don’t get one after ten minutes. I get back to work.
Rawr Raaawr
Just as I’m ready to glare at the damn doorbell, I’m pulled back into something hard.
I look up and there is Nik. Hugging me from behind.
He is so tall and handsome. And I feel safe in his muscular arms.
This bothers me.
I try to laugh it off saying, “Hey there big man! I see congratulations are in order!”
He takes my hand and turns me to face him. He takes my face in his large hands and explains, “They were going to turn me down. You,” he shoots me a grateful smile and whispers, “you are the reason I got this. This one’s all on you.” His face turns serious, “Thank you, sweetheart, you have no idea how much I needed this.”
Wrapping his arms around my shoulders, he picks me up and rocks me from side to side. My legs are swinging left to right and I can’t move my arms. I’m sure anyone watching thinks I’m his dolly.
When he’s done, he sets me back on my feet and put his hands on my shoulders. He orders, “You’re shuttin’ down for an hour. You and your girls are coming to The White Rabbit for lunch.” Not a request.
I scrunch my face up and start to refuse, “I really shouldn’t.”
His face turns serious again and he says firmly, “I’m not taking no for an answer.”
Ooookay then.
He tries to persuade me with, “C’mon. It’s just an hour. We need to celebrate.” He starts nodding.#p#分页标题#e#
This is the first time he’s been in my store and it’s been nice so far. I look around to see Mimi smirking, Natalie wink, and Lola wide eyed. I shoot them all a questioning look. Mimi and Nat nod vigorously, Lola just stares at Nik.
Oh, Lola. I know how you feel.
Shrugging my shoulders I put on my best bored voice, “Well I guess an hour won’t hurt.”
Nik smiles huge and, wow, I’ve never seen him smile like this before. I’ve only ever seen his smirk. But this…This is a smile. It’s a masterpiece. A work of art.
It’s a little like Max’s. He has a single dimple which is totally yummy. And his teeth are so straight and white, I want to lick him.
But his smile transforms his whole face. Gone is any hardness I once saw in his face; now whenever I see him I will remember this beautiful smile. I feel sorry for anyone who hasn’t seen it.
He turns to Mimi and asks, “Can you lock up?”
She nods and walks to the staff room. Keys in hand, she shuffles us out the door and locks it.
Nik takes my hand, puts it in the crook of his elbow and walks us across the street, girls in tow.
We arrive at what Nik calls the ‘chill out’ room and there are at least ten other people there.