Friend-Zoned (Friend-Zoned 1)

I look closer at Pretty Woman and realize I’ve seen her before. I say slowly, “Wait a second. I think I’ve seen you in my store. You asked for my help and I recommended that Yellow sweater because it looked killer with your black pumps. ”

The woman is smiling and wide eyed. She responds with a shocked and amused voice, “Oh my goodness. That was a while ago. I didn’t think you would recognize me. I love that sweater!” she chuckles. “I’m Vanessa. ”

I’m genuinely happy to see her again. I reach over to shake her hand and say, “It’s so good to meet you, Vanessa. I’m Tina. If you ever need any help with something to wear, come see me again. And, by the way, if you liked those cupcakes I have the recipe on my work computer. If you give me your card I can email it to you. ”

Vanessa smiles and says, “Really? I would love that. ” She digs through her purse for a business card and hands it over. “My husband loves chocolate and I’ve never tasted anything like that before. ”

I look up at Nik, who I haven’t even noticed has moved his arm around my shoulder. He looks down at me, eyes dancing.

Gahh, look at those beautiful eyes!

I shoot him a smug look that says See! I told ya! then take a huge bite of my cookie.

I’ll admit I forgot Vanessa was even there until she spoke again. She says, “If you don’t mind me saying, you two make a great couple. ”

Nik’s arm tightens around me and he replies, “We certainly think so. ”

What. The. Hell?

“Right, honey?” Then he leans down and kisses my temple.

I have a full mouth of cookie but I manage a, “Mmmpff” and a small nod.

Vanessa says her goodbyes to us both and takes her leave. I turn to Nik. He is staring at me and says, “I can’t believe the cupcake thing worked!”

“Like a charm, every time,” I confess. Then I narrow my eyes at him, “What was the couple thing all about, mister?”

He has the grace to look sheepish. He explains, “Sorry about that but I’ll do anything to get this client. And she seemed to really like you. I didn’t want her disappointed. ”

Rolling my eyes at him, I sigh and respond, “Well, I’d better get back to work because I may have lied about having that recipe on my work computer. Luckily for you, I know it by heart. ” My face turns serious, “I really hope you get it, Nik. ”

His face softens and he says softly, “Thanks for the cupcakes, T. And the sub. Sushi is on me tomorrow. ”

I nod and make my way to the door.

I have a recipe to email.

Chapter Five

Only in New York

Inventory day is the worst day of the month. I have Lola and Mimi in on inventory days because like a creature suffering photosensitivity, I will not see the light of day today.

Call me Smeagle.

The floor is not very busy so Mimi straightens up loose clothing items around the place and Lola takes calls and answers emails for me. They share the customers.

I hear the store room door open and close. I don’t think anything of it; I just continue my monotonous task.

Hands close over my eyes and I feel breathing next to my ear. “Guess who Bitch?”

I know that voice.

I jump up and down and squeal as loud as my lungs will let me. I stop squealing for a moment to turn around. There smiling back at me is my bff Natalie; 5 days early!

I jump into her arms and we both squeal loud for a full minute. I scream at the top of my lungs, “Oh my God!”

The door bursts open and Max barges in with a gun in hand!