Friend-Zoned (Friend-Zoned 1)
He tells us Max and Ceecee live with him and have since Ceecee became paraplegic; he doesn’t tell us what happened to her but I’m sure he believes it’s Max’s story to tell. Nik is thirty four. Ghost (whose name is really Asher) has been a part of his family since he moved in with them senior year of high school. I want to know more about that but don’t want to interrupt him. He tells us he’s owned the club for seven years and has two silent partners. Trick is Nik’s cousin, their mothers are sisters. I ask where Ceecee goes when Max works at the club. Nik tell us his Mom and sisters all take turns watching her and that Ghost is Ceecee’s godfather. He tells us a bit about the club. Nat and I are both listening closely; we’re both curious about our new friends.
I straighten up having just remembered to ask him something. “I haven’t seen you taking your cigarette breaks anymore. You hiding from us?” I tease.
He looks a bit sheepish as he rubs his hand on the back of his neck and says, “Well, see, I met this little woman who told me smoking kills. ” He scrunches his face and looks at me, “So I quit. ”
Unbelievable. I actually don’t know what to say. I’m pretty sure I mentioned the ‘smoking kills’ thing the first time I ever spoke to him.
That’s all it took to make him quit?
Then I realize something, frown, and complain, “But now I won’t see you three times a day. ” It’s only after I say it that I realize how pathetic I sound so I quickly add, “But it’s so good you’re quitting!” with a big smile and I quickly ask him more questions about the club.
Phew, quick save!
An hour of random conversation passes and Nik stands and excuses himself. “Sorry to leave you ladies but I really have to finish some work. ” He looks at me and informs, “By the way, we’re officially sponsored by NT3 Advertising. I got the contract in the mail today. ”
That. Is. Awesome!
I stand, hug him, and smile. “Congratulations. I know it was a big one. ”
He hugs me back quickly then looks at Nat and questions, “You know she’s the reason I got a seven hundred thousand dollar sponsorship?”
WHAT THE HECK?
Nat gasps and we both stand there open mouthed. He takes in our obvious expressions and chuckles. “Yeesh, too cute. ”
He lifts his fingers to us as a goodbye, unlocks the door and leaves.
I know he said the sponsorship was a big one but I had no idea it was almost a million dollar
contract. I suddenly don’t feel bad about taking the VIP passes anymore. He can afford it.
No one can resist the cupcakes.
Nat nudges my shoulder to get my attention and tells me, “I’ve changed my mind about him. I really, really, really like him. ”
I smile up at her, “Yeah, me too. ”
Like, a lot.
Maybe too much.
***
I decide to wake up early the next morning and make glazed donuts. I feed Bear then get my cook on.
I double the dose so I can take some to The White Rabbit for Nik (and the guys) as a Thank You for the late lunch he brought us yesterday.
These donuts are baked not fried so I have no problems eating two of these babies each time I make them. They are soft, fluffy, and a classic. You can never go wrong with donuts. I mean, who doesn’t like a good donut?
I’m still in my bathrobe and just about finished glazing them when Nat emerges from her bedroom.
I take her in as she stumbles into the kitchen. Her hair is a mess, she hasn’t opened her eyes, and she looks adorable.
I laugh at the state she’s in. “Hey, you didn’t have to get up for another half hour. ”
She finally opens her eyes, sits at a stool next to the counter, and confesses, “I swear I don’t know how I got here, I just followed my nose. ” She looks at the counter and groans, “No! Not the cinnamon glaze!” She whines, “You know I can’t resist the cinnamon glaze!”
Nat takes one of the cooler donuts in hand and takes a small bite. She lifts her eyes heavenward and moans, “Oh my God, my mouth just had a freaking orgasm. ”