It was for that reason that I decided that I would be driving across town to his penthouse to apologise for my behaviour. I wasn’t the kind of person who could not admit when they were wrong, and I was wrongsofucking wrong.
I made a stop at one of the local convenience stores to buy a congratulatory card, but the only ones available were the ones that read; I'm sorry for your loss, Happy Hawneka, and merry Christmas. I couldn't show up at his place empty-handed so I picked out the Christmas card, plus it's the thought that counts right? Yeah, let's go with that. I decided that it would be a good idea to go. I searched for vegan cupcakes to make up for the shitty card when I remembered Fabian mentioned his mom had a little café just nearby.
Mrs Lyon's bakery was on the corner of 3rd street and had the most beautiful array of flowers for sale outside, dandelions, and the sweet scent of ambrosia that reminded me of my auntie Zahra's vineyard. That mixed with the scent of freshly baked bread and croissants, I made my way inside and noticed that Fabian was behind the counter. Wearing a little baker's hat and apron, he looked adorable and when he saw me he looked a little self-conscious. He had absolutely no reason to be, I thought it was the sweetest thing that he helped out his mom in the mornings before school.
Camille Lyon was a once-famous actress from the '80s but she'd settled down to have a family and opened up her café as a pastime, not that she ever needed to work again being the wife of the Marquess.
"Welcome to Slice of Heaven new customer!" Fabian announced, playing into his role and I smiled at his efforts, "Looking for anything in particular or see something that tickles your fancy?"
"I like your hat." I teased leaning over and patting it,
"Yeah yeah, I get it." He cringed, waving his arms in surrender, "We have some cherry glazed doughnuts coming out the kitchen in a few?"
"Actually quite the contrary, do you guys have anything vegan?" I asked and he rolled his eyes knowingly,
"You're too good for him, you know that?" Fabian advanced folding his arms behind the cash register,
"Tell me something I don't know." I replied sarcastically, "But not today, I think I fucked up and I’m trying to make things right."
Just then a petite brunette with silver whisps spun into her effortless chestnut brown hair covered in flour and wearing an apron that saidkiss the cook, don't touch the bunscame out and placed her hands on her hips in exhaustion. I turned my gaze to Fabian who looked slightly alarmed now, and then back to her. He had her eyes, those same empathetic deep hazel eyes.
"Fabian, qu'est-ce que je vous ai dit sur le flirt avec mes clients?" She scolded,what did I tell you about flirting with my clients?
"Maman je ne flirtais pas, c'est mon amie de l'école!" Fabian groaned,I wasn't flirting with her. She's my friend from school, "Armani."
And at that, her eyes softened and her gaze met mine and she gave me a welcoming smile, he had her smile too. The type that made you feel like you mattered, and like you were seen.
"Désolé, you must be the mystery girl my son won't stop talking about." She grinned, swatting him playfully on the shoulder, "You sure know how to pick the good ones."
"It's nice to meet you, Mrs Lyon, your café is lovely." I complimented,
"Merci, I wouldn't be able to keep it running without Fabian here helping out every day." She said, planting a kiss on his cheek and he smiled at her.
"If you're ever hiring, I'd love to work here after school," I suggested,
"I'm afraid as of right now the café is full, but if a position opens up I'll let you know chérie." She assured me, taking out a notepad, "Now what can I get you?"
"Do you have any vegan options?" I asked,
"Of course, what're you looking for?" She questioned,
"Cupcakes perhaps?" I advanced,
"We've got vegan salted peanut butter and vegan Belgian chocolate." She told me pointing to the notice board,
"Alright I'll have the Belgian choc-" I began but Fabian cut me off,
"She'll have the salted peanut butter," Fabian said as he packaged the four cupcakes, "River's allergic to chocolate, complément de la maison," On the house.
"No Fabian I can't accept that, I'll pay for it and you can keep the change, it's okay." I refuted digging in my purse for the money and handing it to Mrs Lyon politely.
"No no chérie, keep your money, think of it as a taste test, and if you like them be sure to come back next time you're craving something sweet, yes?" She offered,
"Thank you, I really appreciate your kindness." I thanked her just as Fabian handed me the paper bag.
Just as I was out the door I snuck a taste of the frosting and it turned out I was a fan of both of Mrs Lyon's creations. If only I could combine them both and have a Fabian-flavoured cupcake. Oh God, that sounded more morbid than sweet.
When I rang the bell in the elevator to request for River to let me up, I realized that perhaps I was crazy to be showing up unannounced at his penthouse at nine PM. Maybe he didn't even want to see me, God knows I wouldn't want anything to do with me after that little stunt I pulled at the exhibit. But to my surprise, he let me up anyway. When the elevator doors opened my eyes caught River’s who looked like he'd just come out of the shower because his dark hair was still wet and so was the neck of his black T-shirt.
