“What date did y’all plan to do something?” I asked, quickly.
His eyes widened as he pulled out his phone. “Uh, um. The fifteenth of this month.”
“Aight, like I said. You gone be part of the setup crew. This is why you need to know the dates of what the hell is going on around here. The event is on the Tenth. Now onto other business, I need someone to volunteer to visit the Iron Fist Club this weekend. You know the deal, show yo’ face and respect, then bring yo’ ass back.”
Miguel lifted his hand in the back, and I nodded. “‘Preciate that.”
“Now, shifts for Chrome are up for grabs. If you need more hours, you can step to me in private and I got you. Boss, you need a few days off?” I asked.
“Nah. I appreciate the distraction.”
I nodded, then continued down the list of things that needed to be handled. I checked my watch and noticed that Solana’s shop would only be open for a few more hours. Usually, I sent one of the guys over to grab me a few things. But since I needed everyone to be here for the meeting, I would have to go myself. Which I preferred, but as of recent it seemed like shit kept happening and needing my attention.
Julez was by my side in an instant the moment he had seen me heading for the exit.
“You know you gone have to check ole’ boy, right?” he asked.
I knew he was referring to Rafe. I knew that shit needed to be handled, and soon. If I was anything, I was observant. I rarely acted on my hunches until I had proof something was off. I couldn’t act on pride or ego. Shit like that caused mistakes to happen.
There was no room for mistakes.
“I hear you. You know how I get down. Watch him.”
Julez nodded and followed the last few members from the bar.
I watched as everyone left, then started for the back staircase to head to my office. But slowed my pace when I recognized that signature, pink and white pastry box with the words Sugar Kissed on it.
I walked over to the box and lifted the lid. It was empty, meaning one of them left trash behind. But, in this moment, all I could think was maybe this was a sign to pay her a visit.
I needed her to know I was interested without coming on too strong. Solana gave me the vibe she needed patience and clear intentions. The more I thought about it, how clear had I been? If I’d been sending other folks in her shop for me.
That was going to end today.
I walked out of the bar, then locked it behind myself. I looked both ways before crossing the street and walked past a few shops until I made it to Sugar Kissed. A few customers were still there, but I could tell it had slowed down. From the distance, I took in her smile as she talked to the older couple.
Damn.
I groaned aloud and stepped inside, allowing the bell overhead to announce my presence. She glanced up, that same smile attached, until her eyes landed on me. Her eyes widened, and she smirked in my direction. Then returned her attention back to the couple in front of her.
Instead of getting in line, I took a seat at the table near the back. Another ten minutes went by as she was thanking the last customer as they left. I glanced in her direction to see her smiling at me. Solana stepped around the corner to take the seat across from me.
“I never thought I would see you in here again. I figured you realized those treats I gave you were far from worth all the money you put in the tip jar,” she said.
I chuckled with a shake of my head.
“Nah, never that. I loved it. I’ve been sending in a few different folks to grab me a couple things. Let me find out I was running through your mind.”
She rolled her eyes and glanced away briefly before returning her attention back to me.
“Please. I wouldn’t go that far. Natural curiosity is a thing. Especially when you’ve just opened your business to the public. But I appreciate you continuing to support. Were you coming to grab a few things or just coming in to show your face? I have a few things you could get for you and your girlfriend.”
She gave me a tight lip smile that didn’t reach her eyes. She didn’t like the idea of me having someone else. I almost wanted to laugh, but I leaned back further into my seat and craned my head to the side while stroking my chin.
“Girlfriend? How you figure that?” I asked, ignoring her questions about the treats.
She adjusted herself in her seat, then glanced towards the door. I’m sure she was hoping anyone walked in so she could excuse herself.
“Uh, my bad. That wasn’t my business. Would you like one of my apple cinnamon rolls?” She asked, trying to change the subject.
