“You seem close now, though. But you lived near each other then? How did you both end up here?” I asked, leaning on the counter.
“Funny story.”
Lacy was a great storyteller. I finally got her to let me help her, and Mama Hen joined us again, occasionally giving Lacy stern looks, though she didn’t interrupt her. She’d also brought me a pad of paper and a pen so I could write down ingredients I’d like to have in the kitchen.
“That doesn’t leave this room,” Mama Hen said after Lacy had caught me up.
“I understand,” I replied honestly. I had only seen or heard a handful of things I shouldn’t, but it was ingrained from a young age that we didn’t discuss family matters, and the business was family matters.
Mama Hen smiled as she grabbed trays of seasoned meat. “I’m quite sure you do, but doesn’t hurt to be certain. Wanna help with the door?”
I hustled to the door and held it open for her. Lacy ran after her, getting to the front door to open it. Looking around, there was more, so I grabbed a tray and carried it out, walking backwards out.
“Oof,” I said as I bumped into someone.
“I’m so sorry,” a woman with bright blonde hair and breasts like basketballs said. Okay, maybe not basketballs, but still obviously after-market by the shape.
“It’s okay, I was just trying to carry this outside.”
“That’s why I askedyouto get the door,” Mama Hen called from the front.
The woman could barely look at me. It wasn’t her fault, so I told her again, “It’s really fine. What’s your name?”
“They call me Sugar.”
“I’m Katarina, but I go by Katya, or Kat.”
“That’s really pretty,” she said, her lips tight and her eyes wide. She seemed nervous, but surely bumping into people happened a lot here with so many bodies always around.
“Thanks. You must be really sweet to be called Sugar.”
Someone giggled from the door but I didn’t recall meeting her before. Daisy wasn’t far behind her and nudged her arm playfully. She also had blonde hair and fake breasts but they weren’t quite as obvious as Sugar’s. The bright sun from outside shone in so I couldn’t make out her features very well.
“I gotta get back to work,” Sugar said.
“See you around.”
Mama Hen had passed me into the kitchen, and Sugar had gone in there as well, so I headed outside.
“Hey, girl,” Daisy said.
“Hey,” I answered as a man rushed over and grabbed thetray of meat. “That’s quick service.”
“Well, you’re the president’s wife,” Daisy said as she threaded her arm into mine. “You’re practically royalty.”
“Ha!” Mama Hen laughed as she came back out. “They forgot to tell me.”
“You wound me,” Falcon said as he covered his heart with his palm.
Eagle ran over to her. As soon her hands were free, he lifted her off the ground. “We worship you, and we love you Mama Hen!”
She slapped at him. “Put me down you idiot.”
He put her back on the ground, then fell to his knees. “Your wish is my command, Queen Cindy.”
She rolled her eyes and walked back inside.
Eagle got up and grabbed Lacy with the same enthusiasm as he did Mama Hen and swung her around before planting a long kiss on her mouth.
