by Riley Walker
“See you soon, Hot Lips.”
I run to the closet and throw on a pair of jean shorts, a green tank top, and my green chucks. Then I run to the bathroom to brush my teeth and hair. No time for makeup, I’ll just sweat it off anyway. I run down the stairs and slide into the kitchen. Zoe looks up from her cup of coffee.
“What in the Sam Hill are you doing up this early?”
I grab her cup and down the coffee in one gulp. “I’ll explain later tater. I’ve got to go.”
The doorbell rings and I grab my purse. I swing the door open to find Ridge about to push the bell again. My stars, he looks yummy this morning in a pair of khaki shorts, a white v-neck t-shirt, and a pair of flip flops.
“You ready?”
I grab his outstretched hand and nod my head. “I am so ready!”
We walk out the door and down the driveway to a very large black truck. I whistle under my breath, “Dayum, Ridge. That is one monster of a truck.”
Ridge walks over and taps on the hood of the monstrosity. Did I mention the hood comes up to his shoulders?
“She’s a beauty, isn’t she? Alice, meet Cynthia, a 2015 Ford F-350 King Ranch Diesel.”
Ridge is looking at me expectantly. Am I supposed to actually say hello to his truck? I close my eyes and count to five. “Hello, Cynthia.” I walk around her and to the passenger side. Before I can open the door, Ridge is there doing it for me.
“Let me help you get in. It’s a little tall,” he says bashfully.
I turn to face Ridge, and he lifts me up by the waist, and gently sets me in the passenger seat. He taps my knee with his finger and closes the door. I watch him run around Cynthia to the driver’s side and hop in. He glances over at me, smiling wide as he puts his sunglasses on. “Buckle up, Hot Lips.”
The trip to Brown’s Brownies is a short one. It’s not far from my house, but I had no idea it even existed. After Ridge helps me out of the truck, excuse me, Cynthia, he grabs my hand and we walk into the bakery.
I’m in love. Complete and total love with everything I see. Ridge introduces me to an older lady, Ashley Brown. She explains that she and her husband are ready to retire and spend some time with their grandchildren. Everything in the shop is for sale, and she’s willing to negotiate. It’s like a yardsale lovers paradise. I run my hands over the small bistro style tables that are surrounded by those little iron chairs with the roped hearts on the back. I only see three, so I tell Ashley I want them all. Over her counter is a large blackboard, and I can see us writing the daily specials on it. I claim it, too. The display cases are in great shape, no broken glass or damage other than normal wear and tear. I take all of them as well. Then I see it. The focal point of my little store. An antique, rolling coffee cart. If I could pick it up and run out of the store right now, I would. I settle for telling Ashley to slap my name on it as well. I add her inventory of coffee cups with saucers, small white ceramic plates, and an assortment of spoons and forks.
“Well then, Miss Alice, you’ve done about bought me out of everything. I have the list of the items you want, how about we sit over some coffee and work the numbers?”
Ashley is a shrewd woman, but I get a heck of a deal on everything. She even threw in her industrial coffee maker and an older cappuccino machine. Ridge tells me he’ll have to get a small U-Haul to bring everything over to the shop. He doesn’t want to risk scratching up the tables or breaking any glass on the cases. I agree, under one condition.
We make one quick stop on the way back to my house. By the time we pull into the drive, I can hardly contain my excitement. Ridge is chuckling at me, but I’m too hyped up to care. As soon as he puts the truck in park, I’m hopping out of the beast with my bag from the paint store in hand. I skip to the back and watch Ridge lower the tailgate and remove my coffee cart. Ridge carries the cart to the backyard where Zoe is waiting with a large trash bag already on the ground, and a rag in her hand.
“Tell me again why I had to meet you two back here with this?”
I throw my hands out, doing my best to impersonate Vanna White and show off my new cart. “Look at it, Zoe! Isn't it perfect for the store?”
Zoe walks over to the cart and looks it over. She then raises her head and blinks at me. “Al, it’s an old rolling cart. I’m pretty sure my Granny has one in her house.”
“Not like this one, Zoe. We’re going to clean it up, then paint it. It’s going to be a focal point in the cafe part of my shop.”
“We’re going to paint it? What color did you get?”
I ignore Ridge’s snort. He was horrified with what I chose, but once he sees it, I know he will change his mind. I reach into my bag and pull out the small can of paint I bought on our way home. I use the screwdriver I had Zoe bring out with her to get the lid off. I look up at Zoe. “Are you ready?” I lift the lid to reveal the Bubble Gum Pink color I chose.
Zoe leans over and looks closer at the paint can. “It’s pink.”
“No, it’s Bubble Gum Pink.”
Zoe looks at the paint again. “Al, I don’t care what you call it, it’s pink. Why did you pick pink? It’s going in a pot shop for crying out loud.”
I roll my eyes at her. No one understands, so I try to explain my choice in color. “In one of my favorite books, the MC, main character, takes back control over her life. In doing so, one thing she does is paint her furniture Bubble Gum Pink! It’s empowering! Just imagine, all the pot stores are so drab…”
“Hey now!” Ridge hollers out.
I shake my head at him. “Fine. All the pot stores, besides CronCorp, are drab. We want something different so, here you go. I also bought a few small bistro tables with iron chairs, a display case, and a huge chalkboard for our daily specials. It’s going to be the best pot store ever.”
By the time I’m done explaining my vision, my excitement has overtaken me and I can’t keep still. I’m like a human jumping bean. I snag the rag out of Zoe’s hand and begin to meticulously wipe down the cart. It needs to be clean before I start painting it. Once I’m sure there’s no dust on any crevice of the cart, I pull the small paintbrush out of the bag and start painting. It doesn’t take long before the old coffee cart is done. I stand back and admire my work.
It’s perfect.
“Huh. I didn’t think I would like the pink, but it looks pretty good. Nice job, Hot Lips. I’m impressed.”
I preen under his compliment.
“I like it. It’s a daring color, Al, but I can dig it.” Zoe throws her arm over my shoulder and we both take a moment to admire our new cart.
“It’s not about the cart, Zoe. It’s what it represents. It’s bringing life back into something that was on the verge of dying. We’re taking over a man’s world, and doing it the way we want. Pink coffee carts and all.”
Zoe and I fist bump. “We’re going to kick some ass, Al.”
“Yes, Zoe, we most definitely are going to kick some man’s ass.”
“As long as you promise to kiss it afterwards, you can kick mine anytime.”
I tilt my head up and smile at Ridge. “Thanks for helping me, Ridge.”
He wraps his arm around my waist. “Anytime, Hot Lips. Anytime.”
“Do you need me to go with you?”
“It’s alright. I can handle them, Zoe. I need you to meet Ben at the shop so he can get started on the remodeling we talked about. You have the list and know what we want. I can deal with a few stuffy suits at the board meeting.”
I glance at myself one last time. I’m dressed for the office in a pair of black dress pants with a red blouse. I put on my black Michael Kors kitten heels and head out.
I’m greeted at the office by Mrs. Sterns. “Alice, it’s so good to see you. The board is waiting for you, but be sure to stop by and visit before you leave.”
I lean down and give her a quick hug. “Of course I will.” I turn away and head to the boardroom at the end of the hall. I open the door, standing straight with my chin lifted, and walk into the room like
I own it. Which, I guess I do.
“Good morning, everyone.” I greet them all cheerfully.
My uncle is the one to respond to me, “Nice of you to show up, Alice. I hear you’ve been busy lately. Closing down the shop we had? What were you thinking?”
I sit down in my chair and give him my best blank look. “I was thinking, Uncle, that the shop was falling apart, had rats in it, and was run by high-as-a-kite Barbie. If I’m going to turn this company around and bring money back into it, I need to make some changes. I decided to start there.”
“You need to get permission from the board to do anything like this.”
“No, Uncle Richie, I don’t. I already looked into it. Since I am the majority holder, I can make decisions like this without coming to the board first. Now, was there something specific you called me in for, or was that it?”
Uncle Richie’s mouth just opens and closes, over and over like a fish.
I stand up from my chair. “Well, if that’s all the business you had, I’m going to head on out. I need to pick up some papers to look over then head to the shop. We just started the remodel today and I need to be there to oversee it.” I pause at the door and look over my shoulder, “Ladies, gentleman, as always, it was a pleasure.” I walk out, closing the door behind me.
Eighteen
Puff N’ Stuff
I turn around, staring in awe. The new and improved Du-Kane storefront is spectacular. The rats are gone, thank you Ben, the walls have been painted a light dove gray, and the floors have been redone with dark oak hardwood. The display case I picked up from Ashley has been sanded down and distressed with a whitewash. Behind the counter is the giant chalkboard I bought with daily specials written in script at the top. The bistro tables and chairs have been cleaned up, and my centerpiece, the adorable Bubble Gum Pink rolling cart is sitting off to the side.
It’s perfect.
“Dang, Alice, it doesn't even look like a pot store.” Zoe is in the center of the room, turning around and taking it all in just like I am.
“That’s because it isn’t a pot store, Zoe. It’s a pot cafe.” I look at my friend and we both break out in laughter. “I want this to be more than that. It feels like a cafe now. People can come in and get something to eat or drink from the menu we’ve been working on. They can relax and just enjoy the product their buying. It’s going to be amazing.”
Zoe is running her hands over the counters that we’ll be filling soon with all the homemade goodies we’ve been working on. We no longer taste test them. Well, we nibble, but only one bite each. “Have you thought of a name yet? Du-Kane just doesn't fit this.”
I hold my finger up and run behind the counter, grabbing the sign I bought for the front door. “Ta-da! Welcome to Puff N’ Stuff.” I proudly hold up the sign so Zoe can see it.
She cocks her head to the left, running her eyes over the purple and gold sign I designed. “I like it. I like it a lot. Puff N’ Stuff. Alright then, PNS it is.”
“No. No PNS.”
“Why?”
“It sounds like penis. No, just, no.”
Zoe lets out a huff. “Fine. No PNS. I swear sometimes you’re such a killjoy.”
I put the sign down and walk over to Zoe, throwing my arm around her shoulder. “It’s going to be great, Zoe. All we need is someone we can trust to run it.”
“What about the guy Ridge was sending over to apply for the manager position? Isn't it someone his daddy knew?”
“Yeah, his dad and him were friends since they were kids. Ridge said he’s nice but strict.”
The bell over the door dings, and I glance over my shoulder to see Ridge and an older gentleman that looks like he walked right off of a military base.
“Hey, Hot Lips,” Ridge leans over and kisses me on the cheek. “I’d like to introduce you to John Beck. John, this is Alice and Zoe.”
I reach my hand out to shake John’s hand. He’s shorter than Ridge, but built just like him. His salt and pepper hair is shaved into a buzz cut, and his brown eyes are trustworthy. I remember the conversation Ridge and I had about him. He’s retired Navy, never married, and still lives like he’s an enlisted man, not a civilian. He’s definitely the type of person I need to keep my shop in order.
“John, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Ma’am,” he turns his eyes on Zoe and offers her his hand. “Ma’am.”
Zoe lifts her eyebrow at me and mouths Ma’am?
I shrug my shoulders. “John, can I show you around the shop?”
I lead him around, showing him the backroom where we’ll keep our supplies and then behind the counter. I had thick wooden beams put on the wall to put the clear containers that will hold our display grows for the customers. I show him the display case and go over the ideas we have for it, and finish up with the coffee and tea machines that were delivered this morning.
“Well, do you have any questions for me, John?”
I watch his gaze roam over the shop once again, nodding his head in the process. “Looks like you have a tight plan in place, Alice.”
“Thank you. If you take the job, I would be trusting you to hire two part time employees to help. I have several applications to look over.”
“No, I can handle all that.” John turns and looks me in the eye. “What day will we be ready to open, Alice?”
I give him a big smile. “We’re going to open Monday.”
“I’ll be here and ready to work.”
John offers his hand again but I ignore it. Instead I through my arms around his waist and hug him. After a moment, I feel one of his hands move, and he gently taps me on the back. Eh, it's a start.
I turn to Zoe. “This calls for a celebration!”
“Yasssss. Can we finally go to Beale Street? You promised to take me.”
“Whoa, wait a second. You two girls shouldn’t go to Beale by yourselves.” We both just stare at Ridge.
“Yeah, we can. We’re big girls, Ridge.”
“You know what I mean, Alice. Let me go with you?”
Zoe elbows me in the side. “Let the big guy go. He can protect us,” she says rolling her eyes.
“Fine. Yes, Ridge, you can come. Meet us at Silky’s at seven?”
He smacks me on the butt. “I’ll see you two sexy ladies at seven.”
Zoe and I head back home to get ready for tonight. It’s a beautiful night, so I imagine we’ll be sitting outside at the piano bar. I decide to wear my favorite pair of faded jeans, a pale pink tank, and my nude flats. I put my long hair in a french twist, add some mascara to my eyes, red lipstick, and I am ready to go. I meet Zoe at the bottom of the stairs. She’s in her usual floral, flowing skirt, a black tank, and black flats. It’s definitely a night of comfort for us girls.
The Uber drops us off near Silky’s a few minutes before seven and we grab a table outside. Zoe and I both order a frozen margarita in the ‘Yard Stick’ size. It’s literally served in a thin container that is a yard long. It’s my favorite drink on Beale.
“Cheers, Zoe!”
“Cheers, Al!”
We clink our cups together and both take a long drink. Frozen strawberry margaritas are so good.
“Ladies.”
I whip my head around, surprised to hear Cash’s voice. “Cash? What are you doing here?”
“What, are you not happy to see me, Pretty Girl?”
I pat the empty chair beside me. “Of course I am. Have a seat right here.”
“Hey, Zoe. How’s it going? How’s Ben?” He winks at the last question.
“I’m good, Ben’s good, sex is excellent.”
Cash spits out the sip of my margarita he just stole. “I didn’t ask all that now. So, have you ladies ordered something to eat yet, or is this just a drinking night?”
“We were actually waiting on your brother to get here before we ordered.”
“Wait no more, ladies. Here we are!”
I turn to see Ridge with Oren trailing behind him. “Boys, glad you could j
oin us.”
“Ha, ha.” Ridge bends over and runs his lips over mine. “I had to wait on Oren to get ready. He takes forever to do his hair.”
“Shut up, Ridge. Hi, Zoe,” he says before he mimics his brother and bends over me, kissing me swiftly on the lips. “Hey, Alice.”
“Oren. I didn’t know you were coming tonight.”
Ridge jumps in, “I hope it's okay. I told them we were meeting here and they wanted to come along.”
“Of course it’s okay. I’m happy to see you guys. I was going to call and invite all of you over for dinner later this week.”
I’m interrupted when our waitress comes by to take our orders. We settle on appetizers and order two of everything. I should say the guys ordered, she barely glanced at Zoe and me. After rubbing against Cash for the third time and bending over so far you could see down her shirt, I had enough.
“Ahem, excuse me, Candy? Do you think you could also bring us another drink? That is, if you’re done rubbing up against my date.”
I hear Zoe say “burn” under her breath. I know I should be embarrassed by my outburst, but oddly, I’m not. I glare at Candy as she huffs and walks off to put our orders in.
“You know she’s going to spit in your drink now, right?”
I turn my glare toward Cash. “Then I guess you can drink it while she crawls all over you, huh?”
Cash grabs my hand. “Hey, Pretty Girl, what’s wrong?”
I thread my fingers through his, “I’m sorry, Cash. I don’t know what came over me. I don’t usually act like that.”
He grips my hand tighter. “It’s okay, Alice. I kind of like it.”
“The claws were sexy, Alley Cat.”
I can’t help but start laughing. “Oren! Did you just call me Alley Cat?”
He winks and gives me a “Rarrrwwwww.”
I’m trying to think of something to say after that, when Candy appears again with our drinks and another waitress carrying a tray loaded with food. We thank them and after she leaves, I shove my drink at Cash. “Here, you try it first.”
