“We are here for a shopping experience,” I continue, “and my parents have been flown here on a private jet, then driven in a limo. That says Hollywood production to me rather than a small celebration.”
“Now, babe, that’s a no-brainer,” Chase says, smacking his lips after sipping from his glass. “All of this,” he says waving the glass around, “the jet, the limos, the celebration is loose change for those guys. The expense for you is Hollywood, but for those guys it doesn’t even register. I bet those guys are paying more attention to what’s for lunch than this.”
He takes another long sip and comes up for air. He’s warming to the topic.
“And as for you, sweetheart, you’re doing enough thinking for the whole city today—overthinking that is.”
“But…”
The assistant swipes a card to open a door into a light-filled studio with mirrors everywhere, rich leather chairs, and a champagne bottle chilling in a silver bucket.
There’s very soft music playing. I put my champagne down and let the bubbles wink out. This is really where a girl might lose her head. Chase tips his glass up and empties it before setting it down beside mine.
“But?” Chase prompts as the assistant refills his glass.
“The café. You remember that place? It’s where you and I make our living. Turns out it is still closed. The business will go down the toilet at this rate. I don’t get why that’s the case.”
“Maybe we forgot the rent,” says Chase. “No biggie. The landlady kicked us out.”
The light bulb switches on in my head. He’s right. I have been so preoccupied lately that the rent day came and went without me realizing.
We are so far behind that’s exactly what would have happened. I’m not sure why, but I lie about this.
“But it’s only been two days. She wouldn’t have worked that fast surely.”
The champagne has taken its effect on Chase. He’s a million miles from caring about our rent. Now that he has an explanation and it works for him, the problem is solved.
“Two days—is that all? Not even a no biggie. Not even a little biggie. I’ll call her up and tell her. Maybe she’ll see reason as soon as we sort that out.”
He goes back to the champagne.
Our assistant presses a button and the mirrors on either side glide away to reveal a rack of women’s clothing on one side and a collection of men’s clothing on the other.
“Wow,” Chase exclaims. “Wow, wow, wow!” He puts his glass down and walks over to his rack.
“Have I got a budget here, honey?” he says to our assistant.
“No, sir. The rack is yours to choose from. Everything has been pre- ordered.”
Chase begins to sing like a little kid.
“Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me.”
His birthday was weeks ago.
Then he stops and turns. “Houston we have a problem,” he says.
“Sir?” the assistant asks.
“No, no, no. Not with you, honey. You’re doing an outstanding job. It’s Miss Grouch over there. Has she got a budget?”
“Certainly not,” says the assistant. “All she has to do is make a choice.”
“And lighten up,” Chase says, practically scolding me. “C’mon, Leila. You’re putting me off here. It wouldn’t hurt for you to bathe in this. Look at all the effort that has gone into making you happy. Stop raining on it, will you? It’s time for you to breathe—breathe and bathe, babe. Breathe and bathe.”
Chase is right. I square my shoulders, stand up straight, and take the deepest breath I can manage. It works. A smile breaks out on my face. I take up my glass and walk over to the rack to do some serious shopping.
Chapter 51
Leila
I look at the diamond and notice the light play and refract through its angles. This is a piece of jewelry that demands more than mere inspection. This is a piece to savor. I walk it across to where the light is better and give it my full attention.
Then it reveals how clever it is. It seems to me that the diamond does the dancing and bewitching while the other jewels are content to revel in their gorgeous colors. They know how to flirt with the eyes.
This piece is delicately crafted and a joy to behold. The gold flows around them in sensuous curves to create a mood—luscious, rich and assured. How perfectly that metal and stones have been arranged to create those feelings I’ve come to know so well.
I play the piece through my hands, enjoying every aspect of it. This, I decide is jewelry at its finest—every piece assembled and crafted to create pleasure.
There’s a soft tapping at the door. It could not have anything to do with me so I ignore it, concentrating on the jewelry that reveals a new trick, a new facet and a new tingle of pleasure with every movement of my fingers.
But then there’s another tap at the door, this time accompanied by a soft cough and a shuffling of feet. I give in and open the door.
“Ma’am,” an apologetic chauffeur says, curling his fingers and putting his fist to his mouth to stifle a little cough he has manufactured.
“It’s time to go, if you don’t mind. Can’t have you running late, then, can we? And traffic at this time…” He raises his eyes as he says this and blows a little stream of air to his non—existent forelock.
“Sure,” I say and gather my clutch and pull my wrap closer.
Can’t keep a working man waiting, I decide and every chauffeur ride today has been to a dream come true.
This chauffeur sets off at a smart pace, his way of saying we are in a bit of a hurry. I swish after him because I’ve made up my mind that this day has unwound so well because I have done as I’m told.
As if to confirm this, the chauffeur has me aboard in no time before he’s expertly into the stream of traffic, nudging and threading our way downtown.
The workmanship of the jewelry comes back to me. By itself, each jewel and the gold piece is beautiful but what elevates them from beauty to pleasure is the workmanship and how each piece is placed together. And here’s the thing; it’s just like Blake and Seth.
I make scones. The best damned scones in the world, no doubt. Then there’s the diamond of the piece. So fantastic, that’s a nice little jewel all out by itself but it’s not jewelry, it’s not a creation and no one knows about it. What it needs is an underlay to make it happen.
So the point is obvious when I think about it. A diamond ring is not a ring without the gold band. That’s exactly what Blake is to me. He’s the gold for my diamond, and with him behind me, underneath me, around me…
I shake my head as I realize I’m thinking the wrong way. I should go back to business mode. Going back to my point, with his capital and my scones we’ve got a piece of jewelry.
A piece of jewelry I decide, but a pretty common piece at that. Life’s more than a great business. It has to give pleasure. Seth is a creative genius. He knows how to take something exquisite and turn it into something that is pure pleasure.
Images of naked bodies, giant cocks and titillating sex creep into my conscious mind.
There I go again. I have to check myself. Every time I think of those two, my mind goes to pleasure overdrive. This is about business. And my mind has to be reeled in again.
Is that all the universe is—me in the middle and trying to work out how I can get others to make my life pleasurable and wealthy? My whole intellect and conscience tells me this is just so selfish.
But when I hold all of this up to the light, it’s just like the jewelry. If this is going to work, if I am truly to advance, there’s no way out of it. I have to accept this as part of my life now.
It’s exactly in line with all the natural laws and workmanship that make a piece of jewelry exquisite, pleasurable and far more than just a collection of metal and stones. If I want this to be the very best business I can make, I need them both.
I lean back into the limo’s upholstery and close my eyes.
For now, I have to let the driver
take me to where ever it is. It’s jewelry, I decide, but I truly would like a master jeweler to come along and work things into something exquisite.
There I go again. I simply have to shut all of this out of my mind. Every time I think of hands and things being worked to exquisite pleasure I see Blake, Seth, Blake, Seth. Even my groan at the thought of it all takes me to places that have nothing to do with business.
The limo slows down so I look up to see where we are. It’s parkland. We’re gliding into Central Park and the limo is so luxurious, so well-engineered and so well driven that the park slides past as if it’s a moving picture.
There’s an island of brilliant light in the middle. It’s a restaurant and we are making straight for it. As we draw closer, I see the light has spilled out onto the lake so that the gentle chop and ripples of its surface turn it to another piece of jewelry.
The limo cruises to a halt outside, and a man in overcoat, peak cap and white gloves is at the door. He opens it and I step into the cool of the evening, careful to find my feet before I stand up. My eyes come up. I see it, but in a day full of surprises, here is something I still cannot believe is happening.
My heart’s beating so fast now, I fear I might pass out.
Where are Blake and Seth to hold me up when I need them?
Chapter 52
Seth
Semper paratus . Always prepared. Tonight, I’m prepared. I have to be. Preparation is everything.
Although now the preparation is over, timing is going to be essential. I need to make it perfect. If the timing is out, the whole surprise will be ruined.
Blake and I had flipped a coin to decide who would get to do the announcement. I had won. Now, with a billion insects crawling through me, I wish he had. I can’t remember the last time I had been this nervous.
My eyes sweep the room. Black tie waiters with drink trays in their hands, check. Lights on and working, check. Soft music playing in the background, check. Tables decorated with white table cloths and those tear drop muffin trays as centre pieces, check. Trays filled with the signature scones, check.
Here and there, people are sitting while others are standing in small groups, talking. I look behind me. The sign, which arrived this morning, is covered with a huge black cloth.
Butterflies multiply in the pit of my stomach as I wonder for the hundredth time if every word has been spelled correctly. How awful would it be if someone was to discover a mistake at the unveiling?
It’s not as if I have not checked it. On the contrary, I have spell-checked it so many times I could recite it in my sleep. I still have the niggling feeling that I might be wrong, though. I want to make sure.
Blake and I spent a bit of time on the design. We even argued over the color scheme. In the end, Maddie was the one to cast the deciding vote.
And when the sign arrived, it looked perfect. Light purple background with gold letter writing, finished off with a tear drop design for the scones, which were also made to look naturally creamy.
I glance at my wristwatch to check the time. Usually, I rely on my phone, but I decided to wear a watch to make sure I don’t have to keep pulling my little mobile out of my pocket.
Only minutes to go now before she arrives. I can’t wait. I’m starting to feel like a little boy waiting for Santa. What will her face be like? And how will she reward us? The reward is going to be the best part; I can just feel it in my bones.
My eyes are now fixed to the front door. I receive a signal, which is to say, the limo is pulling up. In my own head, I count to five.
I walk slowly from the car to the front door in small steps. I know whatever creation Leila’s going to wear tonight will be exquisite and out of this world. And of course, I know she won’t be taking great big steps.
“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen,” I say as the door opens. “Welcome to the opening night of Beans & More, the latest and greatest in the café world.”
Her eyes find mine as I make my announcement. I see a myriad of emotions appear on her face. Shock, disbelief, pleasure, and excitement.
She makes a beeline for me, and I allow myself to soak up each and every bit of our Leila.
The dress is perfect. Red suits her. Her hair has been styled up on top, with a stray lock falling here and there. Around her neck, diamonds sparkle, catching the light and scattering it onto the floor. I can see a matching bracelet on her right hand.
I hold my breath and watch her glide toward me. Applause follows her. I wonder if she feels like the star she is.
I have watched her long enough, so I make my way toward her. When she reaches me, she throws her arms around me. Her sweet scent of rose petals bewitches my senses. My cock stirs instantly.
“OMG,” she whispers into my mouth as her soft luscious lips plant a kiss onto my cheek.
The feel of her soft skin is tantalizing on my own. I have to restrain myself from grabbing her and ripping her clothes off here and now.
“Happy?” I murmur into her ear. I’m acutely aware of all eyes on us.
“I thought it was your café’s opening, not mine.”
She takes a step back. I take her hand and lead her over to her parents.
“Mom,” she squeals. “You got a new dress! You look,” she hesitates, throws her arms around her mother before she finishes her sentence, “ sexy .”
I can see her mother blush.
“And Dad, you look positively dangerous in your black suit and tie.”
I take a step back and watch the family hug and exchange compliments. It’s enough to bring a tear to my eye.
“ Semper paratus ,” Blake whispers in my ear and hands me a tissue.
My fingers reach for the starched white material and I chuckle.
Competitive little prick has to outdo me at every turn, doesn’t he?
“So,” Leila’s voice interrupts our little quiet moment, “I thought this was Seth’s opening night, but the sign says Beans & More. I’m still not sure what’s going on.”
Her doe eyes beg for answers. She looks so vulnerable, so utterly delicious, and I just want to smother her in kisses.
“Lakeside Property is Blake’s property,” I explain. “And we thought it was the perfect venue to launch you and your product into culinary stardom.”
Her eyes have grown even wider, if that is possible, and she looks from me to Blake.
“Congratulations, baby girl,” her father’s voice booms in, and her mother gives her another hug.
“Your project is the first in the Blake-Me business venture.”
Blake puts one arm around Leila and the other around me.
“What he’s really trying to say is, Lakeside Property here is ours—and yours—mine and his.”
I roll my eyes.
“The culinary world is now your oyster, Leila,” I add with a grin.
“And of course, it will be the first of many projects this new partnership is going to venture into.”
“Wow,” breathes Leila, and I couldn’t have put it better myself.
Sic vita est —thus is life.
Chapter 53
Leila
The hubbub around the room is surreal. Wherever I look, I recognize little groups of people I’m only used to seeing in glossy magazines. I’m not sure but I think I recognize a couple of Hollywood stars.
My heart is beating wildly in my chest.
Was this really happening or was I dreaming? I feel like pinching myself to make sure all of this is real.
I wouldn’t be surprised if unicorns start flying through the room, followed by pigs in tutus.
As a little girl, I had always imagined what it might be like to be the center of everyone’s attention. Now here I am, the center of everyone’s attention.
Around me, people are eating my scones and coming up to me to congratulate me on an amazing taste experience.
Seth and Blake make sure they’re nearby. I almost feel like hanging onto them for support.
They’ve been absolutely ama
zing. AMAZING.
My eyes search for Chase. He’s across the room talking to a group of young women. I’m not sure if he’s flirting with them or what he’s doing. There’s plenty of laughter and I’m glad he’s having fun.
Our eyes meet, and he grins before he gives me the thumbs up sign.
It dawns on me that Chase had been in on the surprise. No wonder he had been so relaxed about the café being closed.
Wait till we’re alone, I’ll let him have it.
Of course I won’t. Chase is my right-hand man. Chase will manage this café officially from now on. Blake and Seth have outlined a business plan and management structure, but I don’t think it sank all in.
I’m sure over the next few days, we’ll go over it and it’ll all make sense to me.
My eyes wander to my mum and dad.
They look awesome. Mum seems totally at ease in this large crowd of high-flying people.
She’s engaged in a rather animated conversation with an elderly gentleman. He seems very familiar, but I just can’t place him.
Dad is sitting back on his chair, surveying the scene. His hand is resting on mum’s shoulder. I see total love and dedication in his eyes.
At the sight of their total happiness, I feel a lump in the back of my throat. Would I end up as happy as they are, with Blake and Seth?
Could a girl really end up with two blokes?
I sigh.
“And now ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce the owner of Beans & More, and creator of these amazing scones, Leila.”
Suddenly all eyes are on me. I feel hot, really hot.
“Let’s have a round of applause as she comes up to the stage and gives us a few words.”
A speech? No one said anything about a speech.
People are clapping and yelling, coaxing me up on stage for a speech.
At first, my feet refuse to move. It’s as if I’ve grown roots. Only when Seth gently nudges me toward the stage do I move.
“Go for it,” Blake whispers in my ear.
My feet feel like they’re filled with lead. It seems to take hours to walk from where I’ve been standing to the centre of the room where the stage has been erected.
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