This is the first time he’s been in my store and it’s been nice so far. I look around to see Mimi smirking, Natalie wink, and Lola wide eyed. I shoot them all a questioning look. Mimi and Nat nod vigorously, Lola just stares at Nik.
Oh, Lola. I know how you feel.
Shrugging my shoulders I put on my best bored voice, “Well I guess an hour won’t hurt. ”
Nik smiles huge and, wow, I’ve never seen him smile like this before. I’ve only ever seen his smirk. But this…This is a smile. It’s a masterpiece. A work of art.
It’s a little like Max’s. He has a single dimple which is totally yummy. And his teeth are so straight and white, I want to lick him.
But his smile transforms his whole face. Gone is any hardness I once saw in his face; now whenever I see him I will remember this beautiful smile. I feel sorry for anyone who hasn’t seen it.
He turns to Mimi and asks, “Can you lock up?”
She nods and walks to the staff room. Keys in hand, she shuffles us out the door and locks it.
Nik takes my hand, puts it in the crook of his elbow and walks us across the street, girls in tow.
We arrive at what Nik calls the ‘chill out’ room and there are at least ten other people there.
Max is the first to spot us arrive. He swoops up to us and picks me up, hugging me hard.
What the heck is it with these guys and picking me up?
Max exclaims, “Oh, doll face, you are a sight for sore eyes!” He looks at my girls and asks, “Have you tried this girl’s cupcakes?” They all nod and he continues, “They should win awards or some shit!”
From across the room, an older lady yells out to Max, “You watch your mouth, young man. You’re not too old for me to spank you, niño travieso!” She has a slight accent. She is also beautiful. I would guess she is in her mid to late fifties with salt and pepper hair, olive skin tone, and dark brown eyes.
Nik walks me over to her. He introduces me to her. “Mom, this is Tina. ” He looks proud to introduce me. I melt a little.
She looks at me curiously and questions, “So this is your new friend?” She says friend in a teasing way. I don’t know what to make of it.
I clear my throat and respond, “It’s lovely to meet you…”
She takes my hand in hers and introduces herself with a kind voice. “Cecilia. But you girls can call me Mama. ” She winks at me then goes to get my friends names.
Trick approaches with three other girls. They are all smiling big as Trick introduces them. “Tina, these are Max and Nik’s sisters. Leticia, Maria, and Isabel. ”
Leticia looks the oldest. Not quite as old as Max or Nik but she is the oldest sister. She looks a lot like her Mom. As does Maria. She says, “Please call me Leti. ”
I take her hand and shake it. I say with an awe-filled voice, “Wow, you’re all so beautiful. You must have great genes. ”
Maria takes my hand next and responds, “We get told that a bit but it’s hard to see that in yourself. ” She is humble and sweet. She looks about my age.
Isabel is the youngest. And I mean young. She is maybe eighteen. Nik has to be at least twelve years older than her. She looks a little like her sisters but shares the same eye color as Nik and Max. She gently takes my hand and sho
ots me a shy smile, “Call me Isa. ”
Leti asks me about Safira’s. I tell them I’m the manager and which brands we currently stock. I also invite them to come see the store sometime. They all listen intently and seem genuinely interested. I like them instantly.
Ghost appears in the doorway carrying platters upon platters of sushi.
Oh dear lord, I’m in sushi heaven!
I freakin’ love sushi! I don’t love the raw fish bits but give me Teriyaki and Satay chicken any day. Ooh, and spicy tuna rolls. And spring rolls. And maybe the edamame beans.
Okay, so I love a lot of Japanese food items.
Nik comes up behind me and catches me staring with wide eyes at the platters. He smiles, I get the dimple again, and he says teasingly, “I promised you sushi, right?”