The Record Label

Chocolate sauce

"Hey, are you okay" Maya said giving Carina's hands a reassuring squeeze. Carina looked down at their intertwined fingers and smiled, "I am now, yes".

The duo made it to the shop a few minutes later hand in hand. However, when they walked through the entrance, Maya pulled her hand away from Carina's, and kept looking straight ahead. Carina was confused by this, considering she was the one who took Carina's hand in hers earlier. Carina gave her a look but even that didn't attract the blonde's attention. She decided to leave it for now and not bring it up, avoiding making a fuss. They walked through the aisles and towards the dessert section. They stopped by the shelf that had ice cream cones, sauces, sprinkles, whipped cream – basically everything you would need for the most epic ice cream sundae. There had not been a word spoken between the two since they had entered the building, so Carina decided to speak up. She leaned into Maya's ear and whispered, "you know... I have some ideas of some places to put this chocolate sauce". Maya didn't reply, almost as if she didn't hear the Italian, and stepped a little further away from her. Carina didn't know her all that well yet but what she did know is that if she was being as bold as she just was then, there was no chance Maya wouldn't return with an equally flirty comment.

"Okay what's going on with you?" Carina questioned, voice not too loud in case there was anyone in the other aisles. "What are you talking about?" Maya asked, putting a fake confused look on her face. "It's a good job you're not an actress Maya because that little performance was not believable at all. Not even fifteen minutes ago you were all over me in my kitchen. Since I met you yesterday, every other comment that has come out of your mouth has been flirty. We walked here holding hands for fuck sake! We got her, you let go and have been nothing but dismissive of me since". Maya did feel guilty about shutting Carina out, but she didn't have chance to talk to her yet about being in public. Her life is complicated, and she needs to be careful. She sighed and began to speak, "Look, right now were in public, I have no idea who is watching and if they have a camera recording what I am doing. I am always so cautious about what I do outside of my house. And to make matters even worse, you're not just anyone, you're now my boss!" Maya said, getting a little agitated. She didn't mean to be like that with her, she had just had bad experiences in the past of people not understanding and it turning nasty for her. "To make matters even worse?" Carina asked, voice breaking as she was hurt by what she just heard. Maya sighed, "No no that's not what I meant ugh". She was getting more frustrated now because she was fucking up without even meaning to. She took a deep breath and put her hand in Carina's, looking into her eyes with an apologetic look. "Gorgeous-" Carina interrupted Maya and pulled her hand away, "we're in public, remember" she said, now visibly angry and upset. Carina walked off around the shop to pick up the ice cream. She thought even if they ended up fighting and leaving each other tonight, she could drown her sorrows in wine and chocolate gelato.

As Carina approached the till, ice cream in hand, she heard laughter at the front of the shop. She saw Maya and a woman talking. Tall, brunette, very attractive. She couldn't help but walk over there to see who it was even though they were half fighting right now. "I can't believe this oh my god I love your music" the unknown lady says. Must be a fan Carina thought. Maya was too busy with the woman to notice Carina standing there, Carina thought Maya must've been so distracted because of how gorgeous she was. "Wow I'm sorry I can't get myself together right now you're so beautiful my goodness" the woman laughs slightly. "Ah stop please" Maya blushed and continued "so are you" she said placing her hand briefly on the fan's arm. Carina cleared her throat and brought Maya's attention to her, "I got the ice cream" she said, acting like they hadn't just fallen out in the next aisle. Truth be told, Carina was still mad about the way she treated her, but the jealousy that was building up inside of her was outweighing the Italian temper right now. Maya just gave her a confused look and turned back to the woman. "This is Ashley, and this is Carina, my... friend". Ashley gave Maya a wide smile and said, "it was more than lovely to meet you Maya, I best get going", "you too, see you around Ashley".

Ashley walked out the door and Carina turned on her heel to pay for the ice cream. She gave the cashier the money and headed towards the door. Maya however was nowhere to be seen. "What a dick" Carina whispered to herself as she looked around before beginning to walk home alone. Her eyes began to fill, with the thoughts of both, things with Maya being ruined, and the fact that Maya had left her to walk home, even though she knew how she felt about walking alone in the dark.

"What was that?" a familiar voice spoke quietly behind her. She turned around to see Maya holding something behind her back. "Hm?" was all Carina managed to get out right now, her eyes still watery. "I didn't leave you if that was what you were thinking, and yes I was a dick. And I'm sorry. I disappeared for a moment to go across the street to buy you these". Maya pulled a bunch of flowers from behind her back. "I don't know which flowers you like, so I went for my favourite, white roses". Maya spoke as she looked down at the dozen flowers she had just bought. She looked up and walked towards Carina and handing the flowers to her. "I really am I sorry, you didn't deserve that. It's just a lot, my life, and a lot of people don't understand. I'm not saying you won't understand, I know you will, if I explain to you. That is, if you'll let me?". Carina gave Maya a nod and a small smile. "I don't even know what this means or what this is between us, and normally I would just ride it out and not say anything in fear of overstepping and ruining it, but it is driving me crazy. You're driving me crazy. I didn't mean to say what I said about you being my boss. What I meant was, flirting with you as a joke is fine, but all the serious flirting, the touching, the wine, the almost kissing, it's just a tiny bit complicated, because of you being my boss" Maya paused before continuing, "but don't worry, I like complicated" she said letting out a little giggle.

"Let's head back" Carina smiled, "and thank you for these". She took the flowers from Maya and started walking next to her, towards her house. She took the blonde's hand back into hers, as a signal that she accepted her apology.

They arrived back and put the ice cream in the freezer. "Look its getting really late, I should probably be heading home now" Maya said and walked towards Carina. She took both of her hands into her own and said, "I am so sorry again Carina. Thank you for dinner it was amazing". "You're welcome bella, anytime" Carina smiled, briefly looked at Maya's lips, which were incredibly close to her own once again. Deciding against it for now, she pulled Maya in for a hug. They both stayed there in each other's embrace for longer than expected, but neither one of them wanted to move. Maya reluctantly pulled away and began walking towards the door. She stopped before opening it and turned to Carina once again, who was now right behind her. "Again, I'm sorry" Maya looked at Carina with the most apologetic look. Carina lightly smacked Maya on the arm and pointed at her, "now listen Bishop, stop saying sorry already! I have accepted your apology. Now get your ass out of here before I ask you to stay the night". "Okay okay" Maya giggled, "I will see you tomorrow gorgeous". Maya leaned in and kissed Carina's cheek before opening the door. "See you tomorrow bella" Carina responded with a smile.