HEART FOR HIRE ✓

Twenty Seven

Jeanette takes one look at the empty basket and burts into tears. Then look of disbelief on her face, the way her eyes widened in surprise, I feel so proud.  She rushes forward and doesn't even realize that she pushed Zion slightly who ends up colliding with the table and engulfs me in a hug.

"You are amazing," she tightens her arms around me. "I did it. I actually did it."

"I knew you could do it. Do you wanna hear more good news?"

She lets me go and watches me curiously, probably waiting for cameras or a bunch of people saying "you've been krissed."

"Someone wants fifty cupcakes for a birthday by Friday."

"Y-you mean that?"

"Of course. When have I ever lied to you?"

Alex clears his throat and pretends to cry.
"You guys will make me cry. Can I also make an order? I really like your cupcakes, Jean."

"Me too," Zion adds.

After the emotional moment, we sit around the break room table and count the money and plan for ingredients for the next baking session. Seeing how much Zion loves the cupcakes, it makes me want to learn how to make them myself.

Who have I become? I hate cooking. Or baking. Or making food on my own.

"You've grown so much," Jeanette pats my shoulder jokingly. "Two years ago, I called you a baby in an adult's body. But now, you are my greatest support. How even did you think of this cupcakes thing?"

I shrug. "It was a random idea. You are good at baking and I thought of how you can sell cakes if you to start baking now."

"To be honest, I didn't think that the idea was good. You blew my mind away?"

"Enough to convince you start a bakery?"

"Don't push it," Jeanette scolds and the two males in the room snicker.

"But I think she is good," Zion points at me. "Remember when we went to the family company?"

My two workmates nod.

"She kinda invented a product, in just one minute. I'm actually coming from a board meeting right now and they have approved the drink to be on market."

"She?" Alex points at me and so does Jeanette. "Why didn't you tell us?"

"I didn't want to jinx it," I shrug, "besides, I didn't do much. I just said a random thought. Didn't think it'd be a big deal."

"Of course it's a big deal," Zion frowns. "You have no idea what this means, right? For years, we've not had any new product on market. It's because of you that the board members are so happy and we are hoping for high sales units this year. All because of you. I'm starting to see why my mum likes you."

"Does that mean that you like her too?" Jeanette and Alex look at him, well aware of the weight of the question.

What if he says no? I will be heartbroken. They know it but they still asked him anyway. Which kind of friends are they?

Without waiting for his answer, I excuse myself and run to the bathroom. Heartbreak can wait.

****

"I can't believe what I'm hearing," Jeanette stands dumbfounded at the entrance of my kitchen.

"It's not a zombie apocalypse Jean. I just told you to teach me how to bake."

"But why? Because mystery man loves cupcakes?"

"Is it so hard to believe that I want to learn how to cook?"

"Yes. You don't even know how to turn gas on," she deadpans. "You must really like mystery man if you are willing to burn one hundred times in the kitchen just for him."

"Firstly, I have to impress him somehow. Just taking his money won't make him like me the way I want. Secondly, I won't burn myself. Who do you think I am? Thirdly, I am actually interested in learning. So, are you teaching me or not?"

"I'll get my apron, ma'am."

She returns with two aprons and starts guiding me, step-by-step on how to bake an actual cupcake.

"Sweetheart," Jeanette laughs at my attempt to crack an egg. "You are hitting it like it has done sometime wrong to you! Do it gently and don't mix eggshells. Okay?"

I nod. But I end up putting eggshells anyway.

"Now, whisk it like this until you form bubbles."

I grab the whisker but apparently, I seem to be using alot of force because by the time Jeanette checks the bowl to see if bubbles have formed, all I have is an almost empty bowl. I've spilt the rest.

"You are so terrible at this," Jeanette laughs and cracks the eggs on her own for whisking. "But you've been terrible at other things and here we are. You are inventing drinks now. I believe you'll get better with time."

"You think so?"

"I know so. I've been here with you for two years and I feel so proud whenever you accomplish something. You've come so far, y'know. I mean, you even have feelings now."

"Don't make fun of me!"

"I'm not, I promise," she raises her hands in surrender. "I'm glad that you are finally acknowledging your feelings and acting on them."

"What do you mean by acknowledging?"

"You aren't as subtle as you think, darling. Anyone can tell that you like mystery man from miles away. Hell, I think even my unborn child can tell."

My cheeks start burning and I begin to panic.
"Do you think that he knows too?"

"Nah. Both of you are so thick. You deserve each other."

"Jeanette!"

"So, you're going to that birthday party or what?"

I sigh. "I'll go. There's good food and money. I can't miss such an event."

"Come on, that's not the only reason why you are going, right?"

"Of course. I want to impress his whole lineage and show off my money-sucking skills."

"You don't have to be sarcastic about it, jeez. Come on, let's make some cupcakes."

By the time it's all over, my cupcakes are still unpalatable. Not even to pigs.