HEART FOR HIRE ✓

Twenty six

I find it hard to hold my smile when I check the basket that had Jeanette's cupcakes almost empty. One hundred cupcakes and there is only three left.
To say that customers love them is an understatement. They leave a longing within you and without even knowing it, you crave for more.

Jeanette doesn't know that though. She has no idea that she just made hundreds of dollars in just one day. And I want to see her face when she realizes it.
Not because I want her to thank me for giving her the idea but because I want to see her smile. She has been through hell in the last couple of days and a little happiness is all she needs.

"I've tasted Jeanette's cooking before but it's like she adds something new everyday," Alex hums and starts on his fifth cupcake. He is seriously going to get diabetes at this rate because he is addicted to sugar. "By the way, did I tell you? Your man texted to tell me that he's coming here in the evening."

"My man?" I question and then my eyes widen when I realize who he is talking about. "You guys better stop calling him my man. Because he is not."

Alex just wiggles his eyebrows. "But do you want him to be?"

"Does it matter?"

"Yes, it does. So, do you want him to be your man?"

"He doesn't even like me," I mutter. "Not that I'm likable but you get the point. Do I look like his type?"

Alex laughs and shakes his head. "You know when I started working here, I was terrified of you at first. Not only you, Jeanette too. But I remember that one time when I cut my finger and you told me to take a break all night, Jeanette came to me and said something I'll never forget."

He takes a bite out of his cupcake and continues. "She said that I should stop being terrified of people before I even get to know them. I remember she said 'Natalia is just a baby in an adult's body, don't be scared of her'"

"Alex!"

"Let me finish. You are really a baby, it's not a lie. You are innocent and silly and when I got to know you, I feel way better around you. I trust you the most, well other than my brother, but that's not the point. Just try to get to know your mystery man and understand what he wants, what he prefers, who his type is. That's if you really like him."

I huff and look away. "I'm not taking dating advice from a person who uses a date as an opportunity to eat good food."

"But that person has a stable relationship."

"Don't rub it in."

"But you seriously like him, don't you?"

"Find someone else to harass. Like your fans or something, get away from me," I shoo him away and he runs away laughing loudly.

But do I really like Zion like that? I am jealous of other girls. I want him to pay attention to me all the time. I can't say no to him - or maybe because he accompanies each statement with dollars.

So, what if I like him? Will he leave me like Aimee said? He looks like someone who wouldn't settle for one person anyway.

"Ugh," I groan, "why is this so hard?"

"Do you need help?"

I look up to see Zion, in the flesh, standing there with a wide grin. He has his work suit on, his hair gelled neatly. He looks dashing as always. And he is also off limits.

"Zion!" I try to hide the fact that I was checking him out.

"Hi," he grins

"Not that I am not happy to see you but why are you here?"

"Ouch, am I not getting a hug?" he pouts a little. "I came here straight from office and expected a foot massage or something. You won't even give me that?"

See, I would do that if we were actually a couple.

"You are a funny guy. Do you want a cupcake?" I offer him one of the three remaining cupcakes.

"I don't have a sweet tooth but since you are the one offering, why not?" He takes one bite and then shoves the remaining piece into his mouth all at once. "This is way better than a foot massage. Whose cupcakes are these?"

"Jeanette's."

"Damn, she is good. Are those two taken?"

"Nope," I shake my head and hand him the second cupcake. Suddenly, I feel a spark of confidence, enough to stand on my tiptoes and whisper in his ear. "Do you like them? I can have more made for you, on my bill."

He seems stunned but regains his composure, almost like I imagined it.
"What's happening? You are treating me so well today."

"You asked for it."

"I didn't mean it, but hey, I'm not complaining. Can I eat the third one too?"

"Sure. Eat all you want, I'll pay."

What am I saying? That's more of Zion's line, not mine. And why am I doing all this? Right. Because I want him to like me back.

"Can Jeanette have fifty of these ready by Friday?"

"What's on Friday?"

"My niece's birthday. I'm sure Rosalia will love the cupcakes do much, she has a sweet tooth."

Rosalia? Why is that name so familiar? I know I've met someone named Rosalia, but who was she?

"Speaking of Rosalia's birthday, you'll be coming with me."

"What?"

He chuckles and sighs. "My mum is expecting you. You are my girlfriend, it would look weird if you don't make it."

My girlfriend. It's fake, I know. But I like the sound of it.

"Can't you tell them that I'm busy or something?"

"My mum will personally drive here and take you if you insist."

"But -"

"Please come. My mum will be happy and besides, you'll make it at least bearable for me. I'll at least have someone interesting to talk to."

He doesn't wait for me to agree or disagree.
"Don't worry about the payment. I'll pay, I promise."

"I'll come. But the cupcakes are on me." I nod

"Have I told you how much I like you?"

I hit his shoulder and follow him inside the theater. "You gotta stop saying that."

Because he doesn't know what it does to me.