Web of Deceit

Christmas Concha and Holiday Hearts

I played myself... that is my first thought as I load my bag up to head to the cafe. I hadn't even really planned to start another project so soon after this big move. But here I am, stuffing projections and social media projections into my carry-all.
Stacia ended up staying, with Aayan low-key mad. Their exchange was brief and heated. I assume they will work it out. He cool and all, but trust is a must. She has been working remotely all while helping me get the house unboxed.
I confirm the setup with Stanley and let him know AJ will be the point person today. As I walk downstairs, I yell for AJ. He's been on call after call for work. "Hermano, ven auqi por favor," I ask. " Em, I got the checklist for Stan and I know what you need. Go head to your meeting, he yells from the kitchen. "I have a Zoom meet in 10 and I need to finish preparing. Adios, hermana."
Well damn, I think to myself, I must be buggin him. I grab my coat and keys and walk out. I notice the car is already on. AJ must have started it for me. That is nice of him. I will have to bring him back something from the cafe. As I slide into the Atlas, I smell a faint hint of gardenia. Ugh, my gag reflex already kicking in. I hate that smell. Reminds me of Maribela. I look around to make sure nothing is out of place.
My imagination is definitely getting the better of me. Chalking this up to paranoia, I start the car and back out of the driveway. Stacia comes running out of the house waving her arms all crazy. I stop and wait for her to reach the driver's side window. " I wonder if this is the first sign of pregnancy brain", she says. "¿Qué estás diciendo, chica?, I ask her. "Your bag Meldy, you left it at the door." Good lord that would have been a disaster. "Thanks, Stacia. I hope this isn't the beginning of pregnancy brain. See you in a bit."

I spent the drive over to the cafe thinking about how I got to this point. I haven't been dwelling on the pain and the hurt with AJ and Stacia there to take my mind off of things. Right now, my mind is going over all the little things I missed or played off because I thought we were happy. I have been running away from emotionally dealing with the betrayal. Not wanting to truly fall down that rabbit hole today, I remind myself to set up an appointment with a therapist.
The cafe is in view and I need to get my head in work mode. I park right in front of the cafe. I take a minute to observe my surroundings and that of Rinconcito. The cafe is half occupied and the streets are filled with holiday shoppers. The windows of the cafe are bare aside from the sign with the winter hours.
I exit the SUV and lock up. I walk in with 10 minutes to spare. When I look around, I see BT sitting at one of the small tables. I see that he again looks just as fine as the first time I saw him. He's looking down and hasn't noticed me just yet. He's in a sage green henley, dark rinse jeans, and army green suede timberlands. The sleeves of his shirt are rolled up..... Whew, that is some arm porn.
As I continue forward, he looks up. There goes that damn smirk. That ish should be illegal. I put my arm out for a handshake. The smirk grows. I don't know if I like this smirk or if I like it too much. He places his hand into mine then takes his other hand to cover both.
"Hey," I say.
"Hey," he replies.
He gestures for a seat at the table. I sit down and put my bag beside me, pulling out the papers I bought with me. I look up at him as he takes his seat. "I have a question for you," I say to him. "You want to jump right into it, huh," he asks. "Yes. Why do you not have any window dressings for the holiday?" 
"We put up decorations for the celebration of Three Kings Day," he tells me. "Why not capitalize on the entire holiday season? Start in November and finish in January. Dressing your window and the inside of the cafe will bring in customers that frequent the area for the holiday."
"We have been here a few years. I curated the menu myself. We started with word of mouth, but we have a steady stream of customers. It ebbs and flows some, but we do numbers," is his reply.
"Okay, let me say this first. This consultation is about seeing what visibility and exploration you have socially and the actual marketability Rinconcito has. I will offer my expertise on some matters and gauge whether I can help you. Your job is to sit, listen, and answer my questions. You will then tell me after my pitch whether you find any merit and whether this would be a good fit. I am at no point speaking ill of your accomplishments."  Damn, he is touchy. I don't know why I am worried about any of this, I could be at home preparing for my Evie. I place my hands in my lap. Waiting to see what he says.
"My apologies. I was rude and I know you weren't speaking ill of my business. I just have worked so hard at what I know. It seems I may have a blind spot and I don't think that I like that," says BT.
"Well, we could start this consulate over, if you want?" I offer.  With a nod of his head, he extends his hand to me again. "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me Em-" " Imelda Sandoval," I interrupt. "Imelda, I should finally introduce myself. My name is-" "Excuse me, boss, we have a situation in the kitchen," a young girl in an apron whispered. BT looks over at me in disbelief. I snort a laugh and shake my head. "Is this a sign," he asks as he stands up. "I will be right back." He points to the drink and concha on the table. "This is my signature drink and the concha from the other day. Try this and give me some feedback."
I take the plate and cup and set it near the window. There are a bit of Christmas lights that are wrapped around a pole outside. I maneuver it until I get the right angle. I take a few shots then I split the concha open. Warm chocolate oozes out. "Oooh that's the money shot right there, tan delicioso," I whisper. "I feel like I'm interrupting a moment here," says BT as he walks up smirking.
Definitely like that smirk too much,dios mio. I pick up the cup and plate and head back to the table. I sit down before pulling out some paper and my laptop. I reach for the drink. I take a sip and close my eyes. "Did you infuse the coffee with vanilla bean or something along those lines?" I open my eyes and reach for my concha. My plate isn't there. "Umm excuse me, but where is my concha?" I ask.  His eyes get a little big as if I surprised him.
"Oh, umm I had my staff get a fresh one for you. A warm one. You were enjoying the cafe con vainilla. I didn't want to get in the way of that experience. To answer your question. Yes, we import the French Mexican beans, but we also infuse during the drip process. I would ask if you like it, but...." he starts. "You already know I love it," I say to him.
The plate is placed on the table and I reach to tear a piece. I sop up the chocolate and take a bite. Damn, that is better than last time. "Mmmmm maldicion. It's better than the other day. Did you do something different?"
"Nah..." he replies. "So you think this can work?"
"Absolutely. Let me plug these pictures into my computer. I want to show you something," I tell him.  I take the next few minutes sipping my coffee and nibbling on my concha. I hand BT the data I pulled for the cafes in the area. I pull up the social media pages for a few competitors as well.
"What you are looking at on the papers is data from the shops in the area. The foot traffic that has been reported in the last 5 years. You know there are larger spikes around the holiday season. This data shows which stores have the most traffic and at what points of the day. I have the social media postings for a few of these stores on the computer." I pull my laptop closer so that he can see what I have pulled up.
"What you see for a bunch of the smaller boutique shops near you, have put up staged holiday displays. Last year one of the boutiques did a contest and posted live from the store." I click on the boutique and show him what I mean. " Look at the dates of the post and the spikes in foot traffic." I point to the data on the second page. "I do not have access to these businesses' finances, but you can see the correlation between posts and foot traffic."
I allow him to look over what I have in front of him. I open up the app I use to create ads and whatnot for social media on my phone. I plug in the pictures and play around with some designs. I feel a tap on my shoulder. "Want to share with the rest of the class?" He says with that damned smirk. I reach for my computer and pull up the app there. "I'm putting together a post for this signature concha. Making it holiday themed. You don't need to start a discount offer necessarily, just create a frenzy for a seasonal item on the menu." I add the finishing touches to the post. "Christmas Concha warms the holiday hearts?" He murmurs.
"Yes it sounds corny, but the holiday season is filled with corny yet cute posts and ad campaigns...think candy-coated chocolate people passing out. We do this right. With a few pictures, window dressings, and a holiday or seasonal menu and you can expect added foot traffic. Do you mind if I have temporary access to your social media pages?" BT looks over the prospective post and then looks around the room. "I guess I can get with these American holidays if it brings in more business. I think I didn't want to Americanize my cafe."
"Think about it this way, you are sharing our Hispanic culture with the masses. How many people can say they have eaten authentic Hispanic food in upstate New York? Perspective. You are adding something unique to a mostly gringa area."
BT reaches over and puts his passwords into the computer. " I think the best thing because it's later in the season, is to promote the drink and concha as a post and an advertisement. Do you have a holiday or seasonal drink discount that you already offer?" "I do have a sandwich and drink special on Tuesdays," he tells me. "Do you have any stock photos?" I ask, getting excited. "We can do a few ads and fun posts with different signature drinks. Some in English and some in Spanish." All centered around the holiday... we can play up the window, maybe add a tree with bulbs and your gift cards on it." I pause when I see his eyes looking like they're going to pop out of his head. "Umm, I guess I got a little carried away..." "No, I can see you are... passionate about what you do. It bodes well for me if you are, no?" he asks. "I still don't know if this will work, but I definitely want to see this through the holiday season if for no other reason than I get to see you like this."
I don't know how to take what he said, so I ignore it and stick to business. " Can I take a few pictures of you? Creating your drinks, handling the pan dulce. Can you make the drinks cutesy? With some kind of design on top?" "Sure, let me put an apron on," he says as he stands up. I reach into my bag for my Nikon. "Oh wow, super professional," I hear him mumble. He clears his throat and says "We never discussed a price point, and now I am worried whether I can afford you." I raise an eyebrow at that. "His eyes widen then he clears his throat again. "Your services, ugh that sounds even worse. I'll quit while I'm behind, ay dios mio." What started as a giggle is a full-blown laugh by the time he shuts up. What do you know brown men can definitely blush. "No worries, I knew what you meant. We can talk price in a bit. I feel a bit of the holiday spirit. You never know,"  I say with a shrug. A nonchalance I definitely do not feel. His head falls back with a laugh.
"If I thought you were serious, I would absolutely have a follow-up to that. But in all seriousness. I want to see this through the holiday, so let me know what's what." BT walks around the counter and reaches for a white and grey apron with the cafe's logo on the front. I place the neck strap around my neck as I adjust the camera scope.  I start to snap pictures of him as he starts to make what looks like a hot mocha.
I pick up my phone and hit record. " What makes your mocha a superior mocha," I ask. " Well," he says, " My coffee is made with beans grown in Ethiopia and quality chocolate from Mexico. This particular mocha is especially amazing because it is my first of the season." He looks up as he reaches for a small metal shaker off a shelf. " This is my special mix for my Mocha Mexicano. I like to layer the crema for this drink. A thin layer my special mix and then a thicker layer, just so." I lean down to capture the leaf he designed into the crema. I pick up my camera and snap a few pictures of BT and then the mocha.
"Hey, do you have anything festive in the back? Maybe something red or green?" BT walks back to the kitchen. He returns with a serving tray and a bit of fabric. I smile as look at him and place them on the counter. " Oh, you watch as I create a thing of social media beauty." I begin to arrange the fabric strategically on the serving tray and snap a few shots. " Hey, I could really use an oreja or a beso to pair with this."  "Where should I place it?" he asks. I take it from him and arrange it on the fabric and gently place the cup near the beso so that it is propped up a bit. I start to snap a few pictures.
I put my camera down so that it hangs. "Hey, I think I have what I need for right now. How about I take a little bit and work on a campaign for you? While I do that, you look over my portfolio." I turn back toward the table we had been sitting at. I give him the folio from my bag.
Sitting back down I dig right in. I upload the pictures from my card. I took those pictures and plugged them into the app I have running. I start with the video. I take apart the video and edit it. I run a bit of Spanish holiday music behind his voice. Once finish I save and upload it to the cafe's social media for delayed posting. I then finish working on the post for today. I pull the logo and add cutesy holiday-themed stickers and flashing deal announcements for the Tuesday special. I add that to a later delayed posting. I then tweak the pictures of the drink by itself and then the drink with the beso.
I feel a little twinge in my back and reach to rub it. I look up as a plate is sitting in front of me. " I figured this was safe since you look as though you have come up for air," I hear.  I look over to see BT sitting beside me once again. How did I miss that?  I look a the fish sandwich I had a few days ago. I pick up my phone and angle the plate toward the light. I snap a picture. I cut the sandwich in half and stack them. I take another picture. "Hey, I put that there so that you can eat, Em." I snap one more picture and lift my sandwich to my mouth. " Oh there is a party in my mouth" I moan. " Oh wow. I don't know what to say to that," he says with a laugh. " How about I show you what I have done? Then we can talk dollars and cents." I turn the computer to him so he's able to take it all in. " Uh... this is great.," he says as he looks at the ads. I show him the video last. " So how much are we talking," he asks. I snort a bit.
"This right here we'll add as part of the consult. I have a degree in marketing. You can see from my folio, that I have five years' experience. My normal rate depends on if you want long-term social media help or if you just want a package deal such as just the holiday season. For the package, I would require temporary admin access. I can set up scheduled updates. I would need a few more days of coming in to photograph the morning rush, create a holiday window and you updating the seasonal menu. I can quote you $1500. If this is acceptable give me a call. I hand him a card from my folio." I start back on my sandwich.
" Is it okay if I take the afternoon to think about it," asks BT. " No problem," I tell him. "Do you have coquito? Or like a virgin/coffee version?"
"I do have something close but it's got chocolate in it."
"Oh, I want it. Please."
BT sets his mouth in that damned smirk. He stands and walks back behind the counter. As he gets to work, I look around and notice that it is quiet. The staff seems to be cleaning up. I look at my phone and see that it is close to 4.
"Esta's cerrado?" I ask.
" I can make this for you as you finish your sandwich," he tells me. " I have this mixed for tomorrow. One cup won't hurt. Do you want it on ice or blended?"
"On ice please."  I start to gather my computer in my bag and pack away my papers. After that's done I pick up the remainder of my sandwich. Damn, this is good. A cup is sat beside me. "Gracias,"I murmur.  I take a sip and close my eyes. "I think we should invite a few of those social media foodies to review the cafe," I tell him. He laughs. " Where did that come from," he asks.  " I have yet to find something you make here that isn't delicious. If a social media influencer comes and does a good and honest review, that will bring people through as well."
I stand and gather my things. BT hands me my cup. I turn for the door. "Look forward to hearing from you soon. Espero por Dios que esto esté en el menú."
"You have given me a lot to think about. I didn't think social media could do much for me. I'm glad you are turning my mind. I'll be in touch, he says at the door.
I walk out and look up. The last remnants of the day are hanging on. The street lights and Christmas bulbs are on or being turned on. It's cold and crisp outside. I smile on my way to my SUV.  I slow to a halt. My windshield is smashed and my tires are flat. "What the fudgsicles?" I whisper.
I walk around my vehicle to get a good look at the damage. The sides are keyed up. I start to take pictures with my phone. Then I dial 911 and report the vandalism. Then I call AJ. " Hermana, where are you? I thought you would be back a little bit ago?" asks AJ. " AJ, I need you and Stacia to come pick me up. Alguien destozado mi coche." I open the door and smell gardenia......