Bittersweet Moments

28 | Pistachio Ice Cream

28 | Pistachio Ice Cream

For the first time, I wasn't going because of Dad's summons, but because someone actually ordered from the shop.

Sticking out like a sore thumb among the mass of gray and black was an easy part to play as I weaved my way through the people. A box of red velvet cupcakes sat safely in my hands and on top of that was coffee from our shop. The elevator was blocked out, and it was because of these office workers who rushed outside to see the street parade.

Thankfully, I finally released myself from suffocation and hopped into an elevator. Of all the places which asked for Sweet Moments delivery, it just had to be Reynold Records. And I just had to be the girl to be sent here.

Floor five. The order was from floor five. The elevator was packed with people as well, and all that body order in one box was killing me. Nevertheless, I kept a straight face.

Up to floor two, then three, and four. And here we were, floor five. Going around the best I could, I followed the door numbers. Floor five, room two hundred three, I memorized from the receipt. I knocked, once, twice and then thrice.

"Come in!" A guy's voice yelled from the outside. Carefully, I pushed the door and I was greeted by a random office with the usual couches, desk and mini-kitchen.

"Should've known it's you," I dropped my tensed up stance as soon as I saw him. But then I quickly regained it when I saw that his father was also in the room.

"Mr. Blakely!" I bowed low at the aged man sitting there.

"Come in, come in," Royce chuckled at my flustered expression. "Close the door behind you." I did as I was told and set down the box of cupcakes and the cups of coffee on the table.

"I told Dad here that your shop is the best of desserts stores. Just called to prove my point," Royce looked proud of himself to share that fact.

"Well, the cupcakes are warm," I shrugged.

"It better be," said Mr. Blakely, "Have to feed this huge stomach. Now, how much will that be?"

After collecting the money, Royce showed me out. It felt different to come here for another reason besides my father. He hadn't told my Mom anything so far, and he hadn't called in yet. But he will soon, I could feel it.

"How are things?" Royce asked me. We were out of the room and into the empty corridor.

"Eh, the usual." And by usual I meant that everything could fall apart at any second. I was heading off to the Dales' after this, and I was dying to see Jackson. For the past few days, I was enjoying his company very much, and working was made better for me.

Royce fished out a twenty for tip. My fingers crept to it, but I didn't take it yet. "Are you sure, uh, the bus money isn't that much."

"You know you want it," he wagged his eyebrows up and down. Laughing, I gave in and took the precious bill. Now, this wasn't something I'm going to share with the shop. Only for three people: my, myself and I.

"Thanks for the cupcakes. Dad's favorite, you see," said Royce, "You sure you don't want to join us?"

"No, I wish I could, but I have – uh – work to do." And by work I meant a Doctor Who marathon with Jackson, with popcorn I would microwave. Jackson had called me a while ago, saying Brennan wasn't home so no one to pester us. I wanted to hurry to the house right there and then.

"Bummer," Royce frowned. "See you around, I guess?"

"You have to order another batch for that," I shook the bill in front of him before putting it in my pocket. He smiled broadly and I trotted off.