Dipped in Blue

Chapter Five

After a ten minute, giggly girl ride, we parked in front of a building attached to a pizza parlor and a beer shop where the Leaf and Bean used to be located. This time the front of the building was titled in red, "Red Ink Cafe." 

Tia looked back at me with a big smile. "You gonna get out the car?"

I looked back at her from the back seat. "When you get out, I will follow." I returned the smile.

She rolled her eyes, playfully and got out as well did Becky, who I let sit in the front seat. I got out as well and followed them inside.

The walls were brick with pictures of people speaking into microphones, vinyls, and paintings of the autumn. The scent was of cinnamon spices and lavender. It smelt like October into November. It was only late September. I could see why Tia liked it here, being that October was her favorite month.

I looked up at the menu to see that they had basically everything! All types of coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, teas, smoothies, snacks, and so much more. Next to the menu was an event bulletin. Monday was free mocha products from 2 to 4. Tuesday was free iced teas also from 2 to 4. Wednesday was open mic night, starting at 7. Thursday was 50% off on any product. Last but not least was slam poetry night on Friday. This place was absolutely perfect for Tia and I imagined that she visited much more often than what she should.

"Hey, Gia!" Tia slid behind the counter and began taping on the computer screen of the register.

So then she works here? I thought.

The dark haired, sun kissed skinned girl appeared from behind the glass case which held different pastries. "Hey, Mama," she hip bumped Tia with a big smile across her face. Her dark painted lips framed her glossy white teeth.

"How's it been today," Tia asked her coworker. "Oh, Michael? You wanna try the mango smoothie? It's so good. It's my favorite."

I nodded quickly, continuing to take in the environment. Becky pulled me to a corner which surrounded a burgundy table with gray chairs. The walls held up a collage of Tia and Olyvette in front of the shop in all four seasons.

Becky must have seen the confusion on my face. "You okay?" She giggled.

"I'm so confused," I confessed. "She works here right?"

She shook her head, pointing to the year printed at the bottom of the picture frame. "She owns it, Dad."

I looked closer to see that the year was two years ago. "No way." I shook my head. "Twenty-two years old and owning a coffee cafe?"

"She's always wanted to do it," Becky said. "She used half of the money she got from your will for this and the other half for Olyvette. She's also had a lot more money from saving up."

"Did she ever get to UGA," I asked.

She shook her head, sighing. "She went to West Georgia instead for business, while taking care of Olyvette."

I looked down. "That's my fault."

"Actually," Tia came over with three clear cups with straws stuck in the middle and her brunette haired friend behind her. "I'm really glad I didn't go to University of Georgia. Do you know how much money I would have had to pull out of my ass to avoid student loans? A lot!" She set the cups down and took the plate of croissants from her friend and set it down as well. "Plus, I love my daughter to death so thank you for that."

Her friend gave me a smile and a wink. "And she's absolutely beautiful."

"Oh!" Tia took her hand, squeezing it lightly. "This crazy bitch here is my best friend and partner in crime Gia. Gia, this is my husband Michael."

I didn't like the way I felt after we made eye contact. So much negativity. So much vibration. So much heat, lust, seduction.

"Your husband, But Tia, I thought you said-"

"It's a long story," Tia cut her off. "I'll tell you later, I promise."

She gave her a questioning look then turned to me with her hand out, grinning. "It's nice to meet you, Michael.

"Nice to meet you too," I chuckled, taking her hand and shaking it. Nothing but negative charges found its way through my body. I had to quickly pull my hand away before she pulled me in and showed me her fangs.

She continued to grin while looking at the rest of the table. "Well, I'm gonna leave you three to your bonding," she gestured. She made eye contact with me again and winked. "Let me know if you need anything at all." She touched my back then walked away. "Nice meeting you, Michael!"

Tia watched her walk away with a smile on her face. "I love her so much."

"Where did she come from?" I sipped my smoothie quickly. "She seems nice."

"I was having a busy day one day a month after opening the cafe, and she showed up, seeing that I was stressed and a little understaffed. So being the amazing person that she is," she laughed. "She came behind the counter and started helping me sell while my two other employees prepared drinks and food. Ever since then, she's been here as my manager. And it's even funnier because we damn near have the same name."

"Ah," I nodded.

I didn't know what to completely think of Gia, but I had a word for her. What do the young people call people that are fake? It's an animal or insect? Scorpion? Spider?

"Tia," Becky looked up at the painting behind her. "Who did this snake picture?"

"Gia did, actually!" Tia's face lit up in interest. "Isn't it dope?"

That's the word. Snake. She's a snake and Tia doesn't even notice.

I shook the thoughts off and paid more attention to explaining the situation to my daughter. To quote her reaction, she "never saw her favorite uncle being the worst person that she's ever met."

*************
Hey inkies!
So sorry to cut this chapter short and rush the ending of it. I promise I'll do better next chapter but I want to go ahead and start trying to finish this Boris chapter. I'm in such a crazy, nervous, paranoid, good mood. Like Tia I'm running for Homecoming court and voting is today!! Like as I type!! I've posted my pictures, had friends from different groups post it, so I'm really nervous and I want to take it out on Boris and calm down.

Thank y'all so much for reading! Share both of the books and vote and comment, telling me what you think about my new "favorite" character Gia!!

Love y'all!
~Shann