Honey Brown

Chapter 3

OLIVIA

The meeting with the Claims Adjuster wasn't as painful as I thought it would be. Kenny seemed nice enough, and extremely helpful, but there was something odd about him that I just couldn't put my finger on. I couldn't deny that he was handsome; a flawless, chocolate complexion, a strong jawline, perfectly white teeth. And he seemed pretty toned under his suit.

But what my mind kept drifting back to, were his eyes. They were the most beautiful honey brown color. At times during our meeting, they seemed to change color, ranging from hazel to a rich, dark brown. The only thing that seemed out of place was his voice. Kenny's voice was pleasant, but there seemed to be a feminine undertone.

Maybe I'm just being overly dramatic, I did just lose my cake shop. Either way, I would receive the money from the accident hopefully within the week. That meant that I needed to begin searching for a new location. This was going to be a long week.

I couldn't have been happier to see the following Friday. All week long, I had visited potential sites for my new shop, but nothing could compare to Piece of Cake. I knew that I would eventually have to get over the fact that my original shop was gone, but I wanted to wallow is my sorrows a little while longer. I kind of felt entitled to do so.

I had just gotten home from viewing another disappointment, when my phone rang. I checked the caller ID, and saw that it was Tanya.

"Hey Tanya, how are you?" I answered the phone.

"Hey Liv! I'm doing okay. I just wanted to check up on you," she replied.

"Eh, everything is as good as it can be. I've been looking at possible new locations all week. So far, nothing has grabbed me. The good news is that the insurance check should be here soon. Maybe that will motivate me to pick a place," I told her.

"I know this is hard for you, Liv, and I meant it when I said I would be here if you need me. In fact, I'm having a little get together tomorrow, here at my house. I want you to stop by. Hopefully, this will help lift your spirits and take you mind off of all of the stress of everything. If only for a few hours," she said.

I hesitated, "I don't know Tanya, I'm not really in a festive mood. The last thing I want is to bring your party down."

"I'm not taking no for an answer," she said, "You are coming tomorrow, and that's final."

I couldn't help but chuckle, "Somehow, I think you've forgotten who the boss is in this friendship. Alright, I'll be there. Should I bring anything?"

She thought for a moment, "I know that baking helps ease your mind. You don't have to, but if you would like, you could bring a cake."

"That sounds great. What time should I be there?"

She told me the party would start around 5:00 p.m., but people wouldn't really be there until about 6:00. I decided to turn in early. I was still slightly down, but the prospect of a good time had me optimistic.

I woke up late the next morning. It was time to get baking. I searched through my recipe book, and located one of my favorites: a pineapple upside down cake. It was simple, but was always a favorite. I got to work, and was ready to bake in no time. While the cake was in the oven, I went to my bedroom to pick out my outfit.

She said it was a get together, so I'm assuming nothing too fancy. Jeans may be a little too casual, though. And a sundress is casual, but still too dressy. I decided on a black and white chevron printed maxi dress, with spaghetti straps. I grabbed a denim jacket, in case the temperature decided to drop. I completed the look with simple black sandals. Casual, but still cute.

When the cake was finished, I set it aside to cool. I went to take a shower and get dressed. I swept my hair up into a high, curly ponytail, and added a little make up for a natural glow. Perfect.

I wouldn't be me if I didn't take the extra step, so I boxed the cake in my signature Piece of Cake box that displayed a picture of a slice of frosted strawberry cake on the lid. I wrapped the box in string and checked the time, 5:30 p.m. It would take me approximately 30 minutes to get to Tanya's.

This worked out perfectly because I didn't want to be there too early, but I didn't want to draw too much attention by arriving too late either. I got in my car, and headed towards Tanya's house. When I pulled up, I noticed there were quite a few cars parked outside. Glad to see I wasn't too early. I found a spot about halfway up the block, parked my car, and headed towards her door. I rang the doorbell, and waited for about half a minute.

Tanya opened the door, and smiled at me, "Hey Liv! I'm so glad you made it."

"As if I had a choice," I laughed as we hugged.

"Come on in. Food and drinks are in the kitchen. There are also snacks out on the patio. I'll put this with the desserts," she said, taking the cake from my hands. "Let me guess... Pineapple upside down cake?" she asked.

I rolled my eyes at her, "You know me so well," I answered.

She smiled, "Simple, but always a favorite. Make yourself at home." With that, she was off to the kitchen.

I headed towards the living room, which seemed to be the most populated area. There, I found Tabitha, Austin, Steven, Dana, and a few other people. Tanya returned with a cocktail for me, and we all began chatting idly. I told them all about the insurance check, and that I was looking for a new building. Everyone seemed to be doing well since the fire, which was somewhat of a relief.

Soon after, I heard the doorbell. Tanya excused herself to answer it. We continued talking, until she re-entered the living room. "Hey guys, this is my friend Kendra. But we all call her Kenny," she said. I turned to greet her, and was surprised to see the familiar face.