Dance With Me

Red Velvet

"It's 10:32, which means you're late," Meghan complained.  "...Again."

"I know," Leo said defensively.  "I'll take the closing shift tonight."  Meghan huffed grumpily anyways, and continued to clean the windows.  She was always bossy to Leo, who found it quite adorable because she was only a junior in high school, while Leo was 22.  The two of them worked together at a cupcake shop called Addiecakes at the mall.  Leo didn't mind working at the small place, but he someday hoped to open his own bakery.  But he had to save up money to invest in it first, of course.  

A person walked into the store.  He had ginger hair that covered his face a bit, and his cheeks were dotted with freckles.  He wore a Harry Potter t-shirt and ripped jeans.  His eyes were an icy clear blue, but had a gentle and shy expression.  

"Hey," he said as he approached Leo.  "Uh, is this place open or...?"

"Yes!" exclaimed Leo, who frantically rushed to get behind the counter.  "Yes, we are! How may I help you?"

"One red velvet cupcake and a bottled water, please."

"Sure, right away!"  Leo got the cupcake and water, and moved over to the cash register before setting them down.  He poked a few buttons on it and told the customer his price.  As he handed Leo his payment, he glanced at his name tag.  

"Leo???" he asked, surprised.  

"Uh, yes...?"

"I thought I recognized you!"

"Wait-- Ace???" Ace nodded.  "I haven't seen you in so long!"

"I know, this is crazy!"

Leo remembered how he and Ace got "separated" after high school.  Leo moved to go to an out-of-state culinary school for three years, while Ace's parents wanted him to go to a super expensive school on the other side of the country.  They hadn't seen each other since.  The two tried to stay in touch over email and Skype, but it didn't really work out.  

"Wait..." Leo paused. "Do you, like, live around the area here?"

"Yes," replied Ace.  

"We should totally hang out sometime," said Leo, handing Ace his cupcake and beverage.  "You've got to meet Memphis!"

"Uh, okay... what time are you done with work here?"

"The mall closes at nine, so I'm usually out by about 9:45."

"I'll see you then?"

"Sure," Leo paused for a second.  "And red velvet is my favorite too."