Chapter 2
It was so not a good idea to come into work wearing these heels. I really should’ve just brought these clothes with me to change into before the meeting with the bank. But no, that would’ve been a way too smart. Now I’m going to have blisters and sore feet. Not to mention the fact that this form-fitting knee length black pinstripe skirt and silk red blouse on top of four-inch black heels make it impossible to work efficiently. I am really missing my jeans, sneakers, and a t-shirt. Thank god I remembered to bring them with me, or I don’t think that I would survive the whole day. Especially since I’m about as graceful as a drunk ballerina in heels. Please do not let me fall on my face today. We really need this loan!
My best friend Michelle and I have decided to just open up one shop instead of two. Our businesses are right next door to each other and we want to open up a wall and make it one. She has an amazing bakery that would work perfectly for my coffee shop. Why we didn’t think to do this years ago, I’ll never know. The whole town loves both of our places, so combining it into one really is a no-brainer. We would go from my “Rise & Grind” and her “Simply Sweet” to “The Sweet Grind.” Now, all we need is for the bank to think that it’s a good idea and approve the loan that will allow us to do all of the renovations. After that, hopefully, we’ll be able to find a good contractor who won’t make us go broke!
As I’m standing here thinking about what we need to accomplish today, in walks my creepy customer Jonathan. I don’t know what it is about this guy but something about him just screams “it puts the lotion in the basket.” Really, I can’t pinpoint what it is either. Maybe he just seems so pretentious in his expensive suits, sports car, flashy watch, and shoes. He just seems so out of place in a small town like South Amberly. Granted we are less than an hour and a half outside of D.C, but still, he looks very odd here. He also never says what he actually does for “Business”. Just strange and never stops staring.
“Good morning beautiful.” Could he get any more cliché?
“Hi Jonathan, your usual?” I say while being as professionally unfriendly as I can get.
“You know me so well.” Hardly dude.
“Well knowing your drink order is my job.” I guess he could be good looking with his dark hair that always looks perfect. Strong angles on his face and a runner's build. It’s just something about his dark eyes that scream. “Danger Will Robinson!” Every time I see him.
“Yes, I suppose it is,” he says, while eyeing me intently. What he’s looking for, I’ll never know and truly wish not to. “So, you're looking exceptionally gorgeous today, not that you don’t always look good.” Yes, please creepily lick your lips…yuck! “But is there any special occasion?” So not telling you about my private life man
“Nope just decided to try something different today,” I say, while hoping that my smile is polite but giving off enough, “fuck off” vibes.
“Well, I’d say that different agrees with you.” And again, said creepily
“Uhh, thanks, let me just get your order for you.”
“Sure sure, take your time.” Not likely douchebag.
“Hey, peanut.” So happy to see my wonderfully overprotective big brother right now. Even though we are only two years apart, he still treats me like I’m sixteen and not twenty-six. Well, I was happy until looking behind him to see the rest of the guys that of course includes Morris. Score one for me actually looking good and not a mess!
“Hey, Guys!” Wow, I said that a little too brightly, but screw it that creepy douche is still staring at me. “Just give me a minute to finish up his order and I’ll be right with you!” Again, way too happy, but my day is definitely looking up!
“No problem, we’re in no rush,” JJ says while smiling at me with those dimples that I’m sure to have gotten him into more women’s beds than should be legal. Even being the oldest at 36 he is still incredibly gorgeous. That little bit of gray mixed into his dark hair really works for him. Some men really do get better with age. Also, one of the sweetest men I have ever met. If it wasn’t for my all-consuming crush on Morris, I would totally lust after JJ. Hell, I would lust after the entire group, minus my brother of course. They are all too good looking. You can just hear panties dropping when they walk by.
“Here you go Jonathan, your total is $4.17.”
“Keep the change,” he says, while handing me A $10.
“Umm thanks.” Seriously who tips that much for coffee?
“I’ll see you tomorrow Melanie.” He says while winking at me…yuck.
“Ahh, yup, tomorrow.” I watch him walk out and can finally take a comfortable breath, well until I look at the line of hot guys in front of me.
“Why the hell is that asshole calling you by your first name?”
Hello, psychotic big brother.
“He asked me what Mellie was short for, so I told him, now that’s all he’ll call me.”
“Why?”
“I dunno, says that it suits me better or something. What’s the big deal, Marc?”
“You hate when people use your actual name, you don’t even let mom and dad call you by it.”
“I know that bonehead, but he’s a customer, so I can’t exactly piss him off.”
“Yes, you can, if he doesn’t like it he can fuck right the hell off.”
“That’s not any way to run a business and watch your language, there are other people in here,” I say looking around apologetically. Luckily, there are only a few people in here, mainly women who are looking at the guys like they are lollipops that they would like to lick. Yeah me-too ladies, I know how you feel.
Trying to change the subject I say, “You didn’t tell me before you left that you would be coming in this morning.” Most people probably think it’s weird that we live together. But I have a three-bedroom house and when Marc got out of the military he moved in. It wasn’t supposed to be permanent, but I honestly like having him there. It can get a bit spooky at night by myself. It’s nice knowing that I’m not alone. Way to not sound pathetic Mellie. What’s next…a bunch of cats?
“Well, we are having a morning meeting and Morris decided that we should get some coffee and JJ mentioned that we should come here.” All of the guys except Morris are smirking and I have no idea why. Morris is staring at the menu behind me like he is trying to memorize the damn thing. So glad that he would prefer to look anywhere but at me. Even dressed up he is still totally out of my league. Maybe I should give the creepy douche a shot. At least he seems to like me.
“Oh okay.” Yup, I’m so articulate I should write for Websters. “Well, what would you guys like today?” As if on cue they all turn and look at Morris. I’m seriously missing something here. They are all acting so weird. Just as Morris looks around, and then at me, he begins to speak as Michelle walks through the door.
“Hey love, are you ready?” Shell asks and shoot, we’re going to be late for the meeting!
“Where are you going? And come to think of it why are you dressed like that?”
Gotta love being interrogated by a nosey brother.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but we have a meeting at the bank to get a loan for the renovations that we want to have done to combine the place. I can’t exactly go to that meeting looking a mess like I usually do when I’m here.”
“I think that she looks really good,” Morris says in that sexy deep gravelly voice that makes me think very wicked things. All of the guys murmur their agreement while looking between me and Morris.
“Ah, thanks.” Damn, I can feel how red my cheeks are. But OMG, he just said I looked good. Is it too soon to offer to have his babies? Shhh, hormones I’m supposed to be doing something right now but can’t for the life of me stop looking into those hypnotic green eyes.
“Hello earth to Mel, we have to leave now if we plan on being on time!” Right meeting. Saved by the best friend.
“Shit, you’re right! Let me just tell Lisa to come up front and cover until I’m back.” I say as I’m trying my best to run and not face plant with my heels on.
“Lisa I’m heading out now, I should be back within an hour or so. There are some customers up front who need their order taken.”
“No problem boss lady.” I love Lisa! She is a junior in college majoring in business and is just cute as a button. Always on time, great attitude, and super loyal. I’m going to be devastated the day that she quits. She walks up to the door and looks into the front through the window.
“Omg, it’s like man Candyland out there.” Oh, and she’s funny! I laugh with an unladylike snort.
“I know girl but keep those raging hormones down. One of them is my brother, so you can be super obnoxious to him if you would like.”
“Is he the tall one with green eyes?”
“Yup, he would be the giant.”
“He can be my jolly green eyed giant any day!” She says while pretending to dramatically fan herself.
“Eww, brother remember?”
“Yours not mine.”
“Just get to work.”
“Not a problem at all…trust me.” All I can do is shake my head and smile as I walk out behind him. And, yup, she made a beeline straight for Marc. I should probably warn her that he’s a horrible man-whore. Note to self…do that later.
“Alright Shell let’s get going. Bye guys see you all later.” I smile and wave, still praying I don’t face plant and walk out the door to Shell’s cute metallic blue BMW convertible. The girl is in love with this car. Can’t blame her though, it is a fun, little car.
“I’m so proud of you?” she screeches at me. After buckling my seat belt, I look over at her with raised eyebrows.
“And why are you so proud of me?”
“Because for once you didn’t embarrass yourself in front of Morris. Well, there was those few seconds you spaced out after his little compliment, but other than that you did really well.” Some days I want to slap her. With blond hair, blue eyes, perfect body, and bubbly personality, she has never had a problem talking to the opposite sex. If I didn’t love her so much I would hate her!
“Gee thanks, you say the sweetest things.”
“Don’t go getting all pissy, I’m serious. You did so much better than you normally do, I’m proud of you.”
“Can you please just get us to the bank?” I am so done with this convo.
“Fine, be that way.” She says while pouting her perfectly lip glossed lips.
****
Morris
“Well, that was a bust,” Rocco says after we all got our coffee and sit down. “Seriously what’s the luck that she would have to go anywhere right when we show up?” I look away from Rocco to glare at Marc.
“Don’t look at me like that. I had no idea that she had a meeting with the bank. I stay out of her business as much as possible.” I can’t blame him, he’s right, they’re both adults with separate lives. But damn, can’t a guy catch a break. I had to stand there and watch that asshole blatantly hit on her and then when I finally get a chance to talk to her, she’s got to go. Talk about shitty timing.
“And what was with that jackal in the suit?” Declan asks, voicing a question of mine as well.
“Yeah, I really didn’t like the way he was looking at her,” Marc says.
“You don’t like how anyone looks at her.” I not so kindly remind him.
“I deal with you staring at her all the time, don’t I?” Good point.
“And why is it that you deal with me and not anyone else?” I really have been wondering this since yesterday. He is ridiculously overprotective but says that he’s known about my feelings for months.
“The devil you know and all that.”
“You’re kidding me, right?”
“Nope.”
“That doesn’t make any sense.”
Rocco decides to chime in, just as JJ & Damon say, “Yes it does.”
“How so?” Rocco asks, and I’m pretty curious myself.
JJ decides to take the wheel on this one. “Think about it this way. He knows Morris. What kind of a man he is. Hell, he’s watched him watch his sister pathetically for months. If he has the choice he’s going to go with the man he knows won’t hurt her, as opposed to some guy he knows nothing about.”
“I didn’t watch her pathetically dick.”
“Yes, you did.” All say in unison. Well, that’s great…I’m pathetic.
“Look, do I really want to think about my sister with anyone? No…hell no really. But she’s twenty-six, so I really don’t get too much of a say. But I’ll take you over that suit wearing, probably manicure getting, asshole any day.”
“Thanks…I think?”
“Your welcome buddy.” He says with a shit-eating grin.
“You’re really an asshole.”
“Yup,” he says, while popping his P.
“So, what the hell should I do now? I can’t exactly come in here every day. That might freak her out.” I look around for any help whatsoever. Although with this group I probably shouldn’t. They all think the way to get a woman is to snap their fingers. Sadly, I’ve seen it work way too many times and have been guilty of it myself. Man, we’re assholes.
“I could have you all over to watch the game this weekend. The playoffs are on, so she won’t think anything weird about it.”
Hmmm, who would’ve thought big brother would be helpful.
“That actually sounds like a solid idea.” I’m actually impressed he’s helping me.
“Why do you look surprised? I’m not just a pretty face you know.”
“It’s sad that your ego is as tall as you are,” JJ says, while looking at Marc.
“Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful in an awesomely tall package. More to love and all that.”
“Jesus man, I can’t even reply to that. It’s awful on so many levels.” JJ answers while looking at Marc with full-blown disgust. Truth be told, I kind of want to vomit myself. He is unbelievable.
“Hi, Morris.” I hear from an extremely annoying voice that I would love to never hear again. Ashley is a chick that my mother guilted me into going out with once. My mother seems to think that at thirty-one, I should settle down already. I have no issue with that, as long as it’s with the right woman. Preferably the one who walked out of here a few minutes ago. But no, mom decided that Ashley would be great. I guess she met her at the grocery store and thought that we would be a great fit. I don’t even know how my mother thought that set me up with a stranger would be a great idea, but there you go, she did and pulled a huge guilt trip until I agreed. You know the one about how she wants what’s best for me, she just wants me to be happy and to give her some grandchildren. However, this chick had stage-five- clinger written all over her and I couldn’t get away fast enough. Unfortunately, I seem to see her everywhere now, much to the amusement of the guys currently sitting here smirking at me.
“Hi Ashley, how have you been?” I say with as little enthusiasm as possible hoping that she’ll get the hint. Of course, she doesn’t since she is now smiling like she just won the jackpot.
“I’ve been really good. I keep thinking about our date and wondering when we’ll go out again.” Not a chance in hell!
“Ahh well, I’m really busy these days. I don’t have any time for anything right now. You probably shouldn’t wait around.” Do I sound like an asshole? Yes, but this isn’t the first time I’ve tried to turn her down. She is just really not getting the memo. I feel like I could take out a billboard about how I would never go out with her again and she still wouldn’t get it. Thanks, ma!
“Oh, I don’t mind waiting.” Seriously! WTF At this point, nothing can be heard but the guys snorting and trying to cover it up with coughs. Christ this chick is dense.
“Yeah well, you really shouldn’t…really.” Where’s a hostage situation or bank robbery when you need one? It’s wonderful how not one of those snorting jackasses is helping me. Nope, just keep sitting there laughing at my misery…payback is a bitch fuckers!
“Oh…okay,” Ashley says with her eyes downcast. She’s finally getting it! Miracles do happen!
“Yeah, it just wouldn’t be fair to you.”
“Especially when he’s in love with someone else,” Rocco says low, just not low enough for her not to hear as she whips her head around toward him. Shit, she’s now glaring at the group of us.
“Well sorry to bother you. I didn’t realize that you were seeing someone when we went out. You really shouldn’t go out with someone if you have someone else. Cheating is really shitty! And it’s even worse to lead someone on! I thought that we had a real connection, but you were just being a cheating asshole!”
Whoa what the...
Now we’re all just staring at the crazy chick giving us a look that could peel paint. “We went out once…months ago. I wasn’t seeing anyone then. Also, I don’t have to explain myself to you. I think that it would be best if you left and just skipped the greeting from now on. We aren’t ever going to be friends…or more.” I know I sound like a dick, but this chick just pissed me the hell off. She just stomps away without a backward glance. Good riddance.
“Damn man that was pretty harsh,” Declan says while staring at me like I have two heads.
“Well, anyone of you shitheads could’ve stepped in to help me, but you didn’t. That chick was not getting the clue so being harsh was my only option. Plus, I don’t really appreciate being called a cheater.”
“I get that, but shit man. She looked like she either wanted to cry or kill you. Maybe both.”
“Well, hopefully that’s the last time that I’ll ever have to deal with her.”
“Alright, alright, let’s get to work. We have people to protect and all that.” JJ ever the focused one.
****
Mellie
“OMG, I can’t believe how well that went! That was seriously the easiest thing that we have ever done!” Michelle says while looking like a kid at Christmas.
Yes, we got the loan, very easily and I’m pretty sure that not all of it was based on our financials. My sweet, gorgeous best friend really has no idea the power she holds over men. That poor guy tripped three times and kept stuttering every time he looked at her. I think he was so nervous that he would’ve given her anything that she asked for.
“Yeah, I think that he would’ve done anything for you. Honestly, I felt bad for him. That man didn’t know which way was up whenever he looked at you.”
“What are you talking about?” she says, with a lift of her brow.
“You’re joking right?” I asked incredulously.
“No, why?”
“Shell, that guy tripped over himself just to make sure that you were happy, and it is definitely not because we are valued, customers.” Seriously she’s clueless.
“You’re insane Mel. It’s his job to help us.”
“Yeah, but don’t you think that it went a little too smoothly?” I ask.
“No, it’s not like they would have any reason to deny us. We both own successful businesses and don’t have any debt. It went exactly how it should.”
“He was sitting in a pile of his own drool.”
“You’re ridiculous Mel,” she scoffs.
“Yeah, I’m obviously the one who is nuts right now.”
“That’s what I just said.” Never mind…
“Moving on. We need to start looking into contractors with great ratings.”
“Please Mel, don’t make this painful. I understand how much you love to analyze things until you're blue in the face, but please for me try to contain your inner control freak.”
“I am not a control freak!” Okay, so I am a bit of a control freak. But with owning your own business comes a lot of responsibility. I have to make a ton of decisions every day that affects my livelihood. I can’t help it if I prefer to make smart, informed decisions.
“Yes, you are. Do you remember that group project Sophomore year of high school? You pretty much banned the rest of us from helping because you said that we would just screw it up. It was a health class poster girl, no one but you took it seriously. Hell, the teacher even thought it was a joke,” she laughs.
Okay, so I may have been a little like a tyrant, but I wasn’t going to have my GPA lowered because other people wanted to be slackers.
“So… I wanted to make sure that we all got a good grade. Sue me for wanting to keep up my GPA.”
“You graduated with a 3.96…you can’t really do much better chickie.” I mumble a quick, “whatever,” and walk back into my shop leaving Michelle to go into hers.
I love it here. The smell of coffee is something that I will never get tired of. I can be having the worst day and the smell just makes everything better. Coffee is honestly the world’s best food group ever! Okay well, it’s not a food group but it really should be!
“Hey, Lisa.”
“Hey, boss lady. Everything was good. Well except for the totally awkwardness your man crush went through, but other than that par for the course.”
“What are you talking about? And you play golf?” I’m so confused right now.
“Hell, no to the golf, only old dudes in weird pants play golf. And your man candy had a weird run-in with some pathetic chick who just won’t get a clue that he has no interest.”
“Wait, what?”
“Keep up.”
“I’m really trying here. Why don’t you slow it down and use little words for me today huh?”
“Some chick walked over to the guys a few minutes after you left. You could see how much Morris did not want this chick around. Hell, I could see it clear as day from all the way up front. Judging by how the rest of the guys were trying not to laugh, I’m guessing that this chick has been clueless for a while. Anyway, he was basically trying to just get rid of her until out of nowhere she started yelling at him about cheating.”
“Wait he’s with her or someone else?”
“I don’t think he is, most definitely not her though. So, Morris raises his voice and tells her that they went out once, months ago and to pretty much get gone. After that, she just stomped off. The whole thing was pretty funny. Chick just seemed weird, like she wasn’t playing with a full deck.”
“Poor thing. I know what it’s like to have your brain go on hiatus when he’s around.”
“Yeah, I kinda think that it’s just how she is all the time though. She was not picking up on any normal social clues.” Hmmm so he went out with her, but is he seeing someone else now? Nope…don’t care. Yeah keep lying to yourself, I’m sure it will get you far.
“Other than that, how did everything go?” I ask trying to get back to business.
“Good, like I said, nothing major.”
“Okay well let me change out of this ridiculous getup and I’ll be back out so you can go to class.”
“Awesome. Oh hey, how did it go? Did you guys get the loan?”
“We did! And soon you will be working at The Sweet Grind.” I can’t keep the smile off my face. This is going to be so amazing!
“That’s great! I’m so excited for you both!”
“Thanks. I can’t wait to start everything and see the finished product. I don’t think that I’m going to sleep until we get it all done.” I yell as I walk into my office in the back so that I can get out of these damn killer heels. They really make my ass look amazing, but it is just so not worth it.
“Oh, you did get flowers delivered to you.” I hear Lisa say as I’m walking back out in my jeans and sneakers. So comfy.
“Really? From who?” I look at the huge arrangement of dark red roses. Huh, they look almost black…weird.
“I dunno, there wasn’t a card attached. The guy just delivered them and left.”
“That’s so strange. I don’t know who would be sending me flowers, especially roses. Most people who know me, know that I hate roses. So, cliché.”
“These are creepy looking too.”
“Ya know, I was just thinking that. I think I’m going to toss them. They are just not something that I want to look at.”
“Good idea. They have bad JuJu.”
“Seriously Lis? Bad JuJu?” I say with a snort.
“What? They’re so dark that they look black. Nothing good can come from them.”
“You’re right about that,” I say as I toss the creepy looking flowers into the garbage can. Good riddance!
“Alright, I’m outta here. See you tomorrow.”
“Okay…have fun in class.” Lisa gives me a glare before replying.
“Yea tons of fun. So much so that I can barely contain my excitement to not fall asleep!”
She waves goodbye from the front door and I’m alone with my thoughts. Instead of obsessing over my quick run in with Morris, I decided to obsess over all the renovations that we have coming up. Maybe Michelle is right, I really do need to try to relax more.