Put A Ring On It (37 page)

There had to be a way to get the sex she desired without the complications of a relationship. After a few minutes of pondering her options, she went online. Wearing a naughty smile, she googled the phrase, “rent a dick.” Her smile broadened when numerous possibilities popped on the screen.

She clicked on Rent-A-Man Escort Service. A variety of muscle-bound hunks represented the available offerings of that service. Solay
was pretty sure that the beautiful images on the website were merely stock photos and not part of the actual selection. Undeterred, she perused the site, and learned that she had the option of hiring a man by the hour or renting his services for the night.

An hour’s worth of no-strings-attached sex was all she needed to improve her attitude, and give her some of her swag back. Wheeling and dealing in the business world, required her to exude confidence and sex appeal.

Credit card in hand, she called and boldly requested a one-hour date, making it clear that she didn’t need a dinner date, and she wasn’t going to a business affair…all she wanted from her hired man was to be escorted straight to her bed!

* * *

As she swept through the dining area, Solay noticed that the place was jam-packed. Not one available seat. And there was a mob of people waiting at the counter. Business was good.

Vidal was entertaining the customers, joking and making quips as usual, enjoying the spotlight, and working the front as if it were his personal stage. Vidal had survived the kitchen war and had emerged without any noticeable battle scars. His appearance was as impeccable as always.

“Here you go. A dozen Passionate Kisses,” Vidal said to a female customer. “I threw in a free Screaming Orgasm to complete your sinful night.” Vidal said giving the patron conspiratorial wink. The customers who were in line waiting for their orders were not impatient. Thoroughly charmed by Vidal, the customers were completely entertained while waiting.

“What’s the Screaming Orgasm?” someone in the line asked.

“Check out the menu.” Vidal pointed to the chalkboard menu that hung on the wall behind him.

Solay’s eyes wandered upward. Mari’s Delectable Special: Screaming Orgasm (orange/ginger cupcake with Tangy orange butter cream frosting) $5.00 each

Solay was appalled at Mariama’s willfulness, and intended to put her
on a one-day suspension. Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the next customer’s request.

“I’ll have a dozen cupcakes,” said a woman carrying a briefcase and dressed in a conservative business suit. “I want four red velvet, four double chocolate, and four vanilla,” she said, carefully avoiding the provocative cupcake names.

“Do you want the free Screaming O?” Vidal asked, his eyes gleaming with mischief as he put the business woman on blast.

“Sure, I’ll try it,” she said, lashes lowering in embarrassment, face flushing red.

Helping out in the front, Solay began packaging the woman’s order.

“We’ll have a half dozen Screaming O’s,” said two giggly college girls.

“Coming right up!” Vidal disappeared into the kitchen and then came right back, carrying a tray of six gorgeous. There were murmurings of “Wow,” and “Oooh” as the customers glimpsed the pastel orange-colored delights. The caramelized orange slice embellishments gave the cupcakes an award-winning look. “Folks, we’re down to the last half dozen of Screaming O’s.”

The customers released a collective groan. The two college girls clapped their hands as if they’d won a prize as they shelled over thirty dollars, plus tax.

While helping out in the front, Solay witnessed numerous customers who had gotten the free cupcake, returning to buy more.

“Those Screaming O’s went like hot cakes,” Vidal told a customer. “We’ll have more tomorrow.”

“No we won’t,” Solay’s disagreed. “We’ll be back to our regular menu tomorrow.”

“You must not like money,” Vidal muttered under his breath.

Solay let the comment slide. Vidal had no idea how expensive and time consuming it was for Mariama to create those cupcakes. She’d have to hire more help if she kept those Screaming O’s on the menu.

By closing time, Solay had gotten over her anger and realized that she’d be only hurting herself if she put Mariama on suspension for even a day.

“Goodnight, ladies, it’s been fun,” Vidal said, after tying his dramatic, fringed scarf around his neck. Before leaving, he bent and reached under the counter behind bags and cupcake boxes. “Voila!” He pulled out a single cupcake he’d carefully stashed behind the counter.

“Ooo, you’re such a sneak,” Mariama said, laughing.

“You’re the Picasso of pastry,” he said, eyeing the cupcake with admiration.

Flattered, Mari smiled, “Thank you, Vidal.”

“I had to have at least one screaming orgasm after all that foreplay I put in today!” Vidal twirled around and headed for the door.

After Vidal left, Solay and Mariama cleaned up the kitchen. “In the future, you need to ask permission before you tamper with the menu. Nothing should be on that chalkboard or baked in my ovens with my explicit permission.”

“But we discussed it…”

“Yes, we had a conversation, but nothing was finalized. Your cup-cakes were a huge success, but I don’t see how I can afford to allow you to bake anything other than the items on the menu.”

“I can come in an hour earlier. Or stay a few hours later…you know, and start making up the batter for the next day.”

“Why would you put yourself through that? I can’t raise your pay.”

“I’m bored doing the same thing every day. I need more creative expression.”

“Well, that’s something you’ll have to do your own time. Seriously, Mari. I can’t afford to buy those ingredients…even at five dollars a pop, I won’t break even.”

“Okay,” Mariama said shrugging off the rebuff, but Solay could see the hurt in her eyes.

Solay patted Mariama’s arm. “When I get a bigger shop, I’ll add one of your concoctions to the menu, okay?”

“Sure,” Mariama said dryly, and then turned her back and continued to briskly sweep flour from the floor.