A La Mode Read online

  The dress was a sexy nude halter with a plunging neckline. The material slinked just below my breast and showed just enough side boobs to be nearly indecent. It was made from a thin slinky material and came to the top of my thighs. The thin straps held it up by wrapping around my neck, leaving the back open all the way down to the base of my back.

  Tasha had out a pair of nude peep toe Valentino’s for me. I gave a slight nod to her selection. With my towel wrapped around me, I went back in the bathroom to dry my hair.

  I rolled my honey blonde hair into thick rollers and allowed Tasha to do my makeup. She was a skilled artist when it came to makeup.

  Tasha had done my makeup giving me a natural nude look with the exception of the smoky eye makeup in a shade of brown that brought out the warm amber in in hazel eyes. She glosses my lips in a nude gloss.

  I slipped into a tiny nude thong and pulled the dress on. Looking in the mirror I didn’t recognize myself. I looked like a Malibu Barbie. I slipped a few pieces of double-sided tape into the hem of my dress that cut across my breast and slipped into my heels.

  Tasha helped me take out the rollers and finger comb my curls. A few spritz of hairspray and I was just about ready. I dabbed on a little of my Chanel perfume and was ready.

  Tasha had us pose together for a selfie before we walked out of the house. I knew there would be plenty more to come before the night was up. Tasha was a selfie queen and on every form of social media, there was out there. I was still getting used to having a Facebook and Instagram.

  Having spent the majority of my life being trained to stay out of the public eye it was a challenge getting used to all of the different forms of social media. The majority of my post were pictures of my desserts. Tasha was always sure to tag me in all of the pictures, freeing me from the responsibility.

  “Okay, babe. Let’s go hit Ice. Damon is working the bar tonight and I can’t wait to watch him drool over you in that dress.” I rolled my eyes at her.

  “Damon is way too eager and most definitely not my type.” Tasha looked at me like I was crazy, her eyes nearly bulging out of her skull.

  “Candy, he is almost seven foot tall and built like a linebacker. The man is gorgeous. Have you not seen his dimples?” She said in disbelief. I chortled.

  “Yes, I have seen more of the man than I care to. He is as dumb as a rock, Tosh.” I implored.

  “The man doesn’t have to have a brain to get you where you need to be, lady.” She raised an expectant brow at me.

  “Well in his case it wouldn’t help. I’m not even sure he knows which end goes where. And, if I did finally give in he would probably spend the whole time flexing and taking me on a trip to ‘the gun show’.” I used my hands to make air quotes then flexed my arms and made my tits bounce.

  Tasha laughed and fell against me.

  “Please, tell me he didn’t,” her eyes wide with anticipation of my answer.

  I gave her a firm nod.

  “Eight times in one night, Tosh, Eight friggin times.” Tasha Paled and covered her mouth with her hand as she gasped. I nodded my head further expressing my annoyance at the guy.

  “Okay, Damon is so off the table.” I threw my hands in the air in praise

  “Thank you, Jesus.”

  Tasha elbowed me and laughed.

  We got into her car and drove up into Miami to Ice.

  By the time we got to the club it was already packed. Tasha grabbed my hand and lead us straight through the front doors, bypassing the line of people waiting to get in. We ignored the lustful gazes of the men and the dirty looks from the women. Ice was the place to be and people often stood in line all night for a chance to get in.

  Tasha’s job there had assured us free admission with no wait since the day she started. That what the whole reason she got a job at Ice. We were tired of waiting in lines at the club to get in and Tasha decided that one way or another she would get us into the club without waiting. Two weeks later we walked straight into the club without a second thought to the line. That was five years ago.

  As we walked in the door, Tasha led us straight to the bar. I let out a breath of relief when she walked right past the front bar where Damon was working and down to the bar in the back. I didn’t even turn to see if he noticed us.

  “The new guy, Milo is gorgeous.” I saw the way her eyes lit up and danced with excitement as she said Milo’s name. I was excited to see who the man that had enamored my best friend was. Tasha had never been one to get all dreamy eyed over a guy. She was more of a love em and leave em type. This Milo must be extra sexy.

  I stood on my tiptoes and tried to see over the heads of the other patrons at the bar. Even in my six-inch heels, I was no match for the crowd at the bar that stood three deep.

  I felt Tasha’s hand tighten on mine. I looked up and my eyes landed on one of the sexiest men I had ever seen. Milo looked like a Colin Wayne clone. I had to do a double-take. He was easily six foot four, broad shoulders, green eyes and a thick head of short brown hair. He had a bright carefree smile that promised a good time and guaranteed it to be extra naughty. This man would definitely be the star in tonight’s wet dream.

  Tasha tugged me closer, pulling me into the bar so that we stood side by side, or bodies pressed flush with the lacquered bar.

  Milo stuck out his hand. I reached mine out to take his.

  “You must be the lovely Candice that Tasha is always talking about.” My cheeks instantly turned pink.

  “I am. I have heard a lot about you, too.” I replied. He smiled even brighter at my comment.

  Really I have just heard about him as we were walking in but I didn’t want to tell him that. Tasha had been keeping him a secret for a reason. I was determined to find out why.

  “Tonight your drinks are on the house. What can I get you beautiful ladies?” his smile was genuine and I noticed how his eyes seldom left Tasha.

  “We will have two screaming orgasms,” Tasha answered and shot him a flirty wink. Milo gave her a suggestive nod, the bright smile never leaving his face.

  He worked quickly making out drinks. My eyes were glued on Tasha. Her eyes, in turn, were glued on Milo. Tasha was definitely crushing on Milo as much as he appeared to be crushing on her. It was about time the woman took more than a passing interest in someone.

  With the bar packed, we didn’t have time to linger and chat up Milo. Tasha grabbed my hand and led us to a table marked reserve just outside of the VIP section. It was our normal table. I had never figured out how Tasha had obtained so many perks being a weekday bartender at the club and sometimes I was afraid to ask.

  We downed our drinks in record time. The waitress, Macy, showed up with another round as soon as we set our empty glasses down.

  “Thanks, Mace,” I shot her a bright smile and she smiled back brightly.

  Macy was a beautiful redhead who was aspiring to be a model. She has the looks but not the personality. I accounted Macy’s sweet demeanor as the reason she hadn’t landed a contract. She was too sweet and innocent to demand to be taken seriously. I had always promised that I would use her for my marketing. Now I was finally able to make good on that promise. I know posing for my small Shoppe wasn’t much, but it least it would grant her some exposure.

  “What brings you gorgeous women in on a Friday night? I though Saturday was your usual?” I smiled even brighter with anticipation of my budding news.

  “Macy, remember how I promised to have you model for my sweets shop?” Her eyes grew wide and her smile widened.

  “You’re kidding me?” She set her tray down and wrapped me in a tight embrace rocking us back and forth.

  I held on to her tightly. I knew how much this meant to her. it meant as much to her to model for me as it meant for me to finally be able to open my new Shoppe. I felt her wet tears pelt my shoulder. I pulled her back away from me and held her at arm’s length.

  “Hey now, those better be happy tears.” I chided playfully. Her head just bobbed up and down as she wiped away at her face.

  “I can’t believe it. I am so happy for you.” She squealed. Her smile was infectious.

  Soon we were all standing, hugging and jumping around in giddy excitement. A whistle from a nearby table broke us apart, reminding us that Macy was still on the clock.

  “You girls finish your drinks I have a bunch of tables waiting but I will be back. I’m so excited for you Candy.” She gave me a parting hug and left to tend to the waiting tables.

  “Let’s dance,” Tasha implored grabbing my hand and pulling me out onto the dance floor.

  Sia’s Body Moves was just ending. As we hit the dance floor. The DJ, Jason had spotted Tasha and played his song for her. #SELFIE by The Chainsmokers began to blare in the speakers. Tasha ate it up and we began to dance as she recited the words. She whipped out her cell phone and we took crazy selfies out on the dance floor. Every time the song mentioned a Jason she would point out to Jason over in the DJ booth. Jason was a super cute kid with mad skills on the turntable.

  The song ended and Shots came on. It was on from there. After years of dancing at the same club, we had our moves perfected and our songs which Jason always played for us. Macy began to bring us out shots from some of our many admirers. We took them back to back allowing the music to take over our bodies and the liquor to loosen us up.

  Over the years we had acquired a high tolerance and Macy had always been great at varying the shots with shots of colored water so that we didn’t get trashed too fast. Weird as it seemed, Ice was like a second home and all of the people that worked here and the regulars were families.

  After several more songs, we made our way back to our table where ice cold bottles of water waited along with our drink. I was forever thankful for Evan. He stood as security for the VI
P area and always ensured we were also protected as well as our drinks. He made it a personal mission to ensure we also had plenty of ice cold bottles of water. I can’t count how many times he has personally had to drive us home. He was always a gentleman and would have been the perfect boyfriend. I am sure that why his wife married him. I gave him a bright smile and nodded my thanks. He shot me back a wink.

  The night flew by as we danced and drank in celebration. I was so glad to have so many of my friends around me celebrating. Tasha had spent no time letting everyone know that I had finally gotten an approval letter. People flooded to our table one after the other congratulating me. It felt good to have their love and support behind me.

  Chapter Three

  Candy

  The past two weeks had been a whirlwind adventure. I had to rush to get all of the paperwork submitted to the bank and hours upon hours signing my name to paperwork ensuring the loan, purchasing the building and all of the equipment I would need.

  With the help of my friends, I was able to get the building renovated and completely ready to go. I felt like I had never once slept the whole two weeks.

  Tasha had harped on me to have everything planned out and ready to go months ago and I was glad I had taken her advice. I already had my eye on a building and had already spoken with the realtor, I had already gone over the layout and design elements with Tasha’s sister Abby who was an interior designer and had settled on materials, an overall design and décor with her. Tasha’s brother Erin had his construction crew ready to go to work.

  Tasha and I pulled up to Those Buns Dough, the classic neon sign blended in with the other local shops and looked good against the brick storefront. The windows were covered with brown paper pending the grand opening.

  I pulled out my keys and unlocked the door. The place looked amazing. The walls were painted a bright white with brightly colored prints of delicious mouthwatering desserts I had made. Tasha had taken photos of them and Abby had them blown up and framed in beautiful bright colored frames.

  One of the walls had bright white oak shelves were ready to be filled with the candies and cookies I had spent hours preparing. I could imagine them there, wrapped in cellophane with colorful ribbon bows. The large glass displays were gleaming and ready to be filled. White oak tables dotted the room with brightly colored chairs.

  Tears sprang to my eyes as I took in the modern yet trendy shop. It was everything I had ever imagined it to be.

  “Abby did an amazing job,” I said wiping the tears from my eyes. Tasha knocked her shoulder into mine.

  “Let’s go check out the kitchen.” I followed her past the glass displays into the back were the large barren space was filled with state of the art kitchen equipment and large prep tables begging to be used. The room was bright white; the only other color came from all of the stainless steel equipment. It was perfect.

  “You ready to open this baby up on Monday morning?” Tasha asked excitedly.

  I nodded, too emotional to speak. Tasha wrapped her arm around me, tucking me into her side.

  “We got this babe, you and me, and a whole host of minions. This place is going to be packed come Monday morning. Just you wait and see.” Tasha said proudly.

  I couldn’t answer. I was so overwrought with emotions.

  “I can’t believe this was all done in two weeks,” I said in wonderment.

  Tasha scoffed.

  “Babe, this wasn’t done in two weeks. You have been planning and setting things in motion long before that. If you hadn’t stuck with it, you would have been months away from opening your doors. You have had deliveries every day for the past three days and even have more on Sunday night and Monday morning just so you will be ready. You have been on it like a comet.” She said. I gave a small chuckle at her analogy.

  “I couldn’t have done it without you. You’re the one that pushed me to get prepared and strike out on my own.” I told her. it was the truth. This was all Tasha.

  She brushed me off.

  “No, you would have done it sooner or later. I just pushed you for sooner.” She gave me a small wink and bumped me with her hip.

  “Let’s get out of here. It’s Friday night and I feel like dancing.” Tasha sang.

  “Meet you at nine?” I asked.

  “Nah, how about I pick you up at seven and we go grab a bite then go to the club?” She said.

  “Perfect,” I smiled.

  “Wear those white spandex boy shorts and the white ultra-low cut halter top with open back and gold metallic embellishments. I’ll be by to do your hair and makeup.” She wagged her brows at me.

  I could only shake my head. The outfit, if you could call it that, showed more than it covered.

  “And what will you be wearing?” I asked intrigued.

  She gave a small shrug. I didn’t miss the sly smile that slid across her face.

  “I just might be wearing that very low cut, red V-neck, halter top, ultra-short mini dress with a low back that gathers in the middle and cinched at the sides with ties that you have in your closet.” She tried for nonchalance but I heard the anticipation in her voice.

  My mouth fell open with shock.

  “You have to spill. Who is he?” I implored.

  Tasha tried to feign ignorance but failed miserably. She remained silent and started for the door. I grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

  “Spill it, Tosh.” My voice was firm.

  Tasha gave a shrug of the shoulder.

  “I just want to look good while we celebrate your big day.” She turned to face me. I could tell she was holding back. I would figure it out one way or another. Badgering her wasn’t how I was going to get the deets so I let it drop.

  “You know you can tell me anything right?” I reminded her.

  She pulled me in for a quick embrace.

  “I know, babe, and I will. Once I know for sure.” She released me and walked out the door leaving me stunned.

  I knew she was hiding something. I let out a cheer and did a happy dance, excited that I had been able to get something out of her. I hoped that she would get the answers she needed to know for sure.

  I locked up the shop and headed home. I had a few hours before Tasha would be there and I still had a bit more paperwork to get finished.

  Tasha arrived promptly at seven. I had been able to finish the last bits of paperwork and even had time to squeeze in a shower. By the time she got there I was ready for hair and makeup so we could go.

  Tasha styled and coiffed her long dark hair into submission. She teased it so that it sat in a high bouffant on top before being swept into an elaborate bun that sat on the back of her head. Silver teardrop earrings dangled from her ears, her wrist was covered in silver bangles. The red dress hugged her curves and came to the top of her thighs. It just barely covered her ass. She paired it with a red pair of Gucci platform pumps with a peep toe that had crisscross ankle straps. She looked like a vixen ready to pounce.

  Her makeup was done perfectly. She did a dark smoky eye and her lashes stood out long and thick. She painted her lips with bright red lipstick. She looked sexy as hell. Her nails were painted in blood red to match the dress.

  Tasha teased my long blond hair and gathered the top portion into a clip letting the rest fall straight down my back, tendrils framed my heart shaped face. My makeup looked nude aside from the dark lashes and the bright pink lips. Sometimes I swear she enjoyed dressing and styling me like a Barbie doll.

  I slipped into my boy shorts and halter sans undergarments and applied a little double stick tape to the hem against my breast. There was nothing worse that flashing a dance floor your goodies unknowingly.

  I slipped on a pair of sexy gold Gucci five inch gladiator heels that laced up to my knee, gold Celtic knots ran up my shins. The shoes were sexy as hell and paired perfectly with my tiny white outfit. I pulled on several thick gold bracelets and gave myself a once over.

  The guys at Ice had better watch out. We looked extra sexy tonight.

  Tasha pulled me in for several selfies before we left the apartment.

  “You know, it would be nice if your next place had an elevator. I swear, coming to your place keeps me in shape after climbing up and down three flights of stairs.” Tasha complained.