Chapter Two
Soren
Every table was filled in the shop. Not bad for a cool fall afternoon, but it meant I was too busy to sit down and visit with Jovan and his little Ernie until well after they’d received their sundaes. But finally everyone was served and the line for takeout wound down.
“Thanks for coming, you guys.” I paused beside their table. “Did you get everything you want?”
“Yes,” Jovan said. “I can’t believe it took me this long to get here. The hospital has been so busy, but wow, you did a great job with the place.”
“That’s nice of you to say.” I looked around, enjoying the opportunity to watch the patrons with their desserts. “It’s a fun business to be in. Hard work, of course, but what worthwhile, isn’t it?”
“Agree with that. The medical business is the same, but without sprinkles.”
“Give me the sprinkle life anytime!” I put in, and we all laughed.
“Actually, Ernie and I are on a mission to try all the ice-cream places in town, and we saved you for last.”
I thrust out my lower lip in my best imitation of a little in a pout. “You came to me last? I think my feelings are hurt.”
Ernie hopped up and gave me a hug. “Daddy told me we saved the best for last,” he whispered before stepping back. “Everything here is so good.”
“Ernie isn’t the quietest whisperer, but he’s right. We did save the best for last, judging by our experience so far.”
“That’s very kind of you to say. My staff and I take a lot of pride in both our product and the experience of coming here.”
“Looks like you have a good takeaway business as well.” Jovan pointed to the line from the door to the checkout next to the prepacked freezer. “Should we buy something to take home, Ernie?”
He bobbed his head and slid back into his seat. “For after dinner.”
“With all the ice cream you have had this week, you want more that soon?” he asked.
“Because this is the best.” Ernie had the “little” sundae in front of him.
The only thing little about it was the person eating it and the particular types of toppings I’d designed for it.
Three scoops of the diner’s choice, rainbow fruit sauces, whipped cream, and on top of it all, a light dusting of edible glitter.
“Is this stuff safe to eat?” Jovan asked. A doctor, he was always concerned about food safety as well as glitter safety in general.
At Chained, the club we belonged to, glitter was a huge hit with the littles but not so much with the daddies who had to get it out of the littles’ hair, ears, noses, and their car upholstery and floor mats.
Ms. Lily only provided the kind that technically could be eaten but was intended for crafts; this was intended to be food.
I’d tasted it and honestly didn’t think it tasted like much, but the littles who had stopped by were over the moon. Also kids and some other grown-ups. Sparkle!
“I can show you the ingredient list if you like. It is 100 percent safe and might even sneak in a vitamin or two in the vegetable colors.” I had only added this particular menu item when I found an edible glitter supplier who somehow made their product with no unnatural ingredients, and still managed to make it shimmer.
Something about gelatin, corn starch, and vegetable and fruit colors and…
I didn’t remember all what. But I felt comfortable that I was not going to harm any customers.
No plastic or even anything I couldn’t pronounce.
“We need some at home!” Ernie pronounced. “With chocolate ice cream.”
“I think it’s too special for everyday,” pronounced his daddy. “So, we can have it when we come here or maybe for the ice-cream party.”
“It really is special,” I agreed helpfully. “I’m so glad you are enjoying your sundae. What about you, Jovan? Mango smoothie?”
“Yes. So many chunks of mango, I’m trying to convince myself it really is a health food.”
“I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s pretty good.”
We chatted for a few more minutes about things we could talk about in public.
The weather, let’s get together soon, what mutual friends we’d run into, and then I left them to finish their treats while I made sure everything was running smoothly behind the counter and in the back.
We’d recently started making ice-cream cakes to order, and the artistry of Karen, who decorated them, was excellent.
Ten minutes or so later, Jovan came up to the counter to pay. “You really are the best in town,” he said. “Perfect for the—”
A gaggle of schoolkids came inside at that point, laughing and pushing each other, and I missed the end of what he said, but I’d take “perfect” any day.
“Thanks, Jovan. It means a lot when my friends come in and enjoy what we offer.” I reached into the freezer and pulled out a pint of chocolate.
“For Ernie. I hope he likes it even without glitter.” I tucked the container in a paper bag stamped with our logo. “See you soon.”
He started to say something else, but the kids were getting kind of rowdy, and he laughed. “I’ll let you get to it. Have a nice rest of the day.”
We were very busy for the rest of the afternoon, with the after-school crowd followed by people coming in for pints or quarts to take home for dessert, families for an after-dinner treat, and then last the date crowd.
Couples who sat close together and shared their sundaes or shakes, sometimes a few kisses. It was really sweet.
I tried not to envy people who found their perfect person, whatever that meant for them in their life.
But watching Ernie and Jovan together did touch me deep inside.
Today, they’d been two men out for ice cream, although Ernie did feel comfortable enough with me to let his guard down a bit.
But I’d also seen them in the little room, and they were in perfect harmony there, too.
I was very glad for them, but couldn’t help but hope that someone was out there for me, too.
Someone I could make sundaes for and tuck into bed a night.
Cuddle on the sofa and watch a movie. Have coffee and cake for breakfast on the weekend, or pancakes. Whatever he liked, I’d be onboard for.
“Boss, we just got an order for a cake,” a counterman called out.
“Great, Gordie. If you’re too busy to take it, transfer the call to Karen.”
“It’s for tonight. Should I tell them no? Because she gets really cranky about these rush orders.”
“I’ll take care of it.” Karen could be grouchy, but she’d do it. I passed the rush fee right on to her for her trouble. And if she didn’t want to, then it was no. All my employees had lives and sometimes had plans that meant they couldn’t stay late. Fair enough.