Page 46 of Afternoon Delight
“If you’re starting a band, I play cowbell. If you’re hosting a séance, I have a bone to pick with my third-grade teacher,” Zak said.
“Called you Zara one too many times?” I guessed.
“Wouldn’t let me play cowbell.”
“Can’t imagine why not. Sadly, you can’t settle that grudge today. We’re waiting for news about Georgia.” I introduced everyone, ending with, “And you might know Bruno? He lives upstairs.”
“We haven’t actually met.” They shook hands. “You work nights, right?”
“Campus security, yeah. I used to see Georgia when she was still at the bar. One day she said she was leaving to open her own business. It took me three weeks to realize it was under my bed.”
Everyone laughed, while Bruno yawned.
“I’m sorry. I’m going to have to get some coffee. It’s my day off, but I don’t usually get up this early.”
“I’ll buy a round,” Zak offered. “Meg can text me the orders while I stand in line.”
“He doesn’t have to do that,” Mahathi said, watching Zak through the window as he went across the street without his coat, ignoring the spitting rain.
“He has his own stuff going on. He knows it’s the little things that help.” I sat down cross-legged on a chair and started texting orders. Then I told Zak what Mahathi had said about not having to buy coffee. “He says he’s filling up his loyalty card so he can get a free one for himself,” I relayed.
“I need one of those for this place,” Domino joked.
“That’s actually a good idea.” I texted Zak my own order, then rose to find my notebook. “I’ve been trying to think of ways to increase traffic without going broke on ads. Georgia was already planning to host info sessions here. What do you think of book clubs? We don’t have room for more than eight or ten people.” I eyed the way we’d bunched the chairs and considered how I could move things around for a more practical configuration.
“I have a BDSM presentation,” Domino offered. “It’s best with a small group. Two one-hour sessions. The first is an introduction, then a follow-up to talk about what they tried. I charge two hundred a person. If they’re a couple or a thruple, I take fifty off the second and third registrations. Georgia and I talked about my doing it here, but we hadn’t settled on a date before she had to close.”
“Let’s try to book that soon, while I’ve got all these new subscribers. It’s okay for beginners?”
“And just curious, yes. I talk about how to negotiate a scene and other safety precautions. If you want higher level, I have one for sex workers and I have a friend who teaches Shibari.”
“Cool.” I wrote those down. “I was also thinking about something for seniors. My mom is a widow, hasn’t dated since before she married my dad. She doesn’t know what she wants or where to start with all this stuff.” I circled my pen to indicate the toys.
“I know a disability consultant—which isn’t what you’re saying, but she might know someone who specializes in sexual health for seniors.” Mahathi scrolled through her contacts.
“Thanks.” That also reminded me that I’d been meaning to ask Zak if he could make the store more accessible, in case Georgia couldn’t walk after today.
A pang of fear hit my chest, but I didn’t say anything aloud—only scribbled a note to myself.
“Hair and makeup tips for my trans sisters,” Negasi said.
“Great idea. And altering clothes, maybe?” I suggested.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Sweet.” I wrote it down. “Bruno? Any suggestions?”
“Hm?” He picked up his sleepy head. “Oh, I just want my girl on her feet and doing well. Then maybe she’ll feel up to going on a proper date.”
“Amen,” Negasi murmured, while the rest of us nodded solemnly.
Chapter 26
Meg
The day passed in convivial spirits. Two of Negasi’s coworkers showed up—one looking performance-ready in a gingham dress and wig, the other hungover, wearing stubble, a faded T-shirt, and sweatpants.
“Bitch, you know I’m on a diet,” the hungover one griped as he stuffed a Long John in his face.
