Page 58 of Cream & Sugar
No danger, pod boy. Besides, I don’t dare stand up. Not until my out-of-control dick decides to behave itself.
Thankfully, when Freddie emerges from his room, fully clothed, a few minutes later, things have returned to normal.
“Hey there!” Hair tied-up, Freddie swans into the living room wearing a black hoodie and ripped grey jeans. “So,seveno’clock? Are you sure about that?”
“Positive,” I say, getting to my feet.
“Really?” Freddie steps closer. “See, I'm sure it was eight. Maybe you came early just to catch me in my underwear?”
What do I say to that? It’s ludicrous, but it’s not like I can reprimand him; we are inhishouse.
“You’re never going to let me forget this, are you?” I say, in an attempt to laugh it off.
Freddie bites his lower lip. “Forget what, exactly?”
I appreciate the insinuation, like I’m going to forget Freddie in his underwear any time soon. From the look on his face, I’m sure he’s thinking exactly the same thing.
Andi’s café hasn’t changed one bit. It has that modern, minimalist vibe you can only get away with in the inner city where ninety percent of your customers are young professionals too busy to sit still for more than ten seconds at a time.
As I hold the door open for Freddie, I’m greeted by the dreamy scents of cinnamon and cardamom and my stomach rumbles. I skipped breakfast for this, knowing it would be worth it.
“What do you think?” I say, catching up with Freddie who’s wandering up and down, surveying Andi’s charms. He leans in close and whispers.
“It’s kinda like a Starbucks had a baby with a luxury car dealership. In space.”
To be fair, he’s hit the nail on the head. That’s exactly what it’s like.
We approach the sleek white counter where a young barista with pink hair greets us with a warm smile.
“Morning!” I say. “Is Andi in?”
The barista nods. “She’s baking in the back. Want me to get her for you?”
“Please,” I say, relieved she’s working today. I didn’t think to call and check. “Tell her it’s Shaun Harrison.”
The barista nods and sweeps off towards the kitchen.
Freddie sidles up to my left. “You know the owner?”
“I worked here for three years after uni,” I explain, a hint of pride winding its way into my voice. “Andi basically taught me everything I know.”
“I’ll curb my expectations then.”
I shoot Freddie a side-eye and he winks. Cheeky little—
The kitchen door swings open and Andi appears in her chef whites, a thin veneer of sweat on her forehead. As soon as she spots me, her face lights up and I can’t help but beam right back at her. She half-runs around the counter and catapults all five-foot-two of herself at me. I catch her in a tight hug, her long dark braids tickling my forearms.
“Hi Andi,” I say.
“What a nice surprise!” She loosens her grip and I set her back down on the floor. “You should have told me you were coming to visit, Grumbles!”
My stomach lurches. I’d forgotten about that old nickname. Hopefully Freddie didn’t notice.
“The place looks great!” I say, changing the subject. “Busy?”
“Very. How’s your place?”
“Also busy.”
