MIA HENSHAW

MIA HENSHAW

This was the first time I was baking such a large quantity of pastries. I definitely didn't think I was good enough —yet— for a celebrity to love my pastries as much as he did.

I packed the last of the cupcakes into the carton and sealed it.

“Where's the cookie jar, Tina?” I asked as I hurriedly put the bags and cartons in the waiting cab.

“It's packed already. I'm assuring you that you are not forgetting anything.” She replied.

I went back in to assist her with Tiana —who had fallen asleep after stuffing herself up on cookies and ice cream — so she could lock up.

“Thank you so much for waiting with me. I don't know what I would have done without you.” I said to her as we got in the cab. “I just feel so sorry to have inconvenienced little Tiana.”

“She loves staying at the cafe because she gets to eat all the junk food I don't usually let her eat and she gets to spend time with her favorite aunt. I don't think that's an inconvenience.” Tina replied from the passenger seat.

I beamed as I brushed the hair away from the little girl's face. “You forgot to mention her grandmother. If Cindy was around, she probably won't be asleep by now.”

Tina giggled. “That's true. Cindy loves the girl to bits and always gives her anything she wants. Maybe she's getting a little bit too pampered.” She said, a hint of worry in her voice.

“She is just about to turn seven. This is the age for her to enjoy her childhood.” I said, reaching for her shoulder. “You don't need to be overly strict while you are raising her because of what happened to you. I'm certain she will grow into a beautiful lady as we are all here to help her.”

“You are right. I should let her enjoy her childhood. Thank you, Mia.” She responded, patting my hand which was on her shoulder.

I smiled, feeling satisfied with the day as the earlier troubles were already forgotten. We fell silent as the driver sped on towards our destination.

~•|~•|~•|

We came to a stop in front of a high-rise building which seemed to tower above every other building within its vicinity.

“I see the party is being held at their agency. It's so nice to be here.” Tina squealed with childlike excitement. She was one of the many fans of Xavier. I still didn't get why people adored celebrities like they were mini gods.

“Let's deliver this quickly so we can get Tiana home. It's a school day tomorrow and we don't want her feeling drowsy for the rest of the day.” I said, alighting from the cab.

“You really don't know how rare this opportunity is.” She grumbled, assisting the cab driver to offload the pastries into a big basket I had arranged for this purpose.

“I should call him now so we can gain entry into the building.” I whipped out my phone and dialed his number. He picked up after the first ring.

“You are right on time.” His loud voice was subdued by faint booming of music in the background. “I'll be down in a few minutes.”

“Sure.” I said and hung up. “You should carry Tiana while I carry the basket.” I said as I picked my back from the backseat and brought out my wallet so I could pay the man.

She nodded, hoisting Tiana unto her shoulders. I extended a few notes to the driver who collected the money and drove off without hesitating.

“There you are.” I heard Mr Rivers say from behind us. I jumped, startled.

“Where did you come from? Isn't this the entrance?” Tina asked him, clasping her chest with the hand that wasn't holding Tiana up.

Mr Rivers chuckled. “I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to startle you both. The main entrance is closed when work officially closes for the day so I had to come from the garage.” He explained.

“Actually,” he continued “I wasn't expecting you to be here so early at such short notice. You must be really good at what you do.”

I blushed. At this rate, my dream was going to come true faster than I expected. I should start saving up to buy my own oven.

“That looks heavy.” He said, pointing at the basket. “Leave it here, I'll have someone come carry it.”

“That completes my job then.”

“Won't you like to join us?” He asked as he speed dialed a number on his phone. I could feel Tina's heated stare on my face and I knew that if I looked at her, I would be tempted to yield to her request.

“It's a weekday tomorrow so I may have to decline your offer. Thanks by the way.” I replied.

“That's a downer but no problem. Send me my bill and your payment details.”

“Will do. Have a great night.” I waved at him as two hefty men came out of the garage, probably to carry the basket though it wasn't that heavy.

“We will get going now.” Tina said, glaring at me. “See uou, Mr Rivers.”

I shook my head as we strolled to the bus stop to get a bus to our houses. Our destinations were in the same direction which was better because I couldn't think of leaving both of them alone so late at night.

“Should I carry Tiana instead? You look pretty tired.” I asked her.

“I'm not the one who has been in class all day and then, had to bake another set of pastries into the night. I'm fine.” She replied with a smile.

“Did you want to go for the party?”

“You shouldn't be asking that when you know fully well I wanted to. I will get to see Xavier in his element and not in his disguise. Who knows, maybe I could meet another favourite actor or actress of mine?” She responded, looking away from me.

That was exactly my fear. Seeing Xavier in his element. I could easily forget that he was an A-list celebrity with over ten awards when he was sitting in a booth in the cafe I worked in, in his snapback and shades but if I had to see him in the place he worked, with people like him, it may become difficult to ignore thar fact.

“I'm sorry. If he invites us next time and we don't have Tiana with us and if isn't a weekday, then we can go.”

She looked at me and shook her head. “Who knows if that day will ever come?”

“We are here.” I said, swerving her question. “A bus should be here soon so we can go home and get some rest in preparation for tomorrow.”

She humphed, sitting down beside me and laying Tiana across both of our legs. The girl must be a deep sleeper because we had been carrying her around since and she didn't even stir.

“Thanks for today, once again.” I said to her, giving her a side hug. “Everything and not just staying back with me.”

“You're welcome.” She replied, squeezing me against herself tightly.

~•|~•|~•|

“Hey girl.” Katie called out from the chair she was sitting on as she scribbled something furiously in her note. “I received your text. Did everything go well, were you able to meet up?”

“Yes.” I let out feebly, the fatigue of the whole day finally getting to me. “I hope they like it.” I replied, flopping on the chair opposite hers.

“Of course, they will like it. That's something you shouldn't even worry about.” She replied, not looking up from her note.

“Thank you, my love. What are you up to?”

“I have an assignment due tomorrow. Why don't you freshen up so you can have dinner? It's getting quite late.” She suggested.

“I'll do that. Don't stay up too late, also.” I replied to her after which I dragged myself towards my bedroom.

I was fast getting tired of the routine life I was living. I needed something interesting to keep me going. Perhaps, I should start advertising my business on social media platforms as Isha suggested.

As I dropped on my head like an heavy bag of flour, the last thought that plagued my mind as I drifted off into lala-land was my painting from earlier, the stormy blue of the dark night reminding me of someone's eyes.