Cake Love: All Things Payne(57)

Tiffany laughs at me. Actually laughs while shaking her head.

"What the hell is so funny Tiffany?"

"You, Henrik. You are so blinded by her rejection that you have no idea how to win her back."

I am really ready to shake her. This isn't funny.

"If you know how to help me than I am all ears Tiffany." I grip the chair to prevent my hands from lunging at her. I know she is only messing with me, but I’m just not in the mood.

"You have to talk to the last person you ever wanted to see again. The one who knows everything."

Her grin practically takes over her whole face as her eyes dance in merriment. I don't like the riddle game that she’s playing with me. I open my mouth to yell at her just as it hits me who she is talking about. In a rush of breath escaping my mouth, I whisper, "No."





Chapter 9

Payne’s Anti-Rule 3: Be Careful when Looking The Devil Directly in it's Eyes

I spot her immediately since her dark, drab clothes are a deep contrast to the bold blues, yellows, and reds of the small coffee shop’s décor. Sporadically placed around the shop are small black tables and chairs, canisters with dark brown fragrant coffee beans, and the spawn of Satan herself, Evaleen Bechmann. I don't even bother ordering coffee as I want this meeting over as quickly as possible. I take the seat across from her and look up into her devil eyes. Oh did I say devil eyes, I meant bitch eyes.

She squints at me causing the tan skin of her brow to tighten from the restrictive bun of her dirty blonde hair. My eyes sweep down to notice she is wearing a very dark navy suit, almost black, but it might as well be a potato sack for how well it forms to her body.

"Payne," she sneers.

"Bechmann," I mutter and despite myself, I smile, having missed our banter, it somehow reminds me of Seinfeld and Newman. I am growing soft as I reflect longingly at my time with Evaleen.

"Why am I here?" she demands and then brings her cup to her lips for a small sip.

"Morgana."

"What about her?"

I let out a breath trying to focus on what to ask her. What can I say? How is Morgana? Why won't she be with me? I think Evaleen would have a field day with that last question.

"I want her back, but she won't have me. I was hoping you could help me win her back."

There is a loud cackling sound and for a moment I think someone brought some chickens into the café, but then I realize it’s just Evaleen laughing. I have to wait a good minute before her laughter subsides.

"Oh my God, thank you for that Payne. I really needed a good laugh today. Stress at work, you know. Oh that's right, you don't know, as you are unemployed." She starts laughing again but not for as long as before.

"Okay you've had your fun. If you must know, I’m starting my own business that I know Edgar has shown interest in investing in, maybe even Jacob as well." I lift my chin in the air as her smile fades.

"Whatever Payne, you aren't my problem anymore; the fact you aren't in Drake's life either makes life that much sweeter. So, why oh why should I help you win her back?"

I didn't think I would have to bribe her, which is stupid on my part. Of course, she is going to want something for giving me information. My eyes dart around the coffee shop as my brain rapidly thinks of things she would want. After about a minute it hits me.

"Give me a piece of paper and a pen," I ask as I lean back in the chair.

"Okay." Evaleen is weary but digs in her square black purse that hangs from her chair and produces some yellow post it notes and a blue pen. I take the pad and pen from her and write down what I know, then slide it to her.

Her eyes scan the note and then go wide. She glances up at me and for the first time since I met her, she looks unguarded, even youthful and dare I say, pretty.

"Really? He really said that? When?" Her blue eyes sparkle and for a moment, I’m happy for her.

"About five years ago when you were still just an HR admin. He always has."

Her eyes flutter and I begin to see how men find her attractive.

"But, the others. I mean, there have been so many."

I shrug. "That's a guy for you. Some people bury their hurt in alcohol or food, some in sex."

She shakes her head and I see the ache in her eyes. She takes a deep breath before turning her gaze back to mine. Her devil eyes are back. It's her coping mechanism. I realize at that moment just how similar we are. The tough mask we put on to hide our pain. Maybe that's why I don't like her, I see too much of myself in her. Most people like seeing themselves in others, but not me. It reminds me of all that I hate.

"Thank you for this, Payne." Evaleen holds up the paper before clearing her throat. "Do you see that barista behind the counter? The tall guy with the shaggy light brown hair."

I turn and look at him as he busies himself making a drink for a customer. Turning back to Evaleen I nod. “Yeah, what about him?”

"That is Drake's ex, Trevor Trance."

My eyes widen and I whip my head around to scrutinize him further. He’s thin but with some muscle, like a runner. His nose is a bit too big for his face, but adds to his attractiveness. Scanning Trevor, I see nothing about him that screams competition to me. Especially his beady eyes, like he would be cast as a villain in a movie if he were an actor.