Customers were filling in the booths, the counter stools had been full since opening. "You doing anything after work?" Dumpling had her eye on one of the freshly-baked Lemon-ginger scones sliding into the four tiered display. Dumpling was no longer on payroll to anyone, freed of that contractual railway, she wondered what Linda M was thinking. "I'm always free after work? What work?" She caught Miki's eye with a nod and pointed at the scones with a "V" ... and mouthed 'Save me a couple, pleasssse!" Two thumbs way up, the tiny curlicued brunette retrieved two warm Lemon-ginger scones and put them into a a soft cloth bag. Dumpling was a stitch wizard. Scraps became any number of fabric and cloth doo-daa. If there was work she did, this was it. She always brought her own pastry bag along.
"Come to the house about seven okay. Let's take a drive. I'll pack a picnic for us. It's light till after nine, and I need more scoop on this destiny thing." Linda was already clearing cups and balancing them with one hand while she pushed her chair under the table. "Date?"
"Unless I get a better offer," Dumpling Woman was joking but it was always possible a better offer would come her way. At sixty, she was still a gloriously sexy woman who much enjoyed the company of men of all ages. Linda knew that better than most, "Promise!" Dumpling put out her right pinkie. They pulled, Linda still balancing the empty espresso cups.
The scones were still fresh hot, their citrus and gingery smell tempting. Linda never let her pay for anything, but there was no limit on tipping. She pulled a five from her pocket, blew Miki a kiss and called out "Thank you!" leaving the money in the ceramic pig. More than one of the customers, raised a hand, eyebrow or their whole self to acknowledge Dumpling. She was no less tempting than the pastry she toted, and she loved it that way.
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