Contraband

I stand at the counter, bouncing up and down on my toes waiting impatiently for my order. My curls dancing in time to my feet. The young lady behind the counter FINALLY hands me my order and I make my way out to the black SUV. Jeez, Ranger really needs a new color to his palette. Black on black on black with a side order of black. I suppress a small shiver until I remember my armload of delicious fluffy goodness. I place my treasure trove on the passenger seat and make my way to Haywood and the nondescript brick building that houses Rangeman LLC. Miraculously, the gate was open and the elevator was waiting on me when I exited the vehicle.

With my contraband in hand I push the button for the 5th floor and inhale the yeasty goodness of fresh donuts. The doors opened and I walked out on the floor. Lester, Bobby and Cal were the first to swipe their treats.

"Thanks, Beautiful" Lester said around a mouthful of bearclaw.

"Yeah, Thanks" this from Bobby as he grabbed a glazed donut in each hand.

"Mmmhmm, franks meph!" Cal mumbled.

As I walked to the conference room, I passed Hector and Woody. Tank stood in his office door with his arms crossed across his massive chest and shook his head. "Little Girl, you know boss man ain't gonna be happy about the sweets."

"It's ok Big Guy, I got this." I said as I passed him and handed him his favorite lemon filled Bismarck. His massive hand closed around the doughnut and a booming laugh escaped as he took a bite.

I continued toward the conference room with Hector and Woody following along like puppies. As I crossed into the conference room, I felt a tingle and knew Ranger was close. Behind me I heard a very frustrated sounding "Babe?"

I turned around and saw Ranger standing behind me with his feet spread and his hands tucked in the pockets of his cargos. His black tshirt stretched impossibly tight across his wide chest. He looked extremely exasperated. His eyes boring into mine. I turned and put the boxes on the table to give myself a moment to gather my thoughts. "Babe?" Then Ranger sighed. "You know that anything resembling sweets are not allowed in the building!"

I looked at him and took a deep breath. "Ranger, did you or did you not say we could celebrate holidays."

"Yes, but…"

"And did you not say we could eat the customary foods for that day?"

"I did, but…"

"Furthermore did you not say we could decorate appropriately?"

"Babe?! What does that have to do with the six boxes of donuts sitting on my conference table?" By this time everyone had gathered to see how this was going to play out.

Walking up to him, I placed my hand on his cheek and replied "Its National Donut Day!"

I turned around and promptly left the room to Ranger sputtering laugh. .

Passing Lester, he slips me a C-note and just grins. Betting me a hundred dollars that I couldn't get doughnuts in the building and convince Ranger to let them stay was a sucker bet. I laugh all the way to Macy's.

Today is National Donut Day! A holiday made for Stephanie. A lot of donut shops are giving free donuts today. I plan to update Tainted Money tonight.