Chapter 6: You Put the Lime in the Coconut

Tamara

I'd never been to the Protein Palace before. Keith explained that it was the premier health food restaurant in San Francisco. There were too many choices for me to count - whey options and vitamins and supplements - so I asked the kind-looking man making the shakes what he would suggest for a newbie like me after my man ordered for himself. He looked at me with approval then glanced at my boyfriend.

"Do you like chocolate?"

"Can't live without it."

"Dark chocolate?" I scrunched up my face and shook my head. The man laughed at my expression. "Milk Chocolate?" I hummed. "How about white chocolate?"

"My favorite," I laughed. The Hulk Hogan look-alike gave me a friendly smile and started putting some ingredients together.

"I know just what to make you, little one. Why don't you and your man have a seat and I'll have one of my girls bring it right to you?"

"Thank you," I grinned as we left the line to slide into one of the red vinyl booths. I really felt like I belonged in this 1950s-style soda shop. I fit right in with the decor in my lilac retro halter dress. The music was nice and modern, even though it came out of an old-fashioned jukebox. One of the most beautiful roller skating girls in the joint brought our shakes a few minutes later with an outrageous wink at my boyfriend that made me want to pull all her artificial hair out.

"You just let me know if you want anything on or off the menu," the woman stated smugly. "I mean it, big guy. Anything at all." She skated off before I could do something I'd likely regret. I glared after her.

"Jealous?" Keith asked.

"Yes," I pouted. "She's so busty and beautiful. My boobs have gone down a couple of sizes since I started losing weight. They used to be able to compete with someone like her. But now…" Keith reached out for my hand and I reluctantly gave it.

"Your boobs are perfectly tailored to your body, Sweetling. Just like that curvy little derriere of yours. Hers are too big and obvious. You make quite an appealing little package and you're all mine." His leg slid up mine and I jumped almost out of my seat. He chuckled, releasing my hand so we could steady our drinks. "You are so sensitive. It's way too much fun to tease you. But I find that I don't like you jealous, Sweetling. You are a being made for smiles and not frowns. Relax and drink your shake. Was there anything else you wanted from the menu?"

"I require a cheeseburger and fries after such a hard workout," I told him, doing my best to get rid of my pouting face. "But that'll have to wait until-"

"What are you talking about? It's right here," he said, pointing to the menu. Sure enough, while the front of the menu had everything under the sun to mix with the different protein powders, the back of the menu had a small selection of food to choose from.

"You ready to order, handsome?" the woman I'd dubbed Busty McTitbags in my mind asked, not sparing me a second glance. "Your sister can order first if you prefer." I glared at her, ready to set the record straight, when my boyfriend intervened.

"My girlfriend and I will have a cheeseburger and an order of fries a piece," he said, standing up and walking past her to sit beside me in the booth. He then lifted my chin and kissed me so thoroughly that I forgot about everyone in the restaurant. I let out a soft moan and wrapped my arms around him. He tapered the kiss expertly. "Don't start, little one," he whispered against my lips. "You don't want another incident like the one in the gym, do you?" That's when I noticed that my legs were already wrapped around his hips. My face was suddenly on fire as I backed away from him. I looked around and the store owner winked at me. Keith noticed that too and laughed. Busty McTitbags was nowhere to be found.

"It's much too easy to get lost in your touch, Sweetling," He smiled at me and I grinned a big, toothy grin back, no longer feeling jealous. "Drink your shake."

I took a sip to prepare myself for the taste and blinked, looking at the bartender. He winked at me before going back to his work. It was very good. I hadn't expected to like whatever he threw together for me, much less like it this much. It tasted like an extra thick white chocolate milkshake! So good!

Keith chuckled indulgently. "Blew your mind?"

"It tastes like a really thick regular milkshake! I didn't see that coming. Try it!" He took a sip, offering his own to me. It wasn't a fluke, his shake was just as good! We drank our shakes as we waited for the food to arrive looking around the bright, lively room. His hand was rubbing my side and I was snuggled against him, feeling safe and warm. Busty McTitbags accepted our food from the cook and took it to a corner where she proceeded to spit a big loogie in one of the burgers before covering both with their respective buns. She then came over and gave them to us, spitty one to me, of course.

"I'll take one without the saliva, please," I said casually over the music.

"I'm sorry, what?" she asked nervously. I flipped the bun off my burger to reveal the huge globule of spit sinking into the meat of my delicious-smelling patty.

I said I'll take a burger without the spit," I clarified. "You can't just go around hocking loogies on the meat like that. It's a health hazard."

"What makes you think that I-"

"Because I watched you do it," I answered evenly. "Right over there in the corner. Did you honestly think I wouldn't notice? That shit was nasty."

"Everything alright over here?" another of the servers came over, noticing that Keith was glaring at our server.

"No it's not, unfortunately. I'd like this burger tested for her DNA. She spat in it. I watched her do it."

"Where's your proof, you little troublemaker?" Busty McTitbags asked nastily. "Just ignore her Cindy. She doesn't know what she's talking about."

"The proof will be in the DNA analysis of this burger. But let me ask you this, Cindy. How do the cooks usually present the burgers? Bun on or-"

Cindy and our server paled. The couple at the table next to us spat out their mouthfuls of burgers. The manager stopped what he was doing on the spot to come see what was the matter.

"My name is Darrell Simmons. I run this place. Is there a problem?"

"You don't need to bother with this, Darrell," the doomed employee said quickly. "I was just about to-"

"So you can spit in my new burger?" I asked angrily. "No thanks. I still want this burger tested for DNA to prove my claim." I turned my attention to the manager, trying my hardest to convince myself that I wasn't acting like a snobby Karen by grabbing the manager's attention. "I watched your employee here spit on my burger before she brought it to me. If you test the meat for her DNA, you'll find it."

"Trinity?" he asked angrily. Before she could defend herself, the couple at the table next to us stormed over.

"She tried to pick up my husband right in front of me and when he rejected her, I think she spat in my burger too! If you're testing for DNA, I want the rest of my burger tested too." Trinity paled under her makeup, clearly not expecting this turn of events.

"Trinity, clear out your locker. You're out of here. For good this time," Darrell glared furiously. "Cindy, please have the cooks make fresh orders for these four customers. Please accept our apologies for the inconvenience." He turned and escorted Trinity to the lockers. She turned to glare at me one last time and paled at the glare I sent her way. Or maybe Keith was glaring over my head. Either way, she stumbled into the back, looking ashen.

"I hope I didn't come across like some Karen," I told Keith with an embarrassed look. "I've never complained to a manager before."

"Pardon me, I'm Leslie. I don't mean to intrude on your conversation, but it's not 'being a Karen' if you have a legitimate complaint," the woman told me forcefully. "You watched that awful woman spit in your burger. You're right. That is a health hazard. And who knows what diseases she has or how many other people she has done that too? They could shut this place down based on your complaint. Thank you for having the courage to stand up to a bully like that."

"No problem," I beamed happily. "I'm Tamara and this is my boyfriend Keith."

"You mind?" she asked two seconds before sliding into our booth with her man. "This is my husband, Don. God, that's so disgusting! I can't believe that she would do something like that. What did a sweet little thing like you do to earn her wrath?"

"I… I…" I was blushing from the attention. Luckily, my man came to my rescue.

"Your story might as well be ours. Some people are just naturally pigs." This last he said a little louder and I looked up to see Busty McTitbags walking out of the front door. She burst into tears at the insult and I almost felt bad for her humiliation. Almost.

"May we talk about something else? This whole thing is so nasty," I begged, not wanting to talk about that woman anymore.

"Sure thing, hon!" Leslie smiled at me. "I love your dress. But I have to know, who styled your hair? It's so fresh and original! I've been dying to find a good hairdresser in this area."

"I did," I blinked. "I've been doing my own hair since I was a kid."

"Really? You are so talented! I'm jealous! Where is your shop? Are you self-employed, or can I steal you from your employer?" I could only stare at her for a moment. Wow! Like, seriously, wow! Who was this woman?

"I actually work as a nurse. I don't have a shop and my only employer is the health region. I've never been… I mean… I haven't…" She chuckled and patted my hand.

"It's alright, sweetheart. I know I have a big personality. But I can't believe you've been hiding your natural talent behind a nursing career. I work as an actress, so my image is everything to me. How about this - we'll work out a contract, complete with benefits, and see about getting you out of nursing and into your obvious calling." I was speechless. My brain had overloaded and crashed at such a generous offer. Here was a woman who was offering to employ me based on one style and no recommendation!

"I just… You've only seen one style of mine. What if that's all I know how to do?"

"Oh, honey! I have a good feeling about you. But you're right; I should have asked for your portfolio. Do you have it with you?"

"Nothing official," I admitted with an embarrassed shrug. "But… Oh! I did all the hair for my sister's wedding last year. The hairstylist she hired skipped town the day of the wedding and gave no warning. Alica was crying and I just couldn't…" I shook my head, realizing that I was babbling. "Um, sorry... But it was a mess. I was pretty proud of the styles I came up with that day, so I took pictures." I pulled my phone out of my purse and showed her several pictures of the five bridesmaids, including myself. Then I found some more recent photos that I'd done for coworkers and friends.

"God, you have such talent, honey. And you can work with all kinds of hair! Do you have any formal training, or…"

"I went to beauty school back in Philly two years ago and graduated at the top of my class. But I've been working on my sisters' hair for years. They're all different nationalities, so I got a lot of experience working with different textures of hair." I went back to my phone to find my favorite picture of all ten of my siblings. It was at Randy's wedding. I didn't do anyone's hair but my own and Peggy's, but it was still a great picture of all of us in age order.

"Oh sweetie… You're adopted?"

"We all are," I smiled. "Mom and Dad have very eclectic tastes in babies, so they started adopting 'lost cause' babies when they found out that they were sterile. I'm the youngest and the last to be adopted."

"Here are your burgers," Cindy interrupted our discussion, passing out our plates. The burgers were uncovered, I noticed in amusement. "So sorry for all this."

"It's alright," Leslie beamed at the waitress. "I'm just glad it all worked out for the best. Someone that would do such a low-down, disgusting thing doesn't belong working in a classy joint like this!"

"Hear, hear," Don agreed.

"You're The Man," Keith blurted. I blinked at the strange statement, but Don chuckled.

"Guilty as charged," he admitted with a grin. "I thought I was being discreet by growing my hair out. How you doing, The Wall?" The two men launched into a fight discussion that I was helpless to follow. Finally, I turned back to Leslie, only to see her grinning at her man hungrily. She glanced at me and winked, giving me her attention.

"I guess we were kinda dominating the conversation," I said in an undertone to her. The woman giggled.

"Not at all, little one," Don said, interrupting his conversation with Keith. "Us fighters are just usually interested in fighting stuff."

"Man, I really want your autograph, but I don't have anything to write on," Keith interjected woefully.

"Here," I shrugged, passing him my autograph book and a pen out of my purse. Everyone at the table stared at me. "What? I have caught some very cool autographs by being prepared. Besides, it's not a big book to carry around." The men immediately started flipping through the book, pointing out interesting signatures to each other. This was helped by my habit of labeling the page so I knew whose signature was whose.

"You've met Freddy Kruger?" Don asked me in amazement.

"That one was so random," I grinned. "I was waiting for the bus and noticed him coming out of a convention. I asked him for an autograph and he totally did it for me! He didn't even charge me for it!" They laughed at my enthusiasm and Don 'the Man' Smith signed the book on a fresh page. I smiled as I accepted the book back and wrote a note so I'd know who I'd just added to my book.

"Thank you, Sweetling," Keith said, wrapping his arm around me and kissing my temple. We all dug in, enjoying spit-free food and light conversation about Redemption.

"How soon do you think you could start working for me?" Leslie asked as we all made our way to the counter to pay after the meal.

"Well, common courtesy says that I give the Region two weeks' notice. Will that be enough time to figure out a contract and benefits and stuff?"

"Sure thing, little one. Let's exchange numbers and I'll call you on Monday so we can talk." She grabbed my phone and called me so that I'd have her number. Then she filled in her information and put mine in her phone. It was interesting to watch.

"All of your meals are comped today," Darrell told the four of us. "I won't have our good name sullied by a bad apple."

"The burgers were amazing," I commented. "Nice and juicy. Also, the fries tasted… I don't know… lighter than I'm used to."

"We use an air fryer in our kitchen," the manager supplied with pride. "We realize that burgers were standard fare in a diner, but they don't have to be loaded down with grease and fat."

"Well, I really enjoyed my meal and the shakes were outstanding. Plus, I made some new friends. Thank you."

"That goes double for us," Don agreed, hugging his wife tightly.

"We hope to see you all again soon."

"I'm definitely going to come back for a shake soon," I giggled. Keith wrapped his arms around me and led me to his sedan; my car was at the gym. "I guess I'll wait to hear from you on Monday," I called out to Leslie as they walked to their own car. The woman didn't turn around, engrossed in her conversation with her famous husband. "I knew that was too good to be true," I sighed. I got a text as I fastened my seat belt.

Leslie Smith: You worry too much, little one. I'll call around three on Monday. That'll give you a chance to put in your notice. ::wink emoji::

I was suddenly elated, squealing with delight. Keith read the text and smiled so fondly at me that I felt my face heat up.

Tamara Saunders: Thank you so much for the opportunity! I'll talk to my boss first thing Monday morning!

Since you had to be a card-carrying member of the California State Athletic Commission to get into the Palace or be a member's guest, I suddenly realized that I'd made a date with my boyfriend without telling him. Feeling queasy at the idea, I immediately sought to make it right.

"Um… Keith? I didn't… I mean, I wasn't… I um…"

He turned off the car, unfastened his seat belt, and kissed me lustfully. I moaned into his mouth and shivered. He leaned his forehead against mine and smiled softly at me.

"What is it, Sweetling?" he asked. Thankfully, he'd managed to untangle my tongue with his kiss.

"I didn't mean to trap you into another date. I just really liked the protein shakes. I-" He kissed me again and I forgot what we were talking about.

"Leslie is right. You worry too much, baby. I wouldn't mind coming back here sometime. My shake was also delicious, and watching you enjoy your meal made me happy. You said that you have underground parking in your building. Shall we go get your car and head to your place? I have a hair appointment and I don't want to be late." I smiled for him and he caressed my face lovingly until I remembered myself and nodded. "Okay then. Let's go."

We arrived at Redemption just as Homicide Hank and a bunch of the guys were leaving for the Protein Palace. Keith was quick to warn them about the burger incident, smiling at me sexily when I reminded him that the culprit was caught and fired on the spot and that our second round of burgers was better than the first. I also mentioned that without the serial spitter, I wouldn't have met my new employer. That got the group excited. They tried to insist that we join them to celebrate my new job, but Keith put his foot down, insisting that he'd booked a hair appointment with me and he refused to be late for it.

"Congratulations, kiddo," Rampage laughed, patting me on the head carefully. The others joined in happily with back pats and hugs, reminding me so much of my siblings that I got a little choked up.

"Have fun at the Palace," I shouted and ran to my car. Keith was right behind me and laid my head on his chest, wrapping his arms around me and holding me close. I felt so safe and protected in his arms. I purred against him and he chuckled.

"Come on, Sweetling. Let's get you home." We drove to my building and I put in the code for my guest after swiping in. Turns out he was supposed to put the code in himself. We got it sorted and I drove by the guest parking on the way to my spot.

We took the elevator to the main floor and then grabbed the elevators to Peggy's and my apartment.

"I'm home," I shouted just in case my sister was lurking. Hearing nothing, I led my boyfriend inside.