Page 3 of Abbott’s Lost Spoon

“Because this is the best.” Ernie had the “little” sundae in front of him. The only thing little about it was the person eating it and the particular types of toppings I’d designed for it. Three scoops of the diner’s choice, rainbow fruit sauces, whipped cream, and on top of it all, a light dusting of edible glitter.

“Is this stuff safe to eat?” Jovan asked. A doctor, he was always concerned about food safety as well as glitter safety in general.

At Chained, the club we belonged to, glitter was a huge hit with the littles but not so much with the daddies who had to get it out of the littles’ hair, ears, noses, and their car upholstery and floor mats. Ms. Lily only provided the kind that technically could be eaten but was intended for crafts; this was intended to be food.

I’d tasted it and honestly didn’t think it tasted like much, but the littles who had stopped by were over the moon. Also kids and some other grown-ups. Sparkle!

“I can show you the ingredient list if you like. It is 100 percent safe and might even sneak in a vitamin or two in the vegetable colors.” I had only added this particular menu item when I found an edible glitter supplier who somehow made their product with no unnatural ingredients, and still managed to make it shimmer. Something about gelatin, corn starch, and vegetable and fruit colors and…I didn’t remember all what. But I felt comfortable that I was not going to harm any customers. No plastic or even anything I couldn’t pronounce.

“We need some at home!” Ernie pronounced. “With chocolate ice cream.”

“I think it’s too special for everyday,” pronounced his daddy. “So, we can have it when we come here or maybe for the ice-cream party.”

“It really is special,” I agreed helpfully. “I’m so glad you are enjoying your sundae. What about you, Jovan? Mango smoothie?”

“Yes. So many chunks of mango, I’m trying to convince myself it really is a health food.”

“I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s pretty good.”

We chatted for a few more minutes about things we could talk about in public. The weather, let’s get together soon, what mutual friends we’d run into, and then I left them to finish their treats while I made sure everything was running smoothly behind the counter and in the back. We’d recently started making ice-cream cakes to order, and the artistry of Karen, who decorated them, was excellent.

Ten minutes or so later, Jovan came up to the counter to pay. “You really are the best in town,” he said. “Perfect for the—”

A gaggle of schoolkids came inside at that point, laughing and pushing each other, and I missed the end of what he said, but I’d take “perfect” any day. “Thanks, Jovan. It means a lot when my friends come in and enjoy what we offer.” I reached into the freezer and pulled out a pint of chocolate. “For Ernie. I hope he likes it even without glitter.” I tucked the container in a paper bag stamped with our logo. “See you soon.”

He started to say something else, but the kids were getting kind of rowdy, and he laughed. “I’ll let you get to it. Have a nice rest of the day.”

We were very busy for the rest of the afternoon, with the after-school crowd followed by people coming in for pints or quarts to take home for dessert, families for an after-dinner treat, and then last the date crowd. Couples who sat close together and shared their sundaes or shakes, sometimes a few kisses. It was really sweet.

I tried not to envy people who found their perfect person, whatever that meant for them in their life. But watching Ernie and Jovan together did touch me deep inside. Today, they’d been two men out for ice cream, although Ernie did feel comfortable enough with me to let his guard down a bit. But I’d also seen them in the little room, and they were in perfect harmony there, too. I was very glad for them, but couldn’t help but hope that someone was out there for me, too. Someone I could make sundaes for and tuck into bed a night. Cuddle on the sofa and watch a movie. Have coffee and cake for breakfast on the weekend, or pancakes. Whatever he liked, I’d be onboard for.

“Boss, we just got an order for a cake,” a counterman called out.

“Great, Gordie. If you’re too busy to take it, transfer the call to Karen.”

“It’s for tonight. Should I tell them no? Because she gets really cranky about these rush orders.”

“I’ll take care of it.” Karen could be grouchy, but she’d do it. I passed the rush fee right on to her for her trouble. And if she didn’t want to, then it was no. All my employees had lives and sometimes had plans that meant they couldn’t stay late. Fair enough.

Chapter Three

Abbott

Brock, Luke, and I had been having sleepovers for quite a while now. We tried to do them once a month, but during the holiday season and in the summer, we often missed one.

I’d been worried that when Brock found his daddy he might not still have time for them, and that would’ve been okay. Luke and I could’ve had them on our own, but this was so much better.

We we’re having it at Luke’s house because of Dog. I remembered the first time I met his fur baby. I thought he just kept referring to him as “the dog,” but I was not fully listening, I guess. But, no, the dog’s name was Dog. She came that way. He didn’t name her with that creativity. She’d been surrendered to the shelter, and he kept her original name. She was a great dog. And according to the paperwork, she’d been left there because the family had to move, and their new place didn’t allow pets. That was really sad for her, but ultimately, really great for Luke. And she was spoiled, so it worked out on her end, too I suppose.

I grabbed my backpack off the front seat and popped up to his apartment. Dog wasn’t a barker, but she was already at the door, her tail whacking it, sounding like someone knocking. And when Luke opened up, she nearly knocked me over, wanting to get kisses in. It was a bad habit, and one that she developed only for me. So whatever vibes I gave off told her I enjoyed the attention, which was fair because I kinda did.

I had far too many things in my backpack, but I wasn’t sure exactly what we were going to do today. We didn’t make any official plans. I didn’t know if we were gonna stay big or be little or some combination of the two and if we were gonna have a pillow fort in front of the TV and sleep there, or get piled in the bed or what.

“Dog, get down.”

Luke whistled, and she did. I wasn’t able to whistle. I admit I was kinda jealous of him for that.

“Brock here yet?”