Read Cornbread & Caviar for Free Online Page A

in the same booth as my customer. He seems slightly annoyed as small talk passes anxiously between them. After a few moments, it dawns on me that Natasha is severely underdressed, that is, half-naked. Her breasts are implants. Boogie exposed that secret long ago. Their conversation appears strained, by the uneasy expression on my customer's face. He seems almost irritated by her presence.
When I bring the man's dinner to the table, Natasha ignores me, which is fine by me, why should I care? While checking out a customer at the register, I overhear part of their heated discussion.
Natasha leans next to the man, shamelessly displaying her breasts. "So, is that a yes or a no?" she asks assertively.
The man rolls his eyes toward the ceiling. Although he's holding his fork, he gestures with his hands. "I told you no a month ago, Natasha." An irate frown is welded on his face. He puts down his fork and massages his temples. "I'm not changing my mind."
Natasha gets closer to the man and squeezes his thigh beneath the table. In response, he jerks his leg. "Stop that. Now, please let me enjoy my dinner."
Natasha takes her finger and traces down the side of his granite face. "I'm not letting you have a bite until I taste it for you."
He pushes Natasha back, holding her at arm's length. "I don't need your help."
The minute he releases her, like a strong magnet, Natasha returns and snuggles up to the man. "You're so adorable. Don't you need somebody like me in your life?"
Folding his arms, the man says, "You know what? I think I'll just have a little talk with Satin. I'm certain you know the rules."
On hearing Satin's name, I blanche and my heart races. Natasha—Satin—so Natasha works for Satin. If that statement is true, then Natasha is a bona fide, genuine, authentic, high-class hooker."
"Satin," she scoffs, playfully caressing his tie. "I thought this was between you and me. You know," she whispers. "An investment, a business deal."
The guy picks up his napkin. "First of all, answer me a question."
"What's that?" she croons.
"Are you stalking me?" he states flatly.
"No, baby." She whines, using a babyish voice. "I'm not stalking you."
The man stands up. "Then give me my privacy. I simply came in for a quiet, uninterrupted meal. May I enjoy my dinner?"
Natasha cowers. "Why yes, baby. Anything you say."
"Then get lost!" He points toward the front door with his thumb.
Standing behind the register, I snicker like a schoolgirl. Natasha is getting what she deserves. I don't know who the guy is, but he really served her.
Lenisha comes from the storeroom and starts filling the saltshakers. Suddenly, she drops one of the shakers and I glance over. She's trembling all over as if she's seen a ghost.
"What's wrong," I ask, rushing to her side.
Lenisha is pointing at Natasha and moving her mouth, but no sound comes out. Finally, she says, "That's him. That's Hilton Maxwell."
I nod and smile. "Oh, so that's what he looks like. Cute. Looks familiar though."
Lenisha places her hands to her cheeks. "He's more than cute. He's drop-dead gorgeous."
Walking away I add, "Ah, he looks okay."
"Hello," she says nervously, spilling the salt. "Take another look."
I shrug innocently. "Lenisha, he's my customer. I've talked with him already. I said he's okay."
Lenisha stops doing her work and leans on the counter. Within seconds, she starts to daydream. "Girl, I know I've got two kids. But I'd have another one just for him, for serious though."
I snicker sarcastically and shake my head. "I'm sure he'd be flattered to learn you're willing to give him an heir, Lenisha."
Casey is keeping an eye out front. Wiping his hands on his dishtowel, he brings his nosy self out of the kitchen. "Is Natasha dating Hilton Maxwell? If she is, she just fell into the money pit."
I turn toward Casey. "If Natasha doesn't leave him alone, he's going to leave without eating his meal."
Casey grunts. "He's a grown man. I'm sure he can handle her."
Just as I'd predicted, Hilton tosses