“Oh,” Peyton said, unaccustomed to kindness. It fit like a shirt that was too big and made for someone else. She embraced it anyway, grateful. “Thank you.” She smiled. A real one this time. She’d already caught a glimpse of the menu and, even though she was desperately thirsty, had decided she couldn’t afford the inflated prices.
“What’ll it be?” the woman behind the counter asked.
She pointed at the Strawberry Banana Explosion featured on the large photo next to the menu. “I guess I’ll take one of those.” Her taste buds tingled at the thought of the cool, refreshing drink.
“Good choice,” her new employer said. “Cheerful and fruity with a stripy paper straw. If you had ordered one of those veggie blends, I would have tolerated it but been sad. We’ll grab those, head back to the store, and I’ll get you some paperwork. We can start orientation if you have the time.”
“I have the time,” Peyton said without a blip of hesitation. With fresh juice in hand, she was whisked down the sidewalk to Cotton Candy, which could best be described as a wonderful site for a sexy sleepover. Lingerie of every size, color, and flavor of spice filled the racks and wall displays. Silky sleep masks, garter belts, thigh-length robes, bra and panty combos, and even a section for boxers. It was the softest, most decadent environment Peyton had experienced in her entire life. The nearly loud, upbeat rock music the woman played only made it feel more fun. If there was an opposite to prison, Cotton Candy would be it. Peyton was in heaven.
“First thing’s first, I’m Candy, and there’s nothing more important than how a woman’s boobs feel.” Peyton blinked and ran that sentence back. “It’s our job to make sure they’re living their best life. You get me?”
For a moment, Peyton couldn’t speak. “Yes, I do. Very important.” It’s not that she disagreed—it was just that in the midst of figuring out her life, her next meal, her moral compass, how her breasts felt hadn’t entered the picture. About now, she felt like perhaps that had been a mistake, because this store was wonderful. Peyton felt pampered just standing between its walls. She now wanted her breasts to look and feel good, and it had only been three minutes.
From that moment on, a small crack of light crept into Peyton’s life.
She reported to work every single day and devoted every ounce of brain power she had to learning the business. She was determined to make Candy proud and never once regret her choice in hiring Peyton. When she wasn’t doing that, she worked on redeveloping her interpersonal skills, that lo and behold, still existed somewhere deep down in her. With a little workout here and there, she managed to dazzle the customers almost as much as Candy did. In fact, she found she liked talking to people, watching a face light up when she matched them with their perfect piece of lingerie.
“You’re good,” Candy told her over dumplings and rice at The Golden Panda, three doors down from the store.
“Well, I learned from the best,” Peyton told her with a raised shoulder.
“You’re also real bright, Peyton. Have you thought about what you want to do long term? You’ve been with me nearly two years.”
“I guess I hadn’t gotten that far. My head’s above water for the first time since I can remember. I make my rent easily and have food in my pantry. I’m thrilled with both of those things. I’ve even made a few friends through the shop and have a little bar I like to go to on weekends.” She shrugged. “Life is good and manageable. I’m not sure I need more.”
“Well, I think you’re capable. I have customers who ask for you by name. I’m proud of you, girl.”
“That makes me really happy to hear.” Most everything good that had happened to her was thanks to Candy and her friendship and faith in Peyton from day one. But in the midst of it all, there was something that pulled at her, kept her flipping from one side of her pillow to the other each night. She had a family out there that she hadn’t seen in years. That hurt a lot. And as the days turned to years, it tugged at her, calling her to do something about it. She missed her brother and his kids, who she’d never even met, more than she could process. But for the first time, she was proud of what was happening in her life. Maybe he would be, too.
Candy set down her fork and sat back. “I wonder about you taking it over.”
“Taking what over? Do you have another commitment tomorrow?” Candy was scheduled to open, and Peyton would come in about midmorning, but she could always come in earlier. She liked to grab a beer at the bar down the street from her place, but she never stayed out too late. Not on a work night.
“You’re my bright star, Peyton. But it’s time for me to move my time to where it’s needed most and take care of my mom. I got a call last week. The news isn’t good.” Her mouth turned down. Saying the words must have hurt because she reached for her napkin as a distraction.
Peyton went still, her heart clenching uncomfortably. “Candy. Shit. I’m so sorry.”
“Me, too. But it would break my heart to close down.” Peyton hadn’t considered that the store could close someday. She’d have to find another job, start from scratch again. “I think you should buy the business.”
For a long moment, she simply stared. Her brain stuttered. “I couldn’t do that. How could I do that? I’m just me. I don’t know anything.”
“Are you kidding me?” Candy leaned forward. “You know everything. I’ve never seen someone so bright and quick to expertise. You know your brands, you know what people like, you have relationships with customers who adore you, and you have the best eye for decorating of anyone who’s ever worked for me.” She held out a hand. “You’re a panty prodigy, and I mean that.”
The compliments landed and took root. None of it changed the fact that she didn’t have the money. “I appreciate that, and I love my job. The store. You. But I’m not really at a place in my life where I’m financially equipped to—”
“Shut up about money. Now listen to me.” Peyton paused because she’d learned that when Candy demanded attention, it was in her best interest to give it. “I’ve done a little research, and there are special programs for business loans for people with your very particular background.”
“Is that code for criminal?”
Candy ignored her and plowed forward, handing over a couple of brochures from her bag. “Whatever a loan won’t cover, I’ll finance for you myself, provided you’re interested.”
While she felt like a kid invited to the grown-ups’ table and wildly intimidated, opportunities like this one were rare. How in the world could she turn Candy down? She ordered herself to nod and figure the rest out later. “Yes. Of course. If you really think I can do this.”