Lollipop

History: Gangs are all over the world and can move from place to place as they please. The transition to a new place, however, is not always a peaceful one.

Just a little way from the corner of Baker and Thompson street, London, was a largely successful candy shop. A young man named James Brooks ran the shop with ease and a loyal crew. He inherited many things from his father, from his factory to his shop, to even his appearance. He was a good looking man with dark black hair, light blue eyes, and a strong lean build.

One morning, James was reading the paper, while his assistant, Tommy, brought him a cup of tea. Everything was quiet until Tommy looked out the window.

“What the hell?” Is all he could mutter, making James look up from his paper.

“What?” James joined him at the window.

“I think it’s another candy shop. They’re not supposed to be there. I specifically told Herald to keep people off that property.” Tommy’s agitation was growing with each sentence.

“Calm down Tommy. I’m sure we can get them to move. Go set up a meeting for me this afternoon,” said James.

“Right away sir.” Tommy nodded. James smiled as Tommy did as he was told. He looked back at the window to get a better look at the shop. The name Honeys read across the building in gold cursive letters.

“What man names his shop Honeys?” he shook his head.

30 minutes passed when Tommy entered James' office.

“I tried to ask for a meeting but the owner doesn’t want to see anyone at this time.”

“I’ll still go over anyway. He has to answer for his shop placement sooner or-,”

“She. The owner is a woman,” Tommy interjected.

“Is that so?” James' face lit up in excitement. He began to straighten his clothes of any noticeable wrinkles and soon was walking to a mirror in the corner of his office where he checked his appearance. He was 6’1 so he had to bend his knees a bit. “The lollipop machine is still running, right?”

“Yes sir,” Tommy answered.

“Good, I need a special order. Vanilla and cherry. Break out the good ingredients, and make sure it’s wrapped in a white box with a red and gold bow.”

“That’s oddly specific. Are you trying to charm this woman off our property or marry her?” Tommy smirked.

“With any luck, both” James winked.

“I’ll get right on it, sir.”

Another hour passed when Tommy returned with his boss’ order down to the very last detail. With a present ready, James headed over to Honeys.

James asked to speak to the owner of the shop. After charming the counter girl, she left to get another woman who was very curt in her demeanor.

“Please follow me,” she ordered.

James shuffled behind her as she led him through the shop. Beautiful women passed by him stocking the new shelves. When they reached the office, she told him that she would be right outside to escort him out. James thanked her and entered the office.

When he walked in, his jaw almost dropped to the floor. In front of him, a woman sat behind a desk wearing a fitting blue dress to accent her curves. Her chocolate brown hair was woven into a braid that fell down her left shoulder and hung by her chest which was carefully revealed by her opened collar. Her eyes were dark and watched as his eyes followed her body up and down.

“How can I help you?” she asked carefully. James stood for a moment almost forgetting he was holding her gift in his hands.

“Yes, Miss...” he gawked.

“Penelope. Penelope Eve.” She motioned to the empty chair.

“Penelope. That’s lovely. I’m James. James Brooks,” his voice soothed.

“Is that for me?” She pointed to the box.

“Yes!” He snapped out of his trance. He carefully handed her the box but she didn’t open it. Just sat it in front of her.

“What’s in it?” She eyed him.

“You can open the box and find out.”

“Not until you tell me what’s in it.” She crossed her arms, making James almost laugh.

“You think I did something to it?”

“I don’t trust strangers.”

“I don’t have to be a stranger. In fact, I’m your competition.” He leaned back in his chair. She started laughing, making James puzzled.

“That’s cute,” she giggled.

“What is?”

“You think you’re competition.” She gave him a cheeky grin making James bite his tongue.

“Well, yes. My shop has been in business here for 40 years. You, however, are just new to town, and quite frankly, stepping on my turf.”

“Am I now?” She challenged, “Funny I didn’t know you needed permission to look at your turf. And from where I’m sitting, in my new office, it looks like this territory is mine now. You’ve been here 40 years, but people like new, and that’s what I’ll be bringing them. But feel free to stop by anytime. I’m always hiring,” she leered.

A wave of silence fell over them when she finished speaking. James locked eyes with her and wasn’t sure if he was angry or more attracted to her. She was smug and vexing him nonetheless. But she was so overconfident that it made her seem...fun. Almost like a game, she was asking him to play. And he wanted to play.

“Well if you want to be that cocky, then open the box.” He said. She opened her mouth in protest, but he held up a hand to stop her. “I promise you there’s no foul play or poison.”

Penelope who was confident, hesitantly unraveled the bow and removed the lid. Inside was a red and white lollipop, that was beautifully crafted with small engravings in the swirls.

“A lollipop?” she asked.

“My business is known to make the best lollipops in all of Europe and soon maybe even in the world.”

“That sounds like a stretch,” she looked at him, but was relaxed and gave his most charming smile.

“Tell you what, I want you to try that lollipop. If you like it, you let me take you to dinner tonight, my treat.”

“As in a professional meeting?” Penelope’s tone was curious but firm.

“Only if you want it to be,” James shrugged.”

“And if I don’t like it?”

“Then I go to every door in London and tell them to go to your shop, killing my profits.”

“And I’m supposed to trust you’ll hold your deal?” She scoffed.

“I swear on the honor of God and the Queen.” he nodded, raising his right hand.

“Right…” she nodded her head slowly. “I guess I’ll trust you,” she said. She picked up the lollipop and did a small taste. James' grin grew even bigger as her eyes twinkled. She couldn’t contain her happiness and was fully enjoying her treat.

After a few seconds, Penelope realized she was still eating the candy and looked up to see James’ face full of victory as he stood up to leave.

“Pick you up at seven tonight, love?”

Penelope glared, her cheeks hot. “Yes,” she said through gritted teeth as he walked towards the door.

Before he left, he looked back to see her staring at the lollipop.”By the way, you look cute when you enjoy my candy. Let me know if you’d like more,” he winked before making his exit.