𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗻

𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗻:
Gingerbread

❅𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗻❅

I hummed in approval as I quickly eyed myself in the mirror, slipping my chunky sneakers on.

It was a simple outfit.

A black long-sleeved bodysuit that zipped up, revealing some of my chest, and then light-wash mom jeans that were a little loose at my waist.

I wore my black hair slicked into a low ponytail and a light amount of makeup on my face, given tonight is all about cookie baking and decorating.

I still wore a dainty necklace and diamond earrings but skipped on any rings or bracelets.

Once I was content with my look for tonight, I made my way out of my apartment—heading down the hallway to the elevators.

And for once I didn't take one of them down to the parking garage where my car awaited me.

Not with the rented-out bakery only being a few blocks away.

I didn't mind the short walk.

It actually gave me a little time to think.

Especially about the run-in I had just last night.

I had stayed busy all day today with illegal activities, considering today is Wednesday so I'm free of my professor duties.

And while being busy somewhat helped me, she would still pop into my head during the briefest moments.

It made me feel like she was winning.

That taking up this amount of space in my head meant she was winning.

So I focused on the busy sidewalk in front of me, refusing to think any further about her.

Luckily, the walk was around ten minutes give or take so I didn't have to endure fighting off my own thoughts for too long.

Once I walked into the large industrial bakery, I knew my brain would officially be put to work on something else.

Hopefully.

Given Mazin might be here tonight.

I glanced around the two-story bakery and cafe, taking in the Christmas ornaments hanging in the modern light fixtures.

There was also a large Christmas tree decorated to match near the large glass windows.

The space was a combination of couches, high tables, and booths—a perfect spot for focusing on your work.

It had to be new to Miami given I don't recall it being here before I left.

"Vee!" I heard a familiar voice call out.

Before I was promptly tackled into a hug.

I laughed as soon as I processed her dark hair and soft floral perfume.

"Nadi," I said, laughing again when she swayed us back and forth in the hug—squeezing me even tighter.

"I couldn't believe it when Tazi told me you were back," Nadia said as she pulled away from me with her usual white smile.

She looked the same as I recall.

Long dark hair that was in luscious waves and glistened under the light—wearing a light amount of makeup that emphasized her features.

She wore a burgundy long-sleeve shirt and a pair of black dress pants, accessorized with Chanel earrings and a matching necklace.

"I still can't believe it honestly," I said, shaking my head with a smile, "How's the tech industry?" I asked, recalling the startup she founded after getting her master's.

I was young, but even then I always admired her work.

She managed to find a gap in the luxury market and created an AI-powered concierge service for the ultra-wealthy.

"Incredible, my team and I have developed quite a bit in the last few years," she explained, looping our arms together as we began walking past the different tables and couches, "I have plenty to catch you up on."

I smiled slightly, "I can't wait," I admitted, given I genuinely enjoyed getting a glimpse into Nadia's insanely smart mind.

"Me either—and since I'm one of the judges tonight, I'm planning to drink wine and bother everyone," Nadia told me, easily making me laugh.

"Sounds like you," I said as we approached the silver double doors that a loud chatter spilled through.

Nadia hummed happily, "First we have to catch up—I'll be at your station in a few to bother you first," she said as we walked into the large kitchen packed with people.

"Bring me a glass of wine while you're at it too," I told Nadia, glancing over when I noticed Tazmin motioning us over.

Lena was beside her conversing with Tahir and Alena.

And of course, Tahir just had to wear a chef's hat.

Like a genuine white chef's hat that was hilariously tall.

"I see Nads found you first," Tazmin said, smiling at us as we approached them.

"I think I even scared her too," Nadia said as we stopped in front of them.

"She's into tackle hugs right now," Lena said, glancing away from Tahir to eye her niece in amusement.

Nadia shrugged, "It's effective," she determined.

"Bro she tackled me into the pool one time," Tahir pointed out, smiling slightly when Nadia laughed.

"That was hilarious—Vee, I swear you should've seen his face," Nadia said, snickering to herself, "He was like—" she parted her lips in shock, raising her brows dramatically, "And Mel was like—" she suddenly furrowed her brows, forcing a mad expression.

"He could've drowned," Lena pointed out with a narrowed look.

"At twenty-five, Mil?" Tazmin asked her, laughing with Nadia when Lena jokingly hit her shoulder.

I swear when it comes to Lena and Tahir he is the biggest mommy's boy ever.

When we were younger, she would always baby him—it was hilarious honestly.

"See, T, this is exactly why you don't make jokes about your girl because then she won't speak to you for the next hour," Lena told him, glancing between him and Alena.

Who only pursed her lips into a smile, "You should tell him that more often because he's always making jokes," Alena pointed out, nudging her body into Tahir's.

"I'm a natural comedian," he countered, sliding his arm around her waist.

"Born and raised that way—but let's circle back," Tazmin said, her attention specifically on Lena, "An entire hour is crazy."

Lena only glanced around, "Do you guys hear something?" she asked with furrowed brows, which naturally made me and everyone else laugh.

Especially when Tazmin narrowed her eyes at her.

"Milena," she said, following her when she walked away to go check on the different stations.

"Where's Omara?" I asked, realizing the person who specifically invited me wasn't here yet.

"She mentioned something about studying," Alena said, glancing over to Tahir who nodded a few times.

"Yeah, something about finals being next week," Tahir clarified, earning a nod from me.

"She said she'll be here for the eating part of the competition though," Nadia added with an amused smile.

"And she said she's bringing her homemade hot chocolate," Alena added with an excited smile.

I hummed at the idea of hot chocolate, especially the homemade kind that the Moretti's all knew how to make.

"I can't wait to have some," I determined, briefly glancing around, "I should probably go find Nelli and my partner," I said as I began backing away.

"Oh, Nelli is already over with Ronan towards the back," Tahir said, motioning behind me, "She said something about strategizing, I don't know."

I smiled slightly, "Classic Nelli," I determined, knowing how seriously she took this, "I'll see you guys later," I said, briefly waving to them.

Which caused Tahir and Alena to briefly nod, while Nadia jokingly nudged me away.

And as I walked through the large kitchen with ten separate workspaces, I couldn't help but glance around.

And immediately notice her presence over in the corner.

Her blonde hair was tucked into a low bun away from her face covered in light makeup—wearing a grey long-sleeve shirt with the sleeves rolled up and black baggy jeans that hung low on her waist.

She wore a few tennis chains around her neck and a pair of cuff earrings, leaving her wrists and fingers bare for once.

I suddenly blinked a few times, quickly glancing away from her.

Especially when I noticed Dove by her side, who already wore a white apron with her brown hair pulled into a ponytail.

I knew her presence was purposeful.

That Mazin partnered with her on purpose.

So I didn't bother to react—at least not visibly.

I just continued walking past their station toward Nelli and Ronan settled at the back.

Nelli seemed busy gathering ingredients and Ronan was focused on getting the KitchenAid mixer plugged in.

"I see someone's getting a head start," I said as I approached them.

"Lena said I could," Nelli briefly explained as she focused on counting the eggs.

Mind you, all we get is a trophy for winning this competition.

I briefly pursed my lips together, watching as Nelli looked over the different measuring cups.

"I'm going to go find Dani," I suddenly determined, knowing when my best friend was in the zone and didn't want to be bothered.

Nelli immediately nodded, "Good luck and have fun," she murmured under her breath as she continued focusing on her task at hand.

I nodded a few times, glancing over to Ronan—who watched Nelli almost concerningly when she moved on to organizing the ingredients in different groups.

It was such an amusing sight, mostly because Ronan looked like he was contemplating his entire fucking life.

Good luck to him honestly.

I suddenly glanced over as I made my way back through the kitchen, noticing Dani walking through the silver doors just in time.

"You made it," I said, smiling as Dani approached me.

Her hair was pulled into a ponytail at the crown of her head, wearing a t-shirt and jeans.

"Just in time too," she said, reciprocating my smile as she stopped in front of me, and began scanning the room, "There's only one spot open," she told me, motioning her head over.

To the last empty counter.

Which had to be directly across from Mazin and Dove.

So maybe I should've already secured our spot beforehand.

That's my fault.

"Perfect," I mumbled, forcing my smile to remain prominent as I followed Dani over to the last open spot.

"We're definitely going to win this," Dani said as we walked behind the kitchen island, "Cookies are an easy win."

I nodded a few times, "And I'm thinking with a classic look, we'll have it in the bag," I determined.

Dani nodded in agreement, "One hundred percent," she said as we glanced over to Lena and Tazmin who stood with Nadia and Marie—who just got here as well.

There were also three other people as judges as well.

At least until my dad suddenly rushed in past the silver doors, joining the other judges.

He normally doesn't do this sort of thing, but since I'm competing this year, he wanted to be a part of it.

"So what type of cookie are we deciding on?" Dani asked, knowing we weighed a few different designs.

"Because gingerbread—"

"Maybe sug—"

We both cut ourselves short, and I couldn't help but awkwardly purse my lips.

"Yes, gingerbread was exactly what I was thinking," I quickly lied, even if sugar cookies sounded better to me.

Then again, it's because they're my favorite cookie and I'm clearly biased.

I think Gingerbread is just as nice of an idea.

"Okay, I can go ahead and get the ingredients ready?" Dani said, briefly glancing over to the judges lowly conversing.

I nodded a few times, "I'll grab the mixer and measuring cups," I determined.

Dani immediately nodded, turning around to the nearby fridge already stocked with everything while I reached under the kitchen island where the large mixer sat on one of the steel shelves.

And within a couple of minutes, we had everything laid out on the counter—just in time for the competition to start.

Lena spoke first, explaining how much time we would have.

Then Tazmin went over the rules that a couple of the other judges added to.

Nadia was the one who did the countdown, hilariously holding a bottle of red wine in her hands that she looked impatient to finally open.

"Okay so I can start on the dry ingredients," I offered, glancing over to the digital countdown on the wall.

Two hours is what we have.

And we need a minimum of a dozen decorated cookies.

"I'll prepare the wet ingredients," Dani said as she tied her apron on.

Until she suddenly halted her motions, smiling slightly as she eyed my body for a moment.

"I'll grab you an apron too," she determined, quickly walking past me to the nearby wall.

Where she swiftly grabbed one of the aprons from the hook.

I smiled as she approached me, "Thank you," I said, holding my hand out for it.

But Dani only leaned the apron in her hand away, "I got it for you," she said, motioning me to turn around.

I blinked almost awkwardly, hesitantly turning around as she specified.

And I couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath, meeting her dark eyes from across the room.

She stood beside Dove—who was mixing a bunch of things in the mixer.

I clenched my jaw as soon as Dani's fingers grazed the skin of my neck, gently guiding my ponytail over my shoulder as she lowered one of the apron strings over my head.

And it wasn't her touch.

It was her stare.

Mazin's stare that carefully held mine even with Dani now tying the apron around my waist.

"You're all good now," Dani whispered, subtly leaning into my ear.

I nodded almost wordlessly, still holding her dark eyes—which managed to glance back over to Dove when she tapped her.

I quickly cleared my throat, glancing down at the ingredients in front of me, "Thank you," I forced out as Dani settled by my side.

"Anytime," Dani said as she opened the carton of eggs.

And just like that, we moved on to creating the cookie dough.

And I managed not to glance over to Mazin one time.

Especially when Nadia joined us halfway through the making the dough, catching me up on everything in her life while I caught her up on mine.

She made it so much easier not to glance across the room.

Even if I felt an irritating urge to.

"You seem like a professor kind of person," Nadia determined as she sipped on her wine.

I jokingly rolled my eyes as I kneaded the dough some more, "Is that you saying I'm uptight, Nadi?" I shot back, immediately making her laugh.

"No, it means you seem academically intelligent—you enjoy teaching others through your eyes," Nadia quickly explained, nonchalantly dropping the most kind words I had heard when it regarded teaching.

I had never thought of it like that.

"I just don't think she could teach anything about kneading cookie dough," Dani joked, and I could suddenly feel her presence behind me again.

Where she tended to stand a few other times—like when she helped me with the mixer or getting the dough out of the bowl.

"I think she's doing perfectly fine—better than I could at least," Nadia said as she raised a skeptical brow, glancing down when Dani gently grabbed my hands.

And for once it was unconscious.

I glanced up before I could think it through.

But for once her dark eyes weren't already on me—given she was focused on using the cookie cutters.

But it's almost like my stare alerted her.

And before I could process it, she had glanced up—locking eyes with me.

But only for a few seconds until she glanced right back down.

And not to the cookies she had been previously cutting out.

No.

Instead, her stare focused on my hands.

Which Dani helped guide over the cold dough.

It was like I could feel her thoughts—feel Mazin's judgment.

It was loud and written all over her face.

"I think I want to try," Nadia suddenly determined, setting her wine glass down with a sharp clatter that snapped me away from Mazin, "Do you mind, Dani?" she asked as she walked over to the nearby sink to wash her hands.

"Not at all," Dani said, as she continued to guide our hands over the dough.

And I swear I could still feel Mazin's stare.

I just refused to glance back over to her again.

"Make some room then," Nadia said as she washed her hands, motioning Dani away from me.

Who immediately nodded, "I'll start on the icing," Dani determined, slowly letting go of my hands and backing away from me.

I nodded, remaining almost stiffly silently as I focused on kneading the dough, which Nadia had joined me in doing.

But it was basically all kneaded out, so I moved on to using the cookie cutter for the gingerbread shapes.

Nadia seemed to hang behind me, sipping on her wine as she continued telling me more stories about her recent travels.

And once the cookies were in the oven, she walked off to pour herself more wine—leaving me alone with Dani for what felt like the first time all night.

But we were entirely too focused on perfecting the icing and preparing it in a piping bag to talk too much.

Especially with the time quickly running out.

Luckily the gingerbread cookies didn't take too long in the oven.

We really only had to wait for them to cool down.

Once we started decorating, Nadia was back—and standing behind me as she drank her wine and continued her story where she left off at.

By the time we had the cookies prepared with only a minute to spare, I had somehow felt like I lived Nadia's life with her.

And she still managed to hang around through the judging round as we watched the judges walk around to each counter where a plate of cookies awaited them.

They judged based on design execution, taste, and creativity.

I swear the room had never been more silent as we all listened to them critique and rate the cookies aloud with numbers one through ten.

Then it was finally time for them to head to another room and determine the winners.

We all lightly conversed for the three minutes it took them—until they finally entered back into the kitchen with the winners determined.

"In third place we have..." Lena trailed off dramatically, which naturally made me smile, "Vee and Dani with the classic gingerbread."

My smile grew wider, turning to Dani who naturally held her arms open for a hug.

But Nadia had already tackled me into a hug of her own, knocking the literal air out of me.

"Third place is the new first," Nadia happily said as I hugged her back.

"No it's not!" I heard Nelli yell from further down, which naturally made me laugh.

"Nelli's going to get you," I joked with Nadia, who still continued to hug me.

"I'm still recovering from our volleyball game over the summer," Nadia joked as she pulled back from our hug, leaning into my side as she stood between me and Dani.

Now this is starting to feel purposeful.

I think?

Or maybe Nadia just missed me.

But it really feels like she's trying to block Dani away from me.

"In second place we have..." Tazmin trailed off, glancing over to Lena when she held her hand up to signal Tazmin for a dramatic pause, "Maz and Dove with Christmas Sugar Cookies."

I lazily raised my brows when I heard Dove squeal, happily clapping to herself.

Of course, they had to make sugar cookies.

Now I'm really glad we didn't do them.

Even if a part of me annoyingly wants one of those cookies.

Mazin always did make them the best even years ago.

She used to make the best ice cream sandwiches with them.

But I'll never utter that compliment aloud to her now.

"And in first we have..." my dad suddenly spoke, trailing off when Lena briefly raised her hand for another short pause, "Nelli and Ronan with Coquette Gingerbread."

I naturally smiled when I heard Nelli's loud whoop over the soft claps.

"I knew it—I knew we would win," Nelli said as she began dancing side to side, "I never doubted you Ronan," she added, briefly patting his shoulder.

Which easily made him and even me laugh, knowing good and well she did in fact doubt him.

"Aw T," Lena said as she approached Tahir's counter near ours.

Meanwhile, the judges began grabbing the trophies to hand out as everyone began conversing again.

"Here we go," Nadia jokingly mumbled to me as we watched Lena hug Tahir.

"I personally liked your peanut butter reindeer—the icing just needed some work," Lena said as she rubbed his back, "I still snuck you in a medal though."

I pursed my lips into a smile, watching Tahir pull away from her with his usual smile—lowering his head so she could put his medal on.

The sight alone was amusing, given how much Lena spoils him.

"I knew she snuck a medal in," Nadia said as she shook her head to herself, "She does it every year and lies about it."

I laughed, finding that entirely hilarious. 

Lena herself is hilarious.

Especially because I know Tazmin lets her sneak a medal in.

"We did it," Dani said as my dad set the third-place trophy down in front of us, briefly congratulating us before he walked past us to hand out the other ones.

I hummed happily, "We did," I said, reaching over to pick up the heavy trophy.

It was a little too authentic for a cookie competition.

"Now let's head out to the front so we can enjoy all of these cookies," Lena suddenly spoke up, catching everyone's attention, "There's also hot chocolate waiting as well."

I nodded, glancing over to Dani who picked up our plate of cookies from the counter so we could walk out to the main area.

Meanwhile, Nadia had already looped her arm with mine—walking with us and everyone else out to the main part.

Where we sat our plates of cookies by the bar top of the cafe with the other cookies.

And I immediately noticed Omara standing by the two dispensers of hot chocolate she seemed to bring for us.

I also noticed Mav standing with Jada and Vic walking over to Marie. 

Of course, they're here now that the cookies are done. 

"Finally, you're here," I joked with Omara as I approached her for a hug.

"Homemade hot chocolate takes a certain skill," Omara said as she briefly hugged me back, "That and studying," she added as we pulled away.

"Hopefully you feel confident with exams approaching," I said as we naturally walked over to where the plates of cookies were.

"I do—I just need to spend a lot of my time this week studying," Omara explained as Dani suddenly approached us both.

Which caused Omara to naturally walk back over to the hot chocolate dispenser she had been previously setting up.

"I can make you a plate of gingerbread if you want?" Dani offered as she grabbed two paper plates.

"She prefers sugar cookies," I heard her familiar voice say, reaching past Dani to grab one of the small plates.

I narrowed my eyes at her, "I actually—I like gingerbread a lot now," I said, lying before I could get the chance to think it through.

I just didn't want her to have the fucking upper hand.

"Right," was all Mazin said as she walked away past us.

And of course, leaving yet another awkward silence.

"I think we should try Nelli and Ronan's gingerbread since we know how ours taste," I said, quickly trying to change the subject with Dani—who seemed unsure of what cookies to add to the plate she was making me.

"They do look really good," Dani said, now reaching over to the gingerbread cookies frosted in pink and white icing.

They were so unbelievably cute.

If only they were fucking sugar cookies.

I shook my head at my thoughts.

No.

Nope.

I'm not doing this.

"Want to come sit with us?" I asked Omara who was a little further down preparing two cups of hot chocolate.

Which she handed over to me.

"I think I'm going to say hey to everyone but I'll join you later," Omara said, briefly glancing over to Nelli and Ronan who sat with Tahir and Alena.

Even Mazin and Dove seemed to be seated with them all.

Although Nelli didn't seem to even glance at Dove, let alone speak to her—she seemed to be laughing with everyone else at whatever Tahir managed to say.

"I'll see you later then," I told Omara who nodded, glancing over to Dani, "Want to go over here?" I asked, motioning past them before Nelli could invite me over.

Because the last thing I want to do is sit with Mazin and Dove.

Even if I weirdly hadn't witnessed them act touchy in the slightest. 

But it's still the principle. 

"That works for me," Dani said, following me over to the high-top table where she set our plates of cookies down.

I let out a content sigh as I got settled in my chair, immediately taking a small sip of the hot chocolate Omara made.

Something I was excited to try, unlike those gingerbread cookies.

But I could easily feel her burning stare.

Mazin glanced down to my plate when I met her stare after ten fucking minutes of ignoring her and the cookies that she assumes I won't eat.

So I purposefully picked one up, bringing it to my lips for a small bite.

Meanwhile, Dani seemed focused on drinking the hot chocolate Omara made us, discussing a topic I couldn't begin to focus on with her stare still pinpointed on me.

So I took an even bigger bite of the cookie.

A huge bite actually.

"Oh, you really like it?" Dani asked, smiling almost in amusement when I slid the last bit of the cookie into my mouth.

I nodded, chewing roughly as I tried to physically look pleased with the gingerbread cookie.

Especially when I briefly met her stare, watching as she skeptically tilted her head.

And I swear all I wanted to do was fucking grimace.

I do not like gingerbread.

Luckily, I was able to fight my distasteful expression, reluctantly picking up another cookie to eat.

And suddenly I could feel Mazin's stare shift away from me now that I had at least proved her wrong—which left me somewhat pleased.

Even if these cookies made my stomach ache.

Fuck this.

I glanced over when I noticed my dad approaching us with his plate of cookies and a cup of hot chocolate. 

"Gingerbread?" he asked me, immediately noticing my unusual choice as he sat down next to me. 

"I wanted something different," I mumbled, sighing as I leaned back in my chair. 

I guess tonight is considered a win.