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 Posted: Tue Mar 16, 2010 10:22 am
There were eight 'Frostings's in Irnsquare; small, brightly-lit bakeries that specialized in huge cupcakes topped in a sweet pile of frosting. They were widely-recognized as the best cupcakes in the city, though some of the crazier hipsters would insist upon avoiding anything that even resembled a chain and hunting down quiet backstreet shops instead. Most people, though, appreciated their standard buttercream, their staple peanut butter, and the rich chocolate pastries that could satsify any sweet tooth, even if some of their more eclectic and creative flavors got raised eyebrows and amused expressions.
The three little bakeries in the University district of the city did remarkably well, naturally, serving as a staple food for freshmen who hadn't yet learned the importance of eating well, in addition to their studies. And, of course, serving as a snack for those upperclassmen who did know better, but didn't care.
The one in the Northwest, however, was in danger of closing down. It was on the border, and the owner liked to pretend that they were, in fact, the fourth Frostings in the University district, the Southwest -- but they were just far enough north that they were too far out of the way, that only a handful of students risked the trip upward for lower prices, and maybe a few factory or construction workers venturing out for a special treat.
Today, however, was free cupcake day. They weren't passing out the monster creations but mini-cupcakes topped with a generous smear of frosting. Thus far, the turnout had been disappointing at best, only a handful of students on study breaks coming to check out the eclectic appearance of a bakery tucked into the side of what had once been a factory. The girl on call, today, was settled behind the counter looking bored, the 'Frostings' hat crooked on her head and a tumble of bland brown hair tugged into a ponytail over her shoulder, staring vacantly at the door. She didn't have much faith in this endeavor.
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Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 11:41 am
Joe paused on the sidewalk and muttered the shop's name in full, before deciding he'd got the right place after all. Funnily enough, while this 'Frostings' branch was barely a jog from his flat, Joe had never so much as given this place a passing glance before today. Yes, today. Today was the day Joe paid his only accessible sibling - his sister - a visit. Today was the day he told someone who was family about his... condition. Today was the first day he'd have to buy something as pansy as cupcakes-with-delicious-icing-on-top. Quote: "Eeeee, you're coming over!" she'd said. He could hear thumping noises. He figured she was jumping on the spot - as usual - and a slow grin had spread across his face. "You know what would make me really, reeaaaally happy, though?" "Mm?" "It's free cupcake day at this patisserie - " "What is a pattysoo - " "Oh silly, it's just a bakery." Giggling. "Anyway, could you just drop by and get me a box? I am totes pulling the little sister card on you, I know. The nearest branch to your place is at ... ... ... " Adjusting his hat, which was neither a fedora nor a cowboy hat but somewhere in between (it was large enough to cover those ivories, which was what really mattered), Joe pushed open the glass door and stepped in to the soft tinkling of a bell on the door. He immediately approved of this. Mechanical door chimes usually meant mechanical service; the lack of one here was a comfort. Sure, the counter girl looked like was dreaming of someplace else -- but Joe could understand slow business in these parts for luxuries such as pansy cupcakes and felt a dim kind of sorry for her. " Mornin'. Could I get a box of them cupcakes?" He asked.
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Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 10:11 am
He should have made her day -- should have changed a boring hour of staring vacantly into space into at least something productive. However, judging from the somewhat sour expression the girl turned on him when she straightened, she didn't fully appreciate his coming in to save her from tedium.
"You get one. One per customer." One long finger extended to tap at the fine print at the bottom of the poster. He'd have to lean in toward it to read, and as he did, she slipped away to grab the sample tray and show it off to him. Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Banana, Carrot Cake, classic Vanilla...at least there was some room for choice in there.
"More than that, you gotta buy." And her eyes were already sliding off him and toward the door, distracted or bored. No wonder the place wasn't doing well.
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Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 10:23 am
The door chime tinkled again, and Cadence ducked inside. "Good morning." Even if it was out of the way, this Frostings location's prices drew some people, and offers. Cadence's bosses had asked him to check out this location and see if their cupcakes matched up to those at the other Frostings's -- and, if so, to leave a business card, and an offer. Brewed Awakenings was looking for a bakery to provide some baked goods, to keep up with increased demand.
It was likely to take a while, in any case. He offered a tentative smile to the tall stranger, and shifted into line to wait his turn, keeping a respectful distance. He was tired -- the slight dark circles under his eyes looked even worse, thanks to his too-pale skin. Last night, he'd stayed at Doors a little longer than he should have.
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