[NY] [Alex's Penthouse]
The kitchen looked like a crime scene, if the victim had been a lemon.
Flour dusted the marble counters. Sugar sparkled across every surface like someone had detonated a pastry grenade. Lemon zest clung to Max's black shirt, her arms, and, for reasons science could not explain, her cheek. The stand mixer churned loudly.
Max stood at the counter, aggressively whisking curd like it had personally ruined her childhood.
Caroline stood beside her with a tablet, scrolling through reviews, her eyes growing wider by the second.
"I just want to say," Caroline began carefully, "a woman named LemonQueen94 claims your tart healed something inside her."
Max did not look up. "Good. That means the filling reached the trauma layer."
Caroline blinked and kept scrolling. "Another review says a man proposed to his girlfriend after eating it and got rejected, so he cried while eating lemon tart again."
Max scoffed. "That relationship was hanging by a crust."
"And this one says, quote, 'I would fight a stranger for the last slice.'"
Max finally stopped whisking and nodded with quiet respect.
"That's our target demographic."
Caroline lowered the tablet. "Max. Desserts are not supposed to trigger combat instincts."
Max resumed whisking. "Neither is capitalism, but people still cry at Starbucks."
Caroline slid a bowl closer to her. "Which is exactly why this tart is not going on the permanent menu."
The whisk froze mid-air.
Slowly, deliberately, Max turned her head.
"You want to repeat that sentence like you believe in it?"
Caroline remained calm and said, "We will launch a limited edition of one hundred tarts. These will only be available for purchase on Sundays and Mondays at our main branch."
Max stared at her as if she had suggested selling air by the breath.
"No," she said flatly. "This tart is a star. You do not limit Beyoncé."
"You absolutely limit Beyoncé," Caroline replied. "That's how tours work."
"This is different," Max said. "This is food. People need this."
"People also need oxygen," Caroline said, measuring cream. "Hospitals still manage supply."
The argument was still simmering when the front door opened.
Keys hit the counter.
Footsteps.
And then a small human missile launched across the penthouse.
"MAX!"
Trixie bolted into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around Max's waist with zero regard for flour, lemon curd, or personal safety.
Max yelped. "Whoa hey hey hey, warning hug!" She instinctively lifted Trixie up anyway, holding her with one arm while lemon zest smeared directly onto the back of Trixie's hoodie. "Congratulations, kid. You are now ninety percent citrus."
Trixie squeezed her neck. "I missed you!"
"You saw me three days ago on the phone," Max said, but she smiled anyway and hugged her back tighter. "But yes. I missed you too."
Caroline turned, eyes widening as she took in the scene. Alex stood near the kitchen island, one hand on Chloe's back. "Chloe!" She quickly rushed over and opened her arms. "Gimme a hug."
She hugged Chloe.
"It is really good to see you," Caroline said, pulling back. "Both of you."
Chloe smiled. "You too. So, what are you making, Max?"
Max replied. "Experimental lemon tart."
Alex glanced around the kitchen, taking in the flour on the counters, the bowls stacked everywhere, the lemon zest still clinging to Max. "I am afraid to ask."
"You should be," Max replied. "This tart is experimental."
While the adults talked, Trixie slipped out of Max's arms and immediately took off.
She ran down the hallway. The penthouse opened up in front of her like a playground. She skidded into the bedroom first, eyes wide.
"This bed is huge," she whispered to herself.
Then she jumped onto it, bounced once, twice, laughed, and rolled across the comforter before sliding off the other side and sprinting back out.
Next stop was the gaming room.
Her mouth dropped open at the screens, the consoles, the neatly arranged controllers. She reached out, stopped herself, then clasped her hands behind her back like she had been taught.
"Whoa," she murmured.
Then she heard a sound.
A soft thump and a faint scrambling noise.
Trixie followed it back to the living area and spotted Nacho.
The orange cat froze mid-step, eyes wide. For half a second, they stared at each other. Then Nacho made a decision and bolted.
He ran across the floor and disappeared into his little pineapple house near the window.
Trixie gasped and dropped to her knees a few feet away, careful not to get closer.
"Hi," she whispered. "I am Trixie. I will not hurt you."
Nacho did not move.
Then, slowly, his orange face peeked out of the pineapple opening. One eye. Then the other. His tail flicked once inside.
Trixie smiled softly, staying very still.
"I like your house," she said. "It looks cozy."
Nacho blinked.
Back in the kitchen, Max watched them. "She found the cat."
Chloe glanced over, a little worried. "Is that okay?"
Max nodded. "Nacho decides everything. He will either approve her or ignore her for six months. And no worries, he doesn't bite or scratch. He's cool, right?" She then turned around, wiped her hands on a towel and turned back to the counter. "Alright. Lemon tart is resting. Nobody touch anything for ten minutes."
"C'mon, let me show you the room and freshen up," Alex said to Chloe, nodding toward the stairs.
He led her into the master bedroom and set the bags on the bed. The room was washed in soft afternoon light from the tall windows.
"Bathroom's right there," he said, nodding toward the door.
"Thanks," Chloe replied. She looked around, taking it in. "This place still feels unreal." She walked over to the window and looked at the city. Then she turned around. "I love the view."
"The best view is from the balcony at sunrise," Alex replied as he took off his shirt and stretched his arms.
'I'm gonna spread cream all over your abs and lick you up clean,' Chloe's thoughts ran a bit wild.
Alex noticed her ogling him. "I know I'm hot. But you can't jump on me right now. The door's open and Trixie's downstairs."
Chloe took off her jacket, shirt and her bra. She stood topless before him with a knowing smirk. "What was that about 'hot'?"
Alex cleared his throat and pointed at her. "I'll control myself... this time." His eyes were on her boobs. He grabbed his casual clothes and ran to the bathroom.
She grabbed her clothes from the bag and followed him inside...
Chloe washed her face, tied her hair back, and put on a t-shirt and shorts. Alex also washed his face and hands before putting on the t-shirt and joggers, and he did his very best to control himself from... having sex with her.
"Self-control, huh?" She said, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Don't push your luck," He said, cupping her buttcheeks. "Or, I'm gonna spank you."
"With clothes on or clothes off?"
"Completely naked."
"Looking forward to it," She pecked his lips before pulling back.
They walked back to the bedroom.
"So," she said, "where is everyone?"
Alex sat on the edge of the bed, lacing his shoes. "Scarlett went to special training for her upcoming movie. Evangeline is in New Zealand shooting for The Hobbit. Rachel is at the office. Angelina and Halle have a couple of photo shoot sessions today."
Chloe nodded. "Busy house."
"It usually is," Alex replied.
Before Chloe could respond, the door burst open.
"TADAA!"
Trixie ran in, grinning from ear to ear, holding Nacho carefully above her head like a fuzzy trophy. The cat's legs dangled, his tail flicking once in mild protest.
"Meow," Nacho said flatly, looking straight at Alex.
That look said too many things at once: Really now? A kid? What do I have to endure next? What about me, man? Don't you dare forget about my treats. How long are they going to stay in my... I mean, your home?
Alex stared back. 'You are the big man. So, get used to it because soon, she'll be in charge of your treats.'
Nacho blinked slowly, then turned his head and sniffed Trixie's hair. He did not struggle. He simply accepted his fate with the patience of a creature who had seen many things... And yes, Nacho has seen and endured many things.
"He likes me," Trixie announced confidently.
Chloe sighed. "Trixie, honey, are you sure he is okay with that?"
Trixie immediately lowered him just a little, adjusting her grip so his paws rested against her shoulders instead of dangling. "I am holding him gently. See?"
Nacho sighed, then settled more comfortably, his chin resting near her head. Another quiet "meow" followed, softer this time.
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Well. That answers the approval question."
Chloe relaxed, smiling as she watched them. "I think you just passed a very important test."
Trixie beamed. "Can Nacho stay in my room?"
Nacho flicked his tail again, then looked at Alex as if waiting for a ruling.
Alex shrugged. "As long as Nacho agrees."
Nacho closed his eyes for a second, then reopened them and remained where he was. "Meow!"
Trixie gasped. "He said yes."
Alex walked over, gently scratching Nacho behind the ear. "Congratulations," he said to Trixie. "You are a chosen one."
Nacho purred.
..
[30 minutes later] [Dining table]
The lemon tart sat in the center of the table: Golden crust, glossy filling and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Max stood with her arms crossed, looking serious. This was not a casual dessert moment. This was a trial.
"Alright," she said. "Rules."
Everyone looked up.
"No talking until you swallow," Max continued. "No faces until you swallow. No dramatic noises until you swallow. I will allow one eyebrow raise per person."
Caroline leaned over to Chloe. "She did not used to be like this."
Max shot her a look. "Yes I did. Now, less talking, more eating."
Plates were passed around. Each slice was perfect. And they started eating.
There was a moment of silence.
Trixie's eyes widened first. She froze mid-chew. Then she swallowed very seriously.
"This tastes so good," she said. "So lemony and sweet. I love it, Max."
Max exhaled slowly, proud and happy.
Chloe's review came next. Her brows lifted just a bit. The allowed eyebrow raise.
"Oh," she said. "Oh wow. This is really good. I'd definitely buy this every week."
Alex took his bite last. He chewed slowly and swallowed. Then he reached for his fork again without saying a word and took another bite.
Max pointed at him. "You already used your eyebrow."
"I know," Alex said calmly. "This is really good, Max. 100 points from me."
Max grinned, already planning her next experimental dish.
...
[4 PM] [Rooftop]
While Max and Caroline took Trixie out, Alex and Chloe were on the roof.
Chloe was leaning on the railings and looking at the busy city.
"Here you go," Alex walked over to her with a glass of a mocktail. "I call it Sunset Orange."
"Thanks," She took the glass and took a sip. "Uhmm~ You are even good at mixology. Is there anything you aren't good at?"
"Yeah," Alex nodded. "There's one thing I ain't good at, but you are and I need some tips."
"Okay," Chloe said, noticing the change in his expression.
"Halle is pregnant and we are having a baby and I'd like you to give me some tips on... You know..." Alex said, making a hand gesture.
"Halle is pregnant?" She asked.
"Yes."
"This is great news. Congratulation," Chloe said as she walked over to the long chair and sat down.
"Thanks. You aren't going to ask anything or..."
"No. I knew this was going to happen eventually when I said yes to our unique relationship. So, yeah, I'm good and happy," Chloe replied with a smile.
"Thanks... So, the tips?" He asked, scratching the back of his head.
So, over the next hour, Chloe gave Alex enough information...
---[Ch: 250]
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