Chocolate Feel...

Have you ever walked into a crowded room and felt the vibes? Literally everyone gives them off. Emotions and thoughts are pure energy affecting actions as well as responses. It's like looking up at the stars watching the different colors and variations of light shining in space. My name is Zack and I'm a baker, but don’t get me confused with just someone ordinary. I know about vibes and I project whatever I want. I have this gift and in all honesty we all do in our own ways. The thing is I discovered my passion long ago and then realized the possibilities once I projected my soul into my craft, baking.

It all began about two years ago when I was just starting out at a little modern bakery called Dee’s Buns. The building wasn’t anything special, just a run down brick corner space with graffiti art for the name. I remember walking down the street caressing the chipped wall feeling the scratchy pointed corners dig into my fingertips. My thoughts were this is exactly where I needed to be. The bell jingled excitedly as I pulled the glass door open and I was met with hipster central. Small metal chairs and round tables lined up against the tagged wall in quotes and sayings. It was an overwhelming jumble of thoughts that tickled your emotions. The warm aroma of baked goods filled my nostrils soft, and sweet. The music bounced repetitively, stirring my heart to the beat with shifting electric tones that gave me this rush as I stepped in swaying my head to the melody. But what really stood out was the lively atmosphere of the youth from the city crashing loudly in conversation over a cup of coffee and treats.

Our spot had it all from breads, muffins, cakes, buns, croissants, etc. I was hired on by my friend Dee. She was this sarcastic hispanic girl. The nontypical short slender woman with curly neon red dyed hair that stopped short above her neck. She had this smooth light brown skin that glowed like chocolate icing with dark swaying pattern tattoos from her shoulders to her neck. She looked like an elegant chocolate cake with raspberries on top. Sweet to her soul but bitter with that Puerto Rican attitude of hers. We clashed constantly with two opposing ideas of the world. I’m more going with the flow and seizing the moment. She’s more making shit happen, but discreetly with intelligence. She’s like a little ninja the way she operates but is a pure business woman. If you get caught off guard and look away she’ll blindside you in a second. I hated that such a brilliant mind was so self conscious of other people's thoughts that every little thing set her off.

I swear we were a match made in hell, but our chemistry somehow sparked this little business experiment of Dee’s to new heights. Dee’s Buns became more and more popular. She’d handle the finances and I’d control the vibe by connecting with the crowd by altering the playlist and creating different combinations of flavors in our baked treats we sold. I’m extroverted using my hazel green eyes to seductively size up the customers and engage in what they’re feeling and I can’t help but experiment with ways to tickle their taste buds and create this atmosphere they needed to just be themselves. For the drained and anxious college student I made a light fluffy chocolate cake to ease the tension then glaze it in a almond vanilla frosting of my own mix to send sweet blissful shock waves down their taste buds to gain their attention. Last ground espresso beans to wake up their minds and bring some clarity. For the workers a flakey fresh cinnamon roll with thin glaze with enough sugar to give them a rush to start the day with a coffee , no heaviness or crash. The croissants light with egg and cheese for those who worked later in the day and needed a snack to get them through until a late lunch

My perspective of the world is freedom and connecting. Damn the costs. Damn being boxed in, let's just go wild, have fun and let the people we encounter be my inspiration. Even though our popularity was on the rise Dee brought me back to earth because I was fucking up all the budgets with my events to showcase my skills.

I remember our last fight that ended it all and I’ll admit that trying new things means taking deep risks. This adventure I wanted to create nearly destroyed Dee’s business. “Damnit Zack don’t you realize we’re in crisis here with the covid-19 and businesses closing down. Now isn’t the time to be showcasing your skills. Now is the time to sit back and endure. We cut our losses and play it smart,” She pleaded. Dee had catered to my every need and naturally I was too stubborn to accept the world was on lockdown because I was afraid. I stroked my thin cut goatee anxiously as I replied, “So you’re trying to box us in again? Don’t you see the world needs this place especially now more than ever?” Her narrow lips clenched together and her light brown eyes grew wide menacingly glaring into mine as she spoke, “Zack this isn’t about you here. This is about everyone. You’re not paying attention and you’re definitely not listening.”

I smirked knowing I was getting to her then answered, “Sarcasm and backlash is my love language. What you can’t handle having me on board or something?” At this point dishes went flying across the room as I relived the scene from Dodgeball. The 5’s D’s Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge. After Dee ran out of ammo she screamed with a menacing tone, “I swear you’re ridiculous. If you don’t start taking this business seriously I’m going to have to let you go!” Her words struck a nerve and my temper surged through my body as I replied, “Wow, After all I've done for this place. You’re willing to cut me off just like that?!” She shook her head frustrated and bit her lip for a moment before a deep sigh then said, “I will if you don’t take me seriously.” I retaliated by saying, “I don’t need this. I quit. If I’m ever going to grow my craft I can’t be boxed in like this. I’m done with you and this place!” She didn’t scream. She held back her anger but small tears flowed from her eyes and I left the building for the last time not looking back with a sinking anchor pressing down into my gut and whole being.

I spent the next few years taking on private catering events and celebration but I lost all sense of joy and excitement. My personal business in freelance baking was a disaster. I am creative but I have no sense in running a business or budgeting. I racked up debt and out of nowhere saw this flyer for a cake contest. Somehow I felt drawn to the idea and signed up, but little did I know I’d find my missing piece to this whole fiasco that is my life after walking away.

The contest is being held in an auditorium of one of the high profile resorts. Each contestant is given a work station with different ingredients to mix up their own perfect idea of a cake. I take my place at my personal station. The pressure made me feel tense but the key to being in flow was my music. I scan my opponents and feel inadequate. All of them had their chef gowns and here I am in a grey v neck with torn jeans. I wore a hair net if that counted for anything as I felt my long curly hair being suppressed by the roots.

Next thing I know the judges take their seats. I didn’t really care who they were but there was Dee at the end of the panel. She took no notice of me until she sat down with this bored expression overlooking the contestants. Then her eyes meet mine. I felt the rush of excitement, surprise and well personally knowing Dee she can hold a grudge. My heart skipped replaying old memories from working in her shop. She had survived covid and became a successful business owner.

The rules were spoken but I didn’t listen at all as I stood there infatuated with the memories of the past with Dee. Automatically I thought back to when I walked into the building long ago and saw her. Her bright red hair with tanned skin with tattoos. Here she is in the present, her hair dyed black and wearing a business outfit. It was if the new world was based on moving on and I only wished for the good times back. I felt lost in the past and felt the joys of our experiences together from the fighting and roller coaster ride that manifested so many adventures. It felt like I was possessed as my body went through the motions as I baked this cake from how I remembered her from back then.

The buzzer wails and I am brought back to reality. There I see my work. This brilliant chocolate cake is decadent and sweet to its center gently glazed in milk chocolate Icing I made from scratch. The color shined like her tanned skin from the early days of just living life, and to top it off bright red raspberries for that bitter sweet blend of personality. The judges are all business, sampling each baker's masterpiece. The competitor's cakes were all decorative and fancy putting on a show. The judges kept their poker faces on. I watched Dee intently. I didn’t care if I won or lost. I just wanted to bake a cake I knew she would like.

Finally each judge received a slice of my work. They were all unimpressed but Dee her eyes lit up and she gave a soft smile as she looks at me. The judges huddle and then announce their winner. Guess what? It wasn’t me and I am just happy Dee enjoyed her cake. After the competitions she walks up to me grinning and says, “You know no one can do what you can do rebellious, arrogant, but an absolute genius when it comes to projecting an unforgettable experience with the flavors you create.” I shrug and say nothing. She shakes her head with disbelief as she continues, “So are you going to quit being stubborn and come work for me again?”

I smile then add, “Depends, but in all honesty I’ve missed everything about how we did things for that little shop of yours. Let’s do something better.” I wink then we leave the building with this sense of purpose that she and I were going to create magic in the world.