Dessert

Betty clapped her hands.

-I’m so glad you asked.

She stood up. She went to the counter and retrieved a tray covered with a cloth.

-I may have whipped up a little something. Just for occasions like these.

-How’d she hide that from us?

Zed looked at Alice. Alice swirled her wine.

-She’s got more secrets than a soap opera villain.

-I can’t wait to learn them.

Betty set the tray on the table. She pulled the cloth away.

-Voila.

Chocolate truffles. Dusted with cocoa. Gold leaf glinting in the dim light.

-Wow, Zed said.

-Grandmother’s recipe. Taken me ages to perfect.

Betty picked one up. She held it to Zed’s lips.

-Here. Hope it meets your approval.

Zed opened his mouth. She placed it on his tongue. Her fingers lingered, brushing his lip. Dark chocolate. Bitter.

Zed swallowed. He picked one up himself. He turned to Carla.

Carla watched him. He brought the truffle to her mouth. He traced her lips with it.

-Open.

Carla parted her lips. He pressed the chocolate inside. Her tongue caught a flake of gold leaf.

Alice laughed mockingly. She snatched a truffle from the tray. She popped it whole into her mouth and chewed aggressively.

-Chocolate. How predictable.

-Brown Betty might've been better, Zed laughed.

Betty giggled. She fanned herself.

-My, my. Aren't we feeling adventurous?

-Whipped cream would be fantastic, Zed said with an idea. Tell me you hid some of that away too.

Betty placed a finger against her nose, pretending to think.

-A lady always prepares for every eventuality.

She went to the fridge. She came back with a chilled canister.

Zed took it. He shook it. The metal ball rattled inside.

-Sharing is caring.

He turned to Betty.

-Come here.

Betty stepped close. She tilted her head back. Zed sprayed a dollop into her mouth. He leaned in, kissing her, tasting the sweet cream on her tongue.

Betty moaned.

Zed pulled back. He turned to Carla.

-You too.

He sprayed a line of cream down her neck. Carla shivered. Zed bent down. He licked it off.

Alice watched from the table. She looked bored. Her foot was tapping against the table leg.

-Pathetic. Really.

Zed stood up. He looked at Alice. He shook the can again.

-Open wide?

Alice recoiled.

-Whoa. I haven't agreed to---

Zed sprayed.

A white splatter hit her face. Cheek. Lip. Chin.

Alice gasped. She wiped at her eye.

-What the fuck, Zed?

-Sorry, he said, stepping in closer and taking her chin in his hand. Let me get that for you.

Alice glared. Her chest heaved. She could see the dollop of cream on her nose.

-You... asshole, she said, letting Zed hold her chin.

-I can help, Carla piped up.

She reached out.

Alice slapped her hand away.

-Get off.

She looked back at Zed. Her eyes were dark.

-You made the mess. You clean it up.