Page 6 of Always Say Yes to a Dragon

“You’re probably right.” Or maybe he wasn’t interested in me at all, and it was some weird dragon custom. Give the poor server a few scraps, pretend he’s done his “good deed” or whatever before he moves on to his next project. “Even if he thinks I’m cute, that doesn’t mean anything.”

But I couldn’t forget the way his eyes had followed me the entire time he was here, or the way he’d paid more attention to me than to his friend.

Jen snorted. “Right, you’ve decided to be single forever.”

I shrugged, like the topic didn’t create jagged little shards in my chest of dreams shattered over and over again. “Relationships just aren’t for me.”

My phone vibrated with another text.

Thanks baby. Now we can get the name brand coffee Dwayne likes

I suppressed a sigh. I couldn’t control what Mama did with the money I sent her, but I wished she’d keep some of it for herself. Get the coffeesheliked for a change.

Watching the way Mama bent over backward for Dwayne—or whatever boyfriend she had when I was growing up—it was no wonder I didn’t know how to have a healthy relationship.

Jen rolled her eyes. “Girl, come on. Don’t be so dramatic.”

Glancing around to make sure we were still alone, I said, “You ever date one of those guys who, like, can’t remember your birthday? Andyou tell yourself it’s fine because at least this one has a job and he warmed you up some soup one time when you were sick?”

“Did we date the same dude?”

“Yeah, well, that’s most of my exes.” Something between a sigh and a laugh escaped my mouth. “I had one who gave me a video gamehewanted formybirthday, and then didn’t understand why I was mad.”

Jen snorted. “I hope you dumped him.”

“Sure. Three months later, when he insulted my mom. Called her white trash, right in front of me.”

Jen winced.

My ex had made a snarky comment the first time we visited Mama. He didn’t like that Mama only had off-brand food in the cabinets. I should have dumped him then and there.

Instead, I’d kept seeing him, kept bringing him around my family. The third or fourth time we visited, Dwayne was working on his car in the apartment parking lot—it wouldn’t start, and he damn sure wouldn’t pay a tow truck to take it to the shop if he could fix it where it was. My ex had called Dwayne a grease monkey, and my mom white trash under his breath.

If only he were my most embarrassing ex. Instead, the ghost of Adrian still haunted my bank account.

“I can’t pick men. All the ones I like never seem to put any effort into the relationship, and I’m tired of it. Seems like it’s best to leave them alone altogether.”

Jen nodded. “Yeah, take some time to work on yourself. That’s smart.”

Some time, sure. Several decades ought to do it.

“In the meantime, enjoy those nice tips from that red dragon. I’m seating him in your section next time he comesin.”

“What?” I squeaked. “Shouldn’t it be someone else’s turn?” Someone who wouldn’t be too fascinated with him for her own good?

“Well, he’s obviously happy with the service. And you didn’t fuck up and embarrass us, so…” Jen dragged me back inside.

I let her. Resistance was futile. “So being good at my job means more work. Great. At least he tips well.”

Jen laughed good-naturedly. “Yeah, god knows we all need the extra cash. I don’t know about you, but my landlord jacked up my rent by four hundred dollars when my roommates and I renewed our lease. And since it’s kind of the dragons’ fault that everyone thinks they can charge out the ass for apartments these days…”

I grimaced. Speculation had run wild since Az’zael and Niemrin had claimed Kilinis. “Mine wants an extra two-fifty. For aone-bedroom. I’ve been living on my own for a few months, and it’s been nice.” It was the first time I’deverlived alone. Every roommate I’d ever had sucked shit.

Cal, evidently overhearing us, chimed in, “Oh my god, right? My last one peaced out halfway through the lease, no warning, no nothing. Just told me he was moving in with his boyfriend, and the second I asked if he was finding a subletter, he blocked me on everything.”

“Ugh, what an asshole.” I perked up. “I don’t suppose you’re still looking for a roommate?” Cal and I had always gotten along. Rooming with him could be fun.

Cal shook his head. “I just found someone. But if it doesn’t work out, I’ll let you know.”

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