Page 34 of Blade

“Well, if you want to talk about it or need anything, you know my booth is open.”

“I appreciate it. I’m gonna go get set up,” he said, walking away abruptly.

I frowned at his retreating back, but let him go without pushing. Smoke was the type of man that wouldeventuallyopen up and let us help him. He just needed to work through whatever it was on his own first.

After a quick check of the messages, and social media platforms, I had enough time for a super fast snuggle with my girl. Walking to my station, I lifted my hand to knock on the divider so I didn’t startle her, but stopped when the scene in front of me melted my heart.

Patty Long Legs was sitting in a chair and Eloise was pretending to tattoo her.

“Ya know, I think getting a fly tattoo is kinda morbid,” she said to the stuffie, “but I love you so I’m listening and not judging you.”

I stood and watched her as she gently talked Patty Long Legs through her tattoo. I was a damn lucky man.

Chapter 9

Eloise

“Blade wanted me to let you know he’d be ready for you in just a second,” I said to one of Blade’s regulars.

“Thank you,” she said, sticking out her hand. “I’m Lennon.”

“I’m Eloise. It’s nice to meet you.”

“You as well. You’re new, right?”

“I am. I’m just helping out with some scheduling.”

“I think maybe it’s a bit more than that.” She laughed. “I’ve seen the way he watches you.”

Heat rushed to my face, but I nodded. “We’re together.”

She smiled, a real genuine smile, and said, “That’s so exciting, congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

I went back to the computer and checked over the books again. Allyson would come in soon and I wanted to make sure things were ready for her. Finishing that, I decided I wanted a cup of coffee.

“Would you like a drink while you wait?” I asked Lennon.

“Oh, caffeine would be wonderful, thank you,” she said, stifling a yawn.

Rushing to the back, I quickly grabbed two drinks, heeding a warning from Smoke to use my walking feet, I brought one out to Lennon and set it beside her.

“Thank you so much,” she said, “I stayed up way too late reading last night.”

“Oh? What are you reading?” I asked, looking down at the yellow book in her hand.

“Sew Into You by Amity Malcom. It’s a sweet sapphic story about two young women who get ripped apart by life, and reunite as adults. It’s a second chance romance.”

“Oh, that sounds beautiful.” I didn’t read much, but I wanted a hobby. Maybe reading could be that hobby.

“It is,” she answered, looking unsure for the first time since we started talking. “I-I’m gay,” she stated, lifting her head and squaring her shoulders. “I've just come out of the closet and so I’m trying to support authors who are like me.”

Plopping down in a seat beside her, I rested my chin in my hand on the chair arm and nodded. “That’s so wonderful that you’re being brave and being true to who you are. Thank you for sharing that with me.”

She laughed and booped my nose. “You’re adorable. Thank you for being so sweet.”

Leaning forward, I whispered, “Do you know I’m a Little?” Judging by the way she booped my nose, I was pretty confident the answer was yes.

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