Page 27 of Cider
It was fascinating sometimes to remember that Igor wasn’t like the rest of us. She wasn’t human, or a supernatural technically. She had a lot to learn.
“Well, where would the orphans go if you took their home?”
She glared at her hands. “Lawrence asked the same thing and got mad when I said I didn’t care.”
I flicked her in the forehead. “Take a second to reflect on that statement.”
She rubbed her forehead as she hissed at me but she didn’t immediately reply. That meant she was actually thinking about it. I went about prepping to open while she did.
I’d just unlocked the door and flipped the sign to open when she spoke.
“I’m selfish because I didn’t think about where kids, who don’t have parents already, would go if I took away their home?” Her tough attitude had momentarily vanished. In its place, was a young vulnerable woman who didn’t know what empathy meant.
“It’s a selfish idea, yes.” I handed her a cup before pouring some cooled apple cider. “Maybe look for land that doesn’t have buildings on it for your plans? That could show Lawrence you thought about what he said.”
She took a sip before nodding. “You’re right. I need to start thinking about things besides how they will work in my favor.” She set the now empty cup down. “I had a thought on your problem. What if I follow him around for a few days? I can see if I can find anything to use against him that wouldn’t involve actually eating him.”
Pausing for a second. I thought about it. Normally, I wouldn’t want to involve a friend, but she offered and if anyone could get information without getting caught, it would be Igor. No one noticed a random plant. This guy was gunning for my livelihood and pranks really weren’t going to cut it.
“Let’s do it.”
Igor grinned, her teeth had sharpened to points. Oh boy.
As Igor left for the day, I focused on the next customers that started coming through. The steady stream of customers helped keep my mind occupied from the date that would be happening in a few short hours.
Chapter 15
Closing time finally came and went. I was in the back fixing my hair when a knock at the front brought me out. It was time.
I smoothed my hand down my shirt as I came back from the back. Jack had his right knuckles raised against the glass. I paused to take him in.
Woah. He was wearing skin tight clothes, no hoodie in sight. His hair was styled up. His skin was dark against the light which made his eyes stand out even more.
He opened the door as soon as I unlocked it.
“Hey.” He took my hand. “Thank you for giving me a second chance. You look beautiful.” Our fingers twined together naturally.
I closed the door, locking it quickly with my other hand. I wasn’t letting go of Jack’s unless he did.
“I can’t wait to spend time with you.” Looking up at him, I couldn’t help but stare at him a little dazed. He was actually really pretty for a man. He tried to hide it under all the baggy clothes he wore.
His pleased look was soft. “I don’t usually hear that. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a little bit of a dick to pretty much everyone. The grump of the rink.”
He started walking toward the rink, pulling me along with him as I pocketed my keys.
“Everyone’s entitled to be an asshole once in a while.” Shrugging, I glanced around.
It looked like pretty much everyone had left. The lights around the rink flickered on as we approached it.
In the middle of the ice, there was a table set up with two foldable chairs facing each other. There was a black table cloth and candles that were already lit. Two plates were covered by silver domes.
I stopped and Jack paused with me. When I looked up at him, he looked to the side sheepishly, as if embarrassed. The tips of his ears looked like they turned a deep red off the lighting was any indication.
“Jack.” I squeezed his hand which made him look back at me. “Thank you. It’s beautiful.”
“Watch your step.” Jack watched my feet as we made our way across the ice. It wasn’t nearly as hard as I thought it was going to be.
I thought I would slip for sure--- And there it was.
