Page 64 of Steve's Barmaid
“Wh-what?” I spluttered.
“Oh, come on now, we both know you’re no prude. How’s the sex?” she asked again.
I didn’t need to think twice. “The best I’ve ever had. Head and shoulders above any human dude.”
“And you didn’t find it odd that Steve, who was purportedly a virgin when he showed up here, was giving you mind-blowing sex?” she sassed.
“Jesus, you really do everything that goes on around here,” I said, shocked.
“It’s part of my job.” She shrugged.
I thought about what Piper said. Itwasodd that the sex was so fantastic with someone who had no experience. I just thought he was a quick learner—with an amazing cock.
“So,” Piper continued, “the sex is amazing, the bond is real, whether or not we understand it, and I am guessing Steve is all in? Is he happy to move here?”
“Yes, he’s all in. And he said he feels more at home here than he ever felt at Snaerfírar.”
Piper looked thoughtful before brushing a whisp of hair from her face. “Well, then, what are you waiting for?”
“I don’t know. I just can’t say yes to this without having some time to untangle it in my brain. You didn’t say yes right away,” I accused.
“You’re right. I didn’t. Take some time. But try not to kill poor Steve.”
I stood without even thinking about it and started to head to the door. Joey went to follow me.
“Hang on there, Joey. You and I need to chat about a particular older orkin with a tough exterior?” Piper gave her a knowing look.
Joey’s jaw dropped, but she stopped walking. I grinned to myself before waving to both of them. “See ya later.”
I left Piper and Agnarr’s house and headed toward the kitchen, my head feeling heavy. I rubbed my temples. This was a lot to think about this early in the morning. If I were back on Earth, I would still be asleep. I was groggy and overwhelmed. What was I going to do about Steve? He wanted forever, but I knew how “forever” could turn out for the people with the best intentions—even for couples who seemed made for each other. Divorce. Unhappiness.
I was surprised to find myself already at the kitchen doors. I pushed them open and was greeted by the normal morning crew with enthusiastic hellos. I plastered on a smile and asked if Runa was in her office. Receiving several affirmations, I headed to her door. It was open and she was looking over a giant stack of disorganized papers.
“Hi.” I tried to sound chipper.
“I’m surprised to see you here, Billie. Shouldn’t you be working on the bar?” she asked without looking up. “Summer equinox is only two days away.”
I sighed. I would have to tell her. “I need to spend some time away from the bar. I don’t think it will be ready for the equinox, and the tribe will have to live with it. We’ll celebrate it a few days late.”
Emla raised her brows at me. “You think the tribe will be okay with that?”
“Well, they’ll have to be. I have some thinking to do about what I want before I finish,” I said plainly. I didn’t have any more to offer.
“So you’ve come here to think?” Emla looked even more skeptical.
“Not just think. I thought maybe I could practice some cocktails while I mulled things over. I would love to offer more than just mead when the bar opens.”
“And you want me to help teach you how to make cocktails?” She crossed her arms in front of her chest and squinted at me as if she could figure out why I was really here if she stared hard enough.
“Only if you have time.” My words tumbled out, anxious that she’d tell me I would be better off spending time in the bar.
“Of course, I have the time.” Emla rubbed her eyes with her thumb and index finger, “But eventually, you’ll have to tell me why you’re really here.”
Buoyed by her agreement, I was able to say, “Maybe.”
Emla stood and ushered me over to a far corner of the kitchen, grabbing a bowl of fruit I didn’t recognize on the way.
She placed the fruit, a knife, and a cutting board on the counter before me. “Cut these into quarters. All of them. Then maybe you’ll be ready to talk, and we can start making cocktails.”
