Page 8 of Midsummer Phoenixes
Werewolves, but very well-behaved ones. Except for yoga wolf, who has a yoga studio and might offer you free classes.
I blinked at the screen, leaned forward so I could check the kitchen and see if Dwayne had noticed me slacking and using my phone at work.
Amory
I can’t tell if that means you want me to go to yoga or you don’t want me to?
Soyer
??Whichever you want. You’re taking Ben either way.
I couldn’t help it. I smiled at my screen, typed,
Amory
I love you too.
My phone back in my apron, I walked out to the front of the diner. Before I could so much as check if anyone at my tables was trying to catch my eye, I spotted a vampire waving from a counter seat, hollering, “Amory!” loud enough for everyone to hear.
I waved back and headed behind the counter while he stopped his act and settled.
“Elias, hi.”
He was wearing a suit, the tie loosened and the first button on his shirt open. “I have a need, Amory. Also, happy reopening. It’s so crowded already. And what a unique crowd.” He turned to look at the unusually busy diner.
“Thanks. Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I’m just glad people enjoy being back here, you know.”
“Oh, silly. Of course everyone would want to be here. Aren’t you going to ask me about my need? It’s urgent.”
He gave me his brand of puppy dog eyes.
“Let me guess. You want a milkshake.”
“Yes.” He nodded eagerly. “Chocolate, please.”
We’d been out for juice a couple of times now—and a part of me was still amazed that I was hanging out at a juice bar with a vampire these days. That was a twist to anyone’s life story.
“I only have vanilla. Rainbow sprinkles though. Dwayne ordered them especially for Pride Month.”
Elias’s face fell. “But Amory. Please. I want chocolate. Oh, can I have chocolate with cherry syrup on top, hmm?”
Rae walked by behind me, heading for the coffee machines, and Elias’s gaze followed them for a bit before settling back into a pleading look he aimed solely at me.
“Vanilla and rainbow sprinkles,” I said. “I’m not helping you get into trouble.”
Elias sighed, planted the side of his face on the counter. “I guess if you say so. And happy reopening again. I mean, I came in here to say that in person, you know. I made an effort to be a supportive friend. You’d think I’d get a treat for that, for showing my support without fail. To my dearest friend.”
I leaned forward. “You know what? I’ll add some cherry syrup to the sprinkles. Happy now?”
Elias lifted his head. “You are the best, Amory! Thank you.”
The bell above the door twinkled.
CHAPTER FOUR
“Welcome to the Moonlight Diner,” I told the newcomers.
“Huh. I hope no one called you here,” Elias said to the group of triplets who had just walked in.
