Scales

Copyright © 2017 by Keeley Dancey.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016920929

ISBN:      Hardcover            978-1-5245-7054-5

               Softcover            978-1-5245-7053-8

               eBook                978-1-5245-7052-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 12/17/2016

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Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1   Indecisive

Chapter 2   Intrigued

Chapter 3   Guarded

Chapter 4   Pressure

Chapter 5   Dread

Chapter 6   Invoking

Chapter 7   Recollection

Chapter 8   Haunting

Chapter 9   Analytical

Chapter 10   Skeptical

Chapter 11   Reluctant

Chapter 12   Objection

Chapter 13   Turmoil

Chapter 14   Betrayal

Chapter 15   Enticement

Chapter 16   Hostile

Chapter 17   Savage

Chapter 18   Appreciation

Chapter 19   Suspicion

Chapter 20   Frustration

Chapter 21   Interlaced

Chapter 22   Validate

Chapter 23   Infatuation

Chapter 24   Hesitant

Chapter 25   Jealous

Chapter 26   Serendipitous

Chapter 27   Apprehension

Chapter 28   Animosity

Chapter 29   Stolen

Chapter 30   Desire

Chapter 31   Fragile

Chapter 32   Engauge

Chapter 33   Self-Sacrifice

Chapter 34   Sorrow

Chapter 35   Cherish

PROLOGUE

Reese

We’ll always be friends, right? my best friend asked me as we sat in the field outside our school. I plucked blades of grass and fiddled with them in my hands.

Yeah, we will always be friends. I smiled back at her. Grinning a wild smile at me, she flopped onto her back and stared up at the clouds. After the grass had lost its appeal, I mimicked her position and lay down beside her.

Reese? asked a quiet voice after a few moments.

Hmm? I replied.

Do you really think they’re hidden out there somewhere on some forgotten land? she wondered. I smiled up at the clouds as they shifted around.

Who says they’re hidden? Maybe they’re among us on a day-to-day basis, Mally scoffed at my suggestion.

You always say that. How could you hide something that big in plain sight? she asked. I shrugged my shoulders, keeping my eyes trained on the sky, making mental notes of how much cloud coverage should be in the sky by nighttime.

You never know. Maybe they can shift or something. Half human, half dragon. I started pulling the skin on my lips. Mally shook her head back and forth.

You have the craziest ideas, Reese. I turned my head to her to see she had already been staring. Sometimes I wonder what goes on in that head of yours. Your imagination is something else, she said. I nudged her arm with my elbow.

Yours isn’t far behind, you know. I could feel my cheeks starting to heat up; I had been trying to find a way to tell her for months now, and after all, we only had a couple more till we graduated. Mally giggled lightly, causing my body to relax. I didn’t know what I would do without her here to ground me some days.

Yeah, I know. She beamed at me. It’s just fun to tease you, that’s all. And you better keep your promise, you know. She stuck her pinky out toward me; I wrapped my pinky around hers.

I, Reese Blair, promise to notify Mally Dion if I find evidence of, come in contact with, or know of any type of dragon as fast as possible. Mally nodded her head at me, smiling.

Ditto.

Pfft! That’s not fair. You have to say it all too, I argued. Mally and I sat up and went back to plucking the grass around us.

No way. That’s what dido is for, saves all that time, you know, she countered. I rolled my eyes at her.

Yeah, all ten seconds. We sat there until the bell rang to say lunch break was over.

We are such nerds, Mally said to herself, shaking her head. I nodded—that we were—but I wouldn’t have it any other way. As long as I got to keep Mally, I didn’t care what we were labeled.

CHAPTER 1

Indecisive Adjective 1. not settling an issue.

Reese

S IGHING, I LOOKED out the window on yet another chilly winter day. I snuggled in closer to the worn-out chair that I had found abandoned at the end of someone’s drive with a cardboard sign that read FREE in Sharpie.

That didn’t bother me; it had character in my eyes. It was big and green, dark green in some places and light green where it had been worn out after years of use. It was the perfect reading chair; there was enough room for her to curl up, and the arms of the chair were wide enough that her coffee cup wouldn’t fall over.

Looking around the one-bedroom shack, there wasn’t actually that much to look at. Except books, that was for sure; they were strewn all over the wooden table, on the over flowing shelves, stashed in the empty space in the cupboards between the measly four pots. Even my goldfish bowl was a top of two books.

I smiled as I watched my goldfish Matilda swim mindlessly in circles. My life was almost as simple as the goldfish’s—go here, do this, go back, and do it all over again.

The only three places I could ever to be found were work, this shack, and the meadow. At least work came with the benefits of my one friend and coffee. Just one friend that was all I needed and wanted; everyone else could go to hell.

All right. It’s time to start this day even if it’s already ten thirty in the morning. Dropping the coffee cup off at the sink, I turned down the short hallway to the only bedroom in this shack. Sifting some jeans and a long-sleeved shirt from the dresser drawers, I headed to the bathroom.

Small snapping sounds filled the air as I struggled to pull the hair tie from my messy hair.

Ugh. Stupid hair getting caught, I grumbled to myself when I finally heard hair rip from the elastic. Perfect. I looked at the chunk of plain brown hair in my hand. Didn’t want that hair anyways. Finishing up in the bathroom, it was time to head into town.

Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I stopped and looked for a second—plain. Well, compared to my other form, everything was plain. Brown wavy hair that never seemed to listen paired with an athletic form with slightly different muscle groups toned mostly on her back. I stared at my reflection a little harder, trying to see the differences between a normal human’s face and mine. Maybe my cheekbones were more defined, my eyes a little harder, a little wilder. Light grey wasn’t the most common colour for eyes, but I was glad I had something that never changed.

Just going to town quickly, Tilly. I’ll be back. I waved to my goldfish as I walked out the door.

It was only half an hour to walk there, and I didn’t mind. Owning a car was expensive; keeping up with buying books was hard enough. There was a faster way to travel than any car, but that would mean people would find out, and that would most likely end badly for, well, everyone. Seemed to be a sort of curse. The less people that were in her life meant less of a chance of certain secrets being found out, which meant no one had to die. Wasn’t personal or anything; it was just easier as cliché as that was.

Finally in town, I meandered down Main Street; this town wasn’t very big, but it was cozy. Small enough you knew the cashiers at the grocery store but big enough you didn’t have to talk to everyone you ran into.

I pulled on the door of the café and breathed in the heavenly scent of coffee that wafted around.

Reese! You do realize that it’s your day off, right? teased one of her coworkers. Looking up, she smiled.

Hey, Nina. How’s your shift going? I asked the over energetic redhead. Nina quickly wiped up a spill.

Same as always, replied Nina as she started grabbing a large coffee for Reese and herself. The perks of working at a café; no pun intended. Nina slid the steaming coffee over the counter to her, picking it up and taking a big whiff of the caffeine.

Mmm, who needs people when you have coffee? she hummed into the cup. Her friend giggled, calling behind the counter. She said she was off shift to her co-worker. We were also lucky in the way our boss was pretty lenient about coming and going. Few seconds later, we were sitting in our usual corner by the window so we could people watch.

Soooo speaking of who needs people when you have coffee, that guy came in again and asked for you. Nina wiggled her eyebrows at me.

Nina …, I warned.

"Come on! He’s cute! And obviously thinks you are too," she finished with a smirk.

We’ve been over this how many times now? I asked as I avoided eye contact with her.

I know, I know. Her friend answered and, in a mocking tone, added, I’m just not interested in anyone right now, and I have my books blah, blah, and my coffee blah, blah, and my fish blah, blah. I laughed at her exaggerated hand movements, taking another sip of my steaming coffee. We changed topics and started watching the people who passed by.

Definitely still lives with his mom, Nina said, pointing at a man in his thirties with a greasy beard and a balding head.

Umm, you just moved out three months ago yourself, I pointed out.

Hey, this isn’t about me focus on our targets, she retorted. Smiling, I picked out the next target.

How about him? I asked as I tipped my mug toward the blonde across the street.

"Oh, I like this one." Nina moved so her hand was under her chin. She watched the guy shamelessly as he crossed the street and walked toward the shop.

Perfect as he walks by—I can check him out. She wiggled her eyebrows again. Laughing, I looked myself as he passed by the window; Nina wiggled her eyebrows at me again.

Okay, you’ve got to stop that. It’s getting creepy. Turning back to our conversation now that the distraction was over, I heard the familiar chime of the café bell. Nina’s eyes opened a little wider as the target from the street sauntered toward the counter with a piece of paper in his hands. We stayed quiet as Nina strained to hear the conversation at the counter.

Hey there. My name’s Leo, and I was wondering who I should give my resume to, the stranger asked Terrance, the cashier. He took his resume and said he’d give it to the boss. He ordered a one-sugar, two-cream coffee. Gross. As he waited for his order, I took a chance to steal a glance at the stranger.

He had worn-down shoes, dark jeans with a long-sleeved shirt with the sleeves pushed up to his elbows. He stood with her arms crossed and feet spread apart, a rather confident stance. His body was an even mix between strong and agile. Spiky blonde hair stuck out in every angle from atop of his head. I wasn’t sure if he was trying to do the messy look or not; whatever it was, it was working for him.

Receiving his order, he quickly turned around, and there I was just staring at him. Great! Good one, Reese. You perv. He stood there for a second, watching as I grew more and more flustered. Nothing like being caught checking out a total stranger.

I dared to take a second glance up; a sly smile was hovering on his lips. I could hear Nina giggle childishly across from me, cursing her for letting me stare. Looking down into my cup of coffee, I heard the shuffle of footsteps come up to the table, swearing at myself I kept boring holes down into the table, willing him to go away.

Hello! Nina piped up. I shot her a glare from behind my hair.

Do you two lovely ladies live in town here? His voice was smooth and charming; a small tingle ran over my skin. That was weird.

Sure do! We also both work here. Couldn’t help but overhear you’re looking for a job, Nina pried. I really wished she would stop talking to him and just let him leave already. I still hadn’t looked up; this table sure was interesting. Yup, very interesting.

Yeah, I just finished my schooling but turns out that won’t get you far. His soft laugh forced me to raise my gaze; immediately I regretted it. So I thought I’d move and wound up here. His gaze traveled from Nina toward me. Brilliant green eyes froze me to my chair. The intensity of his stare feeds the blush that has taken over my face; I couldn’t look anywhere but his eyes. He nods his head toward me and winks.

Good thing too, he adds on, keeping eye contact. I can’t help but notice Nina’s smile keeps on widening somehow the longer this guy hangs around. I gotta run, but hopefully I’ll be seeing more of you two soon. And with that, he walked out the café door. I started counting down mentally in my head.

Three … two … one …

"Did you see the way his eyes lit up when he looked at you, Reese? Nina squealed loudly. I groaned, running my hand through my hair. Annnnd he could be working here soon. Isn’t that great? Personally I’d be totally alright if he started working here." Nina had found another guy to try to set me up with. Great.

Yeah, it’s all right, I mumbled, wishing he had never stepped foot in here. There were plenty of other places that were hiring right now. And he had said something about schooling; he was probably overqualified to be working here anyways. Nina paused, looking at me accusingly.

"Just all right? Just all right? Either you’re blind or lying, Reese. I know you don’t want a relationship, but come on. That boy has been blessed by the gods, and you know it," she scolded. He was more than blessed if I was to be completely honest.

Fine. Yeah, he’s cute, whatever. I heard a loud thunk as the coffee cups lifted off the table for a second. My friend laid there with her head on the table, mumbling some about impossibly stubborn personalities.

Resting my chin on my hand, I looked out in the direction he had gone and sighed loudly. It’s not that I don’t want to be close to people. It’s just safer for them if we’re not. It’s bad enough Nina and I are as close as we are. I look over to see her once again, making odd hand gestures and rambling on about men and how I was never interested in them enough. I smiled as she continued to rant without a single queue from me, and I think back to how our friendship started.

One year ago*

Perfect! Jenny says you can start tomorrow, and I’ll be training you. Oh yeah, my name’s Nina. She stuck out her hand to shake mine.

Oh uh, mine’s Reese. Nice to meet you. My new co-worker took her hand back, resting it on her hip; she looked like she was contemplating something.

Reese, she said while testing out my name. She looked like her mind was drifting farther and farther away. How long was she going to zone out while staring at my face?

Yup, it’s settled, she said as she placed both her hands firmly on her hips.

Umm, what’s settled? Dare I ask? Maybe applying at this place wasn’t a good idea …

You and I are gunna be best friends. I can feel it. She nodded her head to herself as she said this. Well, that’s one way to make friends, I guess.

I looked at the overly excited barista smiling away, talking way too fast to understand. And I’ll show you how to make our signature coffee extreme, and then I’ll show you where we keep out beans and sugar and then— She stopped suddenly, looking at me. Crap, I did it again. My bad. People always tell me I talk too fast, and they make the same face you have on now. I blinked a few times at her before a noise came out of my mouth.

U-uhhh …, I stammered.

Hey! Don’t worry about it. You’ll get used to it, she said as she smiled sweetly at me.

She was the same size as me but with a bigger chest as me. Sigh. Looks like she’ll be getting the better tips. She had long red hair down to her waist that was perfectly straight, except the ends which curved in slightly. She had no bangs and had very fair skin. I had to admit, I envied her hair, and it probably dried like that or something stupid. Big brown eyes bored into mine, a light smattering of freckles ran from one side of her cheeks to the other. Nina’s nose was also double pierced on the left side. Ouch, I think to myself, but she pulled it off. She was quite the character.

The next day, I was ten minutes early for my shift. Nina walked over to me with a large coffee. It’s black. If you want to add sugar and cream, they’re behind the counter. I happily took the coffee from her.

Thanks. Black works just fine for me. She smiled at me, and I smiled back. Maybe I could do this; I could have a friend again. After all, that was four years ago. Maybe it was time to move on and start a new life. Start over clean; I was smart enough not to make the same mistake twice. Maybe after all this time of pushing people away, I could let them in for a change. Then again, maybe I’m being selfish; the people I’m around always get hurt.

A few months went by, and I had changed my mind. Or rather, Nina had changed my mind for me. One friend, that’s it. It was selfish seeing as the past could repeat itself, but it wasn’t entirely my choice either. Nina was—well, Nina. She pushed her way into my life and made herself at home, sometimes literally.

Current time*

Reese? Hellllooooooo, Reese! I snapped my mind back to the little café my friend and I were in. I bet you were thinking about Leeeoooo, weren’t you? she cooed at me.

Pfft, as if. I rolled my eyes at her.

Well then, what? she pushed.

I was thinking about how it was only a year ago that I ended up here, I admitted. Nina grinned at me.

And met the best person in the world. She winked at me; I giggled, grinning back at her. Frickin’ Nina.

All right. Well, I’ll see you tomorrow at work. I waved as we walked opposite ways down the street.

CHAPTER 2

Intrigued Verb 1. arouse the curiosity or interest of; fascinate.

Leo

W HO WAS THAT girl with the grey eyes? I had never been intrigued by a girl like that before, and all she did was look at me. Well, more like stare. That part kept bothering me; it was something that had never happened before. Not the staring; girls did that all the time. But I had never felt so compelled to find out who someone was before. I rubbed my arms roughly, trying to shake off the unfamiliar feeling that crawled over my skin. Damn.

I shoved my hands in my pockets after failing to shake the feeling. Oh well, only one way to get rid of this feeling, I thought slyly. I started the twenty-minute walk to my Gran’s house; smiling up at the sky I began to think, I never had trouble getting a girl’s attention before, but the one at the café—now she was going to make for an amusing work environment. I wasn’t interested in relationships, but that didn’t mean I wasn’t allowed to have fun.

There was no point in having anything more than fun. Fun was well fun, and when it ended it didn’t matter cause there was always more fun to be had somewhere else. But something more than fun? Well there was no fun in that at all. There was pressure, rules, and hurt. Lots of hurt.

They tell you to learn from others mistakes and for once I had. My parents didn’t fight more than the average couple. Little tuffs here and there. Then it became a nasty habit, like some sort of addiction for them that they fed off of. Then nothing.

Some days Dad would come home and hide in his office.

Some nights mom never even came home.

I learned from their mistakes, slowly from the sidelines. You don’t want love. Love is painful, love shuts you down, and mostly it never lasts.

Mom finally admitted she had been seeing someone else and left. Dad shut down to the point where he couldn’t take care of himself, even with the fighting and late nights I don’t think he really ever thought she’d leave. No one truly wants to believe that.

Life wasn’t some fairy tale where the knight saves the princess from the dragon, and they live happily ever after. Life was life and that meant it was unfair but that’s how things happened.

After that I started living with my other relatives.

Gran was my favourite; I hadn’t lived with her for years now, and I was happy to be back in the same town, even if she was senile sometimes. I pushed the memories of my parents to the very corner of my mind and picked up the pace to Gran.

Before I could announce I was here as I pushed the door open, I heard a stern voice from the kitchen. Didn’t I tell you to wear a jacket this time of year? How she already knew; I had no idea. I turned into the kitchen to see my five-foot-nothing Gran standing there with her almost all white hair tucked neatly into a bun. There was comfort in things that never changed.

Yes, I know you told me, Gran. I ducked down to her height, giving her a quick hug.

Well, you think you’d be smart enough to start listening to me for once, she scolded.

What would be the fun in that? I grinned at her; she smacked me with her oven mitt and turned back to the oven. She was a strange old lady, lived in the same house she and Granddad built when the town was new. She was a very superstitious woman, with charms ranging from dream catchers to bottles of salt. She had knickknacks everywhere, and God forbid you should touch any of them because her voice would carry through the house so fast before you could even think about picking one up.

Leo! I jumped at the little lady’s voice. Have you gotten a job yet? she demanded.

I just handed my resume out, I grumbled.

Glaring at me, she continued. You went to school and had your fun now it’s time to act your age.

I’ve never been this age before, how should I know how to act. I grumbled under my breath. Another oven mitt made connection with the side of my head.

Hey! I yelled. Removing a fresh apple pie from the oven, she continued to question me.

And where have you applied? I started listing the places I had dropped my resume off at when she stopped me.

The Café eh? You better not be there just to pester those young ladies Leo. A large wooden spoon had appeared in front of my nose as Gran wagged a warning. I know how boys your age get.

What ladies? I asked innocently. The spoon bobbed up and down a few more times under my eyes began to cross. She threw me a stern look.

The two young ladies that work the counter. I know how you flirt, Leo. You leave Reese and Nina out of your little games. I started picking at my nails awkwardly, not knowing how to respond.

Which one is which? I asked, trying to sound bored with the topic. I wasn’t sure Gran totally believed me, but she described which girl was which. She gave me another warning. I responded with a sheepish smile.

Satisfied with my sort of submission, Gran told me about her day while I vaguely listened. My mind drifted back to those grey eyes and the smell of coffee. The hair on my arms started to stand on end again. Heading home after my visit, I decided to get ready to head to the café early tomorrow morning. What better excuse to see a pretty girl than coffee.

Reese, I thought to myself. What an unusual name for an unusual girl.

CHAPTER 3

Guarded Adjective 1. cautious and having possible reservations.

Reese

B EEP, BEEP, BEEP! Beep, beep, beep! Beep, beep, beep!

Ugh, it can’t already be time to wake up, I grumbled to myself as I slapped my hand around on my nightstand to shut the alarm clock off. Sitting up and stretching my arms out, a book fell to the floor. Looking down, I see that I had lost my spot.

That’s probably an omen that I should stay in bed today, I guessed as I rolled out of bed heading to the bathroom. I start brushing my teeth while glaring at my messy brown hair in the mirror. Screw you too. Not feeling like dealing with my hair, I threw it up in a messy bun with a few wavy strands falling down at their own will. Whatever, this will do.

Walking into the kitchen I flicked the coffee pot on and started the toaster, I padded back to my room to try to find some clothes I felt like wearing. Shifting between what was on my floor and in my dresser, I found something that looked acceptable and tossed it on. Pouring my coffee into a travel mug and quickly putting peanut butter on my toast, I was ready to go to work. Grabbing my coat and house key, I was on my way by seven twenty-five.

Half hour later*

I walked into the small café, caffeine filling my nostrils, making me sigh in content. Ambling to the back, I traded my coat for a black apron. Returning to the front counter, I grabbed the brewed pot of coffee and watched the dark liquid swirl into my travel mug. Checking the time, I still had roughly twenty minutes until the store opened. The bell sounded shortly after my first few sips.

Looking up, I smiled at Nina. She was a little early this morning, and she was more the type to walk in five minutes before shift. Mornin’, I said as she skipped toward the back.

Mornin’, sunshine! she replied. You ready for today? Nina grinned broadly at me. She sure was in a good mood, and normally she dragged her feet till at least ten. Definitely an omen.

Depends on what the day holds, I sighed.

When she came back up front with a matching apron, we started refilling sugar, tea bags, and coffee beans along with other things. Good morning, ladies, called a deep voice.

Morning, Terrance. How was your night? Nina asked politely.

Awesome, beamed the dark-skinned cashier. Terrance had been working here just about as long as Nina, but for some reason up until now, they had never invested more than polite talk into their relationship.

Played video games all night pretty much, he added. Rolling her eyes, Nina shook a finger at him.

That’s gunna melt all you have left for a brain, Ter. I keep telling you. Terrance laughed loudly at her. He had the kind of laugh you could pick out from a crowd, and half the reason being it was so loud.

And I keep asking you to join, but you won’t. He pouts at her, jumping back as she starts swatting at him.

Go do your cash sheets or something before I start pelting you with coffee beans, giggled Nina.

You two sure flirt a lot, I mentioned casually after he retreated to the back.

Well yeah, he’s hot, Nina says as she wiggles her eyebrows.

Do you like him them? I whisper while Nina starts laughing.

Hmm, I don’t think I do, but I would give him a chance if he asked, I guess. Does that count? she asked. I rolled my eyes.

"How can you be so easy going about that stuff? And the only reason you’d ever give him a chance is probably because he’s hot," I accuse her.

Hey now. She blushed lightly, becoming self-conscious. He’s really sweet too, you know. Setting up the mugs for the day, I call over my shoulder at her.

Trust me, I know. I’ve been gagging for three months because of exactly how sweet he’s been. Nina stuck her tongue out at me just as we started with the morning rush of customers.

After things were starting to slow down, the door opened again with a chime. Not paying attention, I let Nina get it while I changed coffee filters out for new ones. I stopped when Nina tapped on my shoulder.

Can you grab this one? I just have to pee quickly! And disappeared into the back. Hmm … odd.

Standing up from digging in the cupboards for filters, I saw who my customer was. Hello, the blonde said smoothly.

Uh, hi. What can I get you? My voice clipped. He leaned on the counter; his green eyes focused on mine.

Would a date be out of the question? he asked lazily. I started blushing furiously. Who did this jerk think he was?

NINA! Your turn! I called to the traitor as I stormed off to the back.

Hey, you all right, Reese? questioned Terrance, his hand hovered above my shoulder with concern.

Yes. I’m fine. Some guy thinks he can just ask me out, and it’s all Nina’s fault, I answered stiffly. Booming out a laugh, Terrance grabbed his stomach.

You sure are something, little lady. Poor fool, probably just thought you were cute. I glared at his reaction.

Well, too bad. I’m going on break, and I’m going out the back. I fumed.

Leo

The girl with red hair stepped out from behind the back as I heard a door somewhere in the back slam. I guess that type of approach didn’t work with girls like her.

Did I do something to upset your friend? I asked the girl behind the counter as she kept checking over her shoulder. By the description Gran gave me, this one was Nina. I’d be a little concerned too if I was her. This Reese seemed to be a little hotheaded. Nothing like a good chase though.

Uh yeah, man. Reese doesn’t like people on a general basis, let alone when some someone hits on her. Don’t worry about it though. Guys do it all the time. She’s probably just tired of hearing every line in the book. A large guy had appeared from the back, giving me a weary glance. Maybe he already had his eyes on her. Nina, on the other hand, didn’t seem to be as concerned about my intentions. She shoved the large guy in the arm and leaned over the counter.

Reese isn’t a normal girl. You’re going to have to do better than that. She darted her eyes behind her and all around the café. Her voice came out just a whisper. But I could help you out with Reese if you wanted.’ She winked at me as the other guy pulled her back to her side of the counter.

This was already starting to seem like an odd café. One girl had overreacted; another one was winking at me trying to help me, and then there was the linebacker giving me sketchy glances.

If Reese finds out you even said that— warned the guy, but the red head just waved her hand at him.

She loves me too much to hurt me, she stated with confidence.

Sure, your funeral. He crossed his arms over his chest. Anyways, ignore her please. Is there anything I can get you? he asked politely.

Oh, just a coffee and I was wondering if there was anything on that job posting? The guy’s posture loosened up as he ran his hand down his face.

Aw man, that was you? I’m sorry I was supposed to call you last night to come in this morning. Any chance you can start today? he asked, hopeful.

Sure thing. I won’t get attacked if I go back there, will I? I joked, and he relaxed, smiling at me. Well, that was better than the glares I was getting. He stuck his hand out toward me. I gripped it firmly and shook once.

Name’s Terrance. No promises about the attacking part, but your best bet is to hide behind Nina if she starts growling. Terrance chuckled as Nina threw him exasperated glances.

She’s not that bad, Ter. Don’t scare him off on the first day, Nina said. It was going to take more than a few glares to throw me off this girl. They had nothing to worry about.

Nina shoed us away into the back so Terrance could start showing me where things were. There was still no sign of Reese.

So you and Reese …? I asked causally after all the coffee supplies had been pointed out. Terrance stopped walking and looked at me dumbfounded. Slowly a large grin grew on his face.

You think Reese and me? Ha! I don’t have a death wish. Besides, I have my eyes elsewhere. I nodded silently, thankful I hadn’t hit on his girlfriend. Flirting was fun and all but not at the cost of being turned into a human pretzel. I wasn’t going to be that asshole.

So Nina then? I asked. Terrance whipped his head around.

Shush, man. You don’t say those things out loud. He waved his hands around at me. Laughing lightly, I had thought it was obvious, but I guess he had other ideas. After everything had been reviewed in the back, Terrance and I started chatting.

Reese

"Is he gone?" I asked, peeking my head around the front door. Some people might have thought it was excessive to hide behind the café and then sneak in the front once I was sure he was gone, but I really didn’t care what those people thought.

Yes, Reese, the big bad wolf is gone. Well, kinda. Nina smiled to herself. This is what that bad feeling was this morning I just knew it.

"What do you mean kinda?" I walked up to the counter to face Nina. She avoided my gaze and started looking around innocently.

He’s in the back with Ter, she said as if it wasn’t the worst thing to happen today.

He got the job then, I said, less than impressed.

Yeah, he starts today. Nina nodded like a little bubblehead; at least someone was having a good day.

Just my luck. I knew I should have stayed in bed today, I stated, already feeling exhausted for the day. Well, looks like I quit then. I started removing my apron from my neck. I could board up my shack, give Tilly to Nina until I was done my holiday.

No, you don’t. For one, you’d miss the free coffee. Nina started pointing out.

Maybe, I said bitterly.

Yes, you would, and you know it. Second, why does he bother you so badly? It’s not like you’ve never been hit on before. Nina’s head tilted to the sides, her finger perched in question on her chin. I could feel my cheeks turn pink; she was right.

I just don’t know, okay? A shiver ran up my spine thinking about how close I’d be to this guy now. Walking behind the counter, Nina tossed me a cloth, and I started wiping down the counter as we bickered on about the topic.

"I just don’t know? That’s a great excuse when you’re six, Reese," Nina jibed, resuming the job of grabbing coffee filters.

Yeah. Well, that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it, so there. A bright grin flashed across Nina’s face. I hated it when she did that; it never meant anything good.

What’s so funny? I dared to ask.

I think you like this one, Reese, Nina cooed. She said this about every other guy that hit on me. That still didn’t stop me from becoming flustered. I grabbed the stack of coffee filters beside me and threw them at Nina.

As if! He’s not even my type! I growled. Nina was giggling, with her hand across her mouth, in a sad attempt to stop the noise.

Good-looking is everybody’s type, Reese, Nina said as she wiggled her eyebrows at me.

You’re a perv, Nina, I said, pushing her shoulder away from me.

Leo

So you fight then, huh? How’d you get into it? Terrance asked. I started shuffling my feet around, looking downward.

My parents split when I was ten, so the idea behind it was I could get my anger out on the training. A frown appeared on Terrance’s face.

Sorry to hear man, he offered. I didn’t care for pity; I put on a smile, hoping he’d leave the topic alone now.

Na, it’s okay. It was a long time ago anyways. Terrance smiled back.

"Let’s go grab some coffee. The girls should have put on a new pot by