He winced.
“Tart?” Margaid asked, a smile hovering on her lips as he tried to not make a face.
“It’s fine.”
“Hmm, your face suggests otherwise.”
“Who took a glass from this dispenser?” His mother gasped behind him. “It wasn’t ready yet. I haven’t added the sugar and water!”
Margaid was giggling as Finn set the now empty cup in a bin to be washed.
“Finn?” his mother said, shocked. “Didn’t you notice the juices weren’t ready?”
“Clearly not,” Margaid giggled, then she stepped forward. “I’m Dr. Davis.”
His traitorous mother smiled, her eyes glowing. “I’m Hetty Clague and you’re renting my little house, aren’t you?”
“I am,” Margaid said, nodding. “It’s beautiful, by the way, and so close to the conservation area which makes my job easy.”
“Yes, you’re a marine biologist,” Hetty said, lifting the lid to the dispenser, ignoring his warning stares and continuing making the lemonade.
“I am. I’m studying fish populations in Harmony Glen’s lake, rivers, streams…you name it. Basically, if there’s fish in there, I’m doing research on their population,” Margaid replied brightly. Almost as saccharine as the copious amounts of sugar that his mother was dumping into the juice dispenser.
“I’m so glad you’re out for a little town gathering. Everyone has contributed something tonight. Please try to the bread from Dorvak’s bakery. He’s the orc over there,” Hetty pointed out. “Best baked goods in town.”
“What other kind of shops do you have in town?” Margaid asked.
“Loads. If you come by Monster’s Catch tomorrow, I’ll give you a tourist map.” Hetty dumped in the water and then gave him a look. “I’m surprised my son hasn’t given you one.”
Margaid’s eyes flew open at his mother’s remark, which was innocent enough, but he groaned because instantly because his brain went there. “Mother, she’s not a tourist.”
“Well, I do plan to see the sights,” Margaid, interjected.
“Perfect. Well, I’m going to finish with my duties. Dr. Davis it’s wonderful to meet you,” Hetty gushed.
“Please call me Margaid.”
“Margaid, it means pearl in Manx doesn’t it?” Hetty asked.
“I believe it does,” Margaid replied.
“How…nice.” His mother sent him a knowing looking, which made him frown.
Margaid was giggling softly to herself. “Why the long face? Your mother is charming.”
“Really, a horse joke?” he groused.
“I’m sorry, but seeing you drink down that lemon juice…are you okay tonight? You seem on edge.”
“What did Magnus want?” Finn asked, trying to steer the subject off of what he was actually thinking and definitely tryingto distract her from asking more questions about his family or anything personal.
“To dance, but there’s no music.” Margaid shrugged. “He’s very bold compared to his brother Sven.”
“He’s the one that got them cursed,” Finn remarked.
“That doesn’t shock me.”
They stood there, in front of the juice dispensers, and she was looking up at him, expecting him to say something else, but the thing was, he wasn’t good at small talk. There was a time he used to be, but even then, not really. Women who came on to him were interested in the ride he provided, the novelty, and he was all for sowing his wild oats back then.
