“So,” he said. “I should’ve asked, but… seemed you were undecided. And nothin’ hangin’yet. And after thinkin’ it over, I thought… well.” Viv could swear his cheeks were flushing red. “Ah, gods.” He huffed and spun it around for her to see.
The sign was in the shape of a kite shield, and the surface was routed out to leave two words embossed in diagonal script, with a sword whose profile she recognized dividing them.
“You don’t have to use it, ’course. Was just a thought, and I had some idle time, and I figured… well, you need a sign. Can’t have people thinkin’ it’s still a livery,” he said in a strained voice.
The sign read:
Legends
&
Lattes
“Cal.” Viv discovered her throat was a little thick. “It’s perfect.”
“Well,” he said. And then thrust it at her with both hands.
Tandri nodded thoughtfully. “Very memorable. What’s a latte?”
“Bean water with milk,” said Cal in a stage whisper, peering around the edge.
Tandri made a face.
Viv laughed and took the sign, holding it up to admire. “Just for that, I’m going to make you a proper latte, and you’re going to drink it. I’ve got a fresh jug of milk in the cold box, and I was practicing this morning.”
“Hm. First, let’s hang that sign.”
Viv was tall enough that standing on a chair brought her in reach of the iron sign-arm, and she looped the eyehooks over the spikes. Cal had clearly measured in advance.
They all stood back and admired it.
“One good turn deserves another. How about that milky bean water?” asked Viv, grinning at Cal.
He made a show of grumbling about it, but watched avidly as Viv demonstrated the entire process, finally frothing the milk under a silver spout that jetted steam. When she poured foam into the mug and placed it before him, he eyed it, then her, and after gingerly blowing on it, he took a sip.
His eyes widened. “Well, shit. Milky bean water. I’ll be damned.” He took another, longer sip and burned his tongue.
“This, I have to try,” said Tandri.
Cal gave it over while he whistled air through his scalded mouth.
After a careful sip and a closed-eye evaluation, Tandri pronounced it excellent. “There are gnomes in Thune. Why are they not serving this?” she asked, in a tone of wonder.
“Who knows? But I’d as soon they didn’t start,” replied Viv. “At least let me get a foothold first!”
“Cheers to that,” said Tandri, taking a longer drink. Her tail snapped a pleased whip-crack motion.
“I’ll have that back, thank you,” said Cal, waggling his hand for it. “Ain’t you supposed to learn to make ’em, anyway?”
“I’ve read the book that was packed in, but thereissome kind of art to it,” she replied as she handed over the mug.
“Come on around here. I’ll show you,” said Viv. She was smiling, and for the first time, the building, the city, thisplace… felt like hers. A place she’d still be tomorrow, the week after, next season, next year….
Home.
* * *
“So, opening tomorrow, you said?”asked Tandri, as they all sat together at one of the outdoor tables, sipping their respective drinks.
