“I’ll be damned,” said Viv.
“Hm,” said Cal. “Maybe. Least you won’t burn alive ’til you get to the hells, though.”
15
“Gods, what a difference,” said Tandri.
Cal’s auto-circulator twirled lazily above them, and the cool downdraft was indeed a blessed relief. Thimble appeared to appreciate it just as much, if not more. Viv wasn’t even sure if the rattkin could sweat. He’d probably suffered more than any of them, especially working near the stove, although he’d never complained.
Some morning regulars bemoaned the previous closure, but any grumbles were outweighed by their interest in the new gnomish gadget stirring the air.
Glancing around, Viv decided that she was extremely proud of the shop’s interior. It feltmodernand forward-thinking, but also cozy and welcoming. The combined aromas of hot cinnamon, ground coffee, and sweet cardamom intoxicated her, and as she brewed and smiled and served and chatted, a deep contentment welled up. It was a glowing warmth she’d never experienced before, and she liked it. She liked it a great deal.
A look around at the regulars confirmed they felt it, too. And yet, from behind the counter, there was a sweetness she alone experienced.
Because this shop is mine,she thought.
She caught Tandri slipping into a smile beside her.
Or maybe, it’s ours.
* * *
Viv glancedup and saw Pendry, the hulking would-be bard, shifting from foot to foot, just inside the threshold. This time, he had a more traditional lute clutched in front of him. She thought he might accidentally twist the neck off with those big hands, he gripped it so tightly.
“Hi there, Pendry.”
She waited to see what he’d say, a touch amused. It was clear what hewantedto say.
“I. Uh. Well.”
Tandri shot her a mildly reproachful look, and Viv took pity on the poor kid.
“Want to give it another try?” she asked, carefully keeping her eyes on her work.
“Er. I… would… like that. But I promise, I’ll play something less mod-… I mean, moretraditional, miss.”
“Miss? Oof. Now I know why Laney hated that.” Viv made a face.
“I’m… sorry?” he ventured, wincing.
She waved at him. “Go ahead. Last time wasn’tbadexactly. Just… surprising. Break a leg.”
Pendry looked stricken.
“I guess that’s not a common saying around here?”
Tandri shrugged. “Sounds pretty martial.”
“You’re probably right.”
Pendry blinked in confusion, then ducked his head and shuffled into the dining area again. This time, Viv resolved not to follow, in case it made his nerves worse than they already were.
Shedidcock an ear, and waited for a minute or so. Hearing nothing, she laughed under her breath and shook her head, starting a fresh pull of coffee.
As she passed it to a customer, and the hissing of the machine died down, the sound of the lute became gradually apparent. Much softer than last time, Pendry was playing a gentle ballad with a pleasant melody. It had a catchy strumming pattern, interspersed with delicate finger-picking.
“It’s nice,” observed Tandri. “He can play, can’t he?”
