When Viv looked back at Cal, he flicked his gaze up from her arm to meet her eyes. She found his thoughtful look puzzling.
He cleared his throat. “Everythin’ seems to be goin’ along just fine, it appears,” he said, with more delicacy than usual.
Viv squinted at him. “Fine enough. Although I don’t mind saying I wish I saw more of you. Drinks are on the house any time you drop by.”
Cal snorted but couldn’t hide a smile. “Playin’ on my contrariness so I pay double?”
“Triple, if I can get it, you stubborn old goat.”
She managed to get a laugh out of him at that, but then caught him looking over her shoulder toward the pantry.
“Goin’ along just fine,” he repeated. “Make sure to stop an’ see it, hm?”
Viv started to ask what he meant when Tandri reappeared. “Sorry about that. Won’t be a minute,” she said, as she flipped the hatch and poured beans with a rattling hiss.
When Cal got his cup, Viv grudgingly accepted his copper, but then slid a roll in front of him with a triumphant smile. He grumbled good-naturedly but took both.
* * *
Gallina appearedin the late afternoon, alone.
“Was hopin’ to catch up some before we head out tomorrow,” she said, standing on tiptoe to fold her arms on the counter. “Just us two.”
“Sure! That would be good, honestly. Let me just close things up early here first.”
“It’s all right,” said Tandri. “No need to close. You go ahead.”
“You sure?”
“Absolutely. I’ll handle everything later. It’s notthatbusy.” Tandri shooed her off.
“Thanks,” said Viv, with a grateful smile.
As Viv and Gallina strolled away from the shop, Viv asked, “Anything you had in mind?”
Gallina looked up at her and cocked an eyebrow. “I’m hungry. You’re the local. What’s good?”
“Can’t say I’ve really taken in the sights.Although, maybe Idoknow a place.”
Viv led her to the fey café she and Tandri had once visited.
“Oooh, thisisfancy,” said Gallina, with a twinkle in her eye.
“Oh, I’m pretty cosmopolitan, now.” Viv snorted, remembering what Tandri had said.
They ordered and ate and talked about old times. Viv began to feel like they’d sailed back into the easy waters of friendship again.
As they picked at the crumbs of their meal, Gallina’s expression grew speculative. “You know whatIthink of all this,” she said, circling her hand, her tone sharp.
“You think I should knife them in their beds,” said Viv, smiling a little.
“I do,” replied Gallina seriously. “Before they decide they wanna take more from you than they planned. And I don’t care what Taivus says, meetin’ this Madrigal, you’re gonna go and stake yourself out like a goat in front of a cave.”
“Worse comes to worst, I can take care of myself.”
“I know youcan. I just wanna make sure youdo.” She produced four slim knives like magic, and slid them across the table toward Viv. “I want you to take these with you. Fine, leave Blackblood wrapped up in flowers or whatever, but don’t be dumb.”
Viv was simultaneously touched and a little exasperated.
