“You were right before, Thimble,” said Viv. “We havegotto get you a bigger kitchen.”
Tandri considered the available space. “Two stoves? Push out the wall?”
“I’ll ask Cal.” Viv glanced back at their chef. “In the meantime, what do you call these?” She polished hers off, licking her fingers for every last tender flake and chocolatey smear.
The rattkin shrugged and took one himself, testing it with a squeeze and nibbling one end.
“Leave it to me,” said Tandri, around another huge bite.
~Legends & Lattes ~
~Menu~
Coffee ~ exotic aroma & rich, full-bodied roast—½ bit
Latte ~ a sophisticated and creamy variation—1 bit
Any drink ICED ~ a refined twist—add ½ bit
Cinnamon Roll ~ heavenly frosted cinnamon pastry—4 bits
Thimblets ~ crunchy nut & fruit delicacies—2 bits
Midnight Crescents ~ buttery foldover with a sinful center—4 bits
*
FINER TASTES FOR THE
~ WORKING GENT & LADY ~
* * *
The quiet tensionbetween her and Tandri had evaporated, and Viv almost thought she’d imagined their hazy morning dance. Thimble’s crescents predictably sold out within the hour, and he was already at work on a new batch.
Viv preoccupied herself with the restrictions of their small kitchen. What might Cal suggest, once she had the chance to ask for his thoughts? She kept glancing at the auto-circulator above and thinking that the answer might be nothing she expected.
“The usual, Hem?” she asked, when he stepped up to the counter.
Hemington leaned closer. “Idowish you wouldn’t call me that,” he said in an undertone.
She smiled, her eyes on her work. “Mmm. Is that a yes, then?”
“What Iwantedto say is that the ward is nearly set. And yes, an iced coffee, please.”
“Oh, it is? On the house, then.”
“It should cover the premises and a few additional feet in a rough circle.”
“How will I know if it’s… gone off?”
“That’s the last detail.” He held his left hand out on the counter. “I’ll need yours, please?”
Viv didn’t hesitate, and placed her much larger one down, mirroring him. He tapped with the first two fingers of his right hand on his left, and made several curling gestures and complex twists. A blue light flared. Before the glow faded, he touched palm to palm with Viv and there was a brief fizzing, like beer bubbles against one’s lip.
“That’s it?” she asked, as he broke contact.
“That’s it. If the ward is triggered, you’ll feel a sort of gentle tug in that hand. It should be enough to wake you.”
