"Don't listen to--"
"Don't make me call your mama, Boris."
I mock growl at her, a human growl, and she laughs.Pathetic, and we both know it.Simon has the good sense to interrupt before we descend into more childish banter."Shall we go inside?"
I love him, and the heart eyes I send his way tell him as much.
Zahrah snorts.
We head for the door, and the moment we cross the threshold, a hush falls over the tables.I glare at them.Way to make Simon uncomfortable.
Conan gives me a surprised look from behind the counter."Boris.In Rutchester twice in one day?"
"Yes.We're here to look at art and have apple pie."
He nods, then he focuses on Simon and offers his hand."I'm Conan."
"Simon."They shake, and Simon looks between Conan and me.
"Boris and I grew up together."
"Oh."Simon smiles."So you're one of the people who might tell me grotesquely exaggerated stories about him?"
Conan grins."There is no need to exaggerate when you talk about Boris."
"Right, moving on."I push Simon away from the counter.
Zahrah snorts."Boris, you should let the man order."
Fuck."Nah, I'll order.Go snag a table."I grab Simon's shoulders and look deep into his eyes."Talk to no one.If they approach you, pretend you don't understand them."Since about half of the people around the tables are pack, I know they're not only watching us, but hear every word.
Zahrah bends down to talk to Ira."What would you like?Pie?Carrot cake?Brownie?Cinnamon roll?Danish?Or there are several different cookies."
"Danish."
She nods."And to drink?Hot chocolate?Coke?Juice?"
"Hot chocolate."
"Good choice.Run off with Daddy, and Boris and I will fix this."Ira walks over to Simon, and I smile.Maybe bringing Zahrah was a good idea.
I focus on Simon again."Apple pie, right?"
"I think I'll have the same as Zahrah."
"Ha!I win."She slaps my shoulder, and I snap my teeth at her, not realizing it isn't something normal humans do until it's too late.She only laughs, so I do my best to hide my wince.Great.Simon must think I'm insane.
Simon grabs Ira's hand, and they head for a four-seat table in the corner right next to the patio door Conan opens in the summer when he has tables in the walled-in back yard.
"Right."I focus on Conan."One hot chocolate and a Danish, two banana cream pies--"
Zahrah huffs."Caramel, you're not on pornhub now."
There are a few snickers from inside the serving area, and I roll my eyes.
"Fiiine, two banana caramel pies, and one apple pie with ice cream."
"In November?"Zahrah sounds scandalized.
