"Triaxen taste buds must process it differently," the older man said, wiping his hands on his apron."Most folks can't get enough."Ancelin snatched Krevan's glass and drained it with noisy satisfaction.
"No harm done," Krevan assured Krammer.
Ancelin's eyes lit up."Could I take some home?For my dinner party?"
"Absolutely, Mrs.Vallex.Got twelve-packs by the register."Krammer beamed."Good choice, isn't it?"
"Delicious," she confirmed.
"Anything else I can help with?"
"Wrapping paper, maybe?Or just plain white sheets—something large."
"Plain white we've got."
"Perfect."Ancelin tapped her fingers on the counter."What else do you carry, Mr.Krammer?"She tasted the last drops from Krevan's empty glass while he watched, his nose wrinkling.
Krevan slid his water glass toward her."Rinse your mouth.I'd like to kiss you later without retching."
"You can't be serious."She stared at the water glass.
"Do I look like I'm joking?"His expression remained stone-faced.
"It's not that sweet."She took a reluctant sip of water.
"It's revolting," Krevan insisted."I'm happy you enjoyed it, but please—" he nudged the water closer, "—clean your mouth thoroughly.I won't kiss tea-root soda lips."Krammer's eyes crinkled at the corners as he watched their exchange.
"We're a regular emporium, Mrs.Vallex," the shopkeeper interjected."Food, medicine, stationery, toys, furniture—you need it, we probably stock it."
"Do you have any rocking chairs?"
"Two in the back.Follow me."Krammer gestured toward the rear of the store.Ancelin hopped off her stool and wobbled slightly.Krevan steadied her with a gentle hand at her elbow.
"The soda's not alcoholic, I promise," Krammer said, raising his palms defensively.
"Just my own two feet betraying me," Ancelin said with a laugh.Krevan followed, shaking his head fondly as they reached the furniture display.
"This one!"Ancelin's eyes widened at the white rocker.She ran her fingers along the curved arm."It's perfect.Will it fit in our vehicle?Is it terribly expensive?"
"It'll fit," Krevan assured her."We'll take it, Krammer.As you can see, my wife is quite taken with it."
"So, I notice," Krammer said with a knowing smile.
"I want to see what else they have."Ancelin darted down a nearby aisle before Krevan could follow.
"Never waits for me," Krevan muttered, watching her disappear around a corner.
"I'll have the chair brought up front," Krammer said."There's also a matching changing table, if your wife might be interested."
"A what?"Ancelin reappeared so suddenly it was as if she'd materialized."Did you say changing table?"
"For the baby," Krammer confirmed, pointing to a white wooden table with raised edges.
"Show me."
Krammer led her to the display, where Ancelin traced the smooth surface with reverent fingers.
"We'll take this too," she said, her face luminous with joy."It's absolutely perfect."
