Orvis narrowed her eyes. “Really?”
“Yes.” She flipped through her cell phone and showed Orvis her schedule. “See?”
“Hmm. How do I tell Nessa without telling Nessa?”
“Ask the manager.”
“Who is the manager?”
“She isn’t here right now, but her name is Stiila?”
Orvis frowned. “Hm. That is tricky. I can’t ask her to take over; she’s invited to the party.”
“Too bad, so sad. I have a steady gig here, and I don’t want to blow it. Our first guests just came in, and I don’t want to make them uncomfortable in the extreme. I have told them they can call on me, and I want to uphold that.”
Orvis frowned. “I think I am getting too used to getting what I want where Stovos is concerned.”
“I think so. I just got this job, and I am not going to put myself in a position to be fired before my first paycheque.” Bethany looked at her and willed her to understand.
“Do you have a lot of trouble finding jobs?”
“Lots. My online resume is miserable, and I haven’t been able to get a job that pays me enough to live on.”
“I thought we gave you new identification.”
“They had watchers at every campus. As soon as I was spotted, they tried to capture me again. I am very tired and just want enough for a small house, a little garden, and enough nearby wilderness to let my freak flag fly.”
Orvis nodded. “I get that. I didn’t choose Stovos for protection, but he’s managed to get me the right to raise my own daughter if we have one. He’s trying frequently.”
“And you have taken up knitting during the attempts?”
“Funny. No, I am with him all the way. I just never thought about being able to raise my own child.”
“That is literally what this facility is for. Mind you, you live with Nessa, so if you ask, she will help you synchronize.”
Orvis blinked. “I think Stovos wants to try it his way for a year or so.”
“Very well. Take a pamphlet.” Bethany gave the harpy one of the new pamphlets.
Orvis snorted and took it, reading it quietly. She smiled. “I will talk to Nessa. If I can get someone to replace you here, what is the last day to notify you?”
“For Saturday? I need to know by Wednesday night so I can change my diet.”
“More meat?”
“Less. I don’t want to hurt anyone.” Bethany smiled.
“Why didn’t you change your name? They can summon you if they know your name.”
“Bethany is too common, and I did change my last name.”
“What is it?”
Bethany sighed. “You won’t speak it around mages?”
“No.”
“Everall.”
