The woman sat down. Moira gave me a warning look before hurrying to the walk-in. I finally shook off the numbness and smiled. “Would you like a cup of coffee or tea?”
She turned to me. “You wouldn’t happen to have any champagne?”
I shook my head. “Sorry. Fresh out.” It was ten in the fucking morning, you wretched lush.
She sniffed. “Nothing, then.”
My phone pinged again.
“I’ll be right at the register if you need me, then.”
The woman looked away and studied her freshly manicured fingernails.
I pulled my cell out again.
Do not murder her. And take a deep breath. You don’t know where this is going yet.
She’s beautiful,I wrote back to Moira.
So? Did you see her turtleneck? She’s probably covered in warts.
A smile tugged at my lips.
The door opened. Moira came out holding two large displays, set them on the worktable, and went back in for more.
When she finished, the table was so full of flowers that the woman’s face was concealed. Which helped a little, but I could still smell the deep musk of her perfume.
I turned away and let Moira help her, hoping she upcharged her by at least thirty percent.
When no other customers came inside, I hopped out of my seat and went to Ash’s table. Tess was in the back, after she passed by the woman with a stare that could have frozen a vampire with fear.
“Hey,” he said, his voice so low it was almost inaudible.
The woman wasn’t human, but she wasn’t a wolf either. Some kind of shifter, but I couldn’t peg the type.
“You okay?”
I hadn’t texted Caelan yet, and I wasn’t sure I would. This was none of my business. Yet.
I gave him a reassuring smile. “I’m fine. I went to see him yesterday, and we’re in a good place.”
Ash’s gaze flicked to the woman. “Alright. You’ll let me know if that changes?”
I nodded. “I’m sure you’ll know without me saying anything.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
Thankfully, the woman didn’t stay long. She chose my least favorite of Moira’s selections, one I knew Caelan would hate, and breezed out the door, her sleek hair rustling in the wind when she stepped outside.
No one spoke for a long moment.
“She’s cheap,” Moira said. “The bitch took the one withcarnations.”
The horror in her voice broke the tension.
“Did you tell Caelan?” Ash asked.
I shook my head. “He’ll find out soon enough.”
