“I am sorry,” I say, bending my head, my tail hanging with utter humiliation. “I wanted to have food prepared when you awoke.”
“But you didn’t even know how to cook it!” Fiona waves her hands in the air, trying to dissipate the smoke. “I could have shown you.”
“Jumped the gun,” Khesan says with a wink. What does that mean?
Fiona turns to him. “Where’d you hear that?”
“It was in my book of Earth sayings.” He looks so smug right now, I could just punch him in the face. “It means, Shathar, trying something beyond you. Being foolish in an attempt to show off.”
A hiss spills from my lips, and my fans flex atop my head.
“None of that,” Fiona snaps, stopping us in our tracks. “I have to clean up. Then I can make breakfast.” She takes a few deep, calming breaths. I want to apologize again, but I think I’ve already done enough. So I step aside and watch as Fiona digs out cleaning supplies and scrapes the charred meat off the stove, then cleans it.
“Might be like this permanently,” she mutters to herself, and my guilt grows teeth.
I was supposed to be the mature one, the one who wouldn’t make such stupid errors. But Khesan looks incredibly pleased as he seats himself at the table, and I sit as far away from him as possible.
After cleaning is finished, Fiona says, “Here, I’ll show both of you how to cook in a human home, okay?”
I am cowed as I get up and join Khesan in watching. She instructs us on where to find pans, how to oil them, how to cook the meat safely. She shows us her seasoning cabinet, suggesting the easiest ones to use. Then she brings out white globes that are called “chicken” eggs. They smell great as they cook, and I pay close attention to the way the egg turns white and the yellow center thickens.
Finally, she serves it all on plates with what she calls “toast,” which is a baked good sliced and baked again, making it utterly delicious.
“First thing we need to do is go buy some more food,” she says. “I wasn’t prepared for two of you.”
It is unfortunate that Fiona has been saddled with two of us when she only asked for one husband. Now her workload, and cost, is doubled.
“Then maybe we should go to the thrift store so you can each get some decor that represents you.” She offers an encouraging smile. “For your rooms.”
I know she is referring to our discussion last night about redecorating her mother’s former quarters. I hope that means she’s forgiven me for this morning’s unfortunate mishap.
“I am used to sparse quarters,” says Khesan. “There is no need on my behalf. In the military, we live in a minimalist way.”
“And that’s why you brought two bags?” I ask, snark in my tone.
“Now my clothes will not need to be washed as often as yours,” he tosses back.
Fiona raises her hands. “Actually, that reminds me. I should take both of you clothes shopping. Your alien fashion is… not really Earth fashion.”
I smirk at Khesan, as this was my plan: get Earth clothes and attempt to blend in. Learn all of Earth’s customs so I can be the best husband possible.
“We might need to get you some custom pants for those tails, though…” Fiona trails off as she examines both of us. “Amara knows a good tailor.”
“I did bring money,” Khesan pipes up. “I had it changed at the space station before we departed for Earth. I can pay for any additional clothing I might need.”
I stare at him. Damn. That was good thinking on his part. When I sold my store, most of my assets went with it. I have sizable savings, which I didn’t even think to turn into human money before coming here.
Vakha. Now Fiona will be saddled with the cost of having custom pants made for me. That is certainly a mark in favor of Khesan.
“Perhaps I can go change money at the spaceport,” I suggest.
Fiona shakes her head. “It’s a long way. No worries at all. I set aside money for exactly this.”
She’s so bright and cheery and optimistic, I admire her immensely.
“All right.” Fiona grabs some canvas bags from under the sink and strolls to the door. “Let’s go to the grocery store.”
I did not know what to expect from an Earthling grocery. Back on Arshur, my shop was mid-sized, specializing in fresh fruits and vegetables. I had struck a deal with many of the area farmers to get first pick of their stock in the mornings, so I could offer the best of the best to my customers. It earned me much loyalty and respect in my community.
