“I’m glad you care about them and about doing it right.”
Her cheeks flushed. “That’s my job.”
“No,” I said. “Your job is to establish a program that meets the contract requirements. Caring about the sorhoxes’ welfare and the quality of the end result is something else entirely.”
She didn’t have an answer for that, but she didn’t need one. The way she looked at Thrakul, with respect and genuine interest, said everything.
Footsteps approached from the direction of town. Lavon, the new orc chef at the saloon, walked toward us.
“Hello,” he said with a polite nod when he reached us, before directing his attention Holly’s way. “I wanted to speak with you about the holiday menu additions before the breakfast rush starts.”
Aunt Inla straightened, smoothing her floral prairie dress and patting her silver-threaded hair.
“Of course.” Holly hopped off the rail and strode over to where he waited.
Lavon’s dark eyes found Inla sitting on the fence rail, and he inclined his head. “Good morning to you, Inla.”
“A lovely day, isn’t it, Lavon?” The tips of her pointed ears darkened. “How are you settling in at the saloon?”
“Well, thank you for asking.”
Carla looked between Aunt Inla and Lavon, clearly noting something I wasn’t seeing.
Lavon glanced my way. “Holly mentioned you were demonstrating sorhox handling today. I hope it’s going well.”
“It is. I used Max as a test, and he shows natural ability.”
Lavon smiled. “Younglings often see possibilities where adults see only obstacles.”
“Speaking of which,” Holly said. “We should let you get back to work. Max, come on. The bakery won’t run itself.”
Max’s shoulders drooped. “But I want to see more training.”
“Another time. Becken and Carla have work to do, and I need to speak with Lavon. You need to do your homework.” She smiled at Carla. “He has a half-day today and won’t be going in until after lunch.”
“Okay,” Max said with a sigh.
“I’ll walk back with you,” Lavon told Holly. “We can discuss those menu items along the way.”
As the three left, Aunt Inla scooted off the railing, landing gracefully on the ground. She hurried to catch up to them. “Lavon, if you need any supplies from the general store?—”
“I’ll be sure to stop by,” he said. “Perhaps tomorrow?”
“That would be delightful.”
Delightful, huh?
After they left, the arena felt quiet again. Different than usual, though. Instead of the solitude I typically craved, I could sense an expectant energy in the air.
Carla remained by the fence, watching the group disappear toward town. “They’re really invested in this program’s success.”
“More than I expected when I agreed to take this job. In the orc kingdom, work was work. Here, everything seems to be community business.”
“Does that bother you?”
I considered the question. “Less than it should, maybe.”
She turned back toward me, and I caught something thoughtful in her expression. “You didn’t expect to like it here.”
