Garridan wasn’t the type to sit around and let someone else take care of him. He was the exact opposite, in fact. Sage fully expected Garridan to find a way to make the carpentry work. He was good at it and he seemed to enjoy it.
“By the gods, you really are back,” Andrea said as he came behind the long counter.
He smiled and then held out his arms for the hug he could tell Andrea wanted, but wasn’t sure if she should go for. It was sad how insecure his friends had gotten around him. He knew his body language said hands-off and he was getting better at telling people when he didn’t want to be touched.
They hugged quickly and Sage pulled away. “Have you met Garridan?”
“Not officially. He was at the challenge, though.” Andrea wriggled her eyebrows. “He’s really cute. A sexy badass.”
Sage chuckled. “I’ll introduce you. Just let me get him some coffee. He’s kinda addicted to it now and gets a little grouchy without it.”
“I’ll bring it to him and introduce myself. You should go back and say hello to Rory before the morning rush starts. He’s been grumbly alot because he’s had to come up front and serve the customers a time or two.”
“Oh man, you must have been desperate. I’m so sorry I left you hanging.”
Andrea waved him away. “You went through something traumatic, Sage. I’m surprised you’re here now. It still seems early, given the circumstances.”
“Thanks for giving me time. You can thank Garridan and Dr. Tucker for my being here. Really, it’s Garridan that makes me…better than I really am.” Sage thought about that for a second. “Yeah, that’s about it. I feel almost normal when I’m with him.”
Sage handed the coffee to Andrea. “That’s really sweet. I hope I find my mate soon and I have the same reaction to him or her.”
“Do you hope for a male or female more?”
“I’m bisexual so I don’t care about gender. Never have.”
“Hey, I wanted to ask you about the empty storefront next door before we get busy and I forget. Is it available and cheap?”
“Yes and Yes. Do you know someone who might want it?” She was like a dog waiting for someone to throw a ball at the mere mention of filling the space.
“Yeah. Garridan and I are interested. Maybe you can talk to him about it.” Sage smiled and watched Andrea walk around the counter, over to Garridan. She said something and tilted her head to the side. Knowing Garridan the way he did, Sage wouldn’t be surprised if he silently demanded that of her. Ramsey wasn’t a very formal Alpha and didn’t hold much to propriety, but Garridan, on the other hand, did. The clan would have to get used to it.
Andrea said something and they shook hands. She pointed to the wall that separated the restaurant from the empty space next door. Garridan nodded his head.
She’s showing me the storefront. I’ll be right back.He heard Garridan say through their bond link. Sage nodded.
Garridan winked. Sage smiled and headed into the back.
Rory was already there prepping the kitchen.
“Can I do anything to help?” Sage hated doing nothing while he was at work. It was called work for a reason and he wasn’t about to stand around wasting Andrea’s money.
“Well, it’s about fucking time. You know how much I hate people and I had to interact with them,” Rory had his long hair pulled up and piled on top of his head. He was supposed to wear a hairnet, but never did, no matter how much Andrea yelled at him to put the thing on.
“Well, it’s a good thing you’re pretty, because that, at least, makes up for your prickly personality.” Which was probably why Andrea even let him go to the front and serve in the first place. The only way Rory made any tips at all was from his gorgeous face.
“Saw your mate at the challenge. He’s one scary mother fucker,” Rory said.
“I suppose he would be to most shifters.”
“He doesn’t scare you?”
Sage made a face. “He’s a big softy.”
Rory’s eyebrows raised. “You can make the pancake batter. You still remember how, right?” Rory moved around the kitchen with an efficiency that spoke of his years on the job.
Sage rolled his eyes. “I wasn’t gone that long.”
“Felt like forever.”
