As I pass a table with four women in elegant purple dresses, I catch one of them whispering, “She defeated the witch and saved that handsome stranger? If the gods were still here, I’d say she has been bestowed a blessing.”
Blessed by the gods? They clearly haven’t seen the wreckage that was my house or the tattered, bloody nightgown I left behind because the witch tried to kill me.
I make it to Rook’s table and let out a relieved breath. He’s already becoming a safe space for me. I don’t want to be a fool, so I try to shove that feeling aside.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I ordered for you.” Rook nods at the breakfast spread waiting to be devoured.
Eggs over easy. Toast. A bowl of fresh fruit. Strawberry jam. And coffee.
“All of my favorite things,” I say, my voice cracking, catching me off guard. This is an unexpected kindness and a welcome gift. Rook stands so he can pull back my chair for me. When I sit, and he situates me at the table, the whispering behind us increases.
I glance over my shoulder to find more women eyeing Rook.
“The food looks delicious,” I tell him, trying to ignore the attention.
“I really can’t take the credit. I just put in an order and Remy and their kitchen staff made the magic happen. I did try the toast and jam. I’m told it has rhubarb in it as well. I hope that’s all right.”
The wordrhubarbin his accent sounds like an incantation.
Goosebumps rise on my arms.
Rook takes his seat and pours me a cup of coffee from the pot. A curtain of steam rises up between us.
“Sugar or cream?” he asks.
“I like it black.”
We don’t often have extra money lying around for such indulgences.
I take a tentative sip. The coffee is piping hot, the flavor rich and robust, with maybe a hint of hazelnut.
“Wow. This is good.”
“I agree. I think I like coffee.”
“Is that the first official thing we know about you?”
He laughs. “It’s as good as any place to start, I suppose?”
“Honestly, I would have questioned your life choices if you said you didn’t like coffee.”
“Oh?” He raises his brow. “Please warn me of the other things that would make you question my life choices.”
I set the mug down, but keep my hand wrapped around it for the warmth. It’s not chilly in the Hollow, but with no sun and it being early morning, there is a sharpness to the air.
“Okay, let’s see.…” I think of all the things that make my day better. The things that give me joy. “Rainfall.”
“I do love a good storm.”
“A thick quilt.”
“Who hates blankets?”
“Fresh-cut flowers.”
“The jewels of the world, truly.”
“So you agree then?”
