Deryn took a sip, realized she forgot to heat the coffee, and made a face. Seren visibly gloated.
“I could’ve made you a new one.”
“I don’t want a new one. I didn’t even want this one. And as for that slippery slope… I think when a grown-ass man stands in front of the entire town and calls romance novels ‘smut,’ and no one but our crazy aunt stands up to him while everybody else fucking laughs, we have bigger problems.”
“Look at you, Deryn Lyn Crowhart, all political.”
Seren winked, and Deryn exhaled.
“Are you trying to get my goat?”
“What would I do with a goat, twin of mine? On a more serious note, getting your goat wouldn’t take as much as you think it would, Der. You’re on edge. With a girlfriend that hot, and you’re here at eight in the evening instead of up on the Viridescent Cliff. What gives?”
“She has a meeting with a financial advisor about potential campaign targets. She really wants to see how she can fund the women’s shelter. Or, well, Survivors Center, as she calls it. She wants to make it inclusive. Everyone is welcome, anyone who needs help, you know?”
Deryn tapped her fingers on the counter and thought about the vehemence with which Paloma advocated for the shelter every time they spoke. How passionately she spoke about it to townsfolk.
Seren said nothing, just kept wiping the tall latte glasses.
“What? You’re not going to tell me that you’re against the project, Ren?”
Seren paused and lifted a hand palm up.
“There are about two thousand people on the island. Do you think a shelter is our first priority?”
Deryn chewed on her lower lip. This was an argument she’d heard often.
“I think she knows what she’s doing.”
“That’s some blind faith there, twin.”
Deryn pushed the cold coffee away.
“So, you think that douche’s museum proposal is somehow a better idea?”
Seren stopped wiping the glass and leaned closer, her voice low.
“You know, that asshole Fowler was also trying to build one. Why? What the hell is so damn special about a museum that two separate and seemingly unconnected candidates want to build? Ever asked yourself that? Do you think Paloma has? ’Cause if not, she should.”
Deryn gave her a long look before standing up.
“Well, I guess I will have to go and ask her.”
“You’re welcome for the pretext, Der.”
Deryn tossed, “I don’t need any,” over her shoulder before she exited Crow’s Brew.
Snow was falling in large flakes, and she inhaled the cold air, trying to make sense of her thoughts. In the distance, as if playing tag with Dragon Eye, the resort was all lights and glass splendor, beckoning her. Deryn walked on. She could’ve taken a car. She could’ve even taken her bike. Why the hell was she walking? The idea to go back for her bike was becoming more and more appealing.
“Penny for your thoughts?”
Deryn nearly jumped out of her skin as Prudence smiled down at her from the balcony of Book Nest.
“It must be below freezing, Pru. What are you doing out?”
Deryn blew on her fingers, then gave a furtive look around and let her magic warm her skin. Her palms glowed with pale, golden light, and she caught Prudence watching her with delight.
“What?”
