“We’re going to throw axes, drink beer, have pizza, and you’re going to catch me up on everything I need to know. Including what the deal is with Marina and that showdown you had during the news segment.”
That sounded almost perfect. “I’m not sure about beer and axes, but what the hell.”
He’d already booked their lane, and a server brought over the large pizza with greasy pools reflecting the red lighting overhead, as well as a pitcher of beer and frosty glasses.
Between bouts of throwing an axe at a giant dartboard type thing, she filled him in on the community stuff as well as the time she’d spent with Marina. His quips and teasing made everything feel lighter.
“Seriously, though,” he said, plunking himself down on a stool and taking a big gulp of beer. “It does seem like you’re headed for heartbreak hotel, you know?”
River picked up an axe, hefted it as she thought about Black Pinnacle, and then threw it straight into the middle red circle. “And we didn’t get alongbeforeI knew what she did for a living. That hasn’t changed.”
He tilted his head. “Well, I mean, it kinda has.” When she threw him a questioning look, he shrugged. “It sounds like you had a really good time on that rooftop.”
They had, it was true. And the kiss had been something special. “Maybe we’d have a slim chance if we weren’t on opposite sides.”
He raised his beer in salute. “To heartbreak and lust.”
Saturday morning dawned bright and cold, and the wind whipped the trees in front of River’s house into a chaotic dance. Yawning, she looked down to see if she had any spectral visitors, but perhaps the day was too bright for them. Unfocused spirits seemed to need the night to show up with any real pseudo-physicality.
Her bedside lamp clicked on and off several times. “I’m up, Marjorie. And I appreciate the lack of your usual morning wakeup call.” She’d hardly seen Marjorie the past few days. Could she be preparing to move on after all this time? Her phone buzzed with a text from Audrey.
Audrey: Coffee. Bring extra for backup later. Billy bringing us black cherry cinnamon buns.
She sent back a googly-eyed emoji that didn’t mean anything. Thankfully, Audrey had decided to drive the van to the festival, which meant River could take her bike. It would make the thirty-minute drive to the festival a lot easier if she could dart through traffic. She took a last look in the mirror. The V-neck black shirt with the shop logo on it hugged her biceps, and the light windbreaker had the logo on the chest. Black jeans and boots, plus a thick black leather bracelet completed the ensemble.
She shook her head at her quick thought that she hoped Marina would like the look and headed out. Twenty-five minutes later, she had parked and was walking to The Book Cellar. She waved to Sue, who ran the Chakra Shop, a similar place to Echoes, and Sue waved a pretty pink scarf in return. People were already sitting at the makeshift patio The Book Cellar set up during festival days, and the inside was buzzing with browsers and baristas alike. River smiled at the signs for the wine andreading book group, the wine and women authors book group, and even the wine and wicked children group, who met while their children were entertained by drag queens who read them children’s stories. Fortunately, their coffee was good too.
She ordered five lattes: two plain, two with pumpkin spice, and a s’mores one for Billy, who would say it wasn’t as good as what he served even as he drank the very last drop.
“Here you go,” the barista said, giving River a blatant once-over. “Looks like you’ve got your hands full though.”
River looked at her helmet, then at the tray of coffee, the extra one at its side. “Guess I’ll just have to be careful.”
“Or I could give you a hand. Are you a stallholder?” she asked, looking at River’s logo.
“I am, but that’s not necessary, thanks.” She slipped her arm through the opening in her helmet and tugged it up to her elbow. Then she grabbed the single drink with that hand, and the tray with the other. “All good.”
The young woman didn’t look upset, but River caught the mild irritation that threaded her energy. She was cute and probably not used to being turned down. She was also way too young. It would be like dating one of the kids who came to the tarot workshops. Even the thought of it made her cringe.
She walked along the road lined with vendors on both sides. It was early enough that she didn’t need to dodge too many people, thankfully. More than once her helmet had started to slide down her arm, and she’d had to stop to shimmy it back up.
“Those are some moves you’ve got there.”
She smiled before she turned around, liking the sound of Marina’s voice even with all the complications it brought with it. “I’d like to think so, but you haven’t seen the best ones yet.”
“Yet.” Marina plucked the single coffee out of River’s hand. “Nice outfit.”
River wondered if people could preen like peacocks. If she’d had a big, fancy tail of feathers, it would be waving away right now. “Thanks. You look nice.”
Marina’s wry expression suggested what she thought of that. “You’re not a fan of office chic?”
“No, no. It’s…nice.” She winced and started walking again, Marina beside her. “You look great. It’s very lawyerly.” The skirt suit was a sky gray, with a hint of a black top under the buttoned-up jacket. Her heels were low, the comfortable, practical kind.
“I have no idea if I should be happy about that or not.”
River stopped in front of Billy’s tent. “Hey, Billy Goat Gruff. Got you something.” She tilted her head at Marina, who turned to hand Billy his drink.
“You know I don’t drink this swill.” He took a deep sip. “But I will because you spent money on it. Marina, good to see you looking less unconscious and sweaty.”
