Doc Calla’s mouth lifts into a knowing smirk. “Viggo snuck Juniper away quite a while ago, but I’m sure they’ll resurface soon.” It takes me a moment to realize she means that quite literally—Viggo probably has Juniper somewhere in the ocean, doing some fun stuff with his tentacles to her.
Before I can think of an appropriate response, Lucille suggests, “Or, you can ask Beck to take you.”
At the mention of his name, heat spreads down my face and over my chest. “I wouldn’t want to impose,” I say quickly, not wanting Beck to see me sweaty and unkempt like this.
Doc Calla leans back in her seat as she studies me, patience and wisdom reflecting in her eyes as a gentle sliver of a smile pulls at her mouth. “Please do. I’m very certain that dragon wouldn’t mind some imposing from you.”
“Oh?” I squeak, my gaze ricocheting off every surface as my brain scrambles to decipher what she means. I might be a grown woman at thirty-four, but it seems that even the mere mention of Beck takes me back to my awkward preteen self and the innocent little crush I had on him back then. The little crush that might be repeating itself now.
Lucille shoos her friend out of the booth. “I’m afraid we’ve said too much. Just be gentle with him,” she says, scooting along toward the edge of the bench. Pausing, she adds, “But not too gentle. Perhaps a good conversation is needed. Direct honesty goes a long way with him.”
A little confused, I stare at the two ladies now standing on the other side of the table. “I’ll try to remember that if I run into him again.”
Doc Calla wiggles her eyebrows at me, and before walking out of the pub, says, “I’m certain you will.”
