Page 48 of A Dash of Wolf

The rush died down around eleven, and Emory came through the archway with two hot chais with the cinnamon powder steamed in, just the way Adeline liked it. The last of her customers had just left, so she was basking in the silence.

“You’re glowing,” Emory said, handing her a cup.

“I am not glowing.”

“Please, I bet you can be seen from the sky,” Princess Muffin Top said. “It’s repulsive.”

“So tell me everything,” Emory said. “I’ve heard bits and pieces from the rumors this morning, but I want to hear it from you.” She waggled her finger at Adeline. “And don’t think I’m not aware I had to hear this from others before I heard it from you, my best friend.”

Adeline winced. “I know. I’m sorry. It just all happened so fast.” She took a sip of her chai and tried to keep from dancing a jig right there. “I went to Mason’s house after I closed the bakery yesterday.”

Emory nearly fell off the stool. “No way! And?”

“And I gave him the chocolate chip cookies I made for him. We talked. He apologized and told me his side, and I apologized and told him my side.” She paused and blinked back tears. “Did you know he called an emergency council meeting yesterday and single-handedly saved the squish-squids?”

Emory grinned. “I’ve heard that rumor.”

“I still can’t believe it.” She wiped away a tear. “And then I told him about my parents and what it was like growing up like I did.” She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “I told him everything, Emory. Things I’ve only shared with you.”

“Oh, honey. Good for you.” Emory took a sip of her chai. “What did he say?”

“He said, ‘Thank you for telling me.’” She laughed. “That was it. And it was the exact thing I needed to hear.”

“They made out,” Princess Muffin Top said. “Don’t let her lie to you like that, Emory. It was repulsive, and all I could do not to be sick right there.”

Emory snorted. “What do you think your grandmother will say when she finds out?”

Adeline’s eyes went wide. “Get this! Apparently Grandmother Lavinia went to Mason after he spoke to the council and told him it would be ‘acceptable’ for him to ask me out.”

Emory’s mouth fell open. “No way! Grandmother Lavinia said acceptable?”

Adeline held up her hand. “Her word.”

“That’s practically a declaration of love coming from that woman,” Emory snickered. “So now what?”

“Now we just take it slowly.”

The front door banged open, and Tempi Draven came storming in. Her silver-blonde hair lifted and swirled around her shoulders on its own...no breeze, no wind, just pure air elemental fury. She had a gift bag dangling from one arm and murder in her eyes.

“That man makes me so mad!” Tempi slammed the gift bag onto the table where Adeline and Emory were sitting with enough force to rattle the napkin dispenser. “I just want to whip up a dust storm and smother him!”

Emory laughed, happy to focus on something else. “What’s Ronin done now?”

“You should see this ridiculous treasure hunt he put together without my approval!” Tempi jabbed a finger at the bag. “Without. My. Approval! We are supposed to be co-chairs for the town’s birthday celebration, but he went behind my back and changed everything!”

Adeline frowned. “What’s wrong with the treasure hunt?”

Tempi’s mouth opened and shut twice without producing any sound.

“Stop doing that,” Princess Muffin Top said from her bed. “You look like my pet goldfish.”

Emory turned to Princess Muffin Top. “You have a pet goldfish?”

“I might. The details are classified.” Princess Muffin Top yawned. “Continue with your meltdown, Tempi.”

“He’s making this a costume treasure hunt!” Tempi exclaimed. “Have you ever heard of such a ridiculous idea?”

“What’s wrong with that?” Adeline asked. “It actually sounds fun.”