Chapter 3
Eleanor
The Singing Seahorse is absolutely charming. The dark wood floors and mahogany furniture, the sconces dotted along the old stone walls, and the feminine touch with its coral accents and deep azure fabrics make it the prettiest pub I’ve seen in my life.
Everything about tonight, about this place, has exceeded every single one of my expectations.
Each creature I’ve met has been lovely, welcoming me into their fold like a long-lost friend.
I’ve received genuine compliments for my outfit and even my hair, but most significantly, many have gushed about the work I’ve put into helping Maisie with her cakery.
The heartfelt interest in each other’s lives is such a stark contrast to what I’m used to, and a not-so-tiny part of me longs to have more of this community in my life.
Tonight I’ve been able to simply be myself.
Not an ounce of self-consciousness has entered my body as I’ve chatted to new friends while enjoying some delectable treats or while letting loose on the dance floor.
I’ve danced so much that even my meticulously straightened hair has gone frizzy.
Here, there’s no need to care about anything superficial.
We can revel in being unfiltered versions of ourselves.
Catching Audrey’s arm once she’s finished a rather impressive twirl, I pull her toward me and raise my voice to be heard above the music. “I’m going to get some water and sit down a bit. Be back soon.”
“Okey dokey,” Audrey sing-songs before planting a kiss on my cheek. She raises her arms above her head and meanders toward the front of the dance floor, where she joins Maisie and Calixta in some vigorously suggestive moves that should come with a parental advisory notice.
Giggling to myself, I grab a glass of water from the bar counter and a carrot cupcake before slinking toward the back of the room where the music is at a more manageable volume.
I flop into a booth and sigh contentedly as my overstimulated self takes a quiet moment to breathe in all the joy in the air.
“I know that look,” an elderly human lady says as she lowers herself down next to me. “It’s the ‘I’m having so much fun, but I need a break from the noise, but I also don’t want to be too far from the action either’ look.”
My cheeks burn as I wince. “Is it that obvious?”
“Well, it takes one to know one,” she says with a quick wink, the kindness in her eyes making my short-lived tension seep out of my shoulders.
“Glad to know I’m in good company.” My smile is wide as I hold out my hand for her. “I’m Eleanor.”
“I know who you are, dear. It’s very, very nice to officially meet you. I’m Lucille. I’m the owner of the shop next door: The Dancing Daisy.”
Not surprised that she recognizes me since I’m the only newcomer tonight, I skip over the cryptic comment and choose to focus on her shop. “I adore all the business names on Starry Hill. What kind of goods do you have at The Dancing Daisy?”
“It’s a bookshop. We also have stationery and a small candy section that’s well frequented by the town.” Just by the warmth in her voice when talking about The Dancing Daisy, I know how much she loves her shop.
Turning in my seat to face her more directly, I place a hand on my heart as I say, “Lucille, you just named all of my favorite things in the entire world. I think we’re meant to be friends.”
The lines around Lucille’s eyes deepen as she grins. “Would you like to come see it? I’d love to have you over for some tea, then we can compare notes on our favorite books.”
I’m already nodding before she’s finished talking. “You name the time, and I’ll be there.”
“How’s next weekend?”
“It’s a date.”
“Who’s got a date?” Doc Calla asks as she hops onto the bench next to Lucille.
The goblin doctor might be small in stature, but I’ve quickly learned that she balances that with her wit and tenderheartedness.
Not only did she adopt Bodin and his twin sister Beryl when they arrived on Starry Hill as young kids, but from what Audrey and Tilly have told me, she’s also the town’s de facto matriarch.
“We do,” Lucille answers, laying her parchmenty hand on mine. “Dear Eleanor is going to come visit my shop next weekend for some tea and book talk.”
Something passes between the two older women before Doc Calla turns her intelligent hazel eyes on me. “Welcome to Starry Hill, Eleanor. We hope you’ll be very happy with each second you spend here.”
My mouth opens and closes a couple of times while I try to make sense of her comment. I’m just visiting, but it almost sounds like she’s welcoming me as a resident. That’s not happening. It’s not like they need commercial lawyers here very often.
Choosing not to correct Doc Calla, I smile and thank her. “I’ve had a lot of fun tonight, and I hope there are many more events like this to come. Thank you for allowing me to join.”
Lucille pats my hand. “Talking about fun, it’s about time us old ladies head back home before things get really rowdy.”
Doc Calla cocks a brow at her friend. “Don’t pretend you don’t like all the rowdiness.”
“Oh, you know I do. But I’ve reached my limit for today.” Turning back to me, Lucille asks, “Eleanor, are you staying on the island tonight or heading home?”
I lift my chin to quickly scan the crowd. “Audrey and I are heading back tonight. Viggo offered to take us, but I’m not sure when. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Juniper for some time either.”
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.”