Chapter 11
Boris
I park outside Beantopia and swallow a groan. The parking lot is packed, and I recognize several of the cars. Half the pack is here. Maybe it was a dumb idea to bring Simon and Ira.
I turn to Simon. "Whatever you hear today, it's completely made up and grotesquely exaggerated."
"And? Both completely made up and grotesquely exaggerated?" He widens his eyes, and I want to lean over the center console and kiss him. Instead, I give him my best puppy eyes. I'm a werewolf, puppy eyes come naturally.
"I don't know if I should laugh or be terrified."
"Oh, don't be terrified. They can smell fear like sharks smell blood. Soldier on, head held high, and if someone talks to you, pretend you're deaf."
There is a low chuckle from the backseat, and my chest overflows with warm feelings. Who'd have thought it would be fun to have a kid tag along on a date?
"Ready, Ira?" I look at him in the rearview mirror. "The best apple pie in Rutchester. Unless you want to go visit the crazy person with the chickens. She bakes a mean apple pie." Fuck, now I want Mom's apple pie. Conan's is good, but Mom's is filled with good childhood memories.
We get out of the car, and I notice Zahrah waiting for us by the corner of the cafe. I grab Ira's hand before Simon can. "See the woman over there?" I point at Zahrah. She's wearing a thick winter jacket and an orange beanie. "That's Zahrah."
She walks toward us, and I can tell she's a bit unsure of how to act. Not something you normally see when it comes to Zahrah.
I stop in front of her. "Zahrah, this is Ira. Ira, Zahrah is my best friend in the whole wide world."
Zahrah shakes his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Ira. I hear you like wolves."
He shrugs. "I don't like them." He speaks so low it's nearly impossible to hear, and his gaze is glued to the ground.
"You don't like them? I believed you liked them. Did you only come for the pie?" I sigh dramatically. "I guess it's as good an excuse as any."
He sends me a pleading look I don't know what to do with, so I give him a small smile and squeeze his hand.
"Simon, Zahrah, Zahrah, Simon." I wave between them.
Simon holds his hand out for Zahrah. "Hi."
"It's good to meet you. All I hear is Simon this, Simon that."
"Zahrah!" Normally, I'd have growled at her, but I can't now.
She grins as if she knows exactly what dilemma she's putting me in.
"Eh..." Simon looks confused. "We don't...know each other."
Zahrah waves a hand as if it's neither here nor there, then she focuses on Ira. "So, Ira, ready for some banana caramel pie?"
The poor boy looks between me and Zahrah. I scrunch my nose. "Don't listen to her. Everyone knows we're here for apple pie."
"Don't deprive the child, Boris. You can have apple pie any day of the week. It's nothing special--" I gasp, "--whereas banana caramel pie is divine and should be enjoyed at least every other Saturday."
"Don't listen to--"
"Don't make me call your mama, Boris."
I mock growl at her, a human growl, and she laughs. Pathetic, and we both know it. Simon has the good sense to interrupt before we descend into more childish banter. "Shall we go inside?"
I love him, and the heart eyes I send his way tell him as much.
Zahrah snorts.
We head for the door, and the moment we cross the threshold, a hush falls over the tables. I glare at them. Way to make Simon uncomfortable.
Conan gives me a surprised look from behind the counter. "Boris. In Rutchester twice in one day?"
"Yes. We're here to look at art and have apple pie."
He nods, then he focuses on Simon and offers his hand. "I'm Conan."
"Simon." They shake, and Simon looks between Conan and me.
"Boris and I grew up together."
"Oh." Simon smiles. "So you're one of the people who might tell me grotesquely exaggerated stories about him?"
Conan grins. "There is no need to exaggerate when you talk about Boris."
"Right, moving on." I push Simon away from the counter.
Zahrah snorts. "Boris, you should let the man order."
Fuck. "Nah, I'll order. Go snag a table." I grab Simon's shoulders and look deep into his eyes. "Talk to no one. If they approach you, pretend you don't understand them." Since about half of the people around the tables are pack, I know they're not only watching us, but hear every word.
Zahrah bends down to talk to Ira. "What would you like? Pie? Carrot cake? Brownie? Cinnamon roll? Danish? Or there are several different cookies."
"Danish."
She nods. "And to drink? Hot chocolate? Coke? Juice?"
"Hot chocolate."
"Good choice. Run off with Daddy, and Boris and I will fix this." Ira walks over to Simon, and I smile. Maybe bringing Zahrah was a good idea.
I focus on Simon again. "Apple pie, right?"
"I think I'll have the same as Zahrah."
"Ha! I win." She slaps my shoulder, and I snap my teeth at her, not realizing it isn't something normal humans do until it's too late. She only laughs, so I do my best to hide my wince. Great. Simon must think I'm insane.
Simon grabs Ira's hand, and they head for a four-seat table in the corner right next to the patio door Conan opens in the summer when he has tables in the walled-in back yard.
"Right." I focus on Conan. "One hot chocolate and a Danish, two banana cream pies--"
Zahrah huffs. "Caramel, you're not on pornhub now."
There are a few snickers from inside the serving area, and I roll my eyes.
"Fiiine, two banana caramel pies, and one apple pie with ice cream."
"In November?" Zahrah sounds scandalized.
"Shut up or you're paying for your own pie."
She shuts up.
"Three coffees." I look at her to see if she's okay with coffee. Sometimes she wants tea. Crazy woman. She gives me a small nod.
When Conan has everything rung up, I hold my card up to the reader.
"So it's going well then?" Conan glances into the serving area where Simon and Ira are sitting by the table, talking about the painting hanging on the wall next to it. It's one of Atlas'.
I flick my hand in a so-so gesture. "I believe he thinks I'm insane."
"Like everyone else then."
I scrunch my nose. "He'll most likely lose his job this coming week, and he's worried. I don't think a relationship is in his frame of reference right now."
Conan gives me a sympathetic look. "That sucks, man. I'm sorry."
I sigh. "You don't know of any available jobs, do you?"
He shakes his head. "Nah, times are pretty hard. We've noticed a drop in customers here too. I think people are holding on to their money a little tighter with each day passing."
"Fuck."
"I'm not too worried. The pack comes here regularly, so we'll stay afloat until it turns around again, but I imagine the humans are in for a few rough years."
I nod. I'll take care of Simon and Ira, but I don't think he is ready to accept it yet.
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