Cauldrons and Cat Tails (Moonvale Matches #2)

2. Tandor

CHAPTER 2

Tandor

“ O f course, yes, let me know if you need anything else,” I said hastily to the group of humans enjoying their lunch. I took a step backwards, hoping to extract myself, smiling in a way I was pretty sure looked genuine.

I didn’t want to offend the humans—and any other time I would be happy to linger and chat with them—but I had more important things to handle at the moment. I threw a glance over my shoulder at the witch standing by the bar, looking irritated. Her green hair was pulled up off her neck, highlighting her delicate throat and dainty pointed ears. Her tapping foot grew more incessant, practically vibrating through the floor.

I sighed. Starting off on the wrong foot, again.

“Hey, Tandor, can you bring us another round?” the blonde man asked. He was slurring slightly, a bright flush in his cheeks as he tossed his arm around the shoulders of the darker skinned man sitting next to him. “It’s our anniversary. We’re celebrating,”

I clenched my teeth. “Sure, sure. Just hang on a second?—”

“You know what, it’s fine. I’ll just drop this off and get the payment sometime later!” Kizzi’s voice called out.

“No!” I shouted a bit too loudly, my voice echoing in the mostly empty room. I hurriedly turned to face Kizzi again to find that she had slung her bag over her shoulder and was heading for the door. A seed of dread sprouted in my stomach. “Don’t leave. I’m coming.”

To my patrons, I uttered a hasty, “One moment, please, and I’ll bring you those ales.”

I abandoned the dining humans with a hasty wave, hustling over to the bar. Kizzi rolled her eyes but made her way back to the bar with a huff. The soles of her boots clacked against the floor with a slow, even rhythm as she moved.

I wasn’t sure why she made me so nervous. I was usually the confident one, but it was hard to be myself when just looking at the witch made my palms sweat.

“In a hurry today, princess?” I asked, ducking below the counter to retrieve the silvers from the safe. If it took a few seconds longer than necessary, I hoped she didn’t notice. I fumbled the coin pouch twice before I had a secure enough grip on it to stand up and place it on the counter.

Kizzi snatched it quickly.

“Always. I’ve got a million things to do, of course.” She squinted her eyes at me, her ears twitching. “And don’t call me princess. It makes me sound bitchy. Princesses are only in books.”

I cracked a grin. “I can’t help myself when you’re flitting around like royalty. You stood there for less than thirty seconds before you started huffing and puffing.”

“Maybe I’ve got more important places to be.”

My smile faltered, but I fought to keep it on my face so she wouldn’t notice. “Right. Of course. Well, thank you for this. We ran out a few days ago and things have been rowdy with the potluck coming up. And then Hallow’s Eve. Ginger was hoping you’d have her order ready today. She’s out, by the way. I’m sure you noticed.” I laughed nervously. I was babbling—I knew it, but I couldn’t stop myself.

“Right…” She held the pouch of coins up with a tight smile before she tucked them in her satchel. “I’ll be going, then.”

“Of course, of course. Thank you.”

“You said that already.”

I gulped, my smile now absolutely painful. It surely looked more like a grimace. “Right.”

She gave me a finger-wagging wave before she drifted toward the door, leaving the light scent of magic and toasted apples in her wake. My smile (grimace) finally dropped from my face, and I let out a heavy sigh.

Maybe next time.

I wiped my sweaty hands off on a dish towel, tossed it over my shoulder, and set to pouring ales for my remaining patrons.

I cast a quick glance around the room to see if anyone had witnessed that absolute wreck of an interaction. I made brief eye contact with the mothman in the corner, who gave me a commiserating grimace before returning to his fruit salad. My shoulders rounded.

I had been looking forward to seeing Kizzi again. Her delivery schedule varied, but she always came by at least once a week, and I made it a point to interact with her every time. It was like a game, almost, trying to make the witch smile. She had such a lovely smile. I knew how much responsibility she carried on her shoulders, running the apothecary that took care of the entire town.

If I could lighten her mood for a moment, it gave me a strange sort of satisfaction.

Too bad I had absolutely blown it. Again. The witch hardly even noticed that I existed. Or maybe she could tell I was absolutely infatuated with her, and she simply didn’t feel the same way. I sighed heavily.

Maybe I’ll get it right next time.