Page 70 of The Billionaire Orc

When the goblin stepped back, biting her lip, it suddenly occurred to Shona that there was a chink in the girl’s armor, a softer side that she might be able to appeal to.

Sure, she was grabbing at straws, but right now straws were all she had.

With superhuman effort, she replaced her scowl with a smile. “I understand you were just doing your job. I have my period, and I’m very sensitive right now. Is there sanitary wear here?”

“In the bathroom cabinet.” The girl said and had the grace to let her go to the bathroom alone.

When she came back the older goblin had left, and only the girl remained. “I’m so sorry, ma’am,” she muttered, her cheeks flushing pink. “I’ve never had to do this before, and I’ve never been this close to a human.”

Shona’s heart softened. “We’re much like any other species,” she said, but she could tell the goblin didn’t believe her. How was she going to engage her? As she sat down at the dressing table, her sharp fashion sense kicked in, and she noticed the goblin was wearing pretty earrings and a nice belt around her ugly grey dress.

“What’s your name?” Shona asked.

“Zoe.”

“That’s a really pretty name. I love your earrings, Zoe. Are they Zion stone?”

The girl nodded. “My mom bought them for my eighteenth.”

“They’re so pretty. I can tell you love fashion.” It felt surreal chatting like this, but she had to get Zoe on side, and fast. “I used to work in the industry.”

The goblin’s eyes lit up. “Really. You did? Monsieur Matteus, he is very big in the fashion world. That’s why I—I was so happy to get this job.”

“Yes, his company is very successful. I worked for the Kominsky brand for a while.”

“Really. Wow!” The goblin’s calloused red hands flew to her mouth in awe. “That’s amazing. I—I’d love to study fashion, but you know, no chance for our kind.” Her shoulders slumped. “Besides, I can’t read.”

“Don’t think like that, Zoe. Motham College is introducing new courses all the time, and I know they run literacy programs. I’m sure fashion will be on their agenda soon.”

“I’d love that.”

“So do you live here or in Motham City, Zoe?” she asked casually, picking up the hair brush from the dressing table and running it through her damp hair.

“Motham ma’am. I work here during the week and I go home to my family every other weekend.”

Shona’s mind whirred. Today was Friday. What if this was Zoe’s weekend to go home?

Then Zoe answered her question for her. “I’m going back to Motham tonight to visit my ma and pa and my little brothers.”

“That’s quite a drive. I guess sometimes you stop off on your way past Twill, do you?” Shona said, adding lightly, “Do you know Dove’s Delicatessen on the edge of Twill?”

“Aye, I do.”

“That’s my parents’ shop.”

“Really?” Zoe clapped her hands gleefully. “They do the best elderberry frappe. And their murk mushroom pies are to die for.”

“Oh yes, my mom has been making those pies ever since I was a kid. They were always my favorites too.”

The young goblin licked her lips.

“Maybe you should pop in and say you’ve met me when you go past today. They’d probably give you a complimentary pie or shake.”

“Really? You think they would?”

Shona nodded. “I’m sure they would.”

Zoe was bouncing on her toes with excitement now.

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