Page 14 of Only Human in Strangeville

“Hannah.” I offered my hand, which he shook.

“Roo!”

“And Nimbus.”

He kneeled and gave the puppy a good scratch behind the ears.

“I suppose I’d better pop back there. Good day.” He doffed his cap and sauntered into the back of the shop.

“Nimbus, what on earth have we gotten ourselves into?”

He wagged his fluffy little tail and rooed happily.

***

After no one came in for a bit, I shifted my feet and looked around for something obvious to do. Nothing presented itself, so I turned my attention to my dilemma about tonight. Maybe I could let Davin take me out to dinner, but tell him I had to see Katsuro, too? He had told me I should accept the coffee shop owner’s invitation, after all.

Scenes from romantic comedies flashed through my mind about having dinner with both of them in the same place and taking lots of “bathroom breaks” to dash between one table and another. I knew that wouldn’t work regardless, but it was a fun thought exercise for a few minutes. Then I had to move on to figuring out what to wear. For that, I’d have to go shopping.

The time stretched, and I finally pulled out my phone and started looking up clothing stores. I doubted Clare would get mad at me when I hadn’t intended on staying. I’d have to interrupt soon if I was going to go shopping and meet up with Davin on time. Not to mention figure out what to do about Katsuro. Hell, maybe I’d ask Davin’s advice. Or Oliver’s. That was a thought.

He might even have an idea what Katsuro wanted. Bridger had claimed he was flirting with me. Surely not.

Finally, I decided direct was best. I pulled out Davin’s business card, put his number in my phone, and sent him a text.

Davin, this is Hannah. I guess Katsuro wants to meet tonight.

I wasn’t sure what else to say, so I left it at that. He’d understand the context.

It didn’t take long before he replied.

Hannah, that’s no problem. I can make sure you’re at the coffee shop just after dark. He won’t show up until then, anyway.

Great, thank you! I sent back.

After dark? What the heck? It really was strange here.

Embracing the vampire image a bit much? Or just a night owl?

I hoped I didn’t regret sending that somewhat joking text.

Davin’s reply took a little longer, and I started to get anxious again when the others came out of the back room full of laughter and good cheer at how successful the séance had been. Their departure was nearly the same as their entrance. They showered Nimbus with love, waved at me like they’d known me for years, and left.

Sometime during that, my phone dinged, but I couldn’t spare a second to look at it because Clare came over with a huge grin on her face.

“You’re perfect. What hours can you work? Part-time? Full-time? Ahh, part-time to start with?”

I raised my eyebrows. That was exactly what I’d been hoping for but hadn’t had the opportunity to say it aloud.

“Yes, of course. We’ll see how it goes,” she said before I could reply.

“If you don’t mind a bit of an early morning, we can meet here at nine am tomorrow before the shop opens, and I’ll get you up to speed. Probably should do all that pesky paperwork, too. Discuss pay, all that.”

“That’s great, Clare. Thank you.”

She smiled and patted me on the hand. “Let’s call it three hours today. I’ll add that to your timecard. See you tomorrow.”

She kneeled and gave Nimbus a good scratching. He rooed and gave her a soft nose kiss before trotting over to my side.

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