Page 16 of Brandt's Rule

Tempest stood up and stepped over to the counter. “Can I have another macchiato please?” she asked, laying a few dollars on the counter top, and dropping a few in the tip jar, too.

“Of course! And you don’t have to load that tip jar.”

“Yes, I do. You’re serving me coffee.”

“You’re my friend. I’d serve you even if you couldn’t pay.”

“Then it’s to say I appreciate you. Besides you just got me a job, so I should probably tip you twice,” Tempest said, laughing.

Bailey laughed, too. “I’ll settle for dinner at Vince’s again. Are we still planning on that tonight?”

“Definitely,” Tempest said enthusiastically, already salivating at the thought of another burger and onion rings from there.

Bailey handed Tempest her macchiato and Tempest sipped it, winking at Bailey. “You should invite that Remi GreyStorm to join us tonight.”

A horrified look came across Bailey’s face. “Oh, my God, no! I’d die from humiliation when he said no, and the man would never be able to come in here again to get coffee. It’s the only time I get to see him. I never see him anywhere else.”

Tempest stopped and thought about it. “He never comes to town except to come in here?”

“I mean, I’m sure he does. I just never see him.”

“Maybe he’s as shy as you are.” An evil grin slowly spread across Tempest’s face as she backed toward the door, sipping her coffee. “I might just have to invite him along tonight.”

“No!”

“Why not? Does he have a girlfriend?”

“I don’t know. I never really see anyone from school anymore.”

“It’s a small town, though, so surely you’d have seen him with someone if he was dating them.”

Bailey shrugged. “I guess.”

“Since I’m heading out that way in a little while, if the subject comes up, I may invite him to meet us for dinner.”

“Tempest!”

“Yes?”

“Please don’t.”

“Alright, but I might drop a few hints. Find out what exactly his story is.”

“Why did I invite you to stay again?” Bailey asked.

“Because I’m your bestie. I heard you say it to Remi just a little while ago. Bye!” Tempest said, tossing a quick wave at Bailey before she ducked out of the front door and headed around the back of the building to get back to her apartment.

~~~

“Don’t care. Don’t know no woman that would be looking for me,” Maverik insisted.

“I sense her Dragon, but there’s something else I’m not quite sure of,” Remi said.

“Something else like what?” Maverik asked, giving Remi a disbelieving look. “How can you not know what she is? You a damn Dragon, boy. You supposed to be able to scent every damn thing.”

Remi smiled good naturedly and nodded as he took a bite of his burrito and chewed thoughtfully. “I know. And I sensed her Dragon right off. Hers practically sat up and said ‘well, hello’.”

Maverik chuckled, along with Barron, Jobe, and Ronan who was helping out since he was on Christmas break from school.

---