Page 87 of Horn in My Side
“For sure.Anyway,PDnabbed theCEOof the construction company at the airport, trying to catch a flight to Columbia.”
Mal crossed his arms.“No extradition to theUS.”
“Exactly.”
“All those poor people who lost everything.”Jasmine clucked her tongue.“I hope he rots in jail.”
“We’re working on it,” Kap assured her.“Anyway ...”He let out a loud yawn.“I should hit the hay.”
“Thanks for stopping by,” Jasmine said.“I’ll see you around?”
“Definitely.You owe me for yesterday,” he teased.“As always, I take payment in food.”
She laughed.“How about I make you some lecheflan?”
“Deal.Have a good morning, guys.”He gave them a quick, two-finger salute, then pivoted on his heel and trudged off.
Once they were alone, she turned to Mal.“Sorry again for panicking earlier.”
“It’s fine.You’re fine, Jasmine.”His claws brushed her cheeks as he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.“You’re right—we didn’t really discuss what would happen after our third date.”
“No, we didn’t.”That ominous feeling wiggled its way back into her chest once more.“Like I said, we should see where this goes and not worry about what’s to come.”She swallowed the lump in her throat and put on her best smile.“Enjoy each other’s company.”
“Right.And I want you to know you can be honest with me, Jasmine.And I promise to be honest with you.”
“Of course.”Jasmine wasn’t quite sure where that remark about honesty was coming from or what it meant, but it sounded like a good idea.
“Why don’t we finish breakfast and get ready for work?”
“Sounds great.”
Jasmine had to admit, Mal’s eggs and toast were decent, and she ate more than she usually did at breakfast, perhaps to make up for her increased activity from the night before.After she went back to her place to change into a fresh set of clothes, they made their way to Main Street.Mal convinced her to stop at Brew-tique, and when they arrived at the front of the line, Minerva gave a quick glance at their clasped hands but said nothing except to ask for their order.However, once they slid down to the pickup corner, the witch gave Jasmine a knowing wink.
“One large black coffee for Mal, one flat white for Jasmine!”Gary called.
Mal grabbed the coffees from the counter and handed Jasmine hers, then threaded his clawed fingers through hers as they headed to the door.As Jasmine made a grab for the handle, however, it jerked away.
“Ooops!’Scuse—Jasmine!”Arms wound around her, enveloping her in a cage of candy-sweet perfume, voluminous wavy brown hair, and a cloud of shimmery dust.
Leila.
The pixie pulled away, but held on to Jasmine’s shoulders.“Oh my goddess, I haven’t seen you in ages!Why haven’t you been back to spin class?You’re so right, by the way—after two or three more classes, I got the hang of it.”
“Er, great to hear.”
“And—Oh.”She paused, looking Mal up and down.“Val, right?”
“Mal,” he corrected.
Her bright gaze flicked down to their linked hands.“I can see why you never called me.But, don’t worry, I’m not jealous, I’m thrilled for you, Jasmine.”She encased Jasmine in another hug, sending another haze of shiny particles into the air.“See?I’m so excited, I’m getting dust all over you.This only happens when pixies are genuinely happy.So, will you please come back to spin class?I promise, no more hot gargoyle bartenders afterwards.”
Mal tensed beside her, and she gave his hand a comforting squeeze.“Er, I’ll see if I can make it work, okay?”
“Great!All right, I need some coffee or I’m gonna die.See you around.”
“See you, Leila.”She tugged at Mal, dragging him toward the door.Before they could exit, however, she heard Leila’s distinct voice calling her name.Looking over her shoulder, she saw the pixie hold her hand up in a semicircle, fingers a couple inches apart as she mouthed “legendary.”
Jasmine choked on her coffee.
