Page 31 of Rise of the Melody
“And let’s not lie,” Nora said, looking at me. “There are prejudices, especially against creature lineages that are matriarchal, like selkies and sirens.”
My stomach plummeted as everyone peered around at one another or began paying close attention to their drinks, not looking at me.
Nora rushed on. “You already mentioned this, but it’s true; people will be suspicious of you. Even knowing Stevens was a drunk when he made those claims.”
“I know.” I meant to sound nonchalant, but it came out a whisper.
Nora locked eyes with me for a long beat before nodding. “Okay.”
Teague gave me a reassuring smile. “I’m sure my uncle will inform everyone that you’re not a siren and word will travel. It’ll be okay. You’re safe here.”
My insides twisted tightly. I forced out a, “Thank you.”
Now it was time for an awkward lull.
“Papachristos!” came a voice from behind the counter. We all turned our heads to see Motifa heading toward the kitchen. “I swear, if you break another chair!”
He quickly sat forward with a clatter and yelled, “Sorry, ma’am!”
Dogs outside started going nuts, a symphony of barking, and I just knew. I turned, and sure enough. There was CooShee opening the door with his big ole head, making the couple by the door jump to their feet, then Ron and Aunt Lorna, who shot me looks. I stood.
“I have to go.”
My friends were staring at the CúSíth in wonder. Wait, my friends? I liked that.
“He’s not a dog,” I quickly clarified. “In case you were wondering. I’ll get him out of here.”
Shani stood. “He’s beautiful. But he can’t be a….”
CooShee made his way straight to me, nobody stopping him. Clare watched helplessly from the register. Nora motioned to her that it was okay. As he approached, everyone stood.
“Everyone, don’t be scared. This is CooShee.”
“A CúSíth? No freaking way!” Teague said. “I saw him at the games but had no idea.”
I told them the story of how we found each other, though it was still confusing how he got to New York if he was a native of Scotland. But everyone regarded him with respect, and he took his time looking into each of their eyes as if reading them. When he was finished, he approached the table and lapped up a drink of my chai.
“Hey!” I said. I wouldn’t be drinking after squirrel breath.
He sneezed at the spices and shook his head, making us all laugh again. I caught Aunt Lorna’s eye, and she canted her head at the door.
“I guess I better go,” I told them.
“Wait,” Shani said. “Can we get your number first?”
This time I said yes, and we all exchanged. Even Teague, who was grinning at me and making my stupid tummy wobble.
Screw the mayor.
When I asked Clare for a pup cup, feeling kind of silly, she made it and asked, “Can I give it to him?”
“Sure,” I said, hoping he wouldn’t bite her hand off.
He didn’t. But he did take the entire paper cup in his mouth, chomp down, and swallow it. The whole coffee shop watched and cheered. And that’s how a Scottish mythical hound became a local celebrity in Shehan.
Chapter9
Uncuffing
