Page 2 of The Orc's Sweetheart
“It’s my pleasure. Hope you don’t forget me anytime soon.”
“Ha! Like that’s possible. Hold on, I got you something too. I was going to just put it with your bags when we got to the harbor, but now might be easier.” Audrey gently places the frame on the bed and heads out the room for a second, coming back with a sizable box.
“Did we both try to avoid the emotional goodbye and just leave secret presents for each other?”
“Seems like it. Here.” Audrey pushes the box into my hands and sits back down with her frame while I open it.
“I love this lavender color. Oh!” I lift the lid to reveal the cutest set of gardening tools. A hand rake, trowel, pruner, gloves, and even a tool-carrying tote with a matching tumbler.
“I figured you’d enjoy the crap out of making the garden all pretty and flowery, so I got you these. Probably messed up my algorithm in the process by searching for these floral designs, but it’s worth it to see that look on your face.” Words fail me as I try to search for a way to thank her for the thoughtful gift, so I reach forward and hug her tight instead.
Audrey hugs me back for a couple of seconds before sitting back and subtly wiping at her eyes. “I think you might need a shower before you leave.”
I chuckle as I dab at the corner of my eyes. “I’m planning on it, don’t worry. Promise me you’ll come visit once I have the place done up.”
Audrey’s head rears back like I said something silly. “Of course I’m coming to visit. What’s your first home project you’re planning? I know you must have a ton lined up, but I’m sure you have at least three to five already prioritized.”
“Damn, you know me well.” I stare out the window toward the speck of ocean visible between the tall buildings as I picture my new home and everything I want to do to really make it feel like mine. “One of the first things is setting up a spot in the garden for morning tea. And obviously plant a bunch of flowers and herbs in the garden. I then want to take all the top cupboard doors off for exposed shelving of my cups and plates. I thrifted the cutest mismatched floral sets and I really hope they survive the journey, double wrapped them in newspaper to be extra safe. I also want to paint the front door and window frames a happyyellow. And curtains! I want to sew some blush-pink curtains, and…”
Audrey waves a hand in front of my face until my eyes come back into focus and I snap into the present. “All great ideas, but how about getting there first and unpacking your bags, then see what will be a priority to get done?”
I pout playfully. “Ugh, fine. Practicalities first.”
“Speaking of practicalities, let’s talk safety. Remind me, who is meeting you where? So I know who to come after if you disappear.”
I run a hand down my ponytail, rolling my eyes at her mother-henning—but also loving her more for it—as I recall all the names and steps. “The island guardian, Beck, will meet me at the harbor and ferry me across. Then Bodin, I think he’s the property manager, will show me to my cottage. Tomorrow, I’ll make my way into the main town and meet the doctor and other clinic staff.”
“Good. Noted.” She taps her temple with a smile before dropping her hand to her lap. “Do you know what species any of them are? I’m so curious.”
“I can guess, but I don’t think it’s particularly polite to ask before I meet them. And even then, I won’t know for sure unless they’re offering or if it’s pertinent to patient information.”
Audrey claps a hand over her mouth and her eyes widen. “Ah, fuck, you’re right. That’s horribly insensitive of me. My office only has humans and I think we have one elf working in our entire building. That’s no excuse, though. I’ll be on my best behavior when I drop you off so I don’t say anything that will be offensive to theguardian. Sorry.”
I take Audrey’s hand and lower it onto her lap. “That’s okay. Many humans are still learning and nonhuman creatures tend to be more gracious with us than we are with them. It’s one of the many reasons I chose to specialize in nonhuman family health.”
Audrey visibly relaxes at that. “Have I told you how proud I am of you? Heading off to an island you’ve never been on to start a whole new life? That you studied so hard to get qualified to help creatures of all kinds? You’re an inspiration and I’m proud to be your cousin and best friend.”
“You know why Ihadto study.”
“You didn’thaveto do anything. The fact that youwantedto after ‘the incident’ speaks volumes of your character and the wonderful creature you are.”
“So you’re saying I’m more than just a klutz?”
“You’re the nicest klutz I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.”
“Now you’re just being generous. Well, you’re the nicest tax accountant I’ve ever known. One might even say you have a squishy heart under that concrete wall you keep erected around it.”
“Oh, I’ll just have to write that in my diary.” Audrey picks up an invisible pen and paper and pretends to write in the air. Putting on a thick Southern accent, she dictates, “Dear diary. Today, Tilly said I have a heart. It’s the nicest compliment I’ve ever received.”
“Add sassy disposition and sarcastic nature to that heart compliment. That should hold you over until I see you again.”
“Dear diary, whatever shall I do with all these lovely compliments?”
“You can help me maneuver this giant suitcase out the door and into the car.”
Audrey puts down her imaginary pen and paper and hops onto her feet. “Done. I hope that guardian can match my strength, because there’s no way you’re getting this on or off the boat without help.”
“Audrey, guardians are usually dragons. I’m sure he’ll manage just fine.”
