Page 28 of The Patron Saint of Timber Hollow
Sam smiles, and it's soft enough that I know what she wants to talk about. "Yay. I'm excited." She says, and agenuinesmile splits her lips this time.
"Me too!" I reply with a light laugh.
As we finish our food, I hear the tell-tale engine rev of a particular motorcycle, drawing my attention. Shortly after, the bike and its owner emerge from the trees, followed by a familiar blue Nissan GTR.My boys have arrived.
"Oh,gawd.I've lost you." Sam grouses, sighing dramatically.
"You have not!" I disagree, even though I had turned to look at the road when I'd first heard Dante's bike.
"Mhm. You're all boy-crazy now. When did that happen?" Sam says with a disgruntled look on her face.
"Can you blame me?LOOK AT THEM!"I shout, flailing my hands toward Jay and Saint, opening the doors of the GTR in sync and straightening their sleeves as they get out.
Sam laughs,reallylaughs, then. "You know, I think I can appreciatethat." She gestures vaguely in their direction as the boys disappear into the bar's front doors, making me laugh.
My friend keeps teasing me as we re-enter through the back entrance, depositing our dishes in the kitchen and washing our hands before returning to the bar.
It's slapshot hour.
Sam wipes down our little corner, sliding the little slapshot sign to bisect the bar and to indicate a place to form a line.
"So, are Slapshots up for improvisation?" Sam asks with a smirk, leaning a hip against the bar and popping a piece of gum into her mouth.
"Sure. What are you thinking?" I respond, wondering what it is she has in mind.
"What if we toss water on customersand thenslap them, and they drink?"
"Oh, that has merit." I agree, turning to holler down the bar at the boss lady. "IVY!"
"YEAH!" She hollers back, fighting to be heard over the music while filling a pitcher with ice.
"PERMISSION TO THROW WATER ON PATRONS IF THEY PAY FOR IT!" I shout back with a grin.
Ivy laughs, throwing her head back with glee. "PERMISSION GRANTED!"
Turning back to Sam, I grin. "Let's fucking go, bitch!"
She laughs, and then we reopen the slapshot booth with a brand new addition.
Tonight, the boys donotjoin the line, having seen enough patrons go through that they, I think, instinctively know not to let two shifter girls with some... less than great intentions when it comes to slapping another of their species on their dime slapandthrow water on them.
I have to begrudgingly admit they havesomesurvival instincts.
However, it does mean that when Dante and Ivy slink off just before closing, I notice it.
Before Jay leaves, I kiss him and give him my keys, telling him I'm going to Sam's for a while after closing.
"I'll run back," I tell him, knowing that no one will do anything to a wolf within the Hollow's confines. And, anyway, the Grimes place isn't too far from the Cabin, and I can always get my clothes from Sam anytime.
"I'll be waiting, Gorgeous," Jay replies, dropping a kiss on my forehead, then my lips, winding his hands around my ribs.
13
Frost Moon
Saint has been cooking at the Packhouse all day in preparation for the run. He's the one who makes all of the meals that can always be found in the many fridges. He goes for breakfast and lunch every morning to serve his daily special and stocks ready-to-eat meals in the mini store there. The Pack will help anyone who needs it, but sometimes, some kids just don't have families who pay attention like they should.
I have to contribute the Packhouse constantly feeling like a safe, warm place where someone can hang out, get a bite to eat, or even sleep to Jay, Saint, and Dante. The Packhouse was fun tobe in when I was a kid, sure, but I don't remember the mini store being there or even being able to find a hot meal outside of events. The atmosphere there is different, too. It feels like a home away from home, instead of some musty building the grown-ups would stuff us all into during runs when we're too young to join them.
