Strings of Fate

Cam 10- Waiting and working

When I arrive at Witches Booze mid afternoon the next day for the afternoon slash evening shift, I’m surprised to find Harrison is already at the bar waiting. He usually comes in the

evening.

“He’s been waiting here since we opened. He was asking for you. I offered to text you but he said he didn’t want to bother you and that he would wait.” Cora confides in me quietly when I reach the bar. He’s been here all day! Why? I consider heading to my workroom and ignoring him, but I find I’m not that petty. I suck it up and approach him ignoring the rush of his magic that makes my knees shake and sends shivers down my spine despite the fact that I now feel extraordinarily warm.

“Good afternoon. Can I get you a drink?” I ask in my best customer service voice. Harrison gives a weak smile in response.

“I think you might be a bit angry at me and given my experiences thus far I’m not sure I would survive one of your drinks right now.” I repress the desire to roll my eyes.

“If you don’t want a drink then why are you here?” I demand. He straightens his shoulders. and looks me in the eye.

“I want to apologise. I was being overly pushy and nosy last night. It was none of my business and you are entitled to your privacy, I should have respected that and your boundaries. I know it’s a poor excuse, but I was jealous. I’ve never been jealous before and I dealt with it poorly.” I’m so stunned that he actually apologised that all I can do is stare. He hesitates before continuing.

“Also this might be poorly timed given that I am here apologising for being too pushy and please just tell me to shut up if I’m being too nosy again… But once I got over my tantrum I realised that you seemed kind of stressed. Are you alright?” Uhhh what? I thought he was angry at me and not only has he apologised but he’s… worried about me? I suppose that’s almost sweet. Maybe. But I’m sure he doesn’t actually want to hear about my difficulties with

my mother.

“I’m fine. It’s no big deal.” I answer awkwardly. I expect him to drop it and move on but he

persists, not buying my platitude.

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10- Waiting and working

an impartial listener. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone when you don’t know them well and they don’t know all the people involved. I might be able to help.” He suggests. Now I just feel guilty. I was rude to him last night and now he’s trying to be helpful. I don’t think he is dating material, he is an Incubuis after all. But maybe he wouldn’t be terrible as a friend, or even just as someone to talk to occasionally. I suppose I should cut him a break, and try to be a little nicer. Or

he winces slightly, even though I was only repeating what he already

him than to be nice. I’m too used to being super defensive. Harrison flashes me a charming smile and another rush of heat runs through me.

acquaintance.” I amend. He laughs, clearly

we’re friends!” He states proudly. I glare at him and cross my arms

I argue, but there’s no

grins and I roll

“Wait, just to

for being a jackass last night, right?” He stares me down and once again I can’t help but notice how striking his blue

do.” I agree.

and kisses me on the cheek. I flush red and immediately turn my back on him to grab a clean glass. But realistically I need a second to composer myself so I don’t make a complete fool of myself. When I turn back to him

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10- Waiting

Harrison. We

until I decide that it’s time for my break and head to my work room. I assume he’s going to leave but when I

sound when you walk!” I curse at him, taking a

eyes at me.

So, what are we working on?” He barges his way

himself on the edge of