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.

1/4

Waiting and

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 at least

and he winces slightly, even though I was

who MIGHT be able to become friends. Eventually. Maybe.” Why is this so hard? It’s easier to be rude and aggressive to 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. I

I amend. He

He states proudly. I glare at him and cross my arms

I haven’t promised anything!” I argue, but there’s no real heat behind it. He

He grins and I roll my eyes

“Wait, just to

it clear. This means you accept my apology for being a jackass last night, right?” He stares me down and once again I can’t help but notice how striking his blue eyes

do.”

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 I have plastered on my best customer service smile.

2/4

10- Waiting and

Harrison. We

of the afternoon until I decide that it’s time for my break and head to my work room. I

walk!” I curse at him, taking a hasty

his eyes

that. So, what are we working on?” He barges his way into my workroom and

himself on the edge of my bench.