Liora Skyheart - sweet enchantments

Chapter 24

When I get downstairs, Liora is in full boss mode and full of energy as she drifts between stations to give instructions and assistance. It honestly just makes me even more aware of how I feel--and probably look--like I only got a couple hours of sleep.

"Arinn? Is everything alright?"

So I definitely look it, too. I glanced over at Liora, who's looking at me with slight concern... Its suddenly all I can think about is the direction my dream went last night. I look away, quickly.

"Y-Yeah, I'm OK! Just... I just ended up staying a little later than I planned... studying."

it's true, but it's not the whole truth, and I think Liora can tell. She leans close, pressing a gentle hand to the small of my back.

"I hope you weren't stressed out about today. You don't need to worry."

It's a very sweet sentiment, and I appreciate the concern, but all I can focus on is the fact Liora is touching me. I feel a wave of totally inappropriate arousal, and I step away quickly, blushing madly.

"I'm not! I mean, I won't! I mean, it would probably be best to just keep myself busy, so I'm gonna go help Runa!"

I step quickly over to where Runa is preparing the tables, and she gives me a look.

"What's with the face?"

"What? It's my face! There's nothing wrong with my face."

"Uh-huh. Nothing wrong with your super red face."

"Look, do you want me to help or not?"

"Eh."

She shrugs, but she doesn't push any further, so I stick around to help her. Unfortunately... Runa is just the beginning. Throughout the morning, I end up having to...

"So... everything alright?"

Zain point at my face.

"You look a little red. Flushed, even."

"I'm fine, I just... Fell asleep with my face in a book and didn't sleep well."

"Mm-hmm. Funny how it seems to get worse whenever you look at Liora, though."

"You're the worst."

"Thanks, I try."

In the end, literally everyone in the cafe comes over to check on me. I'm beginning to wish Berian had just shut us down yesterday by the time Liora reappears to save me.

"Stop bothering Arinn and get back to your stations."

"You should know by now I can bother people and do my work."

"And just imagine how well you do at with your undivided attention."

He gives her a smirk, but he heads off with the others to prepare for the inspection, and I glanced over at Liora.

"Thanks."

"Of course."

She smiles like we're sharing a secret... And I know if I don't leave, I'm just gonna end up flushing again, so I head off to do what I can to help. By the time we're ready to open, we've addressed every single note that Berian left for us, and the cafe is practically sparkling. And I have nothing but high hopes for the day ahead. Berian ends up arriving just before the lunch rush. Liora is across the room, chatting with a regular... So I catch her eye and incline my head towards Berian before stepping up to greet him myself.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Mr Sternfin. Welcome back to sweet enchantments. Would you like to take a seat, or just get right to the tour?"

He strokes a whisker, considering his options, as Liora joins the two of us-and flashes may a grateful smile before focusing on Berian.