Baile Siochanta (Southern Vampire Mysteries)

Chapter 22 - The First Step

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Two days had passed since Breandan gave her the ring. Maryann told her at least twice a day how happy she was for her friend. Pam wished her well. "Like I said before," the vampire told Sookie, "I'm behind you, whatever your decision. You've committed yourself to Breandan? Then, I'm happy for you!"

Sookie didn't believe it and when Pam showed up the second night in a row to drop off receipts, Sookie was pretty sure Eric wasn't all that happy for her, either. Pam didn't have to drop the receipts since it was Sookie's night to waitress, but it had become a tradition. Eric usually showed up to give her a ride into town, and then, when the pub closed, he drove her home again. Tonight, it was Pam sitting in the driveway. "Eric too busy?" Sookie asked.

"Something like that," Pam shrugged, then "Come on! Jump in!"

It was August, so the temperatures were the warmest they would be all year, but the rains were starting. From now through January, the number of rainy days would increase, and truly sunny days would start to become few and far between. Although there were still plenty of hikers, the pub was just a little less crowded than it had been a month ago. Sookie walked behind the bar and picked up her apron. She nodded to Mick, the lead bartender. He was a vampire, but it was just him. The other bartenders who rotated in and out were all humans from Slievemore.

"Looking good!" Mick called, and held up his hand to signify he'd seen her ring.

Sookie found herself blushing, "Thanks," she told him. "It's still pretty new." She couldn't help it. She looked around.

"He's in the office," Mick winked.

"I wasn't looking for Eric," Sookie lied.

"Didn't think you were," Mick laughed, "but he's in the back all the same!"

Sookie scowled, but she knew Mick didn't take it seriously. It was only a few steps down the hall and the door was slightly ajar, so Sookie knocked and went in. "Eric?"

He was seated in back of his desk. He looked up and smiled the same way he smiled at the rest of his employees. He didn't say anything. He leaned back, apparently happy to allow the silence to stretch between them. "I guess you heard," Sookie said, not sure how else to start.

"That you are wearing Brigant's token?" and Eric gestured toward the ring.

"Yup," Sookie nodded, "Then you did hear!"

"We're Fae," Eric smirked. "We gossip. In the old days, it took a day or two for news to travel. Now, with cell phones, we hear all the news in real time. Half the Fae are appalled he is stooping to give you any kind of status, and the other half are betting his Father is paying him extra to tie you here."

"That's a pretty nasty thing to say!" Sookie frowned. She'd meant to check in with Eric and somehow make this all okay, but now she felt stupid. "I was worried when I didn't see you tonight, but I can see that you are exercising your asshole muscles! I'll come back later!"

She was turning to go when Eric started laughing. "Do you mean that literally or figuratively?" he asked.

"I mean that you are being a total..." Sookie started, but Eric interrupted her.

"It could mean my attitude," he quipped, and then he stood and walked around the desk. Looking rather flirty, he turned around and leaned over, and then, he deliberately flexed his rather impressive ass. "Or," he smirked at her, "It could mean your obsession over my glutes."