Ares

Chapter 29 || No need to deny.

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"I'm holding back everything I wanna say, consider yourself lucky that I'm choosing to behave."

- Does She Know, Kiana Valenciano.

Grace started texting something back - something about this mess only getting messier - but texted "Can't wait" instead, her need to see Ares battling with its haunted consequences and winning for now. She picked up a pad of paper and took a pen from her apron, determined to put Aphrodite aside and focus on getting their business back on track. She made a list: email blast, Facebook promotion, new daily specials, sandwich boards... The front bell rang out, driving any hint of productivity right out the door. Grace's heart kicked into overdrive, knowing Aphrodite was back for more because, after all, Aphrodite would always be back for more. Grace looked up and relief washed over her at the sight of a pretty girl in her mid twenties wearing skinny jeans and a black leather coat.

The girl casually strolled up to the counter, taking the place in as her black high-heeled boots softly clicked against the floor.

"Good morning," Grace said warmly, a manufactured smile sweeping her colorless cheeks back.

The girl's eyes scoured the empty tables and chairs. "Are you open?"

Grace nodded, holding onto her smile for dear life. "I love your boots."

She turned back to Grace and smiled. "Thank you," she said, checking out one of the glass cases. "And I love the looks of your delicious treats." Her brow dipped. She bent closer to the case, her long dark hair falling over her shoulders. "Are those Twinkies?"

"We call em Twinks."

"Did you make those here?"

Grace nodded proudly. "After Hostess went under, we thought we'd fill a hole in the market."

"Oh my God, I have to try one of those." Her eyes rose to the huge chalkboard menu hanging behind Grace, following the swirling letters and colorful drawings of cupcakes and specialty drinksAdrianhad drawn by hand. "And how about a turtle latte as well as a single Lilly."

"For here or to go?"

She shrugged. "Doesn't matter."

Grace slipped the biggest Twink into a white bag and set it on the counter before turning to the row of coffee machines.

"I really like what you've done with this place. It's beautiful."

"Thank you," Grace replied, whipping up the drink. "We love this location."

"Oh, I know. It's a great area."

Grace brought the latte over and set it down, her heavy smile back for the attack. "Well, hopefully we'll see you more often."

The girl pulled the Twink out and took a reserved bite, chewing slowly at first like thumbtacks might be hidden inside. Her face bunched into a ball of judgmental thought before a smile began to grow. "Wow! This is even better than the original."

"Oh, good. Can I get you anything else?"

The girl pulled a wallet from an inside coat pocket held it open. "Yeah, I'm Aethra, with the England Division of Health Services and I'll need full access to behind the counter, your kitchen and storage areas, and the restrooms as well."

Grace's face folded in horror.

"I know," Aethra said, still chewing. "Who's ever heard of a girl named Aethra, right?" She lifted her shoulders. "What can I say? My parents had a sick sense of humour. It's Greek, after a servant or something."