Marigold

Chapter 8 - Meira

I wait outside the doors of Jewel's cafe for Ashton to show up stealing glances over my shoulder at the strange male who insisted he was my mate. He had taken residence at a table in the corner of the store with his back to the door. He must be confident in himself to turn his back on the whole store.

Ashton's dark brown hair came into view about half a block away. "Finally!" Meira called to her friend. 

"I figured you'd want a low key entrance," Ashton replied, "and now you can give me all the dirty deets!" she turned to fun face Meira. 

"Not much to tell. He attacked the town as a dragon and said he was my mate. He promised answers about the flower beds if I would listen, but I don't want to be alone with him so here you are. All caught up." Meira looked at her friend with a deadpan expression. 

"You don't want to be alone with your mate?!" screeched Ashton.

Meira rolled her eyes, "Elves don't mate! He must be mistaken."

"Only one way to find out..." Ashton pulled open the door and scanned the restaurant. She shoved the door closed and looked back a Meira. "Is that him over in corner with his back to us?"

"Yep," Meira answered. 

"The back of his head is hot! Can I have him if you don't want him? Or does that go against girl code or something? I can be really bad at that." She sighed wistfully. 

"Do what you want, I have no interest in the whole mate thing. That's all you," Meira patted Ashton's shoulder and then entered the cafe. 

The girls got behind a few other residents waiting to order deciding to get drinks before sitting down to talk. A shadow fell over them and Meira turned to see Desmond standing in line behinds them. She glanced at the table and saw his mug still steaming on the table. "You have a drink," she said pointing at the table, "Why are you back in line?" 

"I was going to get your drinks. I asked you to join me, I won't make you pay for it," he said. 

"That's so nice!" Ashton answered at the same time as Meira, "No thanks, I have my own money." 

"I insist," he stated, "My family may not be the easiest to get along with, but Mother did instill manners in me." He pulled out his wallet and handed some money to Ashton. "Use this for both of your drinks. I think Meira would be more comfortable if I waited at the table." With that he turned and walked back to his seat. 

"Oh my god!" Ashton whisper screamed, "He is such a gentleman. You really should give that a hit before he goes away." 

Meira rolled her eyes and stepped to the counter. Julian was taking orders this time. 

"What can I get for you two ladies?" he asked. 

"I'll have a black coffee please," Meira stated. 

"And I'll take another PSL," Ashton answered smiling. "Maybe this one will do the trick," she mumbled under her breath. 

The girls stood off to the side of the counter for a few minutes until their drinks were ready. Then they headed to the table. Meira was glad that Desmond was offering her a view of the Cafe in case anyone came in that was a threat, they wouldn't catch her by surprise.  Ashton sat first and Meira took the seat on the outside. 

After a few moments of silence Meira finally couldn't take it. "You wanted to talk, so talk. I don't have all day." 

"Yum, yeah we do," said Ashton, "You fixed all those beds earlier and Hunter hasn't given you any more work so you're free for the afternoon." Meira's elbow to her side was hard enough she let out a grunt.