Chapter 280

Strings of Fate Cam 37–Touch and teamwork The room is crowded as people start to get up and put away their things in preparation to leave. Harry is able to push his way through the crowd but I keep getting left behind as stupid giant people step in front of me. As Harry moves further away from me I automatically reach out and grab his band. I cling to him as he leads me up to the judges.

Fifteen minutes of bickering and drama later, Harry and I are leaving the event, points awarded and envelope with the prize in hand. We won a gift card for a free meal next time we visit the cafe and a gift basket of snacks and wine. This is apparently a good day for me to get free alcohol. Harry leads me outside and swings our hands between us as we walk to the car.

So, does this mean I have permission to hold your hand now after all? Because you grabbed me first.”

Harry points out, squeezing my fingers gently. I laugh at his reminder of his question from last night. I thought that holding his hand would be uncomfortable or awkward and last night in the dark it seemed way too intimate. But here in the afternoon sun with Harry strolling along beside me I have to admit it’s comfortable. I was making way too big a deal out of it, besides Harry went out of his way to make sure I had a good time and to keep me happy today, if holding my hand makes him happy then I’m not going to object.

“Yeah it’s fine. I changed my mind. Hand holding isn’t so bad after all. I suppose I can suffer through it.”

I tell him cheekily.

“Well I appreciate your sacrifice.” He beams and I notice a bit more bounce to his step. I swear the man has endless energy. Isn’t he ever tired? He’s always moving around, talking, humming, whatever.

Although I’m starting to get used to his constant presence. Even the things he does that seemed annoying before seem a little more endearing now. Harry doesn’t release my hand until we reach the car and he makes a big deal out of dramatically opening the car door for me and helping me in.

“I’m a gentleman you know, on the streets at least.” He winks at me and I snigger. Okay, so maybe his flirting is actually kind of funny when there isn’t an entire room of people watching and waiting to see how I’ll react.

“Well I’m not sure that I’m anyone’s idea of a lady, but I appreciate the gesture anyway.” Harry actually does a double take. I think he expected me to roll my eyes or sass him. He actually seems a little flustered. Oh this could be fun. It never occurred to me that flirting Cam 37–Touch and teamwork back with Harry might actually balance things out a bit between us. I’m determined not to let him fluster me anymore. I’m turning over a new leaf, watch our Harry! This is going to be fun.

On the drive to my work, I finally ask Harry the question that’s been nagging at me.

“How did you know that I like trivia stuff? I’m almost certain that we’ve never discussed it.” I add. Harry shrugs and glances sideways at me.

“Well… I had a feeling you might. You memorise hundreds of drinks, potions, herbs and you always make easy conversation with your customers no matter what topics they bring up. You remember details about your regulars from previous conversations as well. You just seem like someone who collects information and facts. I took a chance that your awesome memory combined with your competitiveness and general know it all attitude would mean you’re into trivia, and I was right!” He explains smugly. Huh, I didn’t realise that Harry paid that much. attention to my conversations with other customers. I’m also a little flattered that he’s acknowledging just how much I had to learn and memorise for my job. So many people think that being a bartender is such an easy job but there is a definite skill set involved and having a half decent memory is a big part of it.

“I guess you are right, I never would have guessed that was where you planned to take me.” I admit.

Harry grins.

“I know, that was part of the fun.” He pauses before continuing.

“Was it okay? I know romance isn’t really something I’ve had a lot of practice at, and I don’t think this was really a normal activity for a first date. But sitting at a table with a couple of drinks getting to know each other seemed a little… redundant at this point. We’re not exactly strangers. I thought it would be better to pick an activity that actually proves something.” He explains.

“Proves that I enjoy trivia questions?” I question. Harry shakes his head.

“Proves that we make a good team.” He responds with a satisfied smile. Oh, that is not where I thought he was going with that. I think back to the potions he’s helped me with, how he backed me up when Simon was harassing me and even how he settled matters with those Witches (although I didn’t love his method) I can’t say that he’s wrong.

Cam 37–Touch and teamwork “I suppose I agree.” I reluctantly admit. Harry laughs.

“No need to sound so put out about it. He parks the car and I check the time. We made it to Witches Booze with ten minutes to spare. So I guess he did keep his promise to have me back in time for work, even with the delay we caused by protesting the results. Apparently the organisers were going off of an internet search for who the Alphas are but hadn’t thought to check the current registrations. Since Ryann didn’t make any kind of public announcement about her status, and they’ve been keeping things pretty low key, there isn’t a lot about them online yet. But one call to the MRO proved us right. Harry said that he doubts their relationship will stay low key for much longer though. They’re not hiding it anymore and it’s only a matter of time until people start noticing. They are engaged after all. Not only that, they adopted a CHILD together. That’s no small thing. How Kiara’s rescue didn’t make the papers I will never know, although I suspect that there was some definite interference from the Shifters in maintaining her privacy. I bet that quiet guy, Alex, was involved somehow. He seems to have his fingers in everything.

I unlock and head inside. I can hear voices in the kitchen so I know the staff there are already hard at work. I didn’t bother with a change of clothes so I suppose I’m working in my date. outfit tonight. It won’t be so bad, hey maybe I’ll even get a few extra tips. I get to work with the prep for the evening. I’ll be the only bartender tonight since Cora isn’t working. Although I fully expect her to drag me aside and interrogate me about my date next time she is at work. While I get ready, Harry sits and sketches on the tablet he brought in from his car. I peer at it curiously.

“What are you working on?” I ask. Harry smiles and holds it up for me to see.

“It’s a floorplan of this place. I figure it will help with planning. I was also going to sketch up a few of the ideas we wrote down last time. Your co–owner wanted a budget summary right?” So we should start a break down of what spells you want to use and how much the ingredients cost, then we can come up with a proper plan and…why are you staring at me?”