“I’m sorry about bringing this danger to the bar. I didn’t know what else to do, but I’ll keep her from causing trouble,” Val promised.
Enzo snorted as he poured beers from a keg. “I don’t have time to worry about homicidal faeries blowing up my bar, Val. I’m much too busy serving drinks.”
“I’m here to help.” Val slammed the dishwasher shut.
“No, you’re not. It’s not your shift, and all your friends are here to visit with you.” Enzo shook his head. “How about this? You keep an eye on the atmosphere in the bar, and Jeff can help me serve drinks. He’s never minded doing double duty.”
“I’ll bounce, he serves.” Val grinned. “Sounds good to me.”
“Take your drinks.” Enzo thrust the tray into Val’s hand and added a soda can from the fridge. “I’ll talk to Jeff.”
Val returned to the bar, where Tetra sat in a sullen heap, arms folded. The faerie brightened when Val slid the tray across the polished wood.
“Four Iron IPAs and a club soda,” she announced.
Liam glanced at the beer, then jerked his gaze away. “Busy tonight, right?”
“Yep. I’m bouncing as well as visiting with you.” Val moved around the bar and slid onto a stool next to Tetra. “I apologize in advance if a bar fight interrupts us.”
“It’s cool.” Isabella grinned. “It’s always fun watching you perform. So, Tetra, tell us about France! Which part of the country are you from?”
“Another French girl was a client of Val’s recently,” Jess chipped in. “Sinatria. Do you know her?”
“Jess, come on.” Val chuckled. “Don’t be so American. Do you think every French person knows every other French person?”
Isabella and Liam booed Jess, who grinned sheepishly. No one except Val saw how Tetra’s shoulders tighten at the mention of her sister’s name.
Val downed half her IPA in one pull, and the bitter fluid washed deliciously over her tonsils. This is going to be a long night.
Enzo hastened over to them, sweat beading on the tattoos that encircled his bald head. “All good, everyone?”
“All perfect.” Isabella raised her glass, condensation shimmering on the outside. “We’re at the Iron Fist. Best bar in the city!”
A cheer rose from the group.
Enzo chuckled. “You’re festive for so early in the night.”
“Tetra, this is Enzo.” Val gestured at him. “He owns the bar with me.”
Tetra glowered.
“You’re always welcome here, Tetra.” Enzo met her eyes and smiled. “How’s the beer? We have wine from your country, too.”
Tetra straightened. “The beer’s good.” She tilted her head. “Which part of my country?”
Enzo lowered his voice. “The part with the fern wood.”
Tetra’s lips twitched into a small smile. “I’d like a shot.”
Enzo winked. “Coming right up.”
“Can’t believe someone made you smile,” Val muttered.
Tetra’s glower returned. “He was nice. You should try it sometime.”
“What are you guys talking about?” Isabella asked, leaning over.
“Rent.” Val smiled and downed the rest of her beer. “Another, please!”
Jeff arrived with a fresh quart, and Val gripped her glass with determination.
“Long week?” Isabella raised her eyebrows.
Val gulped beer. “Like you wouldn’t believe.”
“Ugh, I feel you.” Jess pinched the bridge of her nose. “I’m on night shifts at the vet clinic this month on top of everything else.”
“Aw, Jess.” Val grimaced in sympathy. “As if you need to miss even more sleep after what happened last week.”
“Ha! I can’t believe you’re losing sleep over that asshole.” Isabella snorted. “He was a bad choice, even by your standards.”
“Hey!” Jess protested.
Liam laughed. “She’s right, and you know it.”
“He was a walking red flag.” Val shook her head. “We tried to warn you.”
“Yeah, you did.” Jess sighed. “At least I dumped him this time.”
