They settled on a cushioned bench on the inn's wide front porch to wait, the white-painted wicker creaking beneath them.A gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers from the carefully tended beds along the front.
"Jake's very patient with teaching me modern things," Becca continued. "But cars..." She shook her head. "Simply watching how fast they move on the streets still makes me shake my head in wonder. In Salem, the fastest thing we encountered was a galloping horse."
"At least you're comfortable being a passenger now," Harper offered.
"Most of the time. Though I still grip the door handle when Jake takes corners too fast." Becca checked her phone. "Our driver should be here in three minutes. A silver Toyota." She pronounced the unfamiliar word carefully.
A silver Toyota matching the description pulled up smoothly to the curb. Harper noted that, despite her claims to being overwhelmed by technology, Becca seemed very comfortable as she double-checked the Uber's license plate against her phone screen, her fingers moving with practiced ease across the glass surface. She nodded in satisfaction. "This is us," she said, reaching for the door handle with the confidence of someone who'd done this dozens of times before.
They slid into the back seat, and Becca confirmed their destination with the driver in a clear, steady voice. As they merged into traffic, Harper noticed how Becca's fingers curled tightly around the seat belt, her knuckles whitening slightly at each acceleration.
The Uber pulled up in front of Kazakis Deli, and Harper's nose twitched at the mingled aromas of fresh-baked bread and aromatic Mediterranean spices wafting from the storefront. Her stomach rumbled in anticipation as she followed Becca through the glass door, a cheerful bell announcing their arrival.
As they stepped into the restaurant, Harper was immediately enveloped by the warm, inviting atmosphere. The wallswere adorned with vibrant pictures of sun-drenched Greek landscapes, azure seas, and whitewashed buildings. The air hummed with the soft, melodic sounds of bouzouki music,. Rich aromas of garlic, olive oil, and herbs wafted from the kitchen, making her mouth water in anticipation. Display cases lined one wall, filled with colorful arrangements of olives, cheeses, and prepared dishes. Harper's eyes roamed over the cozy interior, taking in the rustic wooden tables draped with crisp blue and white checkered cloths, and the soft glow of pendant lights that cast a golden hue over the dining area.
Behind the counter, a tall man with sun-streaked blond hair was arranging fresh-baked pastries.
"Kester!" Becca waved, drawing his attention. His amber eyes lit up with recognition as he straightened.
"Becca, always good to see you." His voice carried a hint of warmth and humor. "And this must be Harper?"
Harper's usual social anxiety flickered through her chest, but Reyna's calm assessment steadied her nerves.Cat-shifter,her fox confirmed with quiet confidence, picking up his unique feline energy signature. His close resemblance to Katerina also helped ease her tension.
A woman with striking dark red hair emerged from the kitchen, carrying a tray of fresh-baked spanakopita, the aroma of spinach and feta wafting through the air. Her deep blue eyes sparkled as she set down the tray and hurried around the counter, wiping her flour-dusted hands on her apron.
"I'm Tamera," she said, her smile genuine and welcoming as she extended her hand. "I've been hoping to meet you… we all have been. We're so glad to have you here." The genuine warmth in her voice matched her friendly demeanor.
"Welcome to our deli," Kester added, coming around to join them, his tall frame radiating an easy confidence as he stood beside his wife.
Harper's inner fox perked up, her attention zeroing in on Tamera with sudden intensity.Different cat,Reyna observed, her mental voice tinged with curiosity.Wild cat. Not house cat like male.
The mental image of a sleek, tawny wild cat with distinctive black-tufted ears flashed through Harper's mind.Caracal,Reyna supplied after another careful assessment, drawing from their shared knowledge of wildlife.
"It's wonderful to meet you both," Harper managed, impressed by how steady her voice remained despite Reyna's excited curiosity. The fox's interest helped override her usual social awkwardness, giving her something to focus on beyond her own nervousness.
Tamera's smile widened, a knowing look crossing her features. "Your fox noticed, didn't she?" She touched her chest lightly. "Most shifters can sense what I am, but they usually can't pin it down exactly."
"Reyna's very observant," Harper admitted, relieved she hadn't caused offense by her fox's scrutiny. "She picked up right away that you're different from Kester."
"That's quite a gift," Kester remarked, his golden eyes warming with interest. "Most shifters can only sense that we're feline, not the specific type."
"Pick any table you'd like," Tamera gestured to the dining area. "The corner booth by the window is particularly nice - you can watch the street life while you eat. We have a patio area, but since we're supposed to have rain showers today, I don't recommend it."
Harper followed Becca to the suggested booth, sliding onto the cushioned bench. Through the window, she watched people stroll past, carrying shopping bags or walking dogs in the late morning sunshine.
Tamera brought over two leather-bound menus, setting them on the polished wooden table. "Everything's made fresh daily. The souvlaki is our specialty - Kester's grandmother's recipe." She winked. "Though I might be biased."
Harper opened the menu, her stomach rumbling at the descriptions of Mediterranean dishes.
"The souvlaki is amazing," Becca said, not even opening her menu. "Jake and I eat here at least once a week."
"I'll try that then," Harper decided, letting Reyna's enthusiasm for the meat dishes guide her choice.
"Perfect choice." Tamera jotted down the order. "And for you, Becca? The usual?"
"Yes please - lamb kebab and Greek salad." Becca handed back her unopened menu. "Though everything here is wonderful. Kester and Tamera have really created something special."
Tamera's cheeks flushed with pleasure at the praise. "Thank you. We try our best." She gathered the menus. "I'll get your orders started. Would you like some fresh pita and tzatziki while you wait?"
