“Let’s try more drinks.” Nyomi clapped. “I’m keeping the portions small. Sample sizes. So we all don’t get drunk too fast.”
One of the Claws booed.
I glanced that way.
No one admitted who it was.
“Hey.” Nyomi put her hands on her hips. “After we’ve tried them all, whatever drink you like the most, you can order a regular size glass.”
“I like the sound of that.” Toma gave her a thumbs up.
Hiro shrugged. “I’m ordering lollipops all damn night.”
Two trays came forward.
The first woman held the tray out. On it sat small glasses with pale green liquid and orange peels draped over the rim, waiting.
Another woman came up to her, struck a match, and passed the flame once over each peel.
A single blue flare lit and vanished.
Nyomi gestured to Kaede. “This is yours, my love. The Ember Waltz."
“I like that name.” He picked his up.
Nyomi grabbed her own. "Japanese gin for Kaede’s smoothness. Dry sake due to his discipline. Yuzu for his brightness. Honey for the softness he pretends not to have. And finally. . .Absinthe to remind us all that he still cuts."
Kaede stared at her. I could tell he wanted to say something, but didn’t have the words. A second later, he lifted the glass, sniffed once, closed his eyes, and took the sip.
He swallowed slowly.
When he opened his eyes, they were glassier than before. "This is. . .me."
Hiro stared at him. "Are you about to cry?"
Kaede blinked his eyes. "No.”
“Your one good eye is watering.”
"It’s the fucking absinthe."
Nyomi stepped between them. “Leave him alone.”
“Yes, Tora.” Hiro blew a kiss her way.
Kaede turned his face away and took another sip.
All tried his drink, even me. I found it tasty, but not as good as the Dragon’s Flame.
The second flapper showed up with a tray of glasses filled with this deep purple liquid.
One twin grinned. “This must be for Toma.”
“It must.” The other nodded.
The rims were lined with black salt.
Another woman came forward with a single wedge of lime and squeezed it directly over the glass.
