Nerual winked back. Her scales were a fascinating blend of creamy sandstone and scarlet. She reminded Grayson of a koi fish, albeit one that possibly resided in ancient Egypt.
Another group of tired employees trickled through the door, then another. Slowly, the pub grew to its usual Friday night cacophony.
Grayson sipped his mimosa, reveling in his newfound existence. The Grayson Miller who left Mineral Bluff wouldn’t have recognized the Grayson sitting at this bar.
“Oooh, some Alphas just walked in,” Tara said, craning her neck.
“Cute Alphas?” Aureli asked, without bothering to turn.
Tara frowned, considering. “Can you really call any Alpha ‘cute’?”
“You know what I mean.”
Jenna rotated her entire body to stare in the Mer’s direction.
“Jesus, could youbeany more subtle,” Tara hissed.
“They’re not even looking this way,” Jenna retorted. “Hmm. The one facing us isverygood-looking. Wavy red hair and teal scales. Seems male.”
Grayson’s heart stopped. It couldn’t be…
“Then there’s a female, I think. She’s very pretty. Light green scales. I can’t tell if her hair is black or dark green…”
“Oh.” Tara shivered. “They’re with one of those deep sea Mer. The ones that look like giant anglerfish. He’s a little scary.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Grayson saw Jaeyong’s head snap up. He cleared his throat. “Oh, uh, that last one has gold scales. Unique.”
Grayson’s frozen heart plummeted to his feet as Aureli whipped around. “No way.”
“What?” Tara stared between Aureli and the Mer at Grayson’s back.
“That’s the bad date guy!” Aureli whacked Grayson on the shoulder. “Isn’t that him?”
“I don’t want to know,” Grayson mumbled. “I’ll just keep facing this way, thanks.”
“Want me to kill him?” Jenna offered.
“Let me get back to you.” Grayson flagged Vitor down. “Just the prosecco this time, please.”
“I can respect that.”
Grayson’s friends hovered in uncertain silence, as if waiting for him to decide the next move.
“So,” he said with forced cheer. “Who won the big ass baby award this week?”
Jenna clapped a palm to her forehead. “I forgot about the BABA! Quick, everyone rattle off your high score, and no cheating. Mine was thirteen even.”
“Eleven pounds, three ounces,” Grayson replied.
“Ten and a half,” Jaeyong sighed.
“Eleven pounds, eight ounces.” Tara downed the final dregs of her drink and signaled for another.
“Thirteen pounds, one ounce!” Aureli crowed, punching the air with a victorious fist.
Jenna groaned. “God dammit,oneounce off…”
“Better luck next time.” Aureli patted her back in mock sympathy.
