“I bring danger.”
“You also bring repaired locks, working refrigeration, and the only face in Halo that makes Poison Memories remember appointments elsewhere.”
“Ron may retaliate.”
“Ron will retaliate because he’s a spoiled little bastard with a bloody nose and daddy issues, not because Evie smiles at you.”
I look at him sharply. “What do you know of his father?”
“Enough to keep my mouth shut unless I’m sure.” Al picks up his coffee again, then makes a face and sets it back down. “Not the point tonight.”
“It may be the point.”
“The point tonight is that you are in love with a woman who likes you back, and instead of doing anything sane about it, you keep stacking flour and brooding at her pastries.”
“I work there to repay debt.”
“You keep saying that, and every time you do, one of the rats dies of boredom.”
The anger I expect does not come. Only a tired, hollow ache beneath my sternum.
“I do not know human courtship,” I say.
Al’s grin begins slowly. “Now we’re getting somewhere.”
“This amuses you.”
“Deeply.”
“It should not.”
“Big man, I am old, poor, and sleeping near a drain. If a seven-foot Vakutan panic-sweats over asking a baker to dinner, I’m taking my joy where I find it.”
“I do not sweat from panic.”
“Give it time.”
I sit on an overturned crate because standing suddenly feels unstable. The crate complains under my weight. I ignore it. “Vakutan courtship is not simple.”
“Human courtship ain’t simple either. We just lie about it more.”
“Among Vakutans, intent is often formally stated after familial inquiry, compatibility consideration, and demonstrations of capacity.”
Al blinks. “Demonstrations of capacity?”
“Strength, honor, provision, defensive competence.”
“So you ask a girl’s family if she’s available, then lift something heavy?”
“That is a crude summary.”
“That is exactly what you said with more arm hair.”
“Vakutans do not have arm hair.”
“Lucky you. Mine comes in places it shouldn’t.”
I rub one hand over my face. “There are declarations. Sometimes combat.”
