Page 10 of Minnie: Double, Double, Toil and Trouble

At the mention of the dreaded presentation, I tap the bridge of my nose. It’s a nervous habit I’ve had since I got my first pair of glasses at age six. Except they’re no longer there. Yet another unnecessary, unwelcome reminder that I’m a vampire.

I run my fingers through Helix’s fur, enjoying the calming effect the act always has. “I still don’t think I’m the best person to be giving this presentation. Public speaking and I don’t mix.”

“Don’t overthink it. Just say everything you’ve rehearsed. And if you forget the words, the notes are on your phone.” Which is identical to John’s, was provided by the agency, and is probably being monitored as we speak. “So what happens until the presentation?”

“You proceed with your work, Doctor.” He puts away his phone. “We rented a house for us in town. We can stop by and settle in first.”

I shake my head. “Can you take me straight to the lab? I have work to do. There are several samples I need from the beaver. I’d like to get started on those, so we don’t have to keep it longer than necessary.”

“Of course, Doctor.” John pushes a button on the limo. “Take us straight to the lab.”

The limo driver acknowledges the request, and John turns to me. “Don’t forget to feed, Doctor.”

Feed. The word makes me flinch. I haven’t bitten or harmed a human since I was first turned, and yet every time I think about eating I hear their screams. It’s why the agency always has someone make sure I’m feeding. Because if I could cut the blood out of my diet entirely, I would.

I shove the dread aside, scoop up Helix, and sink my fangs into his flesh. The fuzzy starts to purr, soothing me, and I manage to take my fill without screaming, throwing it all back up, or jumping out of the limo and running down the streets of Silver Springs screaming like the monster I am.

Monster. Monster. Monster. Monster.

My brain repeats the word on a loop, reminding me why this presentation is so important. Friday night, I have to walk on that stage and convince the vampires of Silver Springs to purchase fuzzies. I don’t have a choice. It’s the only way I’ll ever make up for all the horrible things that I’ve done.

Chapter 6

Minnie

I try to focus on serving customers, but Amber’s news makes it impossible. What was I thinking, saying I’ll go on the cruise? Or that money is no object? Of course it’s an object. It’s the most ‘objecty’ object I know. One that I’m severely lacking.

Which is why I panicked and Formula M had to take measures into its own hands. But at least I didn’t admit Natty and I are homeless, prove I’m an unfit guardian, and get him taken away. Even if Amber would have kept it a secret, I doubt the gorgon would have.

I glance at him. He still hasn’t left even though it’s almost time for lunch. I don’t get why I’m so interested in him, considering he hasn’t looked up from his phone in hours.

Focus, Minnie, I remind myself. Make the drinks and figure out what to do about the cruise!

But what can I possibly do? Hope that Pepp’s friend can break the curse? Convince Amber that cruises suck and she’s better off staying at the B&B? Wait until Julian gets back from whatever it is he’s been doing all morning and see if I can convince him of the same thing? It’s either that or rob the bank so I can pay for the trip.

“This isn’t what I ordered!”

The complaint pulls me out of my thoughts and I stare across the counter at Violet the recently turned vampire—who’s eighty years old, with gray hair, wrinkles, fangs, and more energy than a three-year-old.

She frowns. “I asked for a PSL with rainbow sprinkles. I saw it on Screech,” Violet announces proudly, like being on a supernatural social network is something show-off worthy. “And now that I’m immortal and don’t have the same dietary restrictions, I can order a different drink every day.”

She pushes her drink back across the counter toward me and waits for me to re-do it, because apparently on top of all my other worries, I can’t even get simple drinks right.

I feel the need to blush, but Formula M masks my embarrassment with a wave of snark. Which is how I find myself pushing the drink right back and rolling my eyes. “Whatever.”

The gorgon looks up from his phone and stares at me. I’d blush… if I could.

He and Violet both stare at me for three solid seconds. Finally, she speaks, “I don’t think you understand. My PSL is missing the rainbow sprinkles.”

I stare blankly at her, willing my body to move.

She clears her throat. “PSL is slang for pumpkin spice latte, you know,” she adds, as if it’s all some big misunderstanding.

Say sorry, I order myself. Say sorry! Instead, I roll my eyes. “Of course I know what it stands for. I work here.”

“Good. Then you must also know that the sprinkles are right over there.” She points to the shelf behind my left shoulder. “Can you add some for me so I can be on my way?”

The smart thing to do would be to add the sprinkles. It’s my job to add the sprinkles. I need to add the sprinkles. So of course Formula M decides I’m not getting the sprinkles.