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And, holy Terra, it turned out I really, really wanted that, too. I wanted to see how far this thing between us could go. I wanted to keep him close to me, as my friend and even more than that.
I wanted to see if his cock really was shaped like a fucking snowman.
I snorted, shaking my head, remembering the cookie debacle. After Archie had left last night, I’d packaged them up for him to take today, smirking at Penny’s meddling the entire time. I didn’t have any siblings, but I imagined that was a pretty classic little sister thing to do, whether human or alien.
The hover-vator reached floor 1200, and I stepped off. Now that I’d been here a couple of weeks, I felt pretty much at home. I joined the surging crowds with ease, not flinching when holographic ads popped up in front of my face.
As I approached my store, I saw a tall, green-skinned male figure leaning, arms crossed, against the security forcefield of my shop. I frowned, confused. I’d already established with X and Sophie that I didn’t need X’s help today. All the hard stuff was done, and today I’d just be adding finishing touches and prepping food for tomorrow’s opening.
But as I got closer, I realized it wasn’t X. It was Archie.
He pushed off from the security screen, smiling warmly at me as I approached.
“What are you doing here so early?!” I cried. It was only just after 7am station time. Usually, Archie showed up after 10am, which was good, considering he didn’t usually finish work at the pub until well after 1am, even 2am.
“After today I’ll have to share you with your many adoring gold-givers. I couldn’t let this chance go to waste.”
“Oh,” I whispered, flustered. How the hell was he so chill and suave after last night, while I’d turned into an awkward human potato? “Well, thank you. I’m glad you’re here.”
Despite my awkwardness, I really was glad he was there. And not just to have a little extra help around the place. As I disabled the security field and turned on the lights, I realized that his presence was helping stave off a massive wave of anxiety about tomorrow’s opening. With all the business of the preparations, and my growing feelings for him, I hadn’t had too much time to feel... Scared.
“How are you feeling about tomorrow?”
I whirled, glaring at him suspiciously.
“Orcs don’t have telepathic powers I don’t know about, do they?” I demanded.
“Oh, certainly, we do,” Archie said, a crooked grin plastered on his strong-jawed face. He stepped up directly in front of me. “I know exactly what you’re thinking right now.”
“Oh, really? Enlighten me, oh wise one,” I demanded.
“You’re thinking, ‘Wow, Archie is looking astonishingly handsome today. He is my favourite orc. I like his shirt. My favourite colour is green because it matches his skin and eyes. He-’”
I burst into laughter, further dispelling any anxiety about tomorrow.
“You are truly ridiculous,” I panted between bursts of giggles.
“Maybe,” he said. “But an orc’s telepathy never lies.”
I caught my breath and shook my head at him.
“Come on. Let’s get to work.”
––––––––
WE WORKED TIRELESSLY, only stopping to eat a brief lunch from the pub, before continuing on. By 8pm station time, everything was looking pretty damn perfect. The polished metal floors were swept clean and shining. The blue and orange walls lent a clear, sunny sense of cheer to the space. The counters had been rebuilt with white Terratribe 2 marble tops and a glass casing for the front, ready to display all of tomorrow’s baked goods. White ceramic cake stands were standing ready atop the counters, and my computer payment system was all set up. The shelves on the walls were lined with decorative teapots and cups and saucers from Gran’s house, their swirling patterns of colourful flowers and birds and branches lending a cozy, nostalgic vibe to the otherwise brand-new shop. I’d added some festive touches, too – real boughs of Terratribe 1 pine were strung up on the ceiling, and bundles of feathery white grindle-tree branches sparkled in vases along the counter and shelves. In the kitchen, cakes had been baked and wrapped, ready to be frosted tomorrow. The sourdough had been fed. Goldenberry compotes and piping bags full of frosting and bowls of cinnamon bun dough were ready and waiting in the fridge.
“One final touch,” I said, placing a photo tablet frame in the centre of the shelf behind the counter. I felt Archie come up behind me. He leaned down to look over my shoulder.
In the photo were two smiling women, one young, one old.
“It’s you,” Archie said.
“Yup. Me and Gran,” I said, my voice catching in my throat as I looked at her crinkly brown face, her whisps of grey curls. Behind our heads, orange flowers bloomed across a brilliant blue sky.
“I now understand the colours you chose for the paint,” Archie said gently.
“Yeah,” I said shakily, wiping at a sudden tear. “She’s the one who taught me how to bake. All the recipes I’m using in the shop were hers.
