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“That has to be a fairly thankless job,” she said. “I brought some pastries to share with everyone.”
He looked at the container she pulled out of her large shoulder bag. “Rolf’s? I didn’t know they opened this early.”
“They don’t but when I told them I was starting a new job and was going to take pastries from yesterday, they offered to let me take some fresh-made today. You’re welcome to one and to take some back to the other security guards.”
While not the most confident with strangers, Emery had learned early on that befriending security and janitorial personnel had distinct advantages. Most scientists paid them no mind and acted as if they weren’t there.
The guard seemed taken aback. “You don’t have to do that.”
“I know I don’t have to,” she said, as he put her boxes down on the desk. “But I’d like to. And if you’ll give me a minute, I’ll set up my Keurig and you can have a cup of coffee to go with it. Please let your fellow security people know they are always welcome to come get a cup.”
“You brought your own coffeemaker for your cubicle?” he laughed, warming up.
“I saw the breakroom on my tour. The coffeemakers in there looked bleak. I am something of a coffee snob, so I always bring my own and am happy to share with folks.”
“That’s really nice of you, Dr. Smoak.”
“Emery, please, and think nothing of it.”
She fished out her red Keurig, which would provide a nice pop of color in her gray cubicle—soft gray furniture, and padded walls covered in some kind of gray wool material.
“You’ve got outlets all under your desk and the hanging file above it, plus this lateral file had a couple behind it.”
“If you’ll help me move the lateral file, I’ll set the Keurig up here. That way it’s easier for people to get to and I don’t have to worry about knocking it over and getting coffee all over my desk.”
“I can get you some water,” the guard offered.
“No need,” Emery laughed. “I told you I was a coffee snob. I brought my own purified water. And my own pods. If people like other kinds, they’re welcome to bring them.”
“This is going to be great. I’m Terry, by the way.”
Emery extended her hand. “Emery,” she repeated. “Good to meet you. You make your coffee—the black container has powdered creamer—not great, but tolerable—and then I have all these different kinds of sweeteners. You fix your coffee and let me get you some pastries to take back up to the front.”
Emery put together a small paper plate with Kleina, a sweet fried and rolled dough treat, as well as Hjónabandsæla, a delicious baked buttery mini tart filled with a fruit paste and topped with lattice.
“Man, those look delicious. I’ve heard Rolf’s makes the best Kleina.”
“I wouldn’t know,” admitted Emery. “I’d never had it until I came to the Summit last year, but I think it ought to be sold as a controlled substance.”
“True enough,” he said, taking the plate and his cup of fresh-brewed coffee. “Thanks for this. I really appreciate it, and I know the other guys will, too. If you need anything, you come to me personally.”
“Thanks, Terry, that’s kind of you.”
He placed his hand on hers, waiting until she made eye contact. “No, anything,” he said stressing the last word. “I mean it, Emery. If anything makes you feel uncomfortable, you should know you are not alone and there are those of us who will help.”
She realized as she searched his face that he was a shifter like herself. She’d schooled herself over the years to not seek out others like her. It was far too dangerous, but Terry’s voice and words—although brief—were compelling, and she nodded.
“Well, let them know they’re welcome to come get their own coffee.”
As she’d hoped it would, the smell of fresh-brewed coffee combined with pastries from Rolf’s lured all of her new co-workers to her cubicle. By the time Heidi from Human Resources arrived, the other scientists and research assistants had been by to introduce themselves.
“I see you’ve introduced yourself and made yourself at home,” said Heidi.
“As I told Terry—” when Heidi quirked her eyebrow, Emery continued, “—the security guy who helped me with my stuff and let me in—I’m a bit of a coffee snob so I have my own Keurig. I don’t think it’s fair to fill a workspace with the aroma of amazing coffee and not share. Want a cup? I have French roast and bourbon barrel aged. Both are delicious and there’s no alcohol in the bourbon one, just a really smooth aftertaste.”
“That sounds good. I’d love a cup. And did I see people eating Kleina?” Heidi asked.
“Yep, from Rolf’s. Help yourself,” Emery said, pointing to the platter of pastries as she took the laptop from Heidi. “They converted their storage space upstairs, and I got to rent it. They let me buy pastries before they open in the morning.”
