Berries and Greed

“I’ll try it,” I said, not sure if it was because I really wanted to or if a small, ugly part of me just wanted to one-up Gavin—to be the human all the demiurgus we worked with preferred and thought was more open-minded. I didn’t particularly like the idea of feeling that way, like I was competing with him, but after the mood Gavin had put me in all evening with his insensitive words, it probably had something to do with it.

“Awesome.” Ron grinned wide and slid a shot toward me.

I eyed the dark green liquid with a hint of apprehension, but gamely lifted it to my mouth and waited for Mani to count down before we all tipped the shots back. The overpowering taste of what I suspected was just alcohol hit me first, but then it mellowed, allowing me to pick up hints of whatever it was actually made with. Still, I could feel my eyes watering, and I did my best not to pull a face.

Yavi was wincing as he shook his head with a shudder, then he nudged me again. “What did you think?”

“I think I like it.” I licked my lips. “It doesn’t taste like dirt. It tastes kind of like grass. Like… fresh.”

“You’ve got good taste, Beryl.” Ron gave me a friendly pat on the back, then reached for the bottle again. “Another?”

“Oh, no, I think one’s enough for me.” I chuckled and glanced toward the windows, trying to find Greid waiting for me.

Gavin laughed as he passed me, making his way back to the tray of dirty glasses. “You’re a good sport, Beryl.”

“She is,” Mani agreed, and I couldn’t help but grin as I watched Ron pour another round for the three of them. After downing her second shot, Mani nodded toward the front of the bar. “You can take off, Beryl. Your guy’s waiting for you.”

I immediately twisted my head back around, scanning the dark street outside until I saw Greid standing a little ways from the door, dressed in jeans and a long coat. His hair was tied back in a messy bun, and he was looking down at his phone, its artificial glow picking out the sharp planes of his handsome face.

My gut bottomed out. My mood immediately lifted. I remembered the surprise I had for him, and another grin spread over my face as I stared at him.

“Oh shit, Beryl does have good taste,” I heard Yavi say. “You’re with him? Damn.”

“I know, right?” Mani grinned at me. “But she still hasn’t brought him in for us to meet him.”

My cheeks grew warm as I laughed. “He’s just kind of shy. But yeah, he’s… he’s the best. And so hot,” I added, unable to stop myself, a hint of pride making my chest inflate.

“You should both come for dinner one night,” Ron said with enthusiasm. “I can make my mom’s porin. Although, all demiurgus moms have their own way of making it, so we tend to have big feels over eating someone else’s version.”

“Ron, don’t put Beryl on the spot like that.” Mani gave his huge shoulder a gentle push. “She just told us her man is shy. The offer’s there if you ever do want to,” she added to me with a smile. “But no pressure.”

My cheeks flushed with pleasure. “That sounds nice. Thank you. I’ll ask him.”

“Go on, pipsqueak, get going.” Ron shooed me away.

“Thanks for all your hard work this week, Beryl,” Mani added. “We couldn’t have done it without you. I haven’t scheduled you in for any weekend shifts, so you get some time off after tomorrow.”

“Oh, wow. Thanks.” I hovered for a few seconds. “Okay, well, see you tomorrow.”

“See you, Beryl.”

I was in a much better mood as I made my way to the back office, even managing to give Gavin a smile and a wave as I passed him. He waved cheerfully back, still blissfully unaware of how much his flippant words had affected me all evening. I supposed some people were just like that.

After reaching the quiet of the back office, I untied my apron and carefully transferred the signed napkin and my phone to my coat pocket before slipping it on. When I stepped outside onto the chilly dark street, Greid’s head popped up from his phone. His eyes brightened, mouth curving into a big smile that showed me all his sharp teeth.

“Hey.” He raised his arm to show me the plastic bag looped over his wrist. “I did a snack run on the way here in case you’re hungry after your shift.”

Pure, unbridled happiness filled my chest. Filled every part of me. When I reached him, I rose on my tiptoes and cupped his face as he bent down to kiss me. His sweet, smoky scent filled my nose, and the feel of his arm slipping under my coat to wrap around my waist and pull me closer made me shiver.

I couldn’t stop myself from kissing him a second time before pulling back, all the worries and insecurities that had plagued me all evening melting away. I didn’t care what anyone thought. I wanted Greid.

And when he pulled open the side of his coat so I could slip underneath and snuggle into him as we started walking home, everyone else and all their opinions became completely, utterly meaningless.

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Chapter Thirty-Seven

Beryl

“I have a surprise for you,” I told Greid as soon as we got home.