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As my mother and father would give me something to cry about if I were rude to a dragon without provocation, I thanked him again before settling into the important work of introducing the sleeping Garnet to the other dragon. “I haven’t had her long enough to know how long she’ll sleep after meals yet, but I expect for a while. She’s still a kitten, and she enjoyed a feast at a nearby restaurant. She’s had a rough week, so she deserved a treat.”
“You will have her spoiled rotten and unaware of the evils of the world within a week,” the dragon informed me. Like her husband, she shifted to human, wearing a dress fit for a gala. “Our attire confuses you. I will explain to spare you from embarrassment. These things are expensive, and expensive things should be used and enjoyed. We wear this because we like it, and it would be a shame to let beautiful things rot away in a closet.”
I grinned at her explanation, so sensible I could see myself doing the same. “Like ridiculously expensive phones you’re afraid to use for fear of breaking them?”
“Precisely so.” The woman turned to face her husband. “My darling, do put a replacement policy on the phone. She does have the little one to care for, and no sane being can blame a kitten for playing.”
No kidding, and when the kitten had stone paws, the sane expected things to be broken.
Like brand new, expensive phones.
Her husband lifted a hand in acknowledgment and returned to his work.
“With that out of the way, what brings you to the Emerald Ward today? This isn’t your usual turf.”
“I’m taking advantage of an opportunity to get new bedroom furniture,” I admitted. At least I wouldn’t be shamed for not having a dresser, as I had the equivalent of dresser shelves in my closet, which did a good job of keeping my clothes stored and out of the way. “Then I decided if I was going to get that, I may as well join the modern world and get a new phone.”
“I see. I would be happy to accompany you and help smooth the process for you. You know how those grumpy green and blue dragons get.”
I did? Puzzled, I regarded her with interest. “But I’ve always found dragons to be dignified, honorable beings. I’ve yet to meet a truly grumpy dragon here.”
Well, compared to my parents. When pushed, my parents took grumpy to extremes, and it amazed me that the residents of Miami remained ignorant over dragons living in their neighborhood.
I blamed my father’s magic, which did a good job of keeping things hidden, including their status as old dragons, not that I would call my parents old where they might hear me.
“What a delightful answer. You’re probably the type to work at your kitchen table, too, and I’m afraid to ask if you have a proper table or one of those makeshift ones. I’ve met other women like you. You’re frighteningly resourceful. With your schooling aptitude and your desire to test into the system, you need a proper desk. I can help you negotiate a good price for both.”
“I’m going to need an armchair, too. My chair isn’t going to be good for Garnet.” I’d take advantage of discounts and hope the dragon didn’t bleed me dry. “But no televisions. I don’t want them.”
“That is because you’re the kind to read books at the library.”
In a way, I appreciated that the dragon informed me they’d been watching me closer than I liked. But why? Was it due to my involvement with the titanium dragons or the brothel? I received the general message she sent; if I wanted to go under the radar, I would need to do a much better job.
“I do like books.”
“Perhaps a bookcase to go with your desk and some knowledge to begin your journey. You wish to make this your home, yes?”
“That’s the idea.”
“Excellent.” The woman smiled and clasped her hands in front of her. “I am Wanda, and my husband is Hughie. You have more fortitude than I expected, truth be told. Usually those who run are filled with fear, although we do not know why you run or from whom you run.”
Interesting. Cedrick hadn’t spouted all my secrets then, and he hadn’t told anyone of my past occupation. “Bad decisions, good intentions, and an unbending society,” I replied. When I’d first come to Dragon Heights, I’d practiced that precise answer for months until confident I could convince myself of my words. “I’m almost ready to take the test so I can afford a better home, although there’s nothing wrong with mine.”
I’d done a good job keeping the place maintained. Wear and tear happened, but I’d learned how to do most basic upkeep out of necessity. I suspected Cecilia kept my rent low because I took care of my rickety apartment, upgrading it in some cases as I repurposed discarded materials. There were safer and fancier wards in the city, but I made life work in the Gray Ward.
“The practicality of it is beyond painful. My darling, you must do something about this travesty!”
Her husband glanced our way, shook his head, and resumed his work.
“I’m not sure he agrees with you.” Careful to keep a good hold on Garnet, I set the bag of leftovers and her milk down on the floor. “I’m not sure if you have the answer, but I figure it can’t hurt to ask, but at lunch, the restaurant gave Garnet a bottle of milk, and the bottle will keep the milk cool even on the counter. Do you know where I can buy some more of these bottles?”
“I do. They’re sold at the kitchen supply stores and most cooking stores. There is one near a nice furniture store I think you’ll appreciate. There is also a pet shop right down the street, so you can pick up anything you need for Garnet. My presence will make sure you aren’t given any problems due to your status.”
“I would have thought cash was more important than status. It’s not like I’m going into the store paying in credit.” I sighed. Taking the test would make me eligible to have credit cards, but I’d liked not having to worry about making payments. I’d ultimately get one to prevent someone from stealing my bank account details through using my debit card for everything.
For years, I’d gotten by using cash and using my bank account as a way to turn checks into cash.
“This will simplify things for you, and you have created much entertainment for all dragons as of late. We will take great care to not to summon kittens, puppies, or horses. I can’t promise we won’t summon something objectionable, but we’ll do our best to summon things other than house pets.”