“Our specials today include strawberry pancakes and honey French toast,” Annabel recited for the first time that morning. It was the first table she was serving this morning. The restaurant was only opened for a few minutes ago and she felt tired. The weekend still played in the back of her mind. She couldn't get the images out of her head.
The old man and woman nodded among themselves. “I think the strawberry pancakes sound good. You can bring one plate and we'll share,” he said, handing her back the menus.
“One plate of strawberry pancakes.” She walked away from the table and placed her pad in one of her apron’s pockets. There went her thoughts of getting a big tip. A shared plate wasn't a good sign.
She pushed through the double doors and headed into the kitchen. “I need one plate of strawberry pancakes,” she said, placing the order. There weren't many patrons in the restaurant so she waited for the order to come out.
“How come you didn't show up yesterday?” the cook asked, flipping the pancakes. It wouldn't take long for them to be finished.
“It's a long story. It all started with a guy and it rolled into the entire weekend,” she said, rolling her eyes. At least it started as guy trouble. It was too complicated to tell other people about what happened. She promised she wouldn't reveal it. This cut on her need to invent an alternate story.
He shook his head and plated the dish. “I remember what it was like to deal with relationship problems. I'll let you in on a secret. When you find the right person, your heart will let you know.”
“I don't know.” She stared at the plate. “Sometimes I think I have this ideal person in my head and I'll never meet him.” Or worse yet, she met him, but he was of a different species.
“That's the saddest thing I've ever heard. Don't give up so easy. You never know what's going to happen an hour from now. Here’s your pancakes,” he said, handing the warm plate to Annabel.
She smiled at him. “I'll have to keep hoping for the best then.” She pushed her way out the double doors and walked to the table. She delivered the plate with a smile.
“You're such a sweet girl,” the old woman said looking at the pancakes.
Annabel smiled. “Thank you. Is there anything else I can do for you?”
“Not right now dear. Thank you.”
“Have a nice breakfast,” she said, backing from the table. Annabel turned around to check out if any new tables were waiting for her. The sooner she got to them, the better service she gave. She needed the tips and the diversion.
There was one other table someone was sitting at. Someone she was familiar with. Crispin smiled at her from across the room. He looked happy to see her.
“How did you know I work here?” Annabel asked reaching the table. She hesitated between sitting to talk or remaining standing. She chose to stand.
Crispin looked up at her and said, “I have my ways.”
“I don't know if I want to learn what your ways are. Since you're here, can I get you anything for breakfast?”
He shook his head. “Nope. I want to ask you to come help us.”
She looked around. She didn't see any of the others. “Help you with what?” She spoke in a low whisper, “I'm not a dragon or anything like that.”
“We don't need help fighting them. We moved to the area recently and we're still not sure where everything is. Now, you've lived here for a while. You can also talk with the Unseen directly – a feat no other human can boast about. At least none I know of. I would never ask you to join us if I felt it was too dangerous for you. Would you come help us?” He looked at her in anticipation of her response.
“Are you serious?”
Crispin nodded. “Please say yes. You have no idea what I did to convince the others to say yes as well.”
She smiled. “Okay. Yes. I'll help you. Let me go tell – wait, do I get paid?”
“We'll figure out something,” he told her. “Now go. Today is a busy day.”
Annabel walked through the double doors and shook her head at the rare news she got. She could not stop smiling. This was a fantastic opportunity for her. She never imagined today she would get to work with Crispin. She never thought she would see him again.
“Are you okay?” the cook asked. He saw her walk through the doors with a giant smile.
“I quit,” she said, hanging her checkered apron on a rack. “You're right. You're absolutely right.”
He looked at her puzzled. “I'm not sure what that means but good luck out there.”
“Thanks,” she said walking back through the doors. She almost ran when seeing Crispin waiting for her. She was afraid he might change his mind.
“Are you ready to go?” he asked opening the door for her. His smile stayed on his face from before. He was genuinely happy for her to work with them.
“Absolutely,” she said going with him. Perhaps it wasn’t the worst weekend she had in a long time. It was leading her to an excellent week.
Try these other novellas in the Dragon's Fire series
Dragon’s Fire: Novellas 1, 2, & 3
New Breed
Awry Plans
Talon or Steel
Dragon’s Fire: Novellas 4, 5, & 6
Frozen Flames
Draco Ex Machina
Circle of Flames
Dragon’s Fire: Novellas 7, 8, & 9
Secrets of Steel
Fire Blast
Molten Steel
10. Knight Fall
11. Shattered Code
12. Ignition
13. Beckon
14. Smoke and Flames
15. Broken Blade
16. Drops of Steel
17. Crimson Blade
18. Talon of Darkness
19. Rising Darkness
20. Past Shadows
21. Fallen Ashes
22. Cracks of Honor
23. Pieces
24. Exposure
25. Reversal
About the Author:
Danielle Kazemi is an author from southern Louisiana, living within walking distance of a bayou with alligators. She spends most of her free time either coming up with new story ideas or goofing off online. You can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DaniWrites or connect on Twitter with @DaniKazemi
She is the author of the bestselling action adventure series Dragon's Fire, a series of novellas dealing with modern day travails of these mythological, shapeshifting creatures. She enjoys hearing from readers – even the negative comments help guide her to find the perfect combination of creativity for her next project.
If you can spare a few moments, please leave a review either here or anywhere else to help others find out about this novella.
New Breed (#1) (Dragon’s Fire) Page 19
