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“A ‘nice’ venue? It’s an epic venue.” Granny Luna gave him an exasperated look. “Imagine! My own flesh and blood doing a book signing at Owl’s. Wait until I share this with the flutter. How long have you known? And why didn’t you tell me? This is huge news. We need to go shopping. You need new clothes. I need new clothes. And while we’re out there in Portland, we must tour the Rose Garden. I have some cousins we could meet up with over that way. Oh, wait till I tell them my famous, successful grandson is being honored right in their own backyard.” Granny cackled delightedly. “They’ll be green with envy! Of course it’ll be difficult to tell, they’re such a mossy bunch.”

Dan felt himself shrinking in his seat. Granny was not going to be pleased when he told her that he’d already booked a roundtrip ticket for one and would be heading to Portland and back on the same day. He’d only planned to spend six hours in total.

“I’m sorry. I don’t think I’ll have time, Granny. Not on this visit, anyways. I can’t afford to stay away that long.”

Granny huffed and for a split second her wings buzzed into sight. Dan felt a disapproving whoosh of air as they vanished again. It was much worse than a pointed sigh.

“First my only daughter runs off and deprives me of grandmothering you, and now all these years later, when I get to know you and you have a big book signing to attend, I’m not invited? Are you trying to do me in, Danny? Go on and twist the knife, why don’t you!” Granny pantomimed being stabbed and reeled across the cafe melodramatically.

Dan had to bite his lip to avoid laughing.

Finally, she dropped into a chair. “Honestly, I don’t understand you. You could at least pretend to be excited about this? For your old granny’s sake!”

“I am excited,” Dan said.

“Ha! You seem about as thrilled as someone who’s scheduling dental surgery.”

“It’s just… The renovation shouldn’t have to stop because I need to go sign some books, Granny. That’s all. I’m almost done. I need the tavern to be ready by Samhain.” Dan sighed, and Granny rolled her eyes.

“I don’t know why you need to be such a martyr, Dandy. You don’t need to do everything alone. Help’s here for you now. You know you’ve only to ask.” She was still pouting but there was a spark of concern in her eyes.

Dan didn’t like to disappoint her, but he didn’t want any help, or any of the strings that came along with accepting it. Not from her or anyone else. He’d seen what happened when a person got too comfortable accepting handouts. That had been his mother’s M.O. throughout his childhood. It was great while it lasted, but as soon as things got lean, she’d check him into the halfling orphanage like she was leaving him at a daycare.

“You’re probably right, Granny.” Dan changed the subject. “Owl’s is incredible. It’s a wonderful opportunity. I’m sure I’ll be excited when I get to Owl’s. I’m tired tonight.”

He rested his head on his hand and thought about what he might make for dinner. He had laid in quite an assortment of frozen meals. His stomach gurgled in anticipation.

“Hmph.” Granny made a sound and fixed him with a look that communicated the order to “stay right there.” She buzzed off to the back again. A moment later she was back with a bowl of something hot that smelled delicious. She set it in front of him without asking. He wanted to say no, that he could make his own meal. But he was famished, and Granny was already looking hurt. “Go on,” she said. “I’ll put it on your tab. Same as all the other customers.”

For once he didn’t say no. He lifted the spoon to his lips and blew. The broth was heavily spiced, and pungent. He tasted mushrooms, ginger, and galangal root. As he sipped, he could feel the tension in his shoulders uncoiling, and a soothing warmth wrapping itself around him.

“This is incredible, Granny,” Dan said.

“Well, I hope it hits the spot. It was made with love.” Granny beamed. “And bourbon. And a wee bit of magic.”

The bell above the door did not ring when Will Porter arrived but there was a blinding, sudden flash of light. Will rarely came through the front door. The half fae porter had been blessed with the ability to open portals between any two spaces on the ley line network, no matter how distant. It was commonplace for Will to arrive this way. But it still caught Dan off guard, every time.

“Dan! Granny!” Will called out in greeting. “What’s that delicious smell? Got any more for me? I’m famished!”

Will stopped when he saw the trophy on the table.

“Aww… look,” he said. “You’re having dinner with your kitty cat.”

“It’s a sphinx.” Dan lowered his spoon.

“She kind of looks like you.” Will dropped into the chair across from him and pulled the trophy toward himself, examining the base with an expression of exaggerated solemnity. “Dandelion Wilder.” He looked up, affecting an overblown announcer voice. “The Grand Champion!”

“Don’t.” Dan winced.

“I’m just reading what it says,” Will said, setting the sphinx down with great care.

“I think Dandy could use your help with some names,” Granny Luna called over to Will.

“Could he?” Will sat up straighter. “I thought he’d never ask!” He leaned toward Dan and cracked his knuckles. “I have to say, I’m still wondering why a proud lion shifter of a man with a name like Dandelion would want to lean into a bird metaphor. What made you want to call the tavern The Wildernest and not, say,” he tilted his head, “The Dandy Lion?”

“That’s not the kind of names I meant,” Granny tutted, but Dan and Will were already knee deep in an unresolved argument.

Dan pointed at him. “We are not doing this again, Will.”