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ada
“O kay, okay, I’m getting up!” I groan, frustrated with my alarm for having the audacity to go off even though I was the one who set it.
Letting out a deep sigh, I allow myself a few more precious moments to enjoy the snuggly warmth of my bed. There are few things more satisfying than a comfortable bed first thing in the morning. Being wrapped up in my blanket burrito is my idea of a good time.
The peaceful moment doesn’t last long, as my phone alerts me to a text message.
Seriously?
Rue
Remind me to never work the opening shift ever again. I’m going to need some serious caffeine so I don’t rip the head off of every customer who comes into the shop today and asks stupid ass questions.
Customer service is certainly not Rue’s strength. She’s in rare form and the day has barely started. Rereading her message, I can’t help but smile. I’ve never been a morning person, but Rue takes it to a whole other level.
My best friend must’ve been strong-armed by her equally strong-willed mother to take the early morning shift at her family’s witch shop, The Enchantress. Rue comes from a long line of powerful and revered witches dating back centuries, and her coven has inhabited this area long before the town we live in was even founded.
Ada
Well good morning to you too, haha
Meet me for coffee at 8? Blissful Bites? We wouldn’t want to subject the good people of Whispering Springs to your unique brand of early morning hostility.
Rue
If only you could see me flipping you off right now…
Blissful Bites, huh? This wouldn’t have anything to do with the hunky orc owner that you’ve been drooling over, would it?
Ada
What?! I don’t drool over him!
Okay, maybe just a little.
This is, of course, an enormous lie. Ulgan Durzum is the drop dead gorgeous baker and owner of Blissful Bites. The memory of the first time I saw him, just after moving to town a few months ago, is seared into my mind.
I went to the bakery to meet Rue for brunch, and stopped dead in my tracks when I spotted him behind the counter. Over six feet of muscles, tattoos, and the most breathtaking deep green skin He also wears glasses, and hot nerds have always been my weakness. I’ve never dated anyone with tusks before, but I sure as hell am willing to give it a shot. It took Rue shouting my name to snap me out of my horny trance.
Definitely not my finest moment, but who could blame me? It’s not every day you feel an instant, overwhelming attraction to someone. It sounds weird, but I almost swore there was some sort of magnetic pull to him.
Rue
Put cinnamon in your coffee today. You need some abundance in your life right now.
Ada
Abundance? Of what?
Rue
Orc dick… Get your head in the game, champ. It’s time to fucking manifest yourself a boyfriend.
Ada
See you at 8.
Rue
Love ya
Shaking my head, I place my phone back on the nightstand. Maybe she’s right. Not about the dick—though it would be a nice bonus—but about putting myself out there more. It’s been almost a year since my last serious relationship, and boy did that crash and burn. After over two years, the douche lord cheated on me, then had the nerve to say it was my fault. He informed me he cheated because he felt I didn’t trust him enough.
Gee, I wonder why?
The worst part is he wasn’t even the first guy to fuck me over.
It’s time to get back out there, even if the idea of dating makes me nauseous. My palms sweat just thinking about it. Why is it so hard to find someone these days? Is it too much to ask to meet a person that’s kind, respectful, and loving?
All right, I’ve stalled long enough. It’s time to get out of bed and get ready for work. The familiar voice of Dolly Parton filters into the room from the portable speaker in the corner. Singing off key, I twist my pale lavender hair into two space buns and can’t help but smile. I’ve always wanted to dye my hair a fun color, but didn’t have the confidence to do it until right before the move. It seemed like the perfect time to make the change.
Quickly changing out of my oversized tie dye shirt, I pull on a soft black and white striped t-shirt and a pair of worn-in denim overalls. They are covered in paint splotches. Most people probably would’ve thrown them away by now, but I believe the paint adds character, tells a story. Each drop of paint represented a memory or piece of art I created. Call me sentimental, but there’s no way I’ll ever part with them.
Standing in front of the full length mirror, confidence and self-love are evident in the reflection. It took a lot of healing to stop speaking negatively about myself and learn to appreciate my larger curvy body. To see the beauty in my soft stomach, strength in my thicker thighs, and a healthy appreciation for my fabulous ass. The woman staring back at me is deserving of respect and love, not only from others, but also from herself.
Swiftly grabbing my bag, I text Rue to let her know I’m on my way. It’s time to go meet up with the chaos queen, and maybe dust off my flirting skills with a handsome orc while I’m at it.