Page 29 of The Orc’s Sweetheart (Creatures & Cottages)
Maisie
I bounce on the balls of my feet behind the grazing table, happy as a clam as I stare at the beautiful bride and groom chatting to their guests. I may not have slept much over the last two days, but it’s so worth it to see everyone enjoying the cake I baked along with the platters of wedding food my aunt and uncle prepared.
It’s my first time attending a sunrise wedding, and even though the sky looks absolutely gorgeous at this time of day, I think I might prefer to have my own at sunset. I like my sleep too much to be awake this early in the morning—it’s the only time I might be considered grumpy—except today.
Today, my excitement to see the couple celebrating their love, exchanging their vows in front of all their family and friends, and having even a small part in contributing to their ceremony, has me almost dancing on the spot.
Aunt Annamae and Uncle Richard have been so encouraging, allowing me to let my imagination run free and come up with unique flavor combinations that might wow Tilly and Bodin and all their guests. If they keep this up, I might just stay in Starry Hill forever .
I’ve not explored much of the island yet, mostly keeping to The Flowering Teapot and my aunt and uncle’s house while I help them out. But now that Aunt Annamae’s strength is returning to her injured arm, I think I’ll venture out a bit more.
A couple heads toward me and I beam at them, ready to make friends.
“You must be Maisie,” the tall female says, her beautiful skin reminding me of the leaves of an olive tree. “I’m Beryl, and this is my wife Calixta.” She motions to the female with a smile that looks like it holds a thousand secrets. I wonder if she’d be willing to share some of them with me. I love secrets.
“Yes, that’s me. Hi!” I shake their hands enthusiastically. “So lovely to meet more Starry Hill residents.”
Calixta points to the cake. “Annamae told us you’re the one we have to thank for this beauty that’s just as delicious as it looks.”
My cheeks heat with pleasure at the compliment. “Thank you,” I say, fisting my skirt so I don’t throw my arms around her in a hug. “I was really inspired to create something that felt very true to Starry Hill. Tilly and Bodin wanted to celebrate the community and what better way than to use ingredients from the island.”
Beryl pulls her wife against her, placing her hand on Calixta’s hip. “It was such a unique blend of flavors. Where did you get your inspiration?”
“Oh! That’s easy. I’m sure you know all about the tangerine grove close to my aunt and uncle’s house. I was walking through there on my way to town one morning and it was like the fruit just called to me. I picked one, ate it on the spot, and then a million ideas flooded my mind. I grabbed a bunch more and then practically ran to the café to start mixing and tasting.”
Calixta smirks and quirks her head to the side. “The tangerine grove you say? Did you happen to see the creature who lives there?”
My hand flies to my mouth and my eyes round to saucers. “Oh no! Did I accidentally steal from someone?”
Beryl pats my shoulder. “It’s okay, don’t worry too much. He’d be happy to know he inadvertently helped supply something for the ceremony cake.”
I crane my head like I have any idea who I’m looking for. “Is he still here? I need to apologize to him. And ask permission if inspiration strikes again.”
Calixta exchanges a look with Beryl, a whole conversation wordlessly passing between them with a couple of eyebrows twitches. When they turn to me again, it’s with secretive grins.
“He is, in fact, still here,” Calixta says. She cups my shoulders and turns me until I’m looking across the beach at maybe the most attractive creature I’ve ever seen. “That’s Ren.”
Maroon-red horns curve out from a mop of unruly black hair that begs to be ruffled—or gripped. He has the cutest face, a practically chiseled jaw, and kind eyes hiding behind glasses he keeps adjusting. His tail is wrapped around his right leg, the spade tip resting against his ankle. Even from here I can tell he has a magnificent body that he’s hiding under oversized clothes. But from the way he’s shifting uncomfortably on his feet and hovering on the edge of the crowd, makes me think he might be super shy.
He looks like he needs a friend. I can be his friend!
“He’s so cute,” I say unabashedly. “Maybe I can take him a slice of cake as an apology?”
Calixta arches a brow and her grin grows into something that could be considered lethal in certain places. “I think he’d really like that.”
I clap my hands, then reach for a plate. “Great! I’ll fix him something soon.”
Beryl also grabs two plates, and she and Calixta pile them high with a variety of options. “Come pop by The Viny Shears or The Horned Pearl anytime. We’re both on Second Street, one street behind you,” Beryl explains once their plates are full.
I pause and give them both a grateful smile, my shoulder relaxing on a sigh. “I’d really love that. You’re also welcome to visit me at The Flowering Teapot. Anytime. I’ll be sticking around for a while. Uncle Richard and Aunt Annamae have been very generous with me and gave me free reign to try out some new recipes. I hope to wow Starry Hill with some creative combinations.”
Calixta squeezes my upper arm in sisterly comfort, making me feel even more welcome. “We’re looking forward to all the ways you’ll wow us. We’re very happy to have you in Starry Hill.”
Beryl nods in agreement. “Very. You might just like it so much that you’d never want to leave.”
The couple say their goodbyes and then they’re off, taking their plates to the bride and groom, ensuring they eat something while greeting their guests.
I never considered how busy a couple would be on their wedding day, and how difficult it would be to make time to eat when they’re trying to chat with each guest in attendance. I love that about Starry Hill. There’s this sense of community and looking out for each other that has me more than excited to get to know everyone.
I busy myself with preparing a substantial slice of the cake, adding it to the plate already piled high, then add some treats from the other platters too since I haven’t seen Ren anywhere near the food. The least I could do is to see that he has something to eat.
Plate ready, I turn, my toes digging into the soft sand, only to find the spot empty. I rise onto my tiptoes, craning my neck to find him. After a couple of seconds, I see the curve of his horns against the brightening sky as he crests the hill and heads back home.
Boo. I didn’t even get to meet him. Not yet, anyway.
Maybe I can save him a slice and pop by his house later? That’ll be the kind, neighborly thing to do.