8. Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

Taran

M aeve texted me a few days later, making use of the number I had given her as we parted ways just outside Kalon Gardens.

Her little messages had quickly become the highlights of my days. She blessed me with lovely insights into her routines and occasionally sent me funny pictures. Memes, she called them, and I had to admit, some of them were pretty hilarious .

Mave: Hi Scales, Struan Fox can meet us at the cafe tomorrow at five? Does that work for you?

Taran: That’s perfect. Meet me there at half four?

Maeve: I have the afternoon shift so I’ll be around.

Maeve: I was thinking we might close early? Are you in a position to do that already?

Taran: No, but you are. It’s just my name on the title, you’re the boss.

Maeve: I’m slightly overwhelmed…

Taran: By the added responsibility?

Maeve: By you calling me boss

I grinned into my dark bedroom for a moment, before I typed out a reply. I’d never been a lucky person but ever since I’d met Maeve the fates seemed to align in my favour. My little talisman.

Taran: Do you like it when I call you that?

Is that too feisty?

Maeve: Never thought I would, but yeah, I do, Scales

Taran: Well, boss, better get used to hearing it, then

Maeve: What will the others think, though? When you call me boss?

Taran: I don’t really care .

Taran: The question is if you like it or not?

She took a moment to reply.

Maeve: You just made me blush and now my roommates are bombarding me with questions about who I’m talking to (we’re watching a film)

Maeve: And yes, I like it.

What had she told them? Perhaps I would ask her tomorrow, if I got a chance.

Taran: Good night, boss

Taran: Say hello to your roommates from me

Maeve: Good night, Scales. I’ll see you tomorrow

I stared at the little purple heart behind her message like a lovesick fool for way, way too long.