Page 30 of Biker Orc Baby Daddy
So I baked muffins.
Lemon poppyseed. A thank-you gesture that's professional but nottrying too hard, which is a tightrope I'm still learning to walk.
I tuck Orry into his carrier. He's awake now, gumming a teething ring, and head next door.
Fishborn Financial is sleek. Glass doors. Minimalist furniture. A reception desk that looks like it costs more than my entire inventory.
The woman behind it glances up, smiles.
"Hi! Can I help you?"
"I'm Cecie. From Sparkle Beauty next door. I, uh, brought muffins? For Colum?"
Her smile widens. "Oh! You're the makeup place!"
"That's me."
"Columlovesyou. He won't shut up about the plaza revitalization." She stands, peers at Orry. "And who's this?"
"This is Orry."
"He'sprecious." She reaches out, wiggles her fingers. Orry stares at her, unimpressed, then shoves the teething ring back in his mouth.
"He's shy," I lie.
"Come on back. I'll grab Colum."
She leads me through the office. It's open-plan, all glass partitions and standing desks. A few people glance up, nod politely.
I feel suddenly, acutely aware of the glitter still dusting my jeans.
Professional. You look professional. Totally.
Colum appears from a side office, arms spread wide.
"Cecie! You're here!"
"I brought muffins."
"I love muffins!" He takes the basket, inspects the contents. "Lemon poppyseed. Excellent choice. You're hired."
"I already have a job."
"You're double-hired." He sets the basket on a nearby desk, starts pulling out muffins and distributing them to his staff like he's handing out awards.
I stand there, awkward, bouncing Orry slightly.
One of the junior analysts, a guy in a graphic tee and blazer, grins at me. "Your shop's next door, right?"
"Yep."
"My girlfriend's been dying to check it out."
"Tell her to stop by. We're still setting up, but I've got enough stock to do a full face."
"Will do."
Colum reappears, muffin in hand. "Let me give you the tour."
