Page 63 of Suncatcher

“Good?” Driz asked.

“Where’d you get this?”

“From a wagon.”

“You stole it?” Pearl raised her eyebrows, surprised that Driz would do so. She seemed so honest.

“They had many.”

Pearl grinned. “You won’t hear me complaining.” She took another large mouthful, savoring it as it rolled down her throat, and held out the bottle. “Want some?”

Driz brought it to her nose. “Will it burn like the other?”

“A bit.”

Driz sipped. Her wings shivered and she hastily handed it back. “You said you like music, yes?”

“Sure.” Pearl drank deeply.

Driz shifted nervously as she reached into her pocket. “I have been practicing.” She held the harmonica Pearl had gotten for her.

“Have you?” was all Pearl managed, her mouth dry despite the bourbon.

“May I play for you?”

Pearl nodded, and Driz brought the harmonica to her lips.

After a few notes, Pearl realized she recognized the halting tune. Or at least the shape of it. “My pretty blue-bonnet Sally…” she mumbled along.

Driz stopped. “What?”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. It sounds like ‘Blue-Bonnet Sally.’”

“Is that what it is called? I have heard it often. When I can get near enough and listen without being seen.”

Pearl suddenly wanted to cry, so she drank more. “Keep going. You’re doing great.”

Driz started again, and Pearl kept her mouth shut this time.

Pearl didn’t possess any musical talents, as she’d admitted the other night. But Driz figured out the instrument and the notes so quickly. She had a good memory.

Pearl had never been serenaded before. She rather enjoyed it, and Driz’s fierce frown of concentration as she cradled the harmonica in strong hands.

Pearl wanted those hands to touch her, not the metal. Driz obviously worried she had frightened Pearl with her demonstration of strength earlier.

It wasn’t fear thrumming in Pearl.

All caution deserted her, leaving only a reckless need for this kind, thoughtful gargoyle to possess her.

Before the last note had the chance to fade, Pearl pushed up to her knees, leaned forward, and grabbed Driz’s face.

Driz’s heart hadn’t yet recovered from the nerves of playing her tune for Pearl. And now it was beating for an entirely different reason as Pearl’s mouth crashed against hers.

Had she played it well, then? The harmonica fell away, forgotten.

Pearl’s fingers dug into Driz’s cheek, her tongue demanding entry.

Driz had hoped this night might give them the chance to do this again, and it thrilled her that Pearl enjoyed her surprises. She’d done something right.