Page 74 of From the Edge
One of the orcs smiled. “She works for Ark, Sern, and with Dante.”
“Familiar names. They will be here Friday night?”
Rowan nodded. “Their price for not writing me up for taking this week off without notice. I specialize in trust and inheritance planning. Folks trust me on sight.”
The butcher took his leave, bowing to her grandfather one more time. The driver had been stuck in one place since her grandpa had come down.
She made sure the truck was gone and headed to the kitchen to start her rubs. She pulled out a stack of metal sheet pans and got to work on the pork; then she wrapped the rubbed roasts in plastic and put them in the freezer.
Ren came up and helped her with the bars of beef, getting the darker rub onto them and then wrapping and setting them in the fridge. He asked calmly. “Rowan, why is there still room in here?”
“It’s an enchanted fridge, Ren. Just put those critters away. I have to work on the chickens.”
“So you are getting steaks for grilling?”
“Yup. Some folks don’t like their food sliding apart and juicy. I haven’t met any, but there are always some who like grilled meat. These two chickens are also going to be chopped up and grilled.”
They got the chickens ready, and then the giant pile of ground beef had to be tackled.
Her grandparents and the others washed up, and everyone started beating the heck out of the meat, adding spices, and making soft balls that would be wrapped up and stored until Friday. Stuffed burgers were strangely fun and filled with cheese.
One of the orcs mused, “I have never had a stuffed burger.”
She looked around. “Anyone else?”
Hands went into the air, and she went outside to start the grill. It was fun having people over, but it was a lot of effort.
Friday at five, Rowan wanted a nap, so she walked to her garden and meditated.
Mell and Norec were greeting folks and directing them in for appetisers while Eleanor kept the baby nice and secure.
Rowan rested in the garden and listened to the people approaching by car and others by gateway. Her cinnamon tree touched her shoulders, and the roses wrapped around her ankles. It was a very nice place to rest.
She heard voices calling for her, and she opened her eyes. Ren and Vasoric were looking at her with concern. She spoke to the trees, and they released her. She staggered to her feet and walked to the gate. It opened as she approached, and Ren caught her in a hug. “Did I miss the party?”
“No. Your grandfather mentioned that your life signs were fading.”
“I just gave them to the trees for a bit. I was tired.” She was being held against him, and he smelled fairly medicinal. She wiggled closer.
He paused. “Unusual reaction.”
“I work with plants and herbs a lot, and Grandpa always smelled like herbs. Sue me. It’s comforting.”
“I’ll take it, even if I have to rub myself with oregano on the way home.”
Her grandfather was watching her with concern. “Are you all right, Rowan?”
“I tried to get in touch with a friend earlier today, but her phone isn’t working. I am worried.”
Ren murmured, “The friend you mentioned yesterday?”
“Yes.”
“Hope?”
“Yes.”
“Would you like her found?”
