Page 33 of Wateredge

“They don’t inspect my pastry-making skills on the Chamber of Commerce Board, Der. You know I don’t really have that much time, what with the fire brigade…”

“Oh yes, that’s another thing that is quite surprising about you, Captain Crowhart.”

“Hey, are you here to bake or poke at me?”

Deryn shrugged.

“Is there a reason I can’t do both? Aggravating you has been only a part-time job these past few years, but I’m back now. Time to take up the flag full-time again.”

“The one that says Chief Aggravator of Seren Crowhart?”

“I’m your baby sister, Rennie, that comes with the territory. But, no. Remember how just a few months ago, you, Ms. High and Mighty, were on my case?”

It was Seren’s turn to shrug. She regretted many things, but she did not regret getting Deryn to take a closer look at her own life. She wanted her sister to be happy. If any of her speeches and pestering drove Deryn to stop and think and finally settle on decisions that made her exactly that happy, Seren considered it mission accomplished.

“So?” was all she said as the kettle whistled.

“So now it’s my turn.” Deryn’s voice was brimming with glee. Seren imagined her sister was rubbing her hands together behind her back.

“Why would you be on my case, Der? As you keep pointing out, I am an upstanding citizen these days. A business owner, island leader, fire brigade captain, all that jazz.”

“There is indeed quite a lot of jazz about you, however, there is also the distinct presence of some blues. If you get my musical drift.”

Deryn executed a few dance moves that Seren could not identify.

“What is that supposed to be?” She pointed with the stirring spoon.

Deryn shook her head.

“You are not just a flan philistine, you are also a musical heretic.” She sat back down on the floor as the kitten batted at her boots’ laces. “I was stopped twice now by Jenny Dogwood.”

Seren felt her shoulders tense, but kept busy at the counter, hoping her sister wouldn’t notice.

“Do not even, Seren Crowhart. That woman is ensorcelled. Totally enraptured with you. She is not the only one, according to our good auntie. It’s as if you’re magical.”

Seren turned back around, dropping the spoon.

“First of all, none of those women, least of all Jenny Dogwood, knows anything about magic, mine or otherwise, and second, our good auntie knows even less about my life. Since when are you listening to people?” Seren felt color rise at her collar.

“Since these people literally jump out of snowdrifts to ask me about you.” Deryn flipped her hair back theatrically and went to a higher pitch. “Oh, Derry Poo, why has Serry Poo not come out to play lately? I know she is this mighty firefighter these days, which is very hot, but she is all work and no play, and that will make her a dull but still hot girl. Or should I say, Captain Daddy?”

Deryn gagged demonstratively.

“Why is she calling you Captain Daddy? What kind of sick games are you playing with these women, Seren? No, don’t tell me, I don’t want to know!” Deryn threw herself back on the carpet, and the kitten came to sniff at her before pouncing on her chest.

Seren thought about rolling her eyes at her sister’s shenanigans one more time, but her headache was getting worse by the minute, so she resisted the urge.

“I barely know this woman, Der. She came to the Brew a few times, that’s all.”

Deryn lifted her head. “She seems to know you. Biblically.”

“She doesn’t, actually. However, how many women know you biblically?”

Deryn scooped the kitten up and gently set him on the floor before getting up and coming to stand close to Seren.

“That’s the thing. Many, many women knew me biblically. I never once denied any of them. Part of the charm, so to speak⁠—”

“Questionable, talk about gag⁠—”