Chapter 3: Pretend

"I can't do this."

"It was your idea."

"Because I thought it's more respectful."

"An email would have done as well."

"Maybe I'll write one."

"We're right outside the pub."

"So what? He doesn't know that."

"Let's get in there now."

If Miko hadn't asked me on Lilith's behalf whether I'd already quit my job, I would probably have just turned up for my shift tomorrow evening.

With my head slightly down, I walk through the door. In one hand, I hold an envelope with my resignation. It's not really that dramatic, but this letter is related to the fact that I will sign the contract with the guild as promised.

When I was on my own, the doubts about the whole thing came up again. But by this afternoon at the latest, when Miko picked me up at home to drag me here, I was quite retaken with the prospect of working with her.

"Hey Kayla, you bringing us a new customer?"

No boss, no I'm not. If he were to look me in the face, he would realize it, but like my past self, his eyes are glued to Miko, who radiates complete disgust again.

He walks towards us and I hold the envelope out to him before he reaches me.

"What's this?"

"I have to stop working here."

"Is everything all right? Are you in trouble?"

"Everything's great, I'm just starting a new job."

"Fine, what do you want to drink?"

"Huh?"

"Well, as a parting gift, like I'm just letting you go."

I don't really have to think, "A pina colada, please."

"Good, and that pretty friend of yours?"

"Something where you can't taste the alcohol."

"You don't have to take something with alcohol, and sorry to ask, but are you even allowed to drink yet?"

"Yes, I am."

"Good, do you like sweet stuff?"

"Not that much."

"That makes it harder."

I also start to ponder what drinks there are that didn't taste like alcohol and weren't sweet at the same time.

"How about a beer?"

So, he can't think of anything either. Beer has quite a taste of its own.

"Never had one before, so why not?" Miko shrugs her shoulders, and we walk to the counter together. I sit on the other side of this one for the first time since I started the job. Hopefully, I looked as competent as my boss as he prepares my cocktail.

Miko is already critically eyeing her glass of beer.

"Here's a pina colada for the lady."

"So, now out with it, what job are you leaving me for?"

"I'm going to join a mage guild."

You can tell he's thinking about his following words.

"Oh, you're a witch?"

His surprise is poorly acted... As he is also one of my clients who regularly benefits from my ability to neutralize alcohol with my healing magic, he is well aware of this.

"She's not," Miko interjects.

I'm not?

"First, she has to get her license. Treating a few drunks isn't worthy of a witch."

My boss and I look at each other with some worry written all over our faces.

"What's going on? Don't get the wrong idea. No one cared what Kayla was doing here. The Ministry has bigger worries. Maybe the tax office would be interested."

"Okay, that's enough. I'm happy that you've found such a great job with a lovely colleague like this."

No one else was in the pub yet, so there was no danger of anyone overhearing us, but we didn't have to provoke it.

I sip my Pina Colada without comment, and Miko dares to try her first beer. She empties half the glass in one big gulp, a sight that would hurt any connoisseur.

"So, when do you notice the alcohol?"

"Is this your first time drinking?"

"Yes."

Good thing it's only one beer. But with a woman of her stature, even that can quickly take its toll.

"Let's wait and see. If you're not feeling well, I'll heal you."

◆

"You're sure you don't want me to heal you?"

"Why would I want to lose this feeling? I've never been better."

After the first beer had its effect, she ordered another. So, she ended up with a whole liter inside her system. I don't recommend anyone to drink alcohol like water, but Miko is old enough to make such decisions, maybe.

"I finally understand Lilith's passion for wine."

"Hmm, you might actually like wine too."

"Let's drink some after you sign your contract."

Is it my fault she's fallen for alcohol? It's not as if I encouraged her. But she wouldn't have come to the pub with me if I had resigned without her asking. I feel a little guilty. Maybe I'll heal her secretly, which might be difficult since I'd have to touch her.

"What are you looking at me like that for?" oh god, was I staring again?

"Sorry."

"You like women, don't you?"

A cold shiver runs down my spine. What can I say? I don't fully know the answer myself, but yes, I find women just as attractive as men. But it depends on the person. So, do I like women or Miko as a person? But she didn't ask that, and I don't want to tell her now.

"It's all right, you don't need to answer." Her words express understanding, her face annoyance.

"Thank you."

With the beer under her belt, she was more talkative than before, but from that point until we reached the office, there was a silence between us.

"Ah, there you are. Shall we do it in the basement or right here on the table?" Lilith looks ecstatic. That lousy pun could have been mine.

"Either is fine with me."

Lilith slaps the contract with the line for my signature on the table and hands me a ballpoint pen. I was expecting quill and ink, given how she presents herself, but I can tell she's in a rush.

I don't intend to make it any more exciting and sign it.

"Do you drink wine?" She asks.