Welcome to Stories from Among the Stars.

You're listening to Legends and La Tez by Travis Baldry.

7.

When Cal next appeared with his tools, Viv proudly displayed the nomish coffee machine.

The hob was inspecting it with interest, thumbs tucked into his belt, when Tandry appeared.

Viv made the introductions.

Charmed, said Cal, executing a deep bow.

It's nice work, said Tandry, gesturing to the interior.

I remember what it used to look like.

The hob puffed up a little bit at that, and Viv was sure she saw him struggling not

to smile, but he only nodded and said inevitably.

Deliveries from the previous day's excursion began to arrive and continued piecemeal over

the balance of the day.

Cal hung the wall lanterns while Tandry and Viv uncreated and shelved the dishware, rolled

out the rug, and arranged the tables and chairs out under the front windows.

Mid afternoon Cal excused himself to run a little errand.

He returned a while later, struggling with the awkward bulk of a wooden signboard.

Nothing heavily, he set it down with the front facing away and drummed his fingers anxiously

across its top.

So, he said, I should have asked, but seemed you were undecided, and nothing hanging yet,

and after thinking it over I thought, well, Viv could swear his cheeks were flushing red.

Ah, gods!

...