Nanowrimo Bits - 11/4/19 (Patreon)

A snippet of today's Nanowrimo! I'm quite proud of it :)

Suddenly, the bell above the door rang. Odd, she thought. She hadn’t seen anyone approach from either direction. Two men stepped in. They were clearly related, with the same cold, blue eyes. They were also dressed far nicer than one would expect for someone who clearly didn’t have to be in an office if they were coming in at 9-something for coffee. Even if they did need to be in an office, who the hell would wear a three-piece suit for a desk job? 

Flannery noticed Ashe tense as they walked into the shop, turning so she was able to see them, even though she continued to read her book. Why did she seem so keen to keep an eye on them while specifically acting like she wasn’t? Flannery glanced up towards her granny, who didn’t act like anything was wrong. Interesting, Flannery thought. 

The two men placed their order and moved away from the counter. As they did, both of them met eyes with Flannery at the same time. Flannery went stiff as something in her gut grew cold. Something was wrong, but she couldn’t place what. It reminded her of her encounter with Cordelia earlier in the day but…more. Or different? She wasn’t sure. Her brain was weirdly fuzzy. Maybe it was the coffee? She didn’t normally drink it at home, so maybe that was it.

“Good morning,” one of the men greeted. Flannery looked up, immediately uncomfortable with how close the men stood to her. They weren’t exactly imposing, but they were tall, and appeared even more so standing next to Flannery’s seat. “You are Ms. Hood’s granddaughter, yes? Flannery, is it?”

“Yes, that’s me.” Flannery hadn’t actually wanted to answer them, but something had pulled the words from her mouth. 

“How wonderful,” the other man said, his voice slick like oil. His words clung to Flannery’s skin, making her feel dirty. “It is so nice to have a new face in town. Isn’t it, Jacob?”

“It certainly is, William.” Jacob smiled, but Flannery could see that it didn’t quite reach his eyes…not in any way that mattered. “And may I just say what lovely hair you have. Did you know your name means ‘red’? It is very fitting, all things considered.”

“Red valor, actually,” Flannery responded, leaning back in her chair to keep as far away from the strange, almost caustic energy the two men seemed to be giving off. “The ‘valor’ part is pretty important.” 

The men smiled down at her, and Flannery could feel the condescension rolling off them in waves. She didn’t understand it. She’d never reacted so viscerally to anyone before. Never in her life had she felt so much about a person. One of her friend’s moms was into the whole chakras and reiki thing, and Flannery was starting to wonder if there was some merit to it. 

“Of course it is, Miss Flannery,” William said. “But I must say, my brother is quite right. Your hair is just lovely.” 

Flannery flinched as William’s hand came out and brushed against a loose strand of hair. The brief touch sent a feeling of dread straight to Flannery’s core. Reflexively, she smacked the hand away, surprising even herself.

“Don’t touch me!” She snapped. “Don’t you know how rude it is to go around touching strangers without their permission?” 

A shadow crossed William’s face, as well as a covetous, possessive look. He opened his mouth to say something.

“Gentlemen, your drinks are ready.” Flannery had never been so relieved to hear her grandmother’s voice. “And may I ask that you please leave my granddaughter alone. She’s on her break.” 

Jacob smiled politely at Flannery and her grandmother. “Of course, Ms. Hood. Our apologies. We were just so excited to meet her after hearing so much about her from everyone. Isn’t that right, William?”

Flannery watched as William seemed to physically reign himself in. He, too, smiled politely. “You’re quite right, Jacob. My apologies, Miss Flannery. In my excitement, I forgot my manners.” 

Bullshit, Flannery thought. “Just make sure it doesn’t happen again.” 

William’s smile got sharper. “Of course. Have a lovely day, Miss Flannery.”