Jeanne G'Fellers - No Sister of Mine by Jeanne G'Fellers (the rosie project .txt) 📕

“I process some of those waiting in line and you stay out of sight until this Starnes arrives.”

“Where do you want me?”

Firman grinned and pointed to the corner door.

“Oh, no.” LaRenna cringed at the suggestion. “Not in there. Anywhere but there.”

“Sorry, kiddo, but the crowd will get restless if there are further delays in processing. All the other rooms are in use.”

“What about your personal quarters?” she pleaded.

“You have to go through the main waiting area to get there.” Firman shrugged. “And anyone who saw you come in will be expecting you to be entertaining the Hallmaster.” He pointed to the door again. “In there.”

“Only for my post would I even think of doing this!” LaRenna held her nose and stepped into the doorway quarters, Firman giving her a little shove forward before he pulled the door shut. The room was acrid with sweat and urine.

“Have fun.” The door muffled his voice but failed to buffer his amusement. LaRenna cleared the garbage from a chair, turned it backward, and straddled the seat. The high back was the exact height for a chin rest when she crossed her arms on the top so she draped over it, trying to ignore Tynnes’s snores. The noise and smell must not have been too offensive because suddenly Firman was shaking her awake. LaRenna stretched and wiped her mouth. She’d been dozing hard.

“Hard night last night?” Firman indicated her sprawled position. Her skirts were pushed into a mid-thigh wad. “Not very ladylike, especially in skirts.”

“I’ve always detested skirts. They’re impractical, especially for a Kimshee.”

“That’s almost refreshing to hear. Personally, I have always fancied the definition leggings bring to the female form. Wish more of you wore them.”

“Krell was right about you.” She laughed. “You’re too fresh for your own good.”

“Oh, I’m basically harmless. I like to make a game of flirting and looking. Call it a hobby.”

“Obsession.”

“All right then, obsession. Point being, I talk a lot more than I’ll ever do. I’ve had very few serious female companions in my lifetime and would have committed to any of them in a minute. Seems they felt differently.” Firman’s confession tugged LaRenna’s heartstrings. Now she saw him as Krell did, a deeply caring and compassionate hulk of a man who longed for a steady relationship. The antics disguised his loneliness.

“You’ll find what you’re looking for someday,” said LaRenna.

“Maybe so, but I’m getting a little long in passes for high hopes.”

“You’re as old or young as you choose to be. If I were Aut, I’d be after you in a minute.”

“Girl?” Firman cast her a surprised but appreciative look. “I’m old enough to be your father.”

“There’s something to be said for maturity. The best wines have age on them, don’t they?”

Firman squared his shoulders. “You don’t find the mid-age girth distracting?”

“Your sister is beginning to develop one too, in case you haven’t noticed.” LaRenna smiled. “Though, I don’t think Krell would admit it.”

“No, she wouldn’t,” replied Firman. Spirits lifted, he resumed his affectionate teasing. “Just wait until I tell her you actually slept with the Hallmaster.”

“Why should she care?”

“Because guardians are a jealous lot when it comes to their women.”

“You aren’t going to give up on that idea, are you?” She wondered if the stench of Tynnes’s breath would linger on her until she next saw Krell.

“Nope, I’m the eternal optimist.” Firman cast her one of his comical smiles. “Anyone ever tell you you’re small for a Taelach?”

“Everyone tells me that!” LaRenna groaned.

“ ’Cause it’s true.” Firman grabbed her under the arms in a dizzying lift. “I used to do this to Krell. Stars, was that ever a long time ago. You’re lighter though. Don’t you ever eat?”

“More than I should.” She laughed.

“Can’t prove it by me.” He carried her into the workroom, setting her by the double doors. “Time for you to make your appearance in the waiting area.”

LaRenna blinked to regain her Autlach appearance as Firman waved her through the door. “If anyone asks, Tynnes is taking a rest, recovering from his encounter with you.” He couldn’t resist the urge. “You wore the man out, you trashy wench.”

“Like you said, Assistant Hallmaster Middle, I’m good.” LaRenna said this loud enough to carry into the waiting area.

“Play it up, why don’t you?” He chuckled then shoved her gruffly from the room. “If we desire your services again, I’ll call for you.” Firman flicked up LaRenna’s calf-length skirts for the benefit of the room’s occupants. She brushed the folds back into place and glared at him.

“I gave you what you wanted. Now give me what I came for— work.”

“If something comes in calling for your special qualifications, you’ll be called.” Firman pushed her into a chair. “Until then, sit down and keep your mouth shut.”

Firman left her sitting among a group of Autlach males. Aware of the stares she was receiving, she folded her hands primly in her lap and gazed out the window. Let them look. She had nothing to prove.

Firman soon returned. “Come here, woman. I’ve a position for you.”

One of the waiting men confronted him. “Didn’t you get enough last time? I’ve been in here all day every day for half a cycle and haven’t been called for a job yet.” His scathing glower was meant more for LaRenna than the Hallmaster. “Then this, this, whore comes in here, spreads her legs for you and gets a job within minutes.”

“You would too if you had the right assets and the gumption to use them,” replied Firman, nodding toward LaRenna’s generous proportions. “I’ve got three more positions to fill after I finish with the girl. You’ll be out of here within the hour if you can do one thing.”

“What’s that—screw you myself?”

“No, smartass, sit down and shut up!” Firman’s bass voice rattled the decaying building. Aggravated but mindful he might be thrown from the hall, the man returned to his seat, growling under his breath when LaRenna flicked the back of her skirts at him.

“See ya later.”

“Trollop,” he