Page 19 of Shifting Forms For Clumsy Felines

"Your shift must have really helped your head," Grace says.

"I also had breakfast with Jeremy."

She raises an eyebrow. "Rugby player, Jeremy?"

"You know which Jeremy," I point out. "You've met him multiple times."

"Mmhmm, but you keep insisting there's nothing going on between the two of you."

"And breakfast doesn't count as anything. We were both drinking last night and he helped me during the unfortunate shifting incident. I thought I'd help him with the remains of his hangover."

"And there's nothing else?" she prompts.

I sigh. "Mickie said that she thought there was something between us and that I shouldn't be leading him on."

Curiosity darts across Grace's face. "Do you think you are?"

"Not intentionally. I mean, I do think I like him as more than just a friend." I can hardly believe the words are leaving my mouth, but I know they're true, and it feels good to be talking about him. "But I promised myself that I'd focus on other things and not jump into a relationship when I came here."

"Sometimes these things just can't be predicted," Grace points out. "You have to go with the flow.

"Maybe."

The barista returns with two takeaway cups in her hand and sets them down in front of us. "Here you go," she says. "How do you want to pay?"

"One second, I think I have cash," I say, reaching for my bag.

Grace shakes her head. "I've got these ones. You can buy next time." She brings up the payment app on her phone and scans it over the payment machine. It beeps loudly.

"Thank you," the barista responds with a more genuine smile than ever. She's probably pleased that we're already talking about coming back. "You can download our app if you want loyalty points too, there's a code on each of your cups."

"Thanks," I say. It sounds like a good idea, especially if we're going to end up coming here a lot.

We grab our drinks and make our way outside, heading in the direction of the practice field.

Grace takes a sip of her coffee. "Ow. Hot. But so good, I can feel the hangover fading already."

"I don't think it works that quickly," I point out. "It's probably just the placebo effect."

"Spoilsport. It's magic, you don't know how quickly it works."

She has a point. Despite being around other supernaturals, as well as humans, my entire life, I'm only really aware of how shifters work when it comes to magic. I suppose to some extent, I've never had to worry about it much.

"Oh, look who it is," Grace says, calling my attention to the street.

I look up to find the person I want to see the most, and want to see the least, standing in front of me by the road crossing.

"Hey, Krissi."

"Jeremy, hey," I say, smiling at him, and hoping it covers up the nerves I'm feeling considering the topic of my conversation with Grace.

My friend flashes me a knowing smile, as if she's pleased this is happening.

"We're just heading to cheer practice," I tell him needlessly. He knows what my gym bag looks like by this point.

"I'm on my way to the library, I have an exam coming up and I'm nowhere near ready for it."

"Maybe you should pick up a coffee with a shot of alertness from Pixie Cups," I suggest, gesturing with my cup.