Free Blue Skies on Fire by Zenina Masters Page B

but I will have to check the cellar. Can I get back to you later?”
    “Sure. You know where to find me.”
    Chuck nodded. “Same old, same old.”
    Teebie sighed. “You know it.”
    She headed back to the Open Heart and pasted a smile on her face for the couples and singles that she passed. She couldn’t be seen being cranky or lonely. It would wreck the mood of the Crossroads.
    Her VIP guest was due to arrive, and just as she touched the door of the bed and breakfast, she felt a surge of power run through the ground under her feet. Apparently, he had arrived.
    She entered her home and crossed the floor to her desk, looking for the icon that was associated with the new arrival. A wing on fire was the icon.
    Teebie prepared a selection of tea, coffee and lemonade for her new guest as well as some of the cookies she had made earlier. She had to admit that she enjoyed that particular part of the job. She loved baking as much as her auntie did.
    She had no idea if he was going to come directly to the Open Heart or if he was going to get his tour first. Teebie sat behind her desk, closed her eyes and tracked the power signature as she had a hundred times before.
    Tony was doing the tour. His crystal-black energy marked him easily. The bright blue-white crackle next to him had to be the guest.
    Teebie checked on their progress and slipped out to visit Teal.
    Inside the Meditation Centre, she walked in and whispered, “So, what is he like?”
    Teal turned with a smile. “He is handsome enough if you like that whole Viking thing. Tony couldn’t get him out of here fast enough, for fear I would end up swimming in my own drool. He is very handsome with piercing blue eyes.”
    Teebie nodded at the summation. “Nice to know. I will gird my loins so I don’t make a fool of myself when I meet him.”
    “Good idea. How are you doing over there? I haven’t had a chance to come by in the last few weeks. Things have been so busy all of a sudden.” Teal grinned.
    “I understand completely. It is something I have been dealing with as well. Keeping the polite greeting up is taking all my energy lately. I don’t even have enough time to work on my books.”
    “You need to take time for yourself.”
    Teebie laughed. “I need Dira and Mak to return and help out. Barring that, I will simply continue to plug along.”
    “You do an amazing job. Bookings at the Open Heart are at an all-time high. That is due to you.”
    “And to opening up the Crossroads to the fey. They are sticklers for luxury and privacy. I provide both.”
    Teal grinned. “And you do it with charm and grace.”
    Teebie lifted her head as she sensed her guest beginning his path to the Open Heart. “One thing before I rush off.”
    “Shoot.”
    “What is his beast?”
    Teal grinned. “You know better than to ask that.”
    Teebie sighed. “I know, but it was worth a try. See you later.”
    Chortling to herself, Teebie ran back to the Open Heart in a blue blur of tumbling smoke, down the main path. Using her speed wasn’t something she did often, but it was fun to engage in now and then.
    It took three heartbeats to make it from the Meditation Centre back to the Open Heart. Teebie changed into comfortable jeans and a button-down shirt with her favourite rainbow sneakers as she crossed the room. Magic flowed around her, removing the molecular construction of her dress and replacing it with the comfortable clothing.
    Tony and her guest were on the doorstep two minutes after she had everything settled.
    Her breath rushed out of her lungs when her guest stepped inside. Teal had not exaggerated. While she had spent the better part of the last six months catering to the fey, this shifter had a beauty that outstripped them all.
    “Good evening. I am Teebie, your host. Welcome to the Open Heart.”
    The man inclined his head, and there was the definite feel of age around him. “Thank you for the welcome.”
    Tony cleared his throat. “This is your guest, Andor Felix.