Opening the doors

Author’s note; Chapter 69. Nice.

There is no grand speech or fancy welcome, but there is a cheer as Rachel unlocks the front door for the opening. The small crowd outside files in, and begins getting seated, as everyone goes about their jobs. You, Rachel, and Dakota find a table, and watch for a while. It appears that most of the customers are sponsors and their girls, though you see a few people simply alone or in a couple.

A glance outside shows you that the opening hasn’t gone unnoticed, with a few protesters outside holding signs. Fortunately, you don’t recognize them, and they’re going largely ignored for the moment. Your attention is pulled back, however, as Kenna comes up to your table, a broad smile on her face.

“Can I get you anything? We’re not so busy that I can’t get something for you!”

Rachel smiles. “I’m fine, thanks. I have a nervous stomach.”

Dakota laughs. “You?! Think how I feel!”

Rachel nods. “I understand. We both have a lot riding on this. But it’s already going even better than I expected.”

You smile at Kenna. “I think we’re fine for now. Thank you though!”

Kenna nods, and winks at you, before heading over to another table. She glances over her shoulder to be sure your eyes are following her. Rachel watches her go, then looks at you quizzically. “She’s flirting with you, Brian. You know that, right?”

You laugh. “That’s probably the most subtle she’s been about it today.”

Dakota grins. “Yeah, that’s my fault. Well, Mazzy too. We might have been chatting her up a bit.”

Rachel smiles. “I see. I should explain something about her, then. As you probably noticed, she’s a dragon girl. What you may not know is that dragon girls are notorious for a few things. One, they’re incredibly picky about who they choose as their mate.”

Dakota giggles. “I’d say she chose well, then!”

You smile at her. “Thanks, Dakota.”

The two of you share a quick kiss, and Rachel laughs. “Adorable. But to continue, two, once a dragon girl picks a mate, they don’t usually take no for an answer.”

You look at Rachel curiously. “So…what are you trying to say?”

Rachel shrugs. “Simply that I expect to see the paperwork for your sponsorship of Kenna sooner rather than later. Just don’t break cafe rules!”

You laugh. “Don’t worry, I don’t plan to drag her to the back for a quickie or anything.”

Dakota glances over at the tall, well built dragon girl. “If anything, it’ll be the other way around!”

Rachel laughs and nods. “That’s the other thing. Kenna is…well, she has a very strong personality. She likes taking charge. She’s very kind and caring, but she tends to be extremely assertive.”

You chuckle. “Well, she can fight with Mazzy and Dakota over who runs things, then. It’s certainly not me, anymore!”

Dakota grins. “You love it and you know it!”

You shrug. “I have no complaints.”

Both ladies laugh at that. The three of you settle in, watching how things are going in the cafe. You’re no expert, but even you can see that there’s a pleasant atmosphere, and everyone is very relaxed. You comment on this to Rachel, who nods.

“A side benefit from having the AWIO officially involved here is that there’s no fear of harassment or ridicule. Everyone is safe here.”

Dakota glances outside at the small gathering of protesters. “As long as those people don’t get too rowdy.”

You shake your head. “Fortunately, it’s just a few. And they don’t seem interested in causing too much of a scene. If this place stays popular, though…”

Rachel nods. “We have plans in place. I won’t go into detail, but if it becomes too much trouble, we have ways to handle it.”

You laugh. “That’s ominous!”

Dakota giggles. “Yeah, you make it sound like you’ll send out a monster girl hit squad!”

Rachel laughs. “No, no. Nothing like that. We have connections within law enforcement that we can use. Things like that. Now that I’m going to have a seat on the council, I can call upon those resources.”

You chuckle. “Still, a monster girl hit squad sounds cool.”

Dakota nods. “Sounds like a movie idea!”

Rachel laughs and shakes her head.