“That’s weird, could’ve sworn I locked the door…” Logan murmured. “I’m sorry ma’am, we are closed. If you come back tomorrow, we’ll be more than happy to serve you.”

  “Ever,” G said, ignoring the boss and looking directly at him. Her creased lips crinkled into a mischievous smile. “What was the flavor I tried during Mid-Summer Nights?”

  Ever could feel Logan’s eyes on him, but frankly he didn’t care. Finally, a familiar face! “You tried the strawberry sorbet and I believe I said you should try the mango next time.”

  “I believe you are right,” the earth incarnate said. “You were right by the way; I could really taste the tartness of the strawberries. I hope the natural sweetness of the mango comes through as well.”

  Ever had already found the tub of mango sorbet and pulled open the lid. Vapor rolled and folded in on itself as he grabbed a clean scoop.

  “You didn’t tell me you knew this customer,” Logan said to Ever. He looked down at G over the top of the ice cream display. “Cup or cone, ma’am?”

  The primordial shot Logan a withering look before gazing upon Ever diligently scooping out a large scoop of mango sorbet. “Which one is better to share with someone, Ever?” She asked.

  Ever glanced outside. There was only the occasional person walking quickly past, no one seemed to be waiting for her.

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  “I would say cup.”

  “OK, cup then. And I’d like two spoons.” Ever had only heard the playful and warm side of G when they first met. When addressing Logan, her voice snapped like dry branches.

  “For a friend of Pagoto’s, your scoop is on the house,” Logan said.

  “Mmm,” G hummed dismissively, peering up at Logan. She was a good foot shorter than he was, but right now, he wasn’t standing very tall and upright. “I should think so.” She turned back to Ever. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Oh.” He glanced across at Logan. “Let me just quickly put back this tub back under and wash the--”

  “Don’t worry about it, mate. You can go with your grandmother and I’ll--”

  “I am not his grandmother.” Her voice was a hurricane that sucked the air out of the room. The subsequent silence was like standing in the eye of the storm. “I am his friend.”

  Logan nodded tightly and Ever managed a little smile. He grabbed the virtually empty tote bag and made to leave, hesitating, then grabbed the quirky mouth-shaped vase adorned with eyes. He carefully put it in and left the serving area.

  “Remind me to ask you for your bank details tomorrow, got to make sure you get paid for this week,” Logan said.

  “Sure thing,” Ever said. The door dinged happily as Ever held it open for his friend. After he closed it, he looked around. The street was bereft of anyone else, primordial, supernatural or mortal. “Who were you going to share that sorbet with, G?”

  She smiled, suddenly youthful. “Why, with you silly.”