How to Date a Dragon

comes from, so don’t bother asking.”

“Okay…” Bliss glanced in the mirror and realized that when Claudia cinched the apron tighter, she gave her a nice nipped-in waist. Problem solved.

“Look, I’m just mentioning it because he can be a bit intimidating to new staff members. Don’t worry about it, though. He’s a sweetheart when you get to know him.” She sighed.

“Do I detect a crush on the boss?”

Claudia’s expression suddenly turned serious, and she shoved an order pad toward Bliss. “Maybe. But don’t say anything or even hint at that. He doesn’t date his employees, and he has a psycho girlfriend who you don’t want to piss off.”

Bliss took the order pad and continued to study her friend’s face. “I’ve never seen you like this, Claudia. Is there something else going on?”

“No, just… just keep whatever I tell you confidential, okay? I’m giving you more information than I’d give an employee I didn’t know. Anthony’s a good guy, but Ruxandra—his girlfriend—is a piece of work. Steer clear of her. And stay as far away from Anthony as you can when she’s around. If she gets the wrong idea…” Claudia shivered.

“Seriously? She’s so jealous that you’re afraid of her?”

“Not… not really. Anthony keeps her in check.”

“Sounds like a wonderful relationship,” Bliss said, rolling her eyes.

“Regardless, it’s none of our business. I just wanted you to be aware of the dynamics.”

Bliss scanned the order pad, which didn’t look too complicated. “Okay. Fine. Consider me fully aware. So, I guess I’d better get out there and start my first shift.”

“Yeah. I’ll introduce you to the other employees, and the regulars will probably introduce themselves. How are you at handling sexual harassment?”

Bliss laughed. “You’re kidding, right? You’ve seen my cards, haven’t you?”

“Whoa. I’d rather you not insult the customers if you can help it.”

“Don’t worry. I can deflect, distract, or disconcert. I won’t insult anyone, at least not directly.” She gave her friend a teasing grin. “Kidding. What do you think is the best approach?”

“Go with your gut, unless that involves punching someone out. If a customer gets fresh and won’t stop, find me or Anthony. We’ll take care of it.”

Bliss waved away the very idea that she couldn’t handle any situation herself. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

“Okay then. Let’s go.”

Claudia grasped her shoulders and turned her toward the door. Bliss marched forward stiffly, wondering why she was suddenly nervous. Waitressing was no big deal, right? She was probably just experiencing a little fear of the unknown. Don’t be ridiculous, Bliss. This isn’t rocket science.

Claudia opened the door and let Bliss pass through it first.

A guy sitting at the bar turned and whistled the minute he saw her, then announced to anyone within earshot, “Look, guys, fresh meat. A pretty one too.”

Bliss muttered, “Fabulous. They don’t waste any time, do they?”

Claudia strode directly over to the guy with the buzz cut, who grinned at her even when she slapped him up the backside of his head! “Kurt, behave yourself. Just because we have a new staff member doesn’t mean you have to test her. I’m going to introduce her to the employees first. Then you can introduce yourself, if you can be civil.”

“I’m always civil. After all, I was a marine.”

Claudia groaned. “That’s no guarantee you’ll behave in a bar.”

He chuckled. “Don’t worry. I won’t tease her… much.”

His buddy Tory piped up. “I’ll probably be nicer to her. I focus all my teasing on Angie.”

Bliss planted her hand on her hip. “Give it all you’ve got, guys. I can take it, but be warned, I can dish it out too.”

Kurt laughed. “I like her already. Good hire, Claudia.”

Claudia rolled her eyes, then glanced at Bliss. “Kurt thinks he works here or owns the place or something, but he orders drinks so there’s not much we can do about him.” She winked at Kurt, so Bliss figured the comment was just good-natured ribbing. “Let’s go meet the real staff.” Claudia stepped in front of her and strode over to where the two bartenders were working.

“Bliss, this is Malcolm, and you know Angie, of course.”

Malcolm extended his hand and Bliss shook it.

“Bliss, is it? That’s a cool name.”

“Thanks. My mother would be delighted to hear that, but I won’t tell her. She doesn’t need to be encouraged.”

Malcolm grinned. “Well, if I ever see her, I won’t mention it. Welcome to Boston Uncommon.”

“Thank you, on both counts.”

Claudia seemed pleased and hooked her hand around Bliss’s arm. “Let’s go meet the other waitresses.”

“Lead the way.”

They didn’t have to go far. One girl whose perky ponytail swished as she skipped over said, “Hi. I’m Wendy.” She didn’t look like she wanted to shake hands. Still, she seemed friendly enough.

“Hi ,Wendy. I’m Bliss.”

Claudia let go of Bliss’s arm and said, “Wendy, I’d like you to show Bliss how we do things here. Just let her shadow you. She’ll pick it up quickly, I’m sure. So when she says she’s ready to go it alone, let her. She can always ask you if she has any questions, right?”

Bliss wondered why Claudia was giving the girl so many explicit directions. Maybe she’s got one of those brains with a dimmer switch, but her perkiness covers it.

“Not a problem, Claudia. I’ll just drop off this order and be right back.”

“No hurry. I still need to introduce her to Robin.”

“Oh. Okay. I’ll see you later, Bliss.”

As soon as Wendy skipped off, Bliss lowered her voice and asked, “Claudia? Is she always that perky?”

“Yup, if not perkier.”

Bliss groaned.

Claudia led the way to the remaining waitress, who was wiping down a table.

“Robin, I’d like to introduce you to our newest employee. This is Bliss.”

“Huh? Yeah, I guess. I mean it’s always nice to have more staff, but bliss? That’s a little strong, isn’t it?”

Claudia chuckled. “Her name is Bliss.”

“Oh!” Robin slapped her own forehead and giggled. “Oops. Sorry.”

“No need to be,” Bliss said. “You’re not the first to make that mistake, and you won’t be the last.”

Robin giggled again, and Bliss got the distinct impression that she was even flakier than the other one. Stop it. Don’t be judgmental. You just met them. Bliss hoped she was wrong, but her initial impressions usually proved to be fairly accurate.

She felt eyes on her and turned to see a gray-haired woman in a booth, shuffling tarot cards and staring directly at her.

Claudia led her over to the woman. “Bliss, this is Sadie. She’s Anthony’s aunt. Her tarot readings are a big draw here, and her customers have to meet a one-drink or two-soft-drink minimum. In other words, she’s very good for business.” Claudia spoke behind her hand: “Don’t charge her or cut her off. Anthony lets her drink for free, and she’s more psychic when she’s had a few.”

Bliss thought she saw one side of Sadie’s mouth curl up in a sly smile. “If she’s psychic, why are you whispering? Won’t she know what you’re talking about anyway?”

Claudia snorted. “Leave it to you to think of that.”

At that moment, Wendy reappeared with a drink for Sadie. She set the cocktail in front of her and said, “There you go,” in her sprightly voice. Then she whirled to face Claudia. “Is Bliss ready to be my shadow?”