The Unveiling (D'Shar Men 2)

"Hi, what can I get you today?"

"I'm actually waiting for someone right now. Can I just start off with a water?" Riv asked.

"Sure thing, I'll get you a menu too."

"Wonderful, thank you.” She was eager for something to occupy her mind.

"Here you are." The bartender set the glass of water in front of her and handed her a pink menu with bold, black, font. She flipped through the menu, lingering over the large section dedicated to cheesecake, her all time favorite way to assuage her sweet tooth. Rivka felt someone step up behind her. She turned her head and smiled up at the man who looked just like his picture. Phew, first bullet dodged.

"Rivka?"

She nodded, holding out her hand. "Yes, it's nice to meet you, Scott." They shook hands.

"Same here." He took a seat on the high stool beside her. "Have you been waiting long?"

"Not at all.”

"Excellent." His aura was as she'd imagined, a bright, canary yellow, which matched the joy that sparkled in his eyes.

The friendly waitress returned. "How are you doing tonight, Sir?"

"Good, thanks."

"Can I get you anything?"

"Just a water for now, I haven't had a chance to look at the menu."

"I'll be right back with both of those things."

Scott turned to her. "Have you looked at the menu yet?"

"I did. I'm partial to cheesecake, so I've got my eye on the pumpkin cheesecake."

"That does sound good. I like chocolate and one of the teachers I worked with told me they had a Mississippi Mud pie I had to try."

She smiled. "You like teaching, don’t you?"

"I love it. Of course, I'm a bit biased. Both my parents taught English, and I was lucky enough to have some shining examples of what a teacher should be in high school. What about you?"

She took a sip of water, and the waitress returned, dropping off his water and a menu.

"Being a Star Maiden is something you're born into, sort of like royalty."

"So you had no choice?" His eyes were filled with curiosity, but he didn’t seem judgmental.

"It's more of a calling, something similar to your religious leaders but more biologically decided."

"Wow. What is it you do exactly?"

"I oversee important ceremonies, act as a midwife, and do some divination."

"Sounds heavy."

"It can be, but I'm proud to be the Star Priestess. It's rewarding in a lot of ways. I get to marry couples, birth babies, and help keep our culture alive."

"Sounds like the pros outweigh the cons.”

She nodded, glad he understood. "Exactly. What grade do you teach?'