“It’s a record store.” I said, deadpan.
“Oh, taking a the ‘underground’ label a bit literally, hey?” she grinned.
“Pretty much, yeah. We’ll be discussing your kink curiosity, though. Later.”
“Okay.”
Ashe gave me an evil grin.
Chapter Eleven – Varg
Incense burned the air.
Shadow Realm Record Store was the cleanest place around on the spirit level.
“Varg, darling, it’s been a while! I was just about to send out a search party,” said Ana.
“I’ve been on tour, Ana. No cause for alarm.”
“Europe again?”
“West Coast only. I’m trying to stay close to home.”
“Oh, I see. Hello?”
Ana looked at Ashe.
“Right, sorry. Ana, meet Ashe. Ashe, this is Anastasia Mordant. She is the owner of this record store, and she helps feed my addiction.”
“I’m just the purveyor, dear. What you buy is up to you,” Ana smiled.
“Never mind the selection of unicorns.”
“I do my best for my friends and neighbors.”
“Unicorns?” Ashe asked.
It was a fair question, the slang our own and unknown to the upper world of light-dwellers.
“An album so rare it’s thought to be mythological.”
“Oh, like the Beatles’ ‘Butcher’ cover?” Ashe asked.
“Exactly.” Ana gave Ashe an approving look. “She’s a sharp one, Varg.”
Ashe blushed bright under Ana’s praise, only knowing the half of it.
Not exactly a snob, Ana could still be careful about to whom she gave the time of day. Hard experience had taught her some harsh lessons. She had had threats before from religious cooks who thought her a witch who sold the devil’s music.
“There’s a party tonight, if you’re interested?” Ana offered.
“Uh, sure, thanks,” said Ashe.
“Bring Varg if you must.”
“Thanks, Ana, love you too.”
She returned to the desk, giggling at her Crowley as we browsed.
“She’s, uh, interesting,” Ashe said.
“You have no idea; she likes you, though. That is rare; that quick anyway.”
“Why?”
“Let’s just say, she’s careful, and for good reason.”
Bags crackling by our side, we returned to the light. But my shades were on before it could hit.
Hand in hand, we walked the blocks and avenues, until the day waned blue. We found the car as the light began blending into dusk. Like a spy on reconnaissance.
“You want to drive?” she asked, key held out, like Excalibur.
“Better not, I think you’re safer.”
After kissing me in appreciation, Ashe started the car, and we were off. Spidery instructions on the back of a receipt showed the way.
“Funny I didn’t know that place. I’ve lived here my whole life.”
“She likes to lie low. You wouldn’t notice unless you were looking.”
“Does she have a cloaking spell or something?”
“Or something.”
We parked just past the place. Dark heaven beckoned, just on the other side of the street. Music was audible from the Volvo.
“Shall we?” I asked, not meaning to push.
“Okay.”
Locks clicking with a clack, it was off to see the Wizard of Id.
“Stay close; we don’t want to get separated.”
“Why, is it dangerous?”
“No, you’re my ride,” I said and grinned.
We entered the noise, as she saluted compliance and searched out libations amongst the madding crowd. Bauhaus bass vibrated in our bones.
Everything was relative, even in the Land of Odd. Ashe and I were on the tamer end of the eccentric set. Weird to normal, but normal to the real weirds. We walked the shadows between the suburbs and the ragged edge.
I saw Sebastian, one of the regulars, and waved him over.
“And who is this cute little cookie?” he asked, eyeing her as if she really were.
“Ashley O’Connell; call me Ashe.”
She stuck out a hand.
“Pleasure to meet your acquaintance,” Sebastian said, bending to kiss it, not missing a beat.
“We’re living together.”
“Well, I doff my hat to your good fortune,” he said, dipping to a courtly bow.
He looked at me, pursing his lips.
“The Fates must really like you.”
I bowed in return, not wanting to be rude. He hadn’t really been flirting; it was just his way.
To his credit, he desisted as soon as he knew that Ashe was with me. Sebastian was a dandy, but far from a scoundrel. He walked the line with aplomb.
“Not drinking?” I asked Ashe.
“I am.”
She held up a soda.
“Alcohol, I mean.”
“Nope, trying to stay clear headed,” I replied.
“For anything in particular?” Ashe grinned.
“Remember your promise at the record store?”
“Oh, right.”
Heat touched my cheeks as my pants got tighter. Not at the prospect of hurting her, but a
bit of play could be enlightening as well as beneficial.
I’d promised to teach her everything, or at least as much as she wanted to know.
Music thumped around us, as we connected with our tribe.
Ashe seemed so happy and at ease. Even my troubles rested for a spell.
We danced and talked and had a great time.
I was so glad we’d decided to come out.
But now I wanted to get her home and back under the covers.
I had plans for her that didn’t involve an audience.
“Ready?” I asked, as she returned from the bathroom.
“Sure.”
The thump and throng fading behind, we returned to the tank and headed home.