Rebound

Sophia was surprised at how quickly two weeks had passed. As nervous as it made her, she had to admit, having Lani around was kind of nice. She didn't have to worry about dinner, she had someone around she could talk and vent to, and she sort of liked having someone to take care of again. She'd lost her brother, sister-in-law, and aunt in The Snap, so only she and Tim were left to look after young Annabelle and Laila. When they decided to live with Tim full-time, Sophia's house was left feeling empty.

With no one to spend it on, her excess income sat patiently in her savings account. Now that Lani was there, it was burning a hole. Sophia had to remind herself her guest was temporary, and it wasn't as though they were friends, so she had no reason to spoil the already self-indulgent woman.

'Just be a good host, and keep your promises, those are your only obligations.'

Sophia reminded herself of this as she sat next to Lani on the couch and handed her the simple work applications. Lani looked them over and turned up her nose.

"They're the only jobs that won't ask questions and will still pay you on time."

Lani's face worked and settled on her usual grin.

"Surely, there is something else." She shifted between the pages. "Manual labor? Housemaid? Serving wench?"

"I suppose you could call one of those friends you can't depend on," Sophia taunted.

Lani's smirk lessened, and she sighed with resignation.

"Fine. Which of these would you consider the least demeaning?"

Sophia snorted. Lani pursed her lips indignantly at her.

"What?"

"You're asking a lot for someone who's supposed to be in hiding." Sophia crossed her arms and leaned back. "I'm keeping my end of the bargain, all you have to do is keep yours."

Something twinkled in her eyes that put Sophia on edge even as Lani smiled and returned to the papers. She sifted through them, and Sophia explained each job. After a few minutes, she offered one to Sophia.

"Is this one common?"

"They're all common and fairly discrete," Sophia assured, glancing over the waitress application. "I think this would suit you best. You'll have to deal with people all day, but you're fairly charismatic. You should be able to make good tips."

Lani's brow twitched.

"Only 'fairly'?"

Sophia smirked and handed the application back.

"Don't worry, you'll have plenty of chances to sharpen your skills."

Lani hummed.

Sophia helped her fill in only the required details on the sheet. Address, phone number, no email address, no work experience. Lani chose 'Hall' as her last name, bland and generic but not obviously so. At Sophia's insistence, Lani kept the other two applications in case this first job didn't work out. Lani found the implication of failure insulting.

"For two weeks, I have tended you well, yet you have no faith in me?"

"Oh, no, no, I trust you in my kitchen, but this is going to be different." Sophia checked her phone and got an idea. "It's nearing dinnertime anyway, so why don't we practice?"

Lani chuckled.

"I don't think that is necessary."

"No? Have you been a waitress before?"

"I have not."

"Then, I don't see how it could hurt."

Sophia barely kept a straight face. Lani stacked and tapped the papers smartly on the coffee table, put them in her room, and returned with a forced smile.

"Is there anything I can get you, madam?" Lani asked, venom dripping.

"Yes. A coffee, please."

***

Sophia's nonchalance burned Loki to the core.

'Shrew! She's enjoying this!'

Loki's lips pursed white while she worked the machine, but she forced another smile to deliver the steaming mug. As she turned to see to dinner, Sophia stopped her.

"Would you like to ask if I want any creamer?"

Loki glanced sharply back at her.

"It's a common request when someone orders coffee," Sophia shrugged.

Loki faced her with mock servility.

"Any cream for your coffee?"

Sophia failed to hide her grin behind her cup.

"No, thank you."

Loki returned to the kitchen and drew a deep, calming breath. Already, she was regretting her choice of work. Sophia transferred to the dining table and watched Loki, running her through different paces she claimed would be typical. By the time she was able to sit for dinner herself, Loki wanted nothing more than to wrap her hands around Sophia's shapely neck and squeeze until she turned purple.

"Are you pleased with your service?" Loki sneered.

Sophia did not miss a beat.

"Oh, you don't have to ask that, unless there's been a problem. And even then, I wouldn't ask so directly."

Loki scowled, and Sophia chuckled.

"You're going to do just fine, Lani."

The sincerity caught Loki off-guard. She harrumphed and focused on her plate. Genuine praise or not, Loki had plans for her taskmaster. They parted congenially for the night. While Loki waited patiently for Sophia to fall into a deep slumber, she tested her powers again. There was still nothing, not even a twinge of seidr.

'I do not understand. They should have returned by now.'

Loki ran her ineffectual fingers together. She missed the assurance of her daggers being at hand. Perhaps, she should acquire a mundane blade? It would be something, at least, until she could summon her own.

A quick glance at the clock on the bedside told her it was time. Loki sneaked expertly out of her bedroom and listened near Sophia's door for a few moments. In the quiet, she could hear Sophia's slow, shallow breathing. Perfect. Loki padded silently into the kitchen and used her phone for light. The porcelain sugar dish was easy to spot and needed refilling. Loki obliged, but with salt. She replaced it and paused again to ensure Sophia was still asleep before tucking away in her room for the night.

Loki woke to the sounds of Sophia's bustling, as usual, and she roused herself to listen close. 'Dressing…checking her laptop bag…brewing coffee…pouring…and…'

In the kitchen, Sophia sputtered.

"What the hell?"

Loki snuggled comfortably under her sheets. She could all but see Sophia fretting between her thermos, the brewer, and the grounds. She heard porcelain drag across the counter and held her breath in anticipation.

One moment. Two.

"Lani!"

Loki buried her grin into her soft pillow, finally feeling something akin to normal.