This is very early in the book The Perkiest Vampire – Rory’s story is just beginning. But it gives a hint at the social rules, and the world that exists with vampires who try to integrate with human society.
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“Where are we going to dinner?”
“I thought we would try The Warbler. Chef Adams is supposed to be quite talented.”
“Excellent! I’ve been wanting to try that place out…” Rory tried to sound casual. His Boxster and five-star dining had just out-classed her hit-and-miss consultant’s budget by a long shot. “Do you have reservations?”
“I’m friends with the owner, Mathilde. We shouldn’t have a problem getting in.”
“Sly…” Rory cocked her head. “The Warbler’s been open for months, and you haven’t tried your friend’s restaurant yet?”
Sylvester smiled at Rory. “I didn’t have a date until tonight.”
* * * * * * * *
“So, how do you like it, Sylvester?” Matildhe’s voice had a soft French lilt, and Rory couldn’t take her eyes off of the tall brunette’s Dolce and Gabbana, blood-red patent leather pumps.
“It’s excellent, as expected, Mathilde.” Sylvester shot her one of those achingly pretty smiles. “I adore the house red, incidentally. Were you inspired by my collection?”
“Naturally. I study cuisine, and leave the wine to you.” A waiter brought a glass of the cabernet sauvignon to Mathilde where she stood beside their small table. In the flickering candlelight of the softly lit restaurant, Mathilde’s crisply tailored suit appeared to be black, but with the wine in her hand, Rory could tell it too, must be deep red. “What a lovely date you’ve brought, too, Sylvester.” She turned her sparkling blue eyes on Rory. “I am Mathilde.”
“Rory,” she offered her hand. Mathilde shook it with a slight incline of her head. Rory was taken aback by how cold Mathilde’s hand felt in hers.
“Rory, that’s an unusual name. Is it short for something?”
“Aurora. My father wanted to name me Dawn. This was my parent’s compromise.”
Mathilde shot a glance at Sylvester and chuckled. “How amusing.”
Sylvester’s eyebrows lowered and his eyes narrowed a bit as he looked at Mathilde.
“What’s amusing about it?” Rory knew she was treading dangerous waters, but her curiosity had been piqued.
Mathilde merely smiled. “I’m sure we’re destined to be great friends, Aurora.” she lifted her glass to toast. “With you being the sunrise, and I a vampire.”
Rory stiffened. She tried to smile and tap her glass against Mathilde’s, but she felt like the bottom of her stomach had fallen out. Before she was forced to make further conversation, a waiter returned to the table and whispered something to Mathilde, drawing her back into the restaurant and her work.
Rory looked at the thundercloud on Sylvester’s face, and knew that she would have to weather that storm. Instead of worrying too much, she plunged right in. “You’re friends with a vampire?”
“Yes.” Sylvester slowly took a bite of his filet mignon and chewed it while Rory digested the information. “Mathilde is an Integrator.”
“An Integrator…. Those vampires on the news?”
“Yes.”
“So she isn’t dangerous?”
Sylvester smiled. “I wouldn’t say that.”
“But she doesn’t… bite.”
“Only if asked to do so.”
Rory shuddered. “I can’t imagine anyone asking for that.” She closed her eyes and took a couple of deep, settling breaths. Shoving her memories aside, she concentrated on the masculine beauty of the man across the table from her. She watched the muscles and ligaments play across the back of his hand and forearm as he toyed with his glass of wine.
“I’m sorry. I have spoiled the mood.” Rory reached out to touch the back of that fascinating hand. “What were we talking about before? Ah yes, the inaccuracies of historical records! Do you really think the inquisition was more about the supernatural than it was about religious intolerance?”
Sylvester flipped his hand over and caught her fingers. Holding her hand, he smiled at her and said, “Oh, absolutely. Do you want to ask Mathilde? There’s a good chance she was there…”
Also not a reader of vampire stories but this is cute and clever. I particularly liked Sylvester’s parting line. Nice job.
I must confess, I am also not a huge fan of vampire fiction, but I do read some. The setting and the tone of the excerpt reads well and the characters come to life. One question arose from the piece: Why would Sylvester be upset with Rory? I quote: “Rory looked at the thundercloud on Sylvester’s face”. Overall I liked the story and would definitely read more.
Thanks Brenda & Jerry! It’s actually quite hilarious that you both mention you’re not into vampire fiction – NEITHER AM I! I’m a huge fantasy fan, and these days it seems like if you want to read fantasy, you’re reading about vamps.
I would have never chosen to write about them except that Rory and Sly starred in a wonderful dream I had one night, and I sat down and recounted the dream… and went with it. Most of my fiction comes from really stellar, strong dreams.
I like the way you write conversation. I am also not a fan of vampire fiction, but the restaurant scene is well done.
Very intriguing exerpt. I know vampire romance is the latest thing, but I haven’t gotten into it. But this is good. Thanks for contributing.