that the gift she'd ordered for him would shrink his self-doubt further.
The next morning, Holm ate lightly and kissed his beloved Lark before he left, holding her, sinking into the kiss for support and comfort more than lust. He muttered, "This second day of my business being open is as daunting as the first. Even though I have a full schedule and think more people will come since it's the weekend. I might be able to put together a few on-the-spot melees. Fun for all."
"If you say so."
"When do you think this, ah, apprehension at going into my work might stop?"
"When do you?" She'd sent the question right back at him. Firstly, when he could support himself and her and their kittens and Clam, their household. Which he didn't say aloud.
Then he seriously considered the question. "Maybe, if I ever get enough students to hold the business together for a full year ..." He knew his budget down to the last item now, and the golden figure that would mean success ...
"You'll do it," she murmured, hugged him tighter. They stayed together, embracing and rocking, until Meserve whined, It's time to teleport to MY studio!
Lark laughed and released him, stepped back, but trailed her fingers down his cheek. "I'm working today until standard WorkEnd Bell at the HealingHall to study how it runs over the weekend, but I'll come over to your place this evening and bring supper."
"I still have some sandwiches in the no-time." He paused, considered whether mature men might want to snack on those during the morning and decided they would. He'd have to check the inventory of the no-time and restock it.
And though he'd mostly signed up boys and men as students, he should consider including pretty and delicate pastries that might tempt women. Maybe he should buy a larger glass-fronted no-time, especially if Dica Allspice and other children came to train. Lark would be glad to tell him what to keep for young and growing bodies.
She pecked a quick kiss on his cheek. "Should I bring dinner?"
"Yes, I'll take you up on your offer, my Lark, thank you."
"And I'll have a surprise gift."
His heart gave a bump. He treasured the gifts he received from her, always wonderful. "Great."
A press of his love's soft lips on his mouth, then she patted his face. "Later."
"Later."
We go now! Meserve projected as he hopped to Holm's padded shoulder. I will see all the new clients and observe how inferior they are to My FamMan.
Holm snorted and Lark laughed.
Phyll lifted a leg and began grooming. I am HealerCat, I will go back to HealingHall today and check on all Our patients.
Smiling at the sibling rivalry, Holm counted down and teleported into his tiny office in his studio. He'd already memorized the light of the windowless office, as well as the scent, but it would take time for him to know the training room in all its sun and shadows and seasons.
And today he found his rhythm, managed to be a lot like his previous self. He did not pretend he interacted with clients in The Green Knight ... that could only lead to heartache and disaster.
His manner must have been congenial enough, because he signed up every one of the pupils who came to him. In the afternoon, the lords related to the teenagers who'd come in the day before also paid for a full-year's membership and the highest level of the social athletic club. Holm only had to deflect a few comments regarding the Hollys and the Apples and his circumstances—through a smile with gritted teeth.
Meserve, of course, enjoyed all the admiration and questions aimed at him, and confirmed this was his studio, but he would allow other Fams to visit.
The place was busy enough that he called in a trio of good people from the merchant guard guild to help him with students in the afternoon and evening, and he oversaw everything, moving from group to group ... when groups came and lingered.
His new clients ate all the food he'd stocked, so when Lark arrived with a basket of hot pasta and green sauce, herbed warm bread and fruit for dessert, Holm's stomach rumbled. He stowed the meal in the no-time as he led her into the training room where three groups of students worked
Along the far wall drilled and tumbled an advanced group of men who'd trained together since grove-study and usually met in parks during good weather. They seemed interested in an actual formal training center,