Ch 34

That night Kerrie arrived at Fangtasia at Eric's side. Pam raised an eyebrow but knew not to say anything. Chow gave them a once over and returned to his word. A few of the other employees looked at Kerrie enviously. Eric pulled up a chair next his him at the front of the bar. He made sure Kerrie was comfortable and went to go check the answering machine. Kerrie had spent an hour during the afternoon Skyping with Declan who was telling her all about the cartoons he had been watching with his pa, Kerrie's dad. Kerrie kept a brave face not letting on how she was feeling. When Eric woke they stopped for Kerrie to get a light dinner then went straight to Fangtasia. Pam perched on the edge of Eric's seat.

"Congratulations on the book." She said as Kerrie forced a nod. "If you all are putting on a show you need to look more into it. It looks like your glamoured." Pam whispered. Kerrie bit her lip and nodded.

"I need a drink." She said heading to the bar. Pam followed her going over her most recent progress since the last time they talked. Kerrie offered some suggestions and within minutes she was on her second beer. Chow looked at the red head raising an eye brow as Eric joined them.

"Everything is ok?" He asked noticing the empty bottle and another in Kerrie's hand.

"Good, everything is good."

"Just talking about the book." Pam offered. "Something to talk about." A fang banger approached the group bowing their head.

"Will you be reading?" She almost whispered. Kerrie looked to Eric who nodded.

"Sure. Give me some time to get ready."

"Can I let some people know?" Kerrie nodded. The girl scurried away as Kerrie looked into her bag.

"What do you need? If its at the house I can get it."

"I have my cards, good to go." Kerrie took her beer and went to a table in the corner to get settled. Pam gave Eric a knowing look.

"Once her drink is empty send water or soda her way." Eric said as Chow nodded.

An hour later there was a decent size line waiting for Kerrie. The news of the pending book publishing was the talk of the bar. Kerrie was in the middle of a reading when Sookie walked in looking extremely pissed. She stalked up to Eric speaking to him in hushed whispers as Kerrie finished the person she was reading. Kerrie motioned for the next customer to wait as she got up and walked over to Eric and Sookie.

"What is going on?" Sookie asked hands on her hips. Eric looked to Kerrie who motioned towards Eric's office since everyone in the bar was watching them. Eric led the way and took his seat as his desk.

"Sam is a mess. I'm mighty pissed at both of you."

"What did he tell you?" Eric said calmly.

"That you two were pretending to be a couple but he went to New Orleans and was told that is not the case. A few weres told him that you are-" Kerrie's eyes widened as her eyes filled up.

"So that's not true?" Sookie asked confused, she looked between Eric and Kerrie. When neither spoke Sookie took off out the door.

"God damn-it, I fucking hate weres." Kerrie said trying to calm herself.

"If he doesn't understand then he's not worth it." Eric said standing.

"Eric, can you give me a minute alone. I need to pull myself together before I go out there." Eric nodded and exited the room silently. Kerrie sat in the chair letting the sobs rack her body. Kerrie mumbled an incantation as the figure of a woman appeared. "What do I do?" She whispered.

"Kerrie, you need to keep your boy safe. Let him cool down and maybe in time her will understand." Kerrie nodded trying to calm herself. "You have grown into an amazing mother and any man would be lucky to have you." Kerrie wiped her cheek forcing a smile.

"We all miss you, every day."

"I miss everyone too, I would have loved to see my grand babies. I need to go." Kerrie watched as the figure of her aunt disappeared.

Kerrie continued reading till the bar closed. By the time she got into Eric's car she was exhausted. She had one more night before heading home. Kerrie was going to see Jerry, Becca, and Ewan during the day before returning to Fangtasia.

The next night was buzzing, Kerrie did not do readings but spent the night talking to patrons and even set up a book release party for the beginning of November. Eric also wanted her to have a book party in New Orleans and was hinting that Sophie Ann might even want to host the event.