#LesFicFri "NAME"

“You are not ugly, miss.”

“Don’t,” said Veronica harshly, then was instantly remorseful at the pain that crossed her maid’s face. “Don’t call me ‘miss’ when we are alone, when we are being like lovers.”

“What should I call you then?”

“Call me by my name.”

Polly hesitated as if the years of conditioning prevented her from uttering her mistress’s name. “Veronica?”

“No, that feels wrong, it’s too formal. It sounds like my mother or father. I need a nickname. I’ve never had one. Choose one for me.”

Polly pulled a face. “Von? Voni? Roni?”

Veronica laughed. “It makes me sound like a Prussian or just a man.” Though that might be interesting.

“Nika?”

“Yes! I will be Nika for you.”

From THE SHAPE OF VERONICA by Stephanie Bull (a pen-name of Steve Turnbull), from Book 1 of VERONICA'S LIFE

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