I’d had a thoroughly good evening, even though it had proved a bit more expensive than I’d been led to believe. I didn’t have to wait long to get the green light on the proposed trip—my phone dinged in the Magic Cab home, and Eleanor confirmed we were on.
“What are you grinning about?” John asked as he stared at my phone.
“Oh, just stuff.”
He scowled. Fae were never ugly, but his black mood diminished the beauty of his face, and I saw the cunning and spite clearly behind the long lashes of his eyes. At last John was getting the hint that his attentions were unwanted.
As for Jimmy and Isabella, they might as well have been in a different cab for all the conversation we got from them. The occasional slurp told me they were kissing, an activity that had started the moment we’d left the restaurant. I’d made sure I was sitting at an angle to give them both privacy, and so I didn’t have to watch them have at it. John, on the other hand, was staring right at them, and I was sure this view did nothing to help his mood.
“You know, it’s rude to stare.”
John glared at me but said nothing.
When we jumped out of the cab, Jimmy and Isabella ran straight into the apartment building, but I held back. It was bad enough sharing the cab with them. I certainly didn’t want to listen to them snogging in the elevator.
Since no one else was offering, I paid the driver and watched as she sped off. From his stiff gait, I could tell John’s expectations were low, but he hung back all the same.
“I guess somebody’s happy.” He cocked his head toward the building, but he wasn’t smiling.
“They both seem very into each other.” It felt an obvious thing to say—they had left us in no doubt about that.
“You and Henry seemed thick as thieves over dinner.”
“Yes, yes, I suppose.” I wanted to say that I liked him a hell of a lot but didn’t feel the need to stick the knife in any deeper than I already had.
“Well then, I think I’ll be off. You don’t mind if I don’t see you up to your apartment?”
I glanced at the revolving doors, which were about ten feet away, and grinned. “I think I’ll be able to manage from here. Are you going to catch a cab home?”
John stared up at the cloudless sky. The stars were hidden in the glow of city lights. “No. I think I’ll walk. I’ll see you soon.” I wondered if he could afford a cab and considered offering his fare, but then thought that might offend him. He certainly dressed well. But I was beginning to think that was all a show.
This time, there was no friendly kiss on the cheek or hug good-bye. He bent his head down thoughtfully and sloped off. I felt a little sorry for him, but not much. I had never led him on or encouraged him in any way and was relieved the message had finally got through. A brisk chill around my neck reminded me how cold it was, so I turned and went inside.
When I let myself into the apartment, Jimmy and Isabella were in full smooch on the sofa. They were so lost in themselves they didn’t acknowledge my arrival, or ask after John, so I wondered if they’d even heard me come in. Not in the mood to play gooseberry, I slipped into my room, changed into my jimjams, and crawled on the bed. I amused myself for a few minutes looking at some pictures I’d taken over dinner. Somehow, I’d accidentally on purpose snapped Henry in almost every shot.
As I snuggled into my pillows, I stared at his face. I adored his face. And in a few days, I would have him almost to myself. No Isabella or John. Just us and his family. I wanted so desperately for them all to love me. I thought about the General. That he was ambitious for his children was clear enough, and what father wouldn’t be? I wondered what he thought about me. Did he think I was good enough for his younger son? I did not come from a rich and powerful family, that was for sure, and we certainly didn’t live in anything as grand sounding as an abbey. I supposed he knew why I was here and what my particular skills were. I wanted him to think I was a hard worker, diligent at my studies, and worthy of the time Henry was spending on me.
I slipped out of bed and opened my bedroom door. Jimmy and Isabella were snuggled down on the couch, talking softly to themselves. Her long, beautiful wings were out and were wrapped about my brother in a cozy embrace. I thought of butterflies in love.
“Excuse me.” I didn’t expect an answer as I tiptoed softly over to the couch to pick up my magic book. For a second, I caught Jimmy’s eye. He looked so happy, ensnared in her wings. I smiled and crept back to my room and carefully closed the door.
As soon as I was facedown on my bed, I opened the book. If the General admired diligence, then I would not disappoint him. I had come to New York to explore my magic, and that was exactly what I intended to do. No one would think of me as a slacker. I turned page after page, reading spells to heal the sick, spells to make you happy, spells to make you beautiful. All these things were commonplace enough, but I was looking for something very particular, something that would make an impression.
Tired, I rolled over onto my back and stared at the ceiling. It was late after all, and we’d had quite a night. The poor General. I’d had no idea he was a widower—Henry hadn’t mentioned anything, but then again, why would he? It wasn’t like we were a couple or anything—at least, not yet. I wondered how she’d died. The General didn’t seem that old, so his wife probably wasn’t either. Maybe that was why he was so interested in the medical profession. He was probably devastated at losing his wife so young—who wouldn’t be? He probably missed her like crazy.
Hmmm. Love. Thinking about the two lovebirds outside made me think of Henry. I pictured him kissing me, just as they were kissing. I rolled over on my comforter, and with these pleasant thoughts in my mind, I soon fell asleep.