Now, he had responsibilities. And as tempting as Margaid was, she was a threat to that, if she found disfavor in how the fish populations were faring.
“Finn, you going to introduce me to your friend?” Phineas asked, coming up beside him.
Great.
Was everyone in his life going to meet her and be enchanted by her? How could he keep her at arm’s length when those closest to him wanted to talk to her?
“Phineas, this is Dr. Margaid Davis. Dr. Davis, this is Phineas Gilbert.”
“I talk to fish,” Phineas stated proudly, extending one of his webbed hands.
“Do they talk back?” Margaid asked.
“No, but then again, they see me as a predator,” Phineas admitted.
“Oh, you hunt them but talk to them?” Margaid questioned, amused, and Finn had to admit, he was too.
“Uh, no. I don’t eat them. I eat plants mostly, but they see any big creature as a threat. They’re not very smart,” Phineas stated, tapping his head.
Margaid smiled at Phineas warmly. “Well, maybe I’ll have to ask your expert advice on them if I have trouble finding them.”
Phineas’ neck gills flapped slightly, with pride. “I would be glad to help. I’m bit of a jack-of-all-trades in Harmony Glen. Well, when it comes to water and swamp stuff.”
“Yes. I’ve taken him a bit under my wing,” Finn said.
“How nice,” Margaid responded.
A microphone turned on, then Magnus and Sven were on stage.
“Thanks everyone for coming to our community appreciation event and charity meat draw for the library. Also big thanks to everyone pitching in and helping out. We’re so glad to support local Harmony Glen businesses with the soon to be up and running Room with a Tomb Dead and Breakfast,” Sven explained. “We’re still deciding on the name.”
There were some claps.
“The meat draw will start at eight, but we’re going to start the night off with some dancing thanks to our DJ, Asher. Give it up for the growl with a howl,” Magnus shouted into the microphone.
Finn rolled his eyes, but clapped along with everyone else.
“Dinner will be brought out in thirty minutes, but please continue to mingle and dance. Just have fun tonight,” Sven stated. “DJ, the mic is all yours.”
Before Finn could say anything else, the music started and couples began to move out onto the dance floor.
Ask her to dance,the little voice inside his head told him.
“Dr. Davis, could I please have the pleasure of this dance,” Sven asked, materializing beside her.
“With you, yes,” Margaid said pleasantly.
Sven laughed. “I know, my brother can be a bit much some times.”
Finn stood there, watching Margaid and Sven head out onto the dance floor. There were a couple of other couples enjoying the music. It was definitely hard to miss Sam the giant with his arms around Mari.
“Why didn’t you ask her to dance?” Phineas asked. “She’s into you.”
Finn cocked an eyebrow. “Into me?”
“One hundred percent. Sven won’t care if you cut in. You should.”
Finn let out a huff and handed Phineas his meat draw ticket. “I’ve got to go. Make sure my mom and Pearl get home okay.”
