“Okay, Amy.”But the werewolf immediately leans over to whisper in my ear, “Freddy is selfish in the sack.I spent a good fifteen minutes explaining the importance of quid pro quo as it relates to oral.Better off with a vibrator.”
“Oh, Juliet.Dear, are you feeling all right?”
Some of the women at the table stare at the librarian with concern etching wrinkles in their brows.
My friend does seem distressed, her hands covering her face, shoulders shaking.A passerby might think she was quietly sobbing.However, sitting next to her, I make out the muffled sound of unsuccessfully stifled giggles.
Courtney isn’t the best at whispering.
“I’m fine,” Juliet finally chokes out.
Ms.Hanson’s knuckles are white on her knitting needles, and I consider if I need to escort Courtney home so she doesn’t end up murdered in an alley with crafting supplies.“And you, Zoey?”The tightness in her voice makes the question sound like a threat.
“Me?”
Ms.Hanson nods.“Are you dating?”
“I …”Shit.Shit, shit, shit.
Dating.One step away from a relationship.Then on the fast track to commitment.
This isn’t a question I thought I’d have to answer.
But once again, Courtney comes to the rescue.
Kind of.
“She’s fucking?—”
“Courtney,” Amy chides.
“Sorry.She’sholding handswith Warner Jameson.”
Okay, I guess I can deal with that description for now.Also, I think Juliet is going to pass out if she tries any harder to suppress her laughter.
I’m fine with being the butt of a joke if it makes my friend more comfortable.
“Well then …” Ms.Hanson takes a long sip from her white wine before putting her full attention on her project.
Matchmaking is officially off the table.
After a minute or two of awkward silence passes, side conversations start back up, and Courtney seems content to bedazzle her boots.
Juliet is more relaxed now that the spotlight is off her and after the fits of hilarity Courtney put her through.Amy pulls the librarian out further by asking about the latest bestsellers.
After another sip of my drink, I relax back in my chair, estimating how many rows I have left.
“That’s a fun pattern.”Courtney reaches out to touch the scarf I’m finishing.Her finger traces the raised design repeated along the length of the scarf.
The symbol is simple—two triangles, each bisecting at a single corner.Almost like a bow tie.I realize I incorporated it without thought.Crocheting is often like that for me.An activity I can do instinctually as my mind relaxes or focuses on something else.
“Thanks.I hope Warner likes it too.This is for him.”
“You made it.Which means he’ll love it.”Courtney smirks, and then her expression softens.“How are you adjusting?”Her quiet question has me meeting her gaze.There’s a quick flash of black, and I realize she just gave me a glimpse of her wolf, clarifying the underlying meaning of her question.
How are you adjusting to the whole mythical-creatures-are-real thing?
“Getting better.Not great at first.”I hook my yarn and debate saying more.After a second, I admit, “Normally, I talk about life changes with my therapist.”This time, I’m the one who tries to convey extra meaning with my gaze.
