I giggle. “I do. But it’s nothing you’ll get in the human world. It’s a mixture of meats from local forest creatures, usually whatever the Foxwoods hunted the night before.”
“What kind of forest creatures?”
“You know, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel. It’s a special blend.”
“I love it,” my father chimes in. “I’m getting one with a side of fried okra.”
Arden places her menu down. “Don’t you find it weird that you guys eat forest creatures when you basically are forest creatures?”
I shrug. “I can get you the human menu if you’d like.”
She frowns. “No. I want the squirrel burger.”
“Forest barbecue,” I correct.
“You won’t regret it,” Grandma calls across the table.
A throat clears behind me, and I glance over my shoulder. A handsome satyr stares down at me, golden-skinned with caramel-colored waves surrounding two curling ram-like horns that sweep along the sides of his head above his ears. A bright smile spreads across his face when his eyes connect with mine, and he stomps one of his hooves.
I pop out of my chair and throw my arms around him in a hug. “River? Oh my stars, it’s so good to see you!”
He gives me a firm squeeze. “You too, Sophia. You’re a sight for sore eyes.” He kisses the side of my cheek. I pull away, smiling.
“Damn, River. Look at you, all grown up!” I raise my eyebrows. Although it shouldn’t be any surprise that the boy who was once a scrawny young faun has bloomed into a strapping adult satyr, I am blown away by the change. By human standards, satyrs are naturally ripped to shreds. Human women who go to the Dragonfly Club all want to meet a satyr. They’re built tall and broad, are naturally fit, and have a reputation for being free spirits who make generous lovers. I wouldn’t know. River and I were friends, nothing more. I can appreciate that he’s physically beautiful, but I’ve never thought of him in that way.
River greets everyone else at the table, and I introduce him to Arden. He bows at the waist. “As lovely as your mother. Welcome to River’s.”
I let out a held breath. As stressful as the morning has been, at the moment, I actually feel… welcome.
“How is your father doing?” Grandma asks. My brow furrows as her cheeks pink. Did she just flutter her wings at him?
“Just fine, Betty. I’m sure he’d enjoy seeing you again at his new place.” He looks at me. “He’s retired out to Mermaid Bay. Sometimes your grandma goes to see him.”
Oh, I mouth, brows shooting up. Grandma shrugs.
“As much as I’d love to catch up, let’s get your order in. The kitchen is busy, and you must be starving this late in the day.” He pulls a pad from his back pocket.
River has servers working at the tavern. I think it’s sweet that he thinks so highly of my family that he’s taking special care of us, taking the order himself. But then he’s always been sweet and caring. It’s his nature.
When everyone is done giving their order, I place a hand on his arm. “After, do you have time to talk?”
“Come to my office.” He tilts his head toward the back of the tavern.
I owe him an explanation for why I never tried to contact him while I was away. “I’ll stop in as soon as I’m finished.”
He smiles and heads for the kitchen.
* * *
If a hunting cabinand a man cave had a baby, it would look like River’s office. After a meal that’s as fabulous as I remember, I send Arden home with my family and find the satyr there, sitting in a leather chair with a rip in the side he’s repaired with a piece of camouflage duct tape. The desk itself is covered in an orgy of papers. My fingers itch to form a neat stack out of them, but I don’t want to be rude. The walls are equally in disarray, with lists, posters, and flyers tacked over almost every square inch.
I laugh. “No computer? Still a technophobe?”
He grins. “Hate it. Not my thing, Sophia. You know me. My idea of modern refinement is sleeping inside on a summer’s night. Although I did finally break down and get a cell phone to appease my employees.”
That makes me laugh. He is the outdoorsy type, far happier huddled beside an open fire than inside an office building.So different from Seven,I think, and then chastise myself for thinking about Seven.
“So… you’re back.” River gestures at a chair across the desk from him. I move the pile of papers there to the desk and take a seat. “You look exactly the same. It’s almost like we were sitting next to each other in class a few days ago. And your daughter… she’s beautiful, Sophia. I can’t believe how much I’ve missed.”
