Quick thinking had me saying, “My wife and kid decided to surprise me.”
“You’re married?” Enzo’s brows shot up. Why did he seem so surprised?
“Yeah, but we’d been going through a rough patch. She asked for space.” I shrugged. “Guess she missed my ugly mug.”
Enzo chuckled. “I am glad to see you looking happy.”
Happy? Me? It hit me then I’d not been as miserable of late. And more shocking, hadn’t even thought of having a drink. It felt kind of nice. Normal. It also gave me hope that I didn’t have to be a grumpy bastard for the rest of my life.
Ding.
I glanced at my phone. Ready when you are.
“Judging by your smile, that must be your wife.”
Wait, I’d smiled? “Uh yeah, she needs a ride. Better pay for this and go.”
I quickly checked out and loaded the baby first into the car, wrestling with the tiny arms, straps, and buckles. Once I’d worked up a sweat but emerged victorious from that battle, I tossed the groceries in the trunk.
As I slid into the driver seat, Zaza protested. “Voglio la mamma.”
I turned to glance at Zaza and did the most unmanly thing ever. In a voice I didn’t recognize as my own, I crooned, “Yes, baby girl, we’re going to get Mommy.”
Somebody please shoot me.
Chapter Twelve
My humans returned quite giddy from their trip. Me? I’d eaten everything left for me and napped. Fatigue tugged at my limbs, indicating another molt would hit me soon.
It led to me feeling slightly out of sorts and vulnerable. Or at least that would have been my excuse if I’d been asked why I crawled into Bruce’s lap after he’d finished putting their purchases away.
Nicky placed her hand on my head. “I think Percy is sick. She didn’t ask for anything to eat.”
“She’s not running a fever. Feels cold, actually.”
“Should we take her to a veterinarian to have her checked out?” Nicky’s query held a note of concern.
I roused myself enough to mutter, “No doctor. Getting ready to shed.” Had to be, despite the oddity of running the opposite of a fever. Growth affected dragons differently.
“If you say so.” Nicky sounded doubtful. “I’ll be back in a moment. Zaza needs to go down for a nap.”
I’d almost fallen asleep by the time she returned.
“Hey, grab that bag by the door,” Bruce said. “I got you a few things. Clothes and toiletries that I thought you could use.”
“You shouldn’t have.”
“Bah. Have a peek. I had to guess at the sizing, though.”
I half listened as Nicky exclaimed over the things Bruce bought.
“Everything is perfect. You thought of everything.”
“Well, couldn’t have you starting your new job naked.”
I almost snorted. Humans and their clothes. So obsessed with fabric and fashion. Dragons never had to worry about such things. We had our lovely scales instead of flimsy skin to protect us from the elements.
The murmur of their voices lulled me to sleep. When I woke from my nap, it was mealtime, and it smelled delicious. Something called spaghetti Bolognese. Sauce. Pasta. Bread with garlic-infused oil. The only thing wrong with it? I had to share. But in good news, I got Zaza’s leftovers.
