The conversation lulled, but not necessarily in an uncomfortable way. Schwint had been right about taking the exit. While the local road was still ridiculously busy, we at least moved continuously along it, even if at a painfully slow pace.
After a bit, Schwint began singing along quietly with the radio. I didn’t acknowledge my awareness for fear he’d stop. He had a beautiful voice, which surprised me for some reason. Warm and smooth, with a hint of rasp. I recognized the song, a new one just released, “Leaving California.” I’d heard the hauntingly beautiful song several times in the past few months. Schwint’s voice blended perfectly with the singer, Patrick Alan something or other; I couldn’t remember the last name. Each time it had come on, Brett had come to mind. Maybe he hadn’t actually left California when he left me, but I had a feeling he had. I didn’t feel like he was anywhere near. To hear Schwint sing something I equated to Brett felt strange, but in some way, it kinda made sense. Of course, Brett would show up in one way or another on my first actual date with someone else.
I could feel Brett slipping from me more all the time. I knew he would always own part of my heart, a part I couldn’t give to anyone else. However, that part of me was buried under the irises under the nymph’s care. Even talking about him with Schwint like we’d done hadn’t stung like it would have even a week ago. Actually, it felt right. I didn’t know where things with Schwint were headed. Wasn’t even going to let myself think that far. I’d made that mistake with Brett, and I wasn’t going to have a repeat. Maybe Schwint was “the one,” which I’d been doing my best not to believe in any longer. Maybe he was just a fun romance for a few dates. Maybe something in the middle. Who knew? I didn’t need to figure it out. I needed to allow myself to see where it could lead and let myself enjoy being alive again. And Schwint definitely did that. Whether he was making me blush, infuriating me with his audacious personality, or making me laugh for the very same reason, he was bringing out a lightness in me that I’d figured wouldn’t return.
The song faded out, and Schwint didn’t join in on the next song. After a few moments, he became aware of my gaze and looked over.
“I know my stunning, yet undemonic, good looks are distracting, but shouldn’t you be watching the road, little warlock?”
“Your voice is beautiful.”
This time, a pinkish hue rose up his neck and covered his cheeks. “It’s just a good song.”
“True, but I loved hearing you sing it.”
He gave me a soft smile. The quiet stretched for a few moments, to the point I thought he’d drifted off in his own train of thought this time. “You know, pretty boy, I’m surprisingly comfortable with you.”
His lack of sarcasm and his serious tone threw me off. “Well, good. Thanks.” Smooth, Finn. Smooth. Like thanking him for a kiss. “I feel the same, actually.”
“Do you?”
I nodded. “Yeah.” I let out a laugh at his wide eyes. “I know. I’m surprised too.”
His teasing was back. “Oh, I’m not surprised. I’m very charming, after all. I’m just surprised you’ll admit it.”
“Of course you are.”
He motioned out the window. “You’ll wanna take a left at the next intersection, before the light. Once we get on that, it shouldn’t take too long. It looks like there’s not any traffic going that way.”
“I didn’t even think to ask. Would you like to drive? That way you won’t have to keep playing map holder.”
He laughed, and his flush returned. “I don’t know how to drive.”
I gaped at him, barely noticing the car stopping in front of me. I slammed my foot on the brake, forcing both our heads forward, then slamming them back against the seat.
“Geesh, warlock!” He jerked his head to the left with the heel of his palm, and I heard a loud crack. “Apparently you don’t know how to drive either!”
“You really don’t know how to drive?” I’d never met an adult who couldn’t drive a car.
He gave me a crooked smile, part embarrassed, part defensive. “Why would I need to?” He leaned forward, and his crystalline blue wings fluttered between him and the seat before they disappeared once more and he settled back into the cushion.
“I guess that’s a good point.” I gestured out the window. “I guess you don’t ever have to worry about traffic jams.”
“Nope. Only when I’m dating creatures like you, with limited power.” He gave me a wink.
“Don’t you find it hard to blend in with people when they find out you don’t drive?”
“Now, why would I want to blend in with people?”
I didn’t immediately have an answer. That was such a huge part of my childhood, of any witch’s childhood. We learned our magic and strategies of how to fit into human society without raising suspicions in equal measure. “Well, to help you lead a normal life.”
He just shook his head. “You silly witch, why would you ever want to do that?”
He left me speechless. Why did I want to do that?
We drove on in silence for a while longer, Schwint occasionally directing me right or left.
After a while, he slipped his hand into mine and brought it to rest on my lap.
