“Actually?” I snorted, then deepened my voice for an impression of him. “Actually, Stevie, this doesn’t completely suck ass.”
“It doesn’t,” he assured me with a straight face as he continued to eat. “Much.”
I snorted with laughter again and joined him at the table. But inside, I was wondering what it was going to take for him to see my efforts to care for him. And appreciate them.
On the walk to town, I twined my fingers through his.
Eastshore Isle really was adorable, wasn’t it? We stopped at Meli’s Bake Shoppe to place another order for Garrak’s donuts, and I got to meet Meli’s Mate Cairo, who had a scowl to rival Brakkor’s.
We ran into Tanis—I recognized him from social media—and his Mate Ashlyn outside of Pattie’s. They were staringup at the Victorian-era façade and discussing something as we approached, and Garrak explained that Ashlyn owned most of the historic district and was slowly restoring it.
A little further on, I met Luxor walking his dog Seamus, who had stopped to chat with Varron, whom I recognized from poker night, and kept sending us smirks. Each time we met with one of the orcs, they treated Garrak with respect, and he asked them questions that proved he was genuinely interested in their lives.
I realized I was watching him with pride I had no right to feel.
Theywere the reason he was doing what he was doing. He was building a community center to bring them all together, to give them a place to belong, a place to integrate with Eastshore Isle completely.
Could I help? How?
He’d listened to some of my suggestions before, maybe I could ask him about his plans for programs and activities…
After we said goodbye to Luxor and Varron, we turned left on Seashell Avenue, and I saw a sign for Second Time’s A Charm.
“Oh, a thrift and antique store!” I gasped, already tugging Garrak toward it. “Do you mind if we stop?”
“Why?” he asked with a frown.
“Because I’ve been wearing the same three shirts and pair of jeans since I got here. You might not have noticed, but I’ve started washing my undies in the bathroom sink.”
“I noticed,” he growled, following me. “But I’ve already ordered—” He bit his words off. “Stevie, you don’t need to wear used clothing?—”
I scoffed. “Garrak, I’ve been thrifting my whole life. It’sfunto find treasures. Let’s go see.”
I was particularly interested in finding another pair of pants, maybe a few shirts, so I could take my current stuff to the laundry area in the basement.
As we pushed open the door, the little old lady behind the counter didn’t even look up. “Good morning,” I called to her cheerfully. “It’s a lovely day!”
She started, then blinked at us. “Oh, good morning! It’s a lovely day outside today, isn’t it?”
My smile grew as I realized she hadn’t heard us come in. “Hi! I’m Stevie. I’m looking for women’s clothing.”
“My name’s Mavis, dear, and I’m sorry, but I don’t think I have anything that will fit your gentleman friend.” She pushed her glasses up her nose and peered at both of us. “You’re free to look, though.”
I was trying not to laugh at our communication problems. “Okay, thank you,” I said as I pulled Garrak toward the far wall where the aisles were labeledpants, shirts, skirts.
“What, dear?” the woman called.
And my laughter burst out as I waved. “Thank you!” I all but yelled, and I heard Garrak snort softly.
“This will only take a minute,” I assured him, tugging him toward the pants aisle. “Just wait here.”
With a little roll of his eyes, he crossed his arms and rested his weight against one of the bookshelves that lined the back wall. The aisle dividers were built up to over six feet, but if I stretched on my toes, I could just see the front counter with Mavis. There was no one else here that I could see.
Quickly, I pulled two pairs of pants that I thought would fit, and a pair of jeans. Not a lot of options, so I hurried over to the skirt section. Oh, these were better options. I had no objection to wearing skirts, as long as there were pockets. Smirking, I pulled out a little purple miniskirt that I had no practical use for and threw it into my pile.
“I’ll be right back,” I called to Garrak, heading for the dressing room. “Just give me a minute.”
“Take your time,dkaar,” he rumbled. “I’m not going to rush you.”
