“Times like this,” Erik explains, “are easier to get through if you have someone at home to love on you.”
“It’s no big deal. It’ll grow back.”
“Still takes time. Go home, Flint. You’re of no use until your finger grows back. Think about what I said. Because if you don’t find someone to share your life with, the loneliness may drive you mad.”
“Then it’s a good thing I can be shattered to bits so I don’t have to live forever,” I gather my tools and stomp away.
THE BELL OVER THE DOORto Mummy’s Tomb Café jingles as I enter, announcing my arrival. Cayden, my other best friend, turns from the table he’s serving and locks eyes with me.
I’m greeted with a quick smile that disappears almost as fast as it appeared. I don’t see much of Cayden these days, not since he met his fiancée, Raven. I sit at an empty table to wait until he’s finished serving his current customers.
Something sitting in the middle of the table catches my eye. I pick up the plastic stand and look over the flyer inside. Is Cayden ready to put on another concert? He was killing it at his first one—until Raven’s father almost killedhim. I thought he gave up on the idea of performing.
Dance off?
“What is this?” I ask myself, reading the details.
“Give me a minute.” Cayden taps his fingers on the table, jarring me from my thoughts about the upcoming competition he’s hosting. “I’ll ask Dad to cover for me.” I don’t say anything, but give him a nod.
“Where have you been?” Cayden says, sliding into the chair opposite me. “I haven’t seen you in weeks.”
“Busy working.” It’s not a complete lie. “ The draugr is a slave driver. Look.” I hold up my bandaged finger.
“Oh shit. Are you okay? What happened?”
“Smashed my finger. Nothing to do now but go home and rest.”
“Sorry, that sucks.” An uncomfortable silence falls between us; it’s like we forgot how to speak to each other. My friend narrows his eyes at me. “Are we good?”
“You have a problem with me?” I ask, sounding way too defensive, even to my own ears.
“I never said that.” He straightens the packs of fake sugar in the holder on the table. “It’s just . . . Forget I said anything.”
“What?” I snap, my voice rumbling more than usual.
“I don’t know,” he shrugs. “It feels sometimes like you’re avoiding me.”
“Why would I do that? You do something to piss me off?” My muscles tense and my eyes burn. I tell myself it’s because I’m overworked, not because Cayden hit a nerve.
“If I did, I hope you’ll tell me so I can set it right.” My friend gets to his feet. “Listen, I have to get back to work, but hey, I hope you come to the dance off.” He says, a little too happy about it in my opinion. “It was Raven’s idea, and I think it will be a lot of fun. It’s next Friday evening, so hopefully you have enough notice to keep the night open.”
“I need more details.”
“Of course. Follow the QR code to sign up. We’re going to have a solo match, and also a couples round with a special guest.”
Now he lost me. “Who would I couple off with?” Jerk knows perfectly well I don’t have a girlfriend.
“There’s an option for a blind pairing. And you never know, it might be a good opportunity to meet someone new.”
“Do you think I need you to pair me up with someone? What am I, a pathetic slab of rock that can’t meet someone on his own?”
“Of course not.” Cayden’s eyes trail to a table toward the front of the café, where a man holds his hand up signaling for the bill. “I’m just saying that if you wanted in on the couples portion, we’ll pair you up with another contestant randomly.”
“Randomly,” I say, not believing a word of it. It’ll be as random as a cloudy day.
“Yes. Randomly.”
“And me and this nonexistent random woman are supposed to compete against you and Raven?”
