After choosing a pattern, Ophelia has me stand on a short lift while she takes my measurements.She needs a stool just to reach my shoulders adequately.Every time our skin accidentally touches, electric sparks fill me with a satisfied warmth down to my hooves.I think she feels it too, because her cheeks redden every time.
“Oh, I just realized.I didn’t mention that I will be driving.So I’ll need it even earlier than you may have thought.Sorry about that.”
Nodding, I can see the wheels turning in her beautiful head.
“Not a fan of flying?”
“Well, flying is not a fan of me at this size.”
“That makes sense.”
“But I love road trips.And this time, I plan to finally do a tour of Graceland.Love me some Elvis.”
Ophelia’s eyes light up as she says, “Really?My mother loved him, too.I have always wanted to visit there, in honor of her.”
Before stopping to think, I blurt out, “Then you should come with me.Be my plus one for the wedding.”
The curvy goddess stops in her tracks, looking up at me with surprise.I open my mouth to apologize, feeling like an ass, when she smiles and says, “I’ll consider it.”
After the fitting, I head home in a state of sheer bliss.She will consider it?
Holy shit, maybe Merla was on to something?
6
Ophelia
“Really?You think I should?”I ask my two best friends, who sit across the table from me at Cape Cod Cupcakery.
“Yes!”they both exclaim in unison.
“I mean, I guess I could.I don’t have any orders due at that time.Are you sure it isn’t absolutely batshit insane?”
“It’s wicked romantic.That’s what it is, Ophelia,” Ursula says dreamily.
Laughing, I shake my head while shrugging my shoulders.I mean, my first instinct was to tell him yes and jump into his arms, but I’m pretty sure that reaction would have landed me on the batshit insane spectrum.
“When was the last time you did something spontaneous like this?”Althea asks before biting into her salted caramel cupcake.
“Well, I raised two boys on my own.It’s not like I could go all wacky and wild the last couple of decades.”
“Your boys are grown-ass men now, so time to live your life, lady.”
Nodding at Althea, I know she’s right.My gut is still saying this may not be a social norm or typical, but I am meant to go on a wild adventure with this man.
This minotaur.
Standingin my Knoxville hotel room, I do a little happy dance, like the dork I am.This trip was one of the best decisions I have made in the last few years.Now I know why Straton and I had that crazy connection so quickly.He and I are like two halves that fit together.We have the same sense of humor, can talk about all sorts of things as the hours in his car have proven, and we are both beyond excited to visit Graceland today.
A light knock on my door interrupts my dork-dance.Opening it, I find a foxy minotaur holding a tray of coffees and a paper bag.
“You went out?”
“I woke up early.I’m a nerd and couldn’t sleep, knowing where we are going today.Went out and grabbed coffee and muffins.Looks like you’re ready, too?”
“I am.Let’s hit the road.”
Driving along I-40, blasting Elvis, we both sing at the top of our lungs.Our early start gets us to Graceland just around lunchtime, so we stop in an Elvis-themed diner before signing in for our tour.
