I took a bite of cookie, considering. “Good. Seven. Thank you.” Arwyn’s offer had been very kind and generous. It had also been too vague for me. I needed specifics, and now I had them. I’d take seven items.
He nodded and we sat in silence. He was good at this. Most people became more and more agitated the longer the silence went on. Nick didn’t seem to be the least bit uncomfortable, which allowed me to relax.
Leaves crackled in the forest and both our heads turned. He lifted his nose in the air and said, “Squirrel.” Pointing to the railing around my porch, he added, “I’ve been looking at those little rocks and sticks, wondering what they mean.”
I followed his gaze. “Oh.” I stood and walked to the gifts, picking up each one and admiring it. I took the handful back into the house, dropping them into a large glass jug I kept by the back door, and then went in the kitchen for some nuts and dried berries. Back on the porch, I placed my gifts in the same spot, brushed off my hands, and resumed my seat.
“Curiouser and curiouser,” Nick rumbled.
A moment later, a crow flew down and landed on the railing beside the nuts. He pecked the dried blueberry first, staring at us.
“Good morning, Tyrion,” I said from my swing. “Thank you for my gifts.”
Nick turned, smiling. “I know that one. That’s the guy from Game of Thrones.”
I swallowed a bite of chocolate chip cookie, my head cocked to the side. “You’ve read the books?”
He shook his head. “No, but I watched the show.”
Confused, I asked, “There’s a show?”
He grinned and nodded.
“But Martin hasn’t finished writing the series.” How odd that they’d film an incomplete series.
Nick shrugged one of his big shoulders. “That’s what my cousin said too. She’s a reader like you. I think she said the first few seasons were based on the books, but then the screenwriters just went off on their own. Anyway,” he said, waving his hand, “that’s not why I’m here.”
Ah, yes. It was time for the speech. I’d read this scene so many times, I wondered how he’d spin it. It’s not you; it’s me, perhaps. Or maybe he valued my friendship too much to jeopardize it. I supposed telling me he’d been drafted and was shipping out soon would be an interesting choice. Personally, I would have opted for ghosting.
“First, are you okay?”
He was so handsome, it took me a moment to remember he’d asked a question. I put my cookie aside and gave him my full attention. I’d never been dumped before. I wanted to be fully in the moment.
I nodded.
“Good. I’ve texted you a few times since our dinner, but you haven’t responded. I know your reception is bad around here, but it felt like maybe you were avoiding me—which is perfectly fine. Did I screw up?” He rushed on, “I didn’t realize so many of my family would be there that night. That was my fault.” He shook his head. “It’s a black bear-owned restaurant—my uncle Jordan. I like it because the food is good and the portions are bear-sized. I know all the cousins and aunties can be overwhelming, though, so I’m sorry.”
Wait. Wasn’t he supposed to be letting me down easy? I glanced over at Tyrion, who was still on the railing, slowly snacking, his attention snapping back and forth between Nick and me.
Nick followed my gaze, his head tilted up to sniff the air. “I’m not getting shifter. Your friend is a natural crow, right?”
“As far as I know,” I told him. “I don’t like to pry.” I stared down at my hands, fisted in my lap, and said, “Sorry. I did see your texts. I assumed you were trying to figure out how to get rid of the weird owl woman who just stared at your family, making everyone uncomfortable. You don’t seem to be telling me to leave you alone, though, so I’m confused.”
He watched me with those kind, understanding eyes that melted my insides. “I should have explained when I drove you home. I was busy worrying that my loud, growly family had scared you off. I like you, Orla. I like spending time with you. If you don’t feel the same about me, that’s fine. I can take the L and walk away. If you do like me or you’re still deciding, I’d like to take you out again. Someplace different this time. Someplace you choose.”
I’d created a perfectly calm and relaxing life for myself. I was content. Spending time with Nick or investigating with his group made me feel nervous and out of control. It scared me, but it also made me feel like I was actually living my life instead of reading about the lives of others.
Blowing out a breath, I nodded. “I’d like to try again.”
Tyrion squawked, head tilted as he stared at me.
Nick grinned. “Good. Now, there’s one more thing I came to talk with you about.”
TWO
Something’s Afoot
Tyrion and I waited to hear what Nick wanted. Admittedly, as my crow friend resumed eating the nuts I’d put out for him, he seemed less invested than I was.
