* * *
“Here,”I say, pulling shirts and shoes out of a shopping bag. “I guessed on the sizes and can run back in if they don’t fit.”
Thomas pulls a black T-shirt over his head. “It fits.”
“Good.” I reach over the center console of my Charger and pull the price tag off. “Now let’s hope the shoes fit too.”
Gilbert smooths a navy blue Henley over his chest and stretches out his arms. “It’s strange having clothes on again.”
Twisting so I can reach into the backseat, I undo the top buttons on his shirt. “It looks good on you at least.”
He flashes a cheeky grin and looks curiously at the shoes. I tear open a package of socks, and a few minutes later, the guys are dressed and ready to go out. Jacques was still sleeping when we left, and Hasan was stunned and a little unnerved when I had him try on the amulet. I’m getting two more crystals tomorrow so they all can have an amulet, though something tells me Hasan isn’t too eager to go without his wings.
We drive downtown, and while the guys have familiarized themselves with modern times through TV, it’s nothing like seeing things in real life. We park and get out, slowly walking down the street so they can take it all in.
Gilbert walks a little ahead, and Thomas takes my hand. They’re alike in most ways, but Thomas is the more affectionate one, I’ve noticed.
“I don’t know how busy this place is. It might take a while to get a table,” I say, stopping in front of a restaurant. “It’s new and popular, and people from work are always saying how good it is.”
“Give it a try?” Thomas asks. “I don’t care if we wait for a table.”
Gil goes ahead, holding the door open for me. He’s like a kid on Christmas morning and it’s so damn adorable.
“Hi,” the hostess says, running her eyes up Gilbert’s muscular body. “How many?”
Gil has no idea what she’s talking about, but he doesn’t let it slow him down. He flashes a smile, making the hostess blush. “How many do you want?”
She giggles and plays with her hair, not caring that his question makes no sense.
“Three,” I say, and Thomas tightens his arm around me. I give her my name and she motions to the bar. “You guys don’t have IDs,” I whisper, and look at the bar. The bartender’s a woman. “But that might not be a problem tonight.”
There are two seats open at the bar, and I take one and Gil takes the other. Thomas stands behind me, with a hand on my shoulder.
“This is better than I thought it would be.” Gilbert moves his chair closer to mine.
“You haven’t even had a drink yet.” I turn to him, smiling, and he puts his hand on my thigh. “Flash that same smile at the bartender when she comes over. Technically, she should ask to see your ID, but not everyone does when you look older than twenty-one.”
“And if she does ask?”
“Say you forgot it and don’t order alcohol.”
The bartender mixes a drink, casting her eyes in our direction. She looks at Thomas standing with his hands on me, and makes the connection we’re a couple. She can tell Gil is his twin brother and assumes he’s single.
With a smile, she comes over and gives us a drink menu. “I’ll be right back.”
“I don’t know what these are.” Thomas reads over my shoulder.
“To be honest, I don’t either.” I scan the menu. “I’ve never heard of half these drinks. And I don’t know much about your time period. What did you drink? Wine? Mead? Vodka’s been around for a long time, right?”
“Wine, and sometimes cider,” Thomas answers. “But not like the sweet stuff you got.”
I laugh. “So nothing sweet for you guys. Maybe try an Old Fashioned. It’s made with whiskey.”
“Old Fashioned,” Gilbert repeats. “Interesting name.”
“The Bee’s Knees is even better,” I say with a smile. “That’s what I’m getting. I don’t really like the taste of alcohol and it sounds like it’ll be sweet.”
The bartender comes over, flashing Gil a pretty smile again. “Hi, how are you guys doing tonight?”
