Taking a minute to smooth out my hair, I get out and feel a little nervous. I’ve never had a sense of community before, and these people seem to genuinely care for one another. And with them coming over in the morning, it made me realize just how much they notice shit. I can’t really blend into the shadows here like I did at my old place.
“Thanks for coming.” I lock the car and take Jac’s hand.
“Of course, Ace. I might be a thousand years older than you, but I want to do this right. From what I’ve seen and read, we’re supposed to go on dates.”
My heart melts a little in my chest, and I tighten my grip on his hand. “We are doing this right. Well, as right as a witch and a gargoyle can.”
“I’m only half gargoyle,” he says with a wink. “And you look beautiful tonight. I don’t think I told you yet.”
“You did, but I don’t mind hearing it again.” I’m wearing jeans and a tank top—nothing special—but I did my makeup and straightened my hair. I even put on earrings and a necklace.
Hand in hand, we go around the back of the house, finding the party on the patio. I scan the crowd for familiar faces, regretting coming here almost right away.
“This does look like a party from the movies,” Jac whispers, and my nerves are soothed.
“It’s bigger than I expected.” I spot Robert, but we’re separated by a pool that nobody is in. The whole setup out here is nice, with a pool and an outdoor bar. I’m guessing they opened their pool for the party, but the water is still cold and the spring air is way too chilly for swimming.
Turning back, I take a moment to watch Jac. This is all new to him, and he’s fascinated. I wonder what it’d be like to be in his shoes, and find the whole thing hard to fathom. It’d basically be like me waking up a thousand years in the future and having to act like I’m cool with everything around me.
How the fuck are the guys so calm?
“Detective!” Keri calls, coming over with a drink in her hand. “You made it!”
“Call me Ace. And yeah, I’m here. Everything looks great.” I put my hand on Jac’s chest. “This is my boyfriend, Jac.”
He extends his hand like a perfect gentleman. “Hello, nice to meet you.”
“Ohhh, that accent!” Keri takes his hand, widening her eyes. Her drink is almost gone and I think it’s safe to say she’s a little drunk. “Don’t tell me, let me guess.” She closes her eyes for a second. “Say something else?”
Jacques laughs. “I’m not sure what you want me to say.”
“I’m usually good at placing accents.” She shakes her head, biting her lip, and examines Jac. “But I can’t place yours. I’m guessing British, right?”
“Mine is hard to place, if it makes you feel better,” Jac tells her. “I’m French but spent a decent amount of time in Jerusalem.”
I didn’t know that about him, and feel kind of like an asshole for not asking more about his past. And I don’t think anyone could easily place his accent since the way he speaks is a thousand years old. I assume things have changed a bit since then.
“You’re cultured, nice.” Keri sips her drink. “How did you two meet? You make a super cute couple.”
“Work,” I say with a smile. I didn’t go over any bullshit backstory with Jac, not thinking I’d need to. “And thanks. He’s a great guy.”
Jacques’s face lights up and he looks at me, big smile on his face. “I’m the lucky one.”
It’s a weird moment for us, but one that means so much. We’re out together, acting like a normal couple. And we’re far from it.
“Can I get you anything to drink? I’m on my third Skinny Bitch and I’m about to go fix another.”
“Skinny Bitch?” I raise an eyebrow.
“Vodka and lemon La Croix, because I’m basic.” Keri laughs. “It sounds gross, but it’s actually pretty good. Sweets and I don’t agree, and I can’t stand the taste of alcohol. Want one?”
“Uh, sure.”
“Great! Follow me. I’ll make you one.”
Keri goes inside, and as we walk into her house, I look around for the woman who said she’d lived here her whole life. I didn’t commit her name to memory, but I’ll recognize her face if I see it.
“Have you been in the States long, Jac?” Keri asks, grabbing a bottle of vodka off the counter in her kitchen. Her house is neat, bright, and tidy.
