INSTAGRAM REEL FROM EJVIBES – SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12
“I've never been a person who has an easy time asking for help. But it's rare that I get to watch someone else make that same mistake to an even further degree.” He sighs and rubs his hand over his hair. “This is my official reminder to myself to ask for help when I need it.”
CHAPTER 8
RAFFERTY
Manny was standingin the kitchen when I walked into the house. It was all I could do not to shout at him about how careless he was being with his safety. Who knew how many people had his address by now, and he wasn't even locking his front door?
But then I registered his sickly, overused magic and the dark circles under his eyes, and I shut my mouth.
“I'm back. Come get some food.” Why the fuck wasn't he sitting down and resting?
“Thanks. Let me get the dishwasher started and I’ll be right there.” He blinked at the bags I’d set on the kitchen table. “How much food did you buy?”
I shrugged. “I was planning to take Elton out for dinner, but I figured we'd just eat here.” He opened his mouth like he was going to object, so I kept talking. “We’ll go to the movies or something if we want to later.”
“Huh.” He opened a cabinet and took down three tall glasses. “You want some ice water? It’s all I've got to offer right now.”
“Sounds great, and I'm sure Elton will be ready for some when he's done with the lawn.”
Manny glowered. “I can't believe he's mowing my lawn.” He waved an arm at the table. “And you bought dinner. You guys don't even know me!”
“I guess Elton and I are the kind of people who like to help out.” I moved past him into the kitchen. “Where do you keep your plates?” He pointed at an upper cabinet, and I took three plates out and carried them back to the table.
Manny and I were starting to divide up the food when Elton came through the back door. “All done. Can I borrow your sink to wash up?”
“Of course. Thanks for doing that. I... wasn't sure how I was going to manage, and I can't afford a lawn service.”
“It was no problem at all. I put the lawn mower under the carport, but let me know if you want it somewhere else.” He walked past us into the kitchen to use the sink. I wished I could’ve touched him as he went by.
Manny shook his head. “No, that’s fine, thanks. I have a glass of ice water here for you on the table. I'm sorry I don’t have anything else to drink until the groceries get here.”
“Water sounds great.” Elton washed his hands and then joined us at the table.
I waited until Manny had finished half of his burger before I started with my questions. “Do you have dizzy spells a lot?”
He grimaced. “No, I wasn't thinking. I know better than to do physical stuff without eating first.”
I let him get another few bites in. “How long does it take for your magic to fully recharge?”
Manny dropped his eyes to his food, then he made a show of taking a sip of his water. Elton frowned at him. “Would a better question be, when was the last time you actuallywerefully recharged?”
The guilty expression on Manny’s face was answer enough.
I breathed in and out slowly, trying to keep my temper. “Is there anyone who helps you out?”
This time he answered. “What do you mean? What kind of help?”
I sighed. That was a no. “Who makes sure you eat regularly? Are you getting enough sleep?” The guilty face showed up again, and Manny stuffed some French fries into his mouth to avoid answering.
Elton sighed. “Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds like you live here all alone, with no security system. And an unknown number of people have heard of your healing abilities and they have your address. Does that sound right?”
He glared at both of us. “I’m fine. I appreciate the food, and the help with the yard, but I don’t need anyone butting into my life.”
I pointed out the window next to where we were sitting. “Collapsing in the backyard is a big sign you do.” Manny stared down at his food again but didn't make a move to pick it up. “Manny, I'm alpha of a pack, which means if somebody needs something, I’m hardwired to help.”
Elton muttered something under his breath that sounded like “I'll say,” but I ignored him.
