It was a theory.
And Phineas could always drive her home. He didn’t have a car, but he could drive. It was probably responsible to tell Margaid, her brother’s wife, where she’d be. For whatever reason, her unicorn felt safe with Margaid too. If she told Finn she had a date tonight and he found out it was a full moon, he’d stop her from going.
Usually, Finn got a bit agitated during a full moon as well.
Glashtyns seem to be affected by the full moon cycles. It was said that males would come out of the water to steal females by the light of the full moon. That was an old myth, though. Female glashtyns were very rare, and often unicorns like herself. Finn at least could maintain some manner of decorum, whereas she went a bit wild during the full moon and couldn’t control her shift.
If she wanted, she could shift into a unicorn now, but she rarely did. Only because it wasn’t safe. Not when her horn was prized for dark magic.
It was why she and Mercedes had become such close friends. Mercedes’ dark witching family wanted to use Mercedes as a vessel for a horrible reincarnation of their restless ancestor, and Pearl was a coveted prize to be chopped up and used in spells.
I’ll be safe with Phineas.
That’s what her unicorn was telling her. But if she said something to her mom or Finn, they wouldn’t let her go, so she’d leave them a note and slip away before they could stop her. She wasn’t being reckless. Deep down she knew she wouldn’t be, because she’d be with Phineas.
It didn’t matter that it was going to be a full moon. She’d be fine tonight because she’d be with the one she loved the most.
She’d be with him.
Chapter
Eight
Phineas didn’t know why he was back downtown. Especially this early in the morning, but he couldn’t sleep at all last night. First, he kept replaying the kiss with Pearl over and over in his head.
Then he was trying to figure out how he was going to make their first date perfect, but he’d never been with anyone before, he wasn’t sure how to be romantic or what to do.
And then there was his brother.
They’d got along so well last night and Pierre had agreed to have the swab done this morning. Phineas was supposed to be meet Pierre at the hospital in two hours, but he couldn’t wait.
Since Room with a Tomb was closed because it was early, Phineas decided to wait outside of Pierre’s bistro, Coat.
He took a seat on the pavement and enjoyed the peace and quiet of Harmony Glen while it was still asleep. Early mornings were always his favorite. Especially with his dad and then later on with Mr. Clague and Finn.
As he was sitting there, contemplating everything, there was a jaunty whistle and Pierre came around the corner, his hands in his pockets.
He stopped and his eyes widened. “Phineas?”
Phineas stood up. “Hi. Do you mind if we talk?”
“No. Not at all.” Pierre slipped past him and unlocked the door to his bistro.
Phineas followed him inside, shutting the door behind him.
“Would you like a café au lait?” Pierre asked.
“Sure, but I’m not sure I can handle another beignet. They were good, but heavy.”
Pierre grinned. “They’re best enjoyed fresh, so don’t worry. I don’t have any on hand. Have a seat and I’ll be back.”
Phineas nodded and sat at the same table as last night. He placed his hands nervously on the table.
Pierre returned with two cups and set one down in front of him. “I’m pleased to see you. I was planning to see you when I went to the hospital for the swab.”
“I know, but,” Phineas breathed deeply, “why did you come look for me?”
Again, Pierre’s eyes widened. “We’re family.”
