Then go visit her.
His stomach knotted thinking about her, because yes, he did want to listen to that voice inside his head, but another part of him was constantly telling him he didn’t have anything to offer her.
All he had was a swamp and the money he earned from selling peat moss and doing occasional aquatic jobs for people around Harmony Glen, and that was, as far as he was concerned, not enough to support a family. There was also the haunting reminder that maybe he couldn’t protect his family. His father had tried and failed.
He knew that Pearl was a target every full moon when she transformed into a unicorn. She was rare, female glashtyn with unicorn properties, which meant unsavory magical individuals wanted to harm her.
And had tried to harm her in the past.
Yes, but I can protect her.
Phineas’ stomach clenched again and he rubbed his belly absentmindedly.
“You okay?” Finn asked, cocking his eyebrow.
“Why?”
“You keep wincing and now you’re clutching your stomach. You feel okay?”
“Some bad tofu,” Phineas explained. “It’ll pass.”
“Well, as long as you don’t pass it in front of me, we won’t have problems.”
Phineas rolled his eyes. “Ha ha.”
“I’ll need you around three today. Think you can meet me at Sandbar Island to help with some sportfishing? Tips will be good.”
Phineas nodded. “Sure thing.”
“Good. I’ll see you there.”
Phineas waved over his shoulder and headed toward town. It was his favorite time of year, summer. All the other seasons werea bit too chilly for him. There was another reason to love the summer now: Pearl was home.
It was autumn when she left and that felt like a lifetime ago.
What does it matter when you won’t even go and talk to her?
Phineas ignored that thought, or he tried to ignore the voices in his head berating him. All he had to do now was focus on running his errands, walk back to his swamp, and then go meet Finn later at Sandbar Island.
That was his agenda for today.
It’s a pretty boring and shitty agenda compared to, you know, talking to Pearl.
He really hated this inner dialogue he’d been having since Pearl’s going-away party at the end of last summer. As he walked toward town, he wasn’t paying attention to much. A few people called out to him and he waved absently, but he was lost in his own thoughts.
Then he caught sight of Pearl leaving Room with a Tomb and his heart skipped a beat, like it always did when he saw her. Phineas stood back, just watching her walk along the tree-lined street. He’d heard through the rumor mill she was going to the hospital to start a summer placement, which made complete sense as she was studying to be a nurse.
It was the perfect job for someone who was caring, gentle, and empathetic.
It was also one of the many reasons he was so in love with her.
“Hello, Phineas.”
Phineas startled, turning to see Flo and Mercedes standing behind him. They both had reusable grocery bags full of veggies.
“Hi,” he said. “I’d ask what you were up to, but it’s clear you’ve been to Ogram’s.”
“Yes,” Flo said. “Getting some fresh produce. We drive out there, then Magnus’ truck broke down.”
