“I promise I’m fine.”
“Okay, good,” Pyxlevir said. It was late, and they’d unexpectedly bared beyond what he could’ve imagined a few hours earlier. He was exhausted and needed space to process everything he’d learned. “I think I’m gonna head to bed.”
“Good idea, I need to do the same. Pyx?”
“Yeah?”
“For what it’s worth, thanks for tonight. I don’t think I’ve wrapped my head around all of this yet, but I’m grateful to you. I’m sorry I wasn’t braver and for being careless with your feelings. My decision to leave was selfish, and all I could do was run. I thought I could escape my feelings. I was wrong and I hurtyou. You owe me nothing, despite what Fate thinks. You deserve the world and a mate who puts you first. I hope I can be that man.”
Before Pyxlevir could find his tongue, Gramlithyn rushed out of the kitchen. It was probably for the best. Pyxlevir was exhausted but touched by Gramlithyn’s words. His step lighter than it’d been since his eighteenth birthday, Pyxlevir headed for bed.
Chapter 19
Invigorated, Gramlithyn tugged on his tie to loosen it a smidge. He’d woke that morning with a zest that had been missing from his life for years. There was no question why he was different. His discussion with Pyxlevir had changed everything. He’d needed a day to absorb what he’d learned, but reality was settling in.
So, as soon as Gramlithyn had opened his eyes, he’d taken the elf’s advice and called Ardusian. His friendly assistant had squeezed Gramlithyn in for an appointment, and Ardusian had hired him within minutes of his arrival. Now, Gramlithyn had an income and could focus on what he and zebra wanted the most—Pyxlevir. Thanks to his lack of impetus and cowardice, the past loomed over them.
Gramlithyn refused to let that get in the way. Not now. Not after Pyxlevir confessed that he wasn’t unhappy with Fate’s decision. It was up to Gramlithyn to prove to Pyxlevir that they could be together. There was no room for moping about his own stupidity or worrying about the future. He needed to stay rooted in the present.
With that thought in mind, Gramlithyn stood in the lobby of Elven D’Vaire’s headquarters and tugged his phone out of his slacks. His finances hadn’t stretched to include a proper suit, butGramlithyn had gone to every job interview in his lone sport coat and tie. Being in a building of mostly elves, his lack of cultural attire made him stick out.
Shaking his head as his mind worried about irrelevant issues like fashion, Gramlithyn fired a text to Pyxlevir.
Gramlithyn:Sorry for the late notice, but I’m at Elven D’Vaire today. Any chance you can grab lunch with me?
A few seconds later, his phone beeped, and Gramlithyn grinned even before he saw Pyxlevir’s response. His zebra whinnied with delight. The best thing about their late-night conversation was the joy of being Pyxlevir’s friend again.
Pyxlevir:Lunch sounds great. Are you here now?
Gramlithyn:Yes, but I can come back if now doesn’t fit into your schedule.
The elf’s answer was directions to his office, so Gramlithyn hopped into the elevator and hit the correct button. Prior to slipping his phone into his pocket again, he assured Pyxlevir he was on the way. It didn’t take Gramlithyn long to get to the correct office, and he grinned at the plaque outside the door with his mate’s name on it. From the time they met, Pyxlevir had wanted to work for his father’s company, and it pleased Gramlithyn that he’d followed his dreams.
To Gramlithyn’s surprise, Pyxlevir’s assistant wasn’t an elf but a centaur. They’d barely exchanged greetings when Pyxlevir’s door opened. Gramlithyn wasn’t sure what to expect or how to feel, but he relaxed as Pyxlevir smiled.
“Hi, I’m so glad you texted. Should we head out? There’s a restaurant across the street with great food,” Pyxlevir remarked as Gramlithyn offered him an awkward wave.
“Sounds good.”
They said farewell to Pyxlevir’s assistant and headed to the elevator.
“You look nice,” Pyxlevir offered. “What brought you to Elven D’Vaire?”
They stepped into the elevator, and Gramlithyn allowed himself the pleasure of appreciating how the black-and-blue silk of Pyxlevir’s beaded ensemble highlighted the lovely shade of his skin.
“I like your outfit; it suits you. D’Vaire colors. Did Evlithar make it?” Gramlithyn asked. “I’m here thanks to you. I took your advice and called Ardusian. His assistant made time for me on his calendar.”
“Yes, this is Evlithar’s exquisite craftsmanship,” Pyxlevir replied as they stepped out of the elevator and into the lobby. “Did you already meet with Ardusian, or is that after lunch?”
“Not only did we already meet but he offered me a job on his team.”
“Congratulations,” Pyxlevir enthused. “But I’m not surprised; he’s pretty desperate for another body in his office.”
“Thanks a lot, at least pretend like I’ve earned my spot.”
Pyxlevir grinned at him cheekily. “Nope, I think I’ll stick with honesty, but thanks for the advice.”
They left Elven D’Vaire and were lucky enough to hit the light, so they didn’t have to wait to cross the street. Gramlithyn opened the door to the restaurant Pyxlevir directed them to, and a server brought them immediately to a small table next to the window.
