Sparkle’s tail stops swaying, and he shakes his head. “Mama wouldn’t like it.”
“Sparkle.” I take both of his hands in mine and make him face me. “You’re an adult, and while it’s sweet that you help your mom with the kittens, you’re allowed to live your life. The twins are graduating high school this year. The other two oldest are gonna be a junior and senior come August. The one in middle school is moving to high school and Ferris’ll be in middle school in the next school year. They don’t need you anymore.”
His ears twitch, and he nods. “I know,” it comes out a whisper, and he squeezes his eyes shut. “I know.” His bottom lip trembles and he shakes his head.
“Hey, hey. How about you do your shopping? I’ll grab some snacks and we can hang out all night. We can call up Beau, and Lark, and Gabe if he’s off too. It’ll be fun. Don’t even think about the kittens or responsibility or anything.”
“That could be fun. And I’m off tonight.” He bounces on his toes. “Okay, yeah! Let’s do it.” He pulls out his phone and texts the group chat about hanging at my new place. After everyone responds, he adds one more thing that makes me laugh.
Sparkle: This is NOT the official apartment warming party. That’s Saturday and I expect everyone there.
I pull Sparkle in for a hug and smack a kiss on his cheek right at the same time Talon comes into view on the path. He glowers and turns around. So much for thinking he’s getting more friendly.
10
TALON
I might have over worked the dough a bit too much. Why the hell am I still fixated on seeing Sparkle and Wren together last night? They’re friends. They’ve been friends for years and they’ve always been affectionate. Their whole friend group is. Why the fuck am I jealous of that little display?
Not having the time to rework the dough, I set it aside to create something else with it later and move on to tarts. I have to get myself under control. My face goes hot as Wren’s scent infiltrates the room.
“What?” I gruff out.
Wren leans against the worktable and glares at me. “What was your problem last night?”
“Nothing.”
“Oh, no. That’s not good enough. You looked at Sparkle and me like we’re disgusting.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Well, that’s what it felt like. I was just thinking you were a nice guy, then bam I’m hit with a glare that could kill a lightning bug in two seconds.”
“What?” I didn’t think I made that bad of a face last night.
“You heard me.” He slaps the top of the worktable, then winces.
“You can’t kill a lightning bug with a glare.”
“Have you tried?” Wren asks and rubs at his palm.
“No, but I’m pretty sure.” I shrug, trying to bring a bit of lightheartedness to the conversation.
“That’s not the point. The point is, you made me feel like ass and I didn’t like it. What’s your problem, Talon? I’m not going away. I like it here, which is fortunate because I’m stuck in this world now because of things out of my control. Otherwise, I’d be in the Fae lands, probably in someone’s bed, because that’s all I’m good for, right?” Wren crosses his arms over his chest and looks away.
“I’d never say that. Courtesans are essential to keeping the peace in the courts.”
He drops his arms. “Exactly.”
“Sorry about the glare last night. I was in a mood.”
“You’re always in a mood.” Wren dusts a bit of flour from my forearm, then jerks his hand back. “Sorry.”
“I don’t hate your presence.” No, I love it. Wren brings more light and laughter to this place. Light and laughter that my sour moods usually bring down.
“I don’t hate your presence either.” Wren nibbles his bottom lip and flicks his eyes up to meet mine. “Sparkle’s throwing an apartment warming party for me on Saturday. It’d mean a lot of you came.”
I swallow and nod.
