12
TALON
Saturday comes way too fast. I don’t know what I was thinking saying yes to this party. In one hand, I carry a bucket with cleaning supplies, and in the other, I carry a bottle of my peach cider. Under one armpit I have a mop and broom with an attached dustpan. On my back, I lug a huge backpack cooler filled with cheesecake bites, fudge, and ambrosia salad. I couldn’t decide and brought everything. It’s bad luck to show up at a housewarming party without a gift and treats.
I just hope no one gets offended by the bucket of cleaning supplies. Wren was chatting with Gabe yesterday morning that he’s slowly acquiring things he needs, but he hadn’t thought about cleaning supplies. It’s a thoughtful gift if you ask me. The cider and treats are to share with everyone. Sparkle had said bring something to share, so I have.
I must look ridiculous walking down the street loaded down with so much stuff, but I’m determined to make a good impression at this party even if my stomach is protesting. My inner griffin forced me to dress up even though Sparkle said this is a casual party. I’m in dress slacks and a nice burgundy short sleeve button-up shirt. I think I look nice. My griffin agrees, and he’s usually right on these things.
Sparkle says this isn’t a giant party. He only invited about fifteen people. To me, that’s pretty big, but for Wren and my griffin, I’m going and I’m going to have a good time. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.
The closer I get to the bakery and Wren’s new apartment, the more my nerves act up. I stop two blocks away to do a bit of deep breathing.
“I can do this. It’s nothing. I know everyone at the party. I can do this. I can do this. Everything is okay. I don’t have to stay very long if I don’t want to. I can just make an appearance and leave.” I nod to myself and start walking again. “This will be a piece of cake. And cake is delicious. Maybe I won’t hate the party. And why the hell do I keep talking to myself?”
I slow down once I get to the bakery. I expected to hear noise, but there’s silence other than the usual sounds of the outdoors. I walk around to the entrance of the apartment and there’s a table with a pretty teal table cloth in the parking lot, but no people. I flip my wrist to check the time. I’m not even early, just on time and that gives me anxiety too. I’m later than I meant to be.
The door to the apartment is open, and I start up the wooden stairs. I only get halfway up before Wren pops his head out.
“Oh! Talon! You’re the first one here.” He’s got glitter in his hair and he’s wearing makeup that makes his eyes pop. The shorts are formfitting and the crop top puts his abs on display. He must track my eyes because he looks down before smirking. “Like what you see?”
I nod, but refuse to look him in the face. “Where is everyone?”
Sparkle pops out and the two crowd the doorway. “You know how things are. People show up fashionably late.”
“Being late is rude,” I say.
“What do you have?” Sparkle asks.
I lift the bucket. “Gift and goodies? But the goodies require cold. I have ice packs, but I don’t think they’ll survive being outside too long.” I should have thought better of it and done something where the temperature wouldn’t affect it.
“I’ll take the gift,” Sparkle says.
Wren holds out his hands. “And I’ll take the goodies. We can set them up in here and they’ll be safe from the evil heat.”
I pass over the bucket, mop and broom to Sparkle, who cocks a brow, but takes everything. Wren ushers me inside while Sparkle continues down the stairs.
Wren leads me to a small kitchen and we start creating a spread on the countertop. “It’s so damn hot outside, we’re doing a kind of split thing. People can be up here or outside, whatever they want. But everyone won’t comfortably fit inside, I don’t think.” Wren looks around with his hands on his hips. “What do you think about the decorations?”
I hadn’t noticed, too focused on displaying the treats and trying not to ogle Wren. “Very Sparkle.”
Wren grins and laughs. “Right? I love it, but it’s a lot of glitter.”
“Don’t make fun of the glitter,” Sparkle says, rejoining us.
What the fuck do I do now? I stand awkwardly in Wren’s kitchen now that we’ve plated all the desserts I brought. Sparkle swipes his finger through the ambrosia salad. Wren swats his hand.
“It’ssogood,” Sparkle moans as he bats his lashes and I drop my eyes to the counter.
Wren hip checks Sparkle. “Behave. He doesn’t like being harassed.” Wren tangles Sparkle’s arm in his. “Come on, kitty cat. We should go greet our guests.” He turns to me. “You’re welcome to stay here if you want, but I’d love it if you joined us downstairs. The sun’s going down and things should cool off.But just in case not, Sparkle brought some fun sprinkler toys we’re gonna set up to keep everyone cool.”
“Just need a minute,” I say and it comes out more croaky than I intended.
“Take your time,” Wren says, and ushers Sparkle out the door.
I look around at the glittery banner and balloons. It feels homey and I sort of regret not taking the place when Wick offered it to me years ago. But I love my house in the woods. It’s mine, and it’s perfect, plus it’s close to the fields.
Music starts outside and I decide it’s time to join the no doubt growing crowd.
