Will Porter didn’t develop many romantic attachments. He had a few core friends who were like family to him. His love life was easily summed up as a series of mutually agreeable dalliances with a wide variety of partners. He’d dated plenty of his fellow Fae and gone through a somewhat exploratory shifter phase in his later twenties. Will avoided dating pureblood witches and wizards. He wasn’t looking for anything so serious. As a Porter, he was always on the move, which made long-term relationships tricky.
Will placed a thumb on his telepathic watch and reached out to his friend Arthur Hart’s teenage daughter. The T-watches were a novelty that was still catching on in the magical community. They were most popular with young people who appreciated the easy access to their friend’s hive mind. Will was an early adopter. He liked to think he had a young soul.
Even though Arthur’s daughter Rosie was only sixteen years old, she was surprisingly smart about relationship stuff. And she was discreet. Maida, who was like a sister to him, had teased him relentlessly since sensing his “crush” on Zani. And even Arthur, who was normally so proper, had found it fun to rib him occasionally. He didn’t want to risk being made fun of by his friends.
Will did not appreciate their jokes. He was used to being trivialized. He was admittedly whimsical in his ways. But in this case, it was hurtful. He’d had genuine feelings for Zani from the first moment he met her. It was almost alchemical. He wasn’t sure how, or why, or when, but he was certain that he and Zani belonged together. There was justsomethingabout the petite, plucky witch that he kept coming back to. As he drifted off to sleep, he’d get glimpses of her saucy, slightly gap-toothed smile and that decadently dark, hot chocolate gaze that made his marshmallows melt down. He had to force himself to picture Fenway Park for a few minutes, just to avoid the risk of accidentally sleep-porting himself back into her bedroom.
Arthur and Maida didn’t mean to be cruel, but their taunts were insensitive. Especially so when they were so hopelessly, happily in love with each other. He needed advice from a less judgmental, more neutral source.
The clock on the arrivals board read four o’clock. Her plane had landed half an hour ago and she would clear customs in no time.
Holding his thumb against the screen of his T-watch, he implored young Rosie Hart to give him an honest opinion. He gazed down at the sign, trying to convey a clear mental image, along with his question.
What do you think, Rosie, should I go with the sign or not?
Fortunately for Will, she responded immediately and emphatically.
You made a sign?Lose it!You are not a professional driver, Will. That’s worse than putting yourself in the friend zone.
Thank you, Rosie! He was glad he could count on the teenager for an unvarnished opinion.
Surreptitiously, Will tucked the sign behind a potted plant.
But what if she doesn’t recognize me?Will worried telepathically.
Are you kidding me?That’s not possible. You are unforgettable Will Porter. Now get over yourself and get her back here to the Mudpuddle. I can’t wait to hear all about Zani’s adventures!
Will released his thumb from the watch screen and took a moment to straighten his well-cut brocade jacket. He studied his own reflection in the glass security dividers. Rosie had a point. With his bright red hair and beard, brilliant emerald eyes, and fashionable clothing, he stood out from the crowds of Ordinaries in the airport. But that didn’t mean he was unforgettable. Looking around at all the plain-clothed Ordinaries in black jackets and dull sweatshirts, a terrible thought occurred to him.
Heliked his colorful clothes. But what if Zani thought he looked like some kind of fancy fool who was trying too hard?
Will sucked in some air and gave himself a little shake. He had to snap out of it. This was no way to think. And no way to act. Colorful clothing was his calling card and quite necessary for his trade. He wrapped himself in supersaturated hues as a matter of self-protection. Insulation. His clothes might seem whimsical and fanciful, but stepping into oblivion was serious business. No porter worth his salt would set off on a journey wearing black or brown or gray clothing. Not if they wanted to arrive with their souls still intact.
He stood a little straighter and taller and scanned the stream of people pouring out through the double doors. Tired entrepreneurs, tourists, mothers with suitcases and lagging children. Nothing unusual.
Next to him, however, a young man in sporty clothing bounced on the balls of his feet. He was holding a bouquet of two dozen roses and seemed even more anxious than Will. He nearly jumped out of his skin every time the double doors opened to let out more people.
Finally, Will spotted Zani strolling toward him. She looked different, he thought. No less beautiful, of course, but tired. She had circles beneath her eyes and she looked troubled. He couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was, but he could tell that something was wrong.
But when Zani looked up in his direction, she smiled, dispelling the sadness. She recognized him! Will burst into a grin, took a step forward, and tripped, falling on top of the expectant man who had been standing beside him a moment ago. The Ordinary bloke had since dropped to one knee, and was just reaching into his pocket for a tiny box as Will flattened him. Flowers flew everywhere.
“Ow!” the man called out angrily from the ground. “What is the matter with you?”
“I’m so sorry,” Will stammered. “I didn’t see you there. Are you okay? Are you hurt? Can I help you up?” Will held out his hand to offer some help. He was a bit surprised when the gentleman glared at him. Instead of getting up, he got back on one knee.
Too late, Will understood that the man was in the midst of proposing.
When he looked up again, he saw Zani staring at him. Her dark eyes were wide, and she held one hand over her mouth. A few feet away from her, a pleasantly plump Ordinary girl was frozen in place, her face an uncertain mash-up of surprised delight, concern, and dismay. She let go of her carry-on and narrowed her hazel eyes at Will.
“Close your eyes and pretend you didn’t see that, Mandy? Just give me a minute?” the man begged. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Everything was supposed to be perfect.” He shot an angry sidelong glance at Will.
In an instant, Zani was by the man’s side, sweeping the roses back into a bouquet.
Will felt his ears redden and his face grew hot. Here he hadn’t even said hello yet, and somehow he’d already made a fool of himself. This wasn’t how he’d wanted things to go.
“Hi, Will,” Zani said. “Would you hold this for me for a moment?” She frowned as she shoved her train case at him. He took it from her and struggled to maintain his balance again. It was unexpectedly heavy for such a small item.
Will watched as Zani reached into her pocket for something. That couldn’t be a wand, could it? Surely she wouldn’t risk pulling a wand out in a public, Ordinary place? And not for a minor scuffle like this? But it wasn’t a wand, he quickly saw. It was a little paper fan. This seemed strange as it was early spring and quite cool out, but the terminal was overheated and she had been carrying a heavy bag. Will tucked Zani’s case under one arm, grateful for his own super-strength. Perhaps he could impress Zani with that, if nothing else.
