“I’m not hiring,” I bark, clearing my throat quickly before lowering my voice. “I mean, I don’t have enough work that I need any other employees.”
Raya lets out a little laugh, poking me in the ribs. “Orie, you don’t haveanyemployees. You never take a day off.”
Damn it, Raya, I know you mean well, but my brother is not someone I want sticking around…not that she knows that. She’s right though, I never take a day off from work.
Well, except for the one day that I closed early to follow and watch Carson. But that wasonetime. So far.
I mean, if Ididhire Orian, that would only encourage him to stay long term. But on the other hand, having an employee is something I can afford, and it would give me more time to figure out my issues, and what’s going on with the man who’s sending my senses into overdrive.
If Orian worked for me, I could also keep my eye on him and make sure he’s not messing up anything here in town. Shit, am I really about to give him the benefit of the doubt? After so many years?
Asthe faint sound of water trickling flows into my ears, I say, “Fine, we can talk about it later.”
The fountain comes into view, and Raya lets out a murmured, “Woah.”
Boy, does she have the right reaction. There are easels and stands all over, each one with a canvas displayed proudly.
People mill about slowly, stopping as a piece catches their eye here or there. I hope Carson wanted a turnout because that’s what he got.
We get closer, and through the crowd, I spot him. He smiles as he interacts with everyone, the longer bits of his hair seeming to float around him as he turns his head. At first, he doesn’t spot our little group approaching, as he’s locked into a conversation with Glen.
When he turns away from the tree-man, he looks this way, immediately tripping over his feet.
A laugh rises in my throat, and I have to fight to keep it in.
Did he just trip over his own feet because of…me?
That’s not very ill-intentioned, potentially evil of him.
“Is that him?” Orian asks quietly, so to not alert Raya or Arman of ourtruereasons for coming today.
Giving a subtle nod, I whisper, “Yes.”
Orian lets out a chuckle. “Even from this distance, I can confidently tell you he gives mezerobad vibes.”
“You can’t give me an answeryet—interact with him first.” I straighten my posture, trying to regain control of my tail as it whips behind me against my will.
Raya gives my arm a squeeze. “Arman and I are going togo look at a piece over there that would besoperfect for my office.”
I give her a smile. “Okay. We will meet up in a bit?”
She nods before Arman slips his hand into hers. He’s in his more humanoid form today, walking on legs instead of floating along in his wispy genie-bottom form. He leads her toward the opposite side of the fountain, his light-blue skin eventually disappearing from view behind a few people.
When I turn forward again, Carson is bounding toward us. My heart rate picks up, another telltale sign that hemustbe dangerous. Otherwise, why would I be reacting this way?
There’s simply no other explanation.
“You came,” he says breathlessly as he stops just a few feet away from me.
In the daylight, his eyes seem even brighter. The LEDs in my store didn’t show off how enticing they truly are. They didn’t shine this way in the shadows of the forest, either.
Just as I realize I’ve been silently staring at him, Orian speaks. “Hi, I’m Orian—Orie’s brother.”
“Orie.” Carson repeats my name quietly before turning his gaze from me and extending his hand. “Carson. Nice to meet you, Orian.”
Orian gives his hand a firm shake that has Carson’s eyes widening. “Woah, what a grip.” He ends up with a smile on his face, a small laugh leaving him. If what Orian did was meant to be an intimidation tactic, it clearly didn’t work.
“So, tell us about your artwork,” Orian says, his tail thwacking against my leg.
