“Oh, meeting with the Union of Mages. Regarding what, I don’t know, but he assured me he’d be home for dinner.” Seb smiles at me again, and my brow furrows as I nod. “And he and I are …” He bites back a giggle as he grips the steering wheel. “We’re so happy for you and Loxley.”
His voice is nearly a high-pitched squeal, and I frown. I guess the cat’s out of the bag. With a frustrated huff, I ask, “How did you know?”
“My witch powers attuned me to the truth,” he says in a dramatic, almost airy tone. After a beat, he catches my gaze and says, “Lisbeth told me he was preparing for a date.”
“Oh.” I’m not sure if I’m thrilled he told his family or mortified.
“I swore I’d look out for you, and I am. While I don’t know Loxley that well, I’ve been informed he’s a chill guy. I very much approve.”
The relief in my chest is significant; I can date whomever I want to date, but it’s good to have my new family’s support.
“Um, thanks, I think.”
“I don’t want to meddle. True love should take its course.”
“Seb,” I whine. He’s acting like he’s more than three years older than me.
“Just be safe and try not to be a grumpy turtle.”
I huff and gaze out the window. He’s right that I’m not the most social creature, but Loxley is changing things about me. First kiss, first date, first lots of things.
“Ooh, and offer up personal details about yourself.” I gaze at him, and he continues, “Try…coming out of your shell.”
It takes him three whole seconds before he starts to laugh. With a growl, I say, “Cauldrons, I hate you right now.” In moments, we’re both cracking up at his awful pun. Admittedly, it was clever and funny.
But I’m happy to have Seb’s support. Now I need to focus on the date at hand.
After Seb drops me off at the parking lot entrance, I weave my way through the cars. In the setting summer sun, I’m hoping no one notices the green scaly dude in the hooded trench coat. My pulse is pounding, and my breathing is picking up with every step closer to the carnival entrance. My nervous anticipation is almost enough to immobilize me or send me packing.
And then I see him at the ticket booth entrance. He’s wearing a dark leather jacket and skinny blue jeans. He’s crazy attractive, and he’s here waiting to hang out with me, of all people. When he spots me, his eyes light up with delight, and I want to burst into a firework show of passion and feelings. What is this witch boy doing to me?
I rush up to him and say, “Hey, Loxley!” I’m out of breath and wiping my hands on my coat, but he doesn’t seem to care.
“Hey!” When he takes his hands out of his pockets, I lean in for a hug, but he puts his hand out for a shake. I pull back andgo to take his hand when he shifts into hug mode. We repeat this at least two more times, and it’s almost unbearable. After this awkward, five-second dance, I finally hug him, and he allows me to. He smells so good, so right. And the magic in me almost wants to break free and send sparks into the sky.
My tail needs to stop wagging before I cause a public incident. Imagine the news:Turtle monster attacks Virginia carnival, details at eleven.
“You look great,” Loxley says after getting our tickets. He graciously pays for the full-night pass, so with the tiny wristbands, we’re able to go on unlimited rides.
“You do too,” I say. It takes some effort to get the wristband around my hand, but the feel of Loxley’s smooth fingers on my wrist is so worth it. “Thank you for buying these passes.”
“I…asked you out, so…”
“Still, such a gentleman.” I give his hand a quick squeeze, then lead him down the first row of booths. In the bustling crowds of cheerful kids, it feels like Loxley and I are in our own little world. With my hood on, no one seems to notice my green skin, and for tonight, I’m not a freak-of-nature shifter mage. We’re two dudes spending time together. I keep stealing glances at him, in awe of how handsome my date looks in the twinkling carnival lights.
I thank my lucky stars that fate has put us in the same town. Loxley makes magic real for me.
We go on a few rides, occasionally chatting as we wait on various lines. It’s a surprisingly fun time being jostled around by the metal contraptions. I do my best not to squish Loxley when we’re in a narrow seat being pivoted around a circular track. Still, I can’t say I mind being that close to him.
With our last ride over, I share a smile with Loxley, and laughter bubbles out. I’ve never had this much fun in public.
Having worked up an appetite, we decide to share a far corner table to have a bite. Munching on corndogs and funnel cake with this cute guy is thrilling. No one is paying us any mind, so I clear my throat and lean forward.
“So, first date stuff,” I say. He looks at me, and I wipe my hands on my lap. “How are your parents?”
“Good.”
After a long pause, I recall that he has dysarthria. He looks at me expectantly, so I continue, “I was raised by a witchy couple, my Mama and Papa. My biological parents died when I was young.”
