“When’s Scott coming back?” Sherri refilled Justin’s coffee.
“Next weekend. He’s working on several articles,” Justin replied.
“Any chance you might get him to move here? You’re cheerier when he’s with you.”
“Does it show?” Justin felt his cheeks heat.
“Oh, hon, yes. It shows.” Sherri chuckled.
Justin smiled, feeling self-conscious. “He’s very special. We’re talking about moving him up. He wants to, so it’s really about wrapping up his commitments there. Fortunately, he can work from anywhere, which is great for somewhere like Fox Hollow.”
“We’re always happy to help new folks get settled,” Sherri replied. “Even more so when they’re one of us.”
“He would certainly have more ‘hiking’ opportunities here than in the city,” Justin agreed. He and Sherri were talking in code, but not everyone who came through town or the diner was a shifter. Safety depended on keeping the secret.
“Very true.” Sherri wiped down the counter as she spoke. “What’s your schedule like? Keeping busy?”
“I’ve got a couple of tours today and tomorrow, visitors who want to see the lake from the air, and a few fishermen who want to get the aerial view since it can be hard to really get the lay of the land around the lakes just from a map.”
“If you can get Scott to move here before winter, make sure he knows that while he’s used to Albany, it gets even colder here. I’d hate to have him get hypothermia.” While Sherri’s tone was light, the warning was real.
“Does it count if I have plans to keep him warm?” Justin teased.
“TMI!” Sherri mock protested. “Somehow, I didn’t doubt that at all.”
Fox Hollow and the surrounding area didn’t close up shop during the winter, but the rhythms of life changed. Winter campers, hunters, and ice fishermen weren’t quite as plentiful as their summer versions, but the area attracted enough visitorsto keep most of the shops and restaurants open year-round. Snowmobile races, ski marathons, and bobsled events, some for fun, others with nice prize packages, attracted even more enthusiasts.
Winter was also Justin’s time to catch up on his licensing and continuing education. Thanks to Liam and the very active library, Fox Hollow made it easy to tap into online resources for anyone who needed certification or updated skills.
“Does Scott have hobbies?” Sherri asked. “That’s probably the main thing that keeps people from turning into homicidal hermits over the worst months.”
“I know he likes to read,” Justin replied. “He’s learning photography. He’s got an RPG group, and I’ve gotten him involved online in the game group I’m in with Liam, Russ, and some of the other guys. I don’t think he’ll get bored, I certainly have plans to help him get settled in and keep him busy.”
“I’m sure you do,” Sherri replied with a wink. When he indicated that he didn’t want another refill, she brought him a full to-go cup. “One for the road. See you soon.” Sherri gave a cheery wave as Justin headed out the door after paying.
Justin’s phone buzzed as he walked back toward the plane. He smiled at the ringtone he had assigned to Scott. “Hey! What’s up?”
“I had a moment and figured I’d check in. How’s today going?” Scott asked.
They had discussed their schedules last night before saying goodnight, but Justin loved the excuse to check in during the day just to make contact.
“Just got breakfast and I’m heading back to the plane,” Justin said. “I’ve got some routine maintenance this morning, and then a couple of short tours this afternoon. Are you still on for gaming tonight?” While Justin played regular poker games with Liam and his other friends, he also enjoyed online RPGs.He had invited Scott to join his group and loved seeing his enthusiasm.
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Scott assured him. “I’m in research mode, working on the article assignments I’ve just gotten, and thinking up more ideas for the next batch.”
“Congrats,” Justin said. “I can’t wait to hear more about it. Miss you.”
“I miss you too,” Scott confessed. “Maybe tonight we can finalize plans for me to come up this weekend. It feels like forever, and I know it’s only been a week.”
“Weeks last longer when you’re down there.” Justin had promised himself he would be straightforward and not hide his feelings, especially since they already knew they were fated mates.
“I was thinking the same thing.” Scott sounded wistful. “I’ve got to get back to work. Text me if you think of anything else. Talk to you for the game tonight. I love you.”
“Love you too,” Justin replied.
After they said goodbye, Justin couldn’t deny a bit more spring in his step as he walked toward the plane. He also felt a sharp pang of loneliness, something new since he and Scott started dating.
Before Scott, Justin hadn’t minded spending a lot of time on his own. He had plenty of hobbies and volunteer roles, as well as books, internet, and cable. But since he and Scott had started seeing each other, Justin disliked being alone for long stretches. He and Scott texted each other throughout the day and talked at night. It was the first time in a long while that he found himself happily making room in his well-ordered life for a partner and liking the change.
