“Come by anytime,” Becca said. “You don’t have to wait until the world is ending to have a reading done!”
Scott and Justin wandered the park, stopping to browse at the tables with crafts and food of all kinds, lingering when the band played a favorite song. It seemed like everyone they knew in town was either meandering through the festival or working one of the booths, although Scott suspected that quite a few were manning the shops and restaurants in town.
His coyote side spoke up with snarky comments, providing an amusing narrative in Scott’s mind.
Justin’s phone beeped, and he sighed. “That means I’ve got to go to work. What are you going to do until I’m done?”
“Liam has special presentations all day at the library,” Scott replied. “I thought I’d meander over there. Come meet me when you’re finished.”
Justin gave him a peck on the cheek. “Will do. Stay out of trouble, and I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”
Scott managed not to ask Justin to walk him over to the library. He knew his boyfriend would willingly accompany him, but Scott’s dented pride refused to be quite so needy.
It’s Fox Hollow. Just a couple of blocks and the sidewalks are packed. No one is going to kidnap me or shoot me, not in front of that many witnesses. The bad guys are in jail. It’s over. Now, I need to get on with my life.
And we are badass,his coyote confirmed.
Mustering his resolve, Scott left the park and walked a couple of blocks over to the library. To his surprise, there was a line to enter. While the library was popular and always busy, he had never seen people waiting to be admitted.
“Excuse me,” Scott said to the person at the back of the line. “What’s going on?”
“Oh, this is for the presentation on shifter romance books,” the woman said. “If you just want to go inside, it’s okay to go around us.”
Scott thanked her and took her suggestion. He had read several shifter romances, and while he had enjoyed the books, he preferred the real thing.
Inside, the library was busier than usual. Several local authors had signings or meet-and-greets. A sign directed visitors toward the rear, where Fox Hollow-area artists had their work on display. The children’s area had plenty of kids busily coloring or gathered around a storyteller.
“Scott. How can I help you?” Liam had come up beside him without Scott noticing, and he tried not to jump.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you,” Liam said. If there was anyone aside from Justin who understood Scott’s ordeal and the aftermath, it was Liam.
“Wow, this is fabulous,” Scott said, ignoring the flinch. “I think everyone who isn’t out there is in here.”
Liam chuckled. “Having just been out there for a bit, I agree, it certainly seems like it. Where’s Justin?”
“Flying,” Scott replied. “He’ll catch up with me for dinner. I thought I’d hang out here until then, if you don’t mind.”
“You are very welcome to anything that strikes your fancy,” Liam said. “By the way, I’ve heard terrific feedback on your presentations from this morning.” He dropped his voice to sound conspiratorial. “You know that dooms you to being asked back next year.”
Scott smiled, pleased at the praise. “I’m so glad. I was hoping I could hold it together and do a good job, considering everything.”
Liam gave him a compassionate look. “I don’t think anyone who wasn’t part of thesituationhad an inkling that anything was wrong. Thank you for going through with the sessions, no one would have faulted you for backing out.”
“I didn’t want to disappoint anyone, or let you down,” Scott admitted. “Justin and my counselor said it would help to go on like normal as much as I could, and they were right.”
I guess I looked like I had my shit together, even if it didn’t feel like it. That’s another win.
“How’s the new job going?” Liam asked.
“Jobs, plural,” Scott replied. “Busy, but good. I’m still doing freelance articles, but now I’ve got a standing assignment from the town of Fox Hollow to write articles on environmentally conscious economic growth. I’m also working part-time for The Lone Coyote and signed up to teach some online classes. Lots of irons in the fire.”
Which cuts into our forest time,his coyote complained. Scott ignored him.
“Glad to hear it,” Liam said. “You’re a great addition to Fox Hollow.”
Scott managed a tired smile. “With all the crazy stuff going on, I had to postpone driving down to Albany to get the rest of my stuff. But once I get that done, I’ll be official, and I’m looking forward to it.”
“I’m sure Justin is too.” Liam winked. Someone called for him, and he sighed. “I need to go deal with that. Make yourself comfortable wherever. You know your way around by now.”
