Page 36 of Maneater

One thing at a time.

With renewed determination, I decide the first step is the solstice invitation. That will be a great indicator of how things are proceeding. If he’s not ready to meet any of my cryptid friends, then he’s not ready for us to take things to the next level.

I swallow past a lump in my throat. There’s a genuine possibility that’s how things might go down. However, I remind myself that I’ve been on my own for a long time. Going slow with Darien is still a thousand times better than being so completely alone.

I pull up to the market right as Virgil is locking up. We wave to each other, and I wonder what Darien’s shared with him about our relationship. I’ve always been known to the locals as the confirmed bachelor innkeeper. I want to respect Darien’s privacy, since he’s never been open about his orientation.

As I park the truck, I muse over the fact that I haven’t exactly announced my sexuality to the world either. It hasn’t been intentional. More that I’m used to being private about everything, so my Howler identity isn’t revealed.

Darien appears from the back of the store and jogs over to me, a smile highlighting his features. It’s clear he’s as happy to see me as I am to see him. I seriously need to calm down. Especially since tomorrow’s his day off, and this will be the first time he spends the night.

Darien climbs in the truck, and without thinking, I lean over to give him a kiss. He leans in too, and I take that as a good sign. Are we official? Can I call him my boyfriend? That could be a good segue to the solstice invitation.

Stay in the moment.

I never realized how much of a squirrel brain I have.

“Did you have a good day,” I ask.

He nods, still grinning. “Virgil let me reorganize the herbal remedies and supplements today. I also did a display of some of the gifty things, like the jams and goat milk soap. He said we’d better do it now, since it’s starting to get so busy now that we’re past Memorial Day.”

And getting closer to the solstice.

It’s decided. I have to ask him tonight so there’s time for him to request the days off.

“That’s wonderful. Sounds like he really trusts you with his store.”

“He does,” says Darien. “However, I think he’s also tired. He’s joked a few times that he’s jealous of me.”

“Oh? Why do you think he said that?”

“He meant that he’d rather not have the responsibility of running the place, that he’s reached the age where he’d rather just putter around and do little projects, talk to the customers. That kind of thing.”

I take the truck out of park. “Now that I think about it, he’s had that place for almost forty years. It sure would be a shame if he gave up and closed it down.”

Darien straightens in his seat. “Oh no. You think he will?”

I shrug. “Not right now, but probably soon. He’s pushing seventy.”

And I should know. I remember when he was a toddler.

Darien’s shoulders slump. “That would suck. I’ve gotten really attached to that shop.”

I pat Darien’s knee. “I’m sure it won’t be this summer. He wouldn’t want to miss out on that income.”

“Right…”

Darien is seemingly lost in thought, and I’m wondering why I had to open my big mouth. A change of subject is in order.

“Where would you like to eat tonight? You must be getting tired of my café.” I chuckle. “There are a lot of nice places in Hot Springs.” I smile. “My treat.”

“You don’t have to pick up the tab again.” He ducks his head. “I don’t want to become a burden.”

“You’re not,” I reassure him. “I enjoy…”

I almost say ‘taking care of you’, but that might be weird. I’m old-fashioned because, well, I’m old, but that’s beside the point. He comes from a modern perspective, and I’m already coming on strong enough.

I clear my throat. “But if it makes you uncomfortable, maybe we could do something more low-key.”