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"You say that like it's not possible to be in a relationship with someone in that position."
I know he's just trying to sound me out, but it's kind of weird to talk about this with him.
"I don't have a boyfriend," I say instead of addressing his comment about Ryan. That has too many complications attached, and whatever my feelings, I don't want to lie to Caspian. That feels like a bad way to start whatever this is between us.
"Okay, so come to the party with me?"
"I'm not really a party person."
"You seemed to have a good time the other night."
Huh. I suppose he's right. Other than the failing at magic in front of others part, I did have a good time. And even the magic part wasn't too bad. I'm used to being in that situation now.
"Alright, fine, I'll go to the party with you tomorrow."
"You make it sound like such a chore," he teases.
"Spending time with you isn't," I murmur as I watch him play with Rhubarb again.
I look around for Ginger, hoping the other kitten is alright. I find her sleeping on the cushion Caspian brought with him.
"I'm thinking about Ginger as a girl," I admit to him, changing the subject completely.
"Probably because she is one," he points out. "When they're a bit bigger, you might want to keep an eye on them or you may end up with kittens that you didn't conjure magically."
I grimace. That sounds messy and not at all like something I want to deal with.
He leans back, his hand brushing against my knee and sending tingles through me. I need to be careful tomorrow night or I'm going to end up falling hard and fast for this guy, even if I do still have a crush on Ryan.
"Who else will be at the party?" I ask.
He shrugs. "I'm new here, I don't even know many people's names. I only get invited because I'm new and people want to suss me out." He doesn't seem as bothered as I'd be in his situation.
"Do you move around often?"
"How did you know?" There's no confrontation in his voice. He seems like a very even-tempered guy, something I can appreciate under any and all circumstances.
"Just a guess from the way you're talking. If you don't want to tell me, it's fine, I just thought..."
"I can't expect to get to know you if I don't let you get to know me too." He smiles at me, driving home that there are no hard feelings about the subject. "But yes. Dad's in the military. We moved every few years. I know I'm lucky to be in an age where I can just text the friends I left behind, but..." he trails off and looks away.
Feeling brave, I place my hand on one of his knees and squeeze lightly. "Just cause you theoretically know something is true, it doesn't stop you still feel the pain," I point out.
"Did you move about too?"
I shake my head. "I never really had any close friends until I came here though. I'm not sure why. Maybe I just didn't feel settled enough."
"But Grimalkin is different?"
I look at him, trying to work out what my true answer really is. "Yes. I think Grimalkin is going to be the kind of place I can finally find people to call my own."
And I hope he's one of them.
Chapter Eight
"Do you think this is okay for a party?" I ask the kittens, smoothing down the black skater skirt of my dress. Its nothing fancy, but I think it makes me look good, and that's all that matters really. If Caspian is going to go to all the trouble of actually taking me to a party, then I'm going to make sure I look good on his arm.
All the kittens do is make little meowing sounds. I should have known they're no good when it comes to fashion advice. At least they know how to look cute.
