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“Sculpture park?” Bernard asked.
“If this is another attempt to force some culture on me—“
“I’m sure you’re used to having things forced in you.”
My face turned red. I finished the coffee, ignoring the burn as I was overwhelmed with the taste of autumn.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought.”
He pulled out money, leaving it on the table. I added a few extra dollars for that jerk server surprising me with the most divine coffee possible. Yes, I’m a proud basic bitch.
We walked down the block, in-between the numerous high rises in this part of the city. Most of the people coming and going wore fine suits or fancy dresses. It wasn’t quite exquisite enough for a night at the Alley, but it would be close. I felt out of place in my shorts and t-shirt, but at least I wasn’t sweating my balls off.
There was a break in the buildings, stopping the steel and concrete and trading it in for vibrant trees. The sculpture park was several blocks in each direction, filled with greenery to give workers something to do on their lunch break. The walkway wound through the park, eventually opening up to a large metal sculpture with ample seating for employees to admire while scarfing down food.
“I wish the Ward had a park like this,” I admitted.
“You mean East Park isn’t enough?”
“Only if you’re looking to get stabbed.” Something about the man’s demeanor was off. An emergency text and now strolling through the city. I half expected Griffin and Xander waiting to surprise me with an intervention.
“What’s going on with you? You’re—“
“Paris?”
“Oh. That.”
I was still processing what it all meant. Hell, I wasn’t entirely sure there was going to be anything between Theo and me. It was hard enough to juggle my feelings for him with my insecurities about him having a bruiser for a husband. I hadn’t lied about the situation, but I might have omitted the truth.
“Wait, how did you—”
“Find Friends on your phone. At first, I thought it was broken. But when you’re shagging superheroes, nothing shocks me.”
“Are you shagging—“
“Don’t try and change the subject. What’s going on?”
I stared at a statue as I collected my thoughts. Two reflective metal columns were wound about one another. It almost appeared as if two people were hugging, tightly intertwined. It made me think of how I fell asleep this morning. What I wouldn’t give to be in bed with Theo right now. I froze when I caught Bernard staring at me.
“You already know, don’t you.”
“Maybe.”
“I met somebody. Well, not met. He saved me from a snake. Well, she was part snake. Then he came to the club. He stuck up for me when a patron was being a jerk. He’s sweet. He’s confident. Did I mention he’s sexy? That’s important. Then a taxi drive. Wow, that went wrong. Then he teleported me to Paris. It was beautiful. He was beautiful. Then he brought me flowers. But oh yeah, I nearly get killed by the Nocturnals.”
Bernard raised his hand to interject.
“Don’t worry, I didn’t die. But then there was this fear thing. I can’t explain it. But we had sex. It was amazing.”
Bernard blinked, and I could see the smoke billowing from his ears. Hopefully, he understood why I had kept it to myself over breakfast. It wasn’t a quick conversation, even if I blurted out the whole thing.
“Why didn’t you tell us?”
“He’s married.”
“Cheater?”
I shook my head. “His husband is a nice guy. He encouraged me to go out with him.”
