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“Definitely.” He flashes a gorgeous smile. “It’s wonderful that there are options like this now. You’ll keep people here instead of forcing them to travel for high-end cuisine.”
“That was my intention.”
“Well done.” He lifts his glass, inhaling the bouquet of the deep red liquid inside before taking a sip. “Oh, that’s wonderful.”
“I should have asked if you’re avoiding alcohol.”
“That’s kind, but no, I’m good now. I didn’t get so far that I can’t enjoy a moderate evening out.”
“Good. It is a very nice vintage.” Only with a bit of blood in it would it taste better. The idea of tasting Eli’s nearly makes me choke on my sip.
“So, um, how did this all happen?” Eli waves his hands as he sits back in his chair. “I mean, with your looks. It’s pretty different.”
“Oh. Yes. Well…” I made a deal with the devil? “I took drastic measures to improve myself. Very drastic. A complete overhaul.”
“Yeah, but like, did you get surgery?”
“Uh, no. Just an extensive treatment.”
He nods, studying my face. “You look good, man. I still see a few glimpses of your younger self, but maybe it’s just your habits.”
“People change over time, Eli. It’s not so unusual, is it?”
He pulls his head back slightly. “No. I hope I didn’t offend you.”
“You didn’t.” I take another gulp of wine. “Some of us weren’t blessed with natural good looks like you. I had to do what I had to do to improve things.”
He smiles, sipping his wine without saying anything else.
Good job, Michel. Way to alienate the man you’ve been in love with half your life.
“The foie gras is delicious,” I say, changing the tone of the conversation.
“Great.”
Dinner goes over well, the two of us sharing memories of the past and highlights of our lives over the years. I hate leaving so much out, but it’s not like I can simply announce I summoned a demon, begged him to make my life better, and he hooked me up with a vampire. Not exactly casual dinner conversation.
He didn’t seem to notice how I picked at my food. Fortunately, the portions are small here. While my digestive system can handle solid food, I don’t have much of a taste for it, except sweets. That hasn’t changed since my mortal days.
After dinner, which Eli raved about, the two of us stroll outside, enjoying the crisp night air. No sooner am I finally relaxing than we bump straight into Garrett coming out of the ice cream shop with his wife.
He glares at me then casts a glance at Eli, his mouth dropping open with recognition.
“Go to the car, Margie,” Garrett says to his wife.
She grabs his arm. “Come with me, Garrett. This is not the time.”
“Don’t tell me what to do. Go wait for me.”
Margie gives me an apologetic look before walking away. Garrett steps closer to me, and Eli immediately tenses up.
“You’re pushing your luck around here, Toussaint,” Garrett growls. “Heard you been snooping in my business. You got a hard-on for me or something?”
I scoff. “I’d rather fuck a cactus.”
Eli snorts, drawing Garrett’s ire in his direction. “Julius. Did your boyfriend call you back to Neubrook?”
I bristle but Eli only stands a little taller. “Why? You got a hard-on for me or something?”
