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"I do, but it is in the language of the sea. On land I suppose you may call me...Garrick."
My tummy flipped. It was a perfect name for the walking sin behind me.
"And you, my Queen? What is your name?"
"Tabitha, but I prefer Tandy."
"Tandy," he tried it out very slowly, and smiled at me. "It is a delightful name."
I laughed, a tight sensation loosening in my chest. My ex (may he never own his dream car) hated my preferred name and always called me by my given name, as did my mother. The fact that Garrick seemed to genuinely like 'Tandy' was a relief that started to chip away at the ever shrinking list of reasons why I shouldn't go with him.
Food...food and coffee and then I can think about this.
It was a short walk to my favorite coffee shop and the moment we hit the boardwalk, Garrick's hand slipped into mine, possessive and firm but not cloying. I was actually quite surprised at how safe it felt to have him acting this way. His eyes darted all around as we walked further into the small sea side town. The tourists hadn't hit the place yet but the surf shop, food trucks and other store fronts were prepping for the influx that would come in a few weeks. They all nodded and smiled at us as we passed by. The lady at the metaphysical shop stepped out in a midriff baring tank and flowy skirt, her arms covered in tats and waved at me before her eyes widened as she took in Garrick walking next to me. Something fell behind me at the surf shop and I looked back to see the older surfer that ran it staring at Garrick too. I examined him to make sure his form was solidly human and realized it was just his natural charisma. He drew the eyes of people with his sex appeal, but he also radiated power. It was likely not intentional and just a byproduct of being a mythical Sea King.
But after a few minutes, it wasn't just the shop owners and people out walking their dogs that were mesmerized by Garrick. He was dumb struck by the buildings around him, the mopeds zooming by and every other sight and sound. I imagined it was quite different than three hundred or so years ago.
"This is...how long have I slumbered?" he asked with a hoarse voice.
My heart gave a sharp pang at the question, filled with awe and yet also sadness.
"Hundreds of years I'm afraid."
He swallowed, feet stalling just outside the coffee shop.
"So long...my people, my kingdom still slumbers?"
"As far as I know, yes."
"Thank the tides. I should not have left them as I did but neither could I remain. I hope the spell has kept them safe."
His concern for his people tore down my walls further, proof that he was a selfless male. But it also made guilt spike hot inside my chest. If I didn't go with him, I was condemning him and his kingdom to sleep longer under this spell.
Food...just get some food.
It was a distraction at this point, I knew that but I also needed it. Everything was happening too fast. I needed something to slow it all down. And while espresso might not be known for slowing anything down, it would give me some space at least to let all of this percolate inside of me.
I led him into the Jitterbug, and couldn't help smiling as he stared with awe at the space. The scent of coffee and sugar hit me full on and I took a deep inhale. There was a line about six deep, not uncommon so I got in the back when Garrick began to march to the front. I barely managed to grab his arm and pull him back.
"What are you doing?" I asked in a hushed voice.
"You are hungry, and as a Queen, you do not wait in line."
His deep voice was not quiet, and his manner was not at all subtle. The person in front of us glanced up from her phone and turned away.
I gave her small chuckle.
"Isn't he sweet? I'm his Queen," I yanked him down to me and whispered in his ear. "That's not how things work here. I'm just plain old Tandy and I'm happy to wait in line."
His face was slashed with a deep frown, the first one I'd seen that was directed at something I'd said.
"There is nothing plain or old about you, my love," he said. "You must stop saying such things about yourself. You are more beautiful than a pearl, more desirable than anyone I have ever beheld. So if the only reason you wish to wait is that you think so lowly of yourself, I will not permit it."
I stared at him, mouth gaping for about the hundredth time this morning.
"Damn, girl," the woman in front of us said. "You're one lucky lady."
"Uh...yeah, thanks," I said, not able to tear my eyes from him. "It's not...it's not that, Garrick. It's just that this is how things work here. We wait our turn."
