Page 40 of Lost in the Fog

“After we consummate the contract?” He looked at her with a calm expression.

“Oh. Right.”

“Not tonight, Gia. I just wanted to have a private place to chat with you.”

“Well, this was that.”

He grinned. “So, what is your favourite colour?”

She winced. “Cherry red.”

“Your preferred vehicle?”

“One that someone else is driving. I like to work in the car.”

“I see. Have you driven a motorcycle?”

“Not on the street, but I have my license.”

He smiled. “Why is that?”

“It was a challenge at school. Out of ten of us, only two could do the bike lift.”

Ornolf laughed. “How old were you?”

“Nineteen. It was just before the... uh... unfortunate incident.” She smiled. “Dad kept up my credentials, though. Kept renewing my licensing. So, I have the license but haven’t used it in ever.”

“Would you like to?”

“When I am wearing jeans and a jacket to reduce road rash? Yeah.”

He grinned, and his joy was obvious. “I am getting all kinds of ideas.”

“So, how is this going to go? I mean, we are already married, so I guess that courtship isn’t necessary.” Gia stared at her lemonade to stop the thudding in her heart at his smile.

“I would like to move as much as you would like. There are guestrooms, and you are welcome to take one to get used to being in the same house as me.”

She shrugged. “I will have to put some clothing into a wardrobe here.”

“I can transfer your closet at home here in a matter of seconds. It’s a bonus that has come with all of us being confined together for so long. Many exclusive skills were shared that our focuses would not normally have contact with.”

“Interesting. Um. I just need to warn my dad, and then you can move it over, as long as I can call my car service from here.”

“He is still worried?”

“Very. He struggled when my mother left, and I became the focus of his world until he needed to return to work. Now, I would like him to travel around the world, to come back when... never mind.” She muttered.

“When?” His question was nearly a purr.

“When things have changed, I suppose.” She tried to recover from almost mentioning grandchildren for her dad.

He nodded. “Is he available now?”

“Um, yes.” He had already replied to her text about staying in Ornolf’s guestroom.

Ornolf smiled. “Just a moment.”

He pulled out his phone and dialled her father. “Hello, Maxwell. Yes, she is here with me. I would like to invite you over so that your mind is set at ease that she is safe.” He smiled. “See you shortly.”

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