Page 34 of My Ogre Husband
“Yes, yes, of course.” She stays where she is, and I’m a little less worried that she’s going to cross the distance between us and attack me. “He always comes to the neighborhood meetings. Quiet, but a good guy.”
Cautiously, I take a step toward her. The troll smiles, showing off some chipped stone teeth.
“I promise I won’t hurt you,” she says, holding up her hands. “I’m just worried seeing a human wandering around without protection. What are you doing out here?”
I let out a weary sigh. “It’s just boring being inside all day. I thought I’d go out and get some fresh air.”
She nods. “Can I escort you?” I get closer, close enough that she can hold out her huge hand. “I’m Timble, by the way.”
I finally cross the space between us and clasp her hand. We shake, and her stone skin is cold against my palm.
“I guess an escort would be nice. I want to see more of the neighborhood.”
Timble grins and gestures over her shoulder. “Well, there’s a road back that way that goes into the next neighborhood. We could walk there. There’s a lovely park.”
My ears perk up. “A park? That sounds great.”
Timble looks excited. “It’s about a mile there and back, and the trees are pretty this time of year.”
I offer a smile. “All right. Sounds good.”
ChapterTwelve
We walk under falling autumn leaves to the park, and I find out right away that Timble is about as talkative as I am. I tell her about my trial marriage with Egorr, and she asks all sorts of questions about what life was like for me on the preserve.
“Boring,” I admit. “It’s so much more interesting out here in the world. Meeting a stranger on the street, for example.”
Timble laughs. “Normally I’m not out and about on a workday, but I just got laid off.” She sighs as we pass the playground. “So I’ve got some time on my hands until I can find something else.”
“I’m sorry. What do you do for a living?”
“Mental health. Counseling, mostly. It can be a little taxing emotionally, so I’m enjoying my break while I can before I find a new clinic.”
“I’d be happy to help you look,” I say. “I’m a whiz with a computer.”
Timble grins. “Thank you. I’d like that.”
We learn all about each other on our walk, and by the time we reach Egorr’s house, I think I’ve made a friend. There, Timble waves goodbye to me.
“Give me a call soon,” she says. “Egorr has my number. Maybe I could have you over for lunch.”
That sounds like the perfect thing to occupy my time, so I agree enthusiastically.
When I open the front door, I find the fire is lit inside. Egorr leaps out of his chair at the table the moment I step in, and his eyes are red around the edges.
“Maddie!” He rushes toward me and sweeps me up into his arms. “I was so worried! Where have you been?”
I gasp in his tight grip. “You’re home early.”
“I wanted to see you.” He sets me down, worry etched onto his face. “But you weren’t here when I got back.”
“I made a friend!” I’m still buzzing from my afternoon. “She was really nice.”
“A friend?” His frown deepens. “Who? A monster?”
“Yeah. Her name is Timble.”
“My neighbor, the troll?”
