Page 10 of Hiss and Tell
Chapter Seven
Aspen
Sunday afternoon sun glints off the lake, so different from yesterday’s market encounter. As Milo races ahead, Super Steggy’s newly returned cape fluttering behind him, I can’t help but remember the strange moment when Sebastian’s hand steadied mine at the produce stand. The unexpected spark that crackled between us seemed like something physical.
“Look, Mr. Sebastian! Dragonflies!” Milo’s excited call breaks my reverie.
Sebastian’s snakes perk up with interest as a particularly large dragonfly zips past. “They like the cattails by the water,” he explains, his deep voice carrying the same soothing quality it has during storytime. “The insects like to eat there.”
“Can I go look? Please?” Milo bounces on his toes, already inching toward the wooden boardwalk.
“Stay where we can see you,” I call after him, then catch myself. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be a helicopter mom. It’s just—”
“No need to apologize.” Sebastian’s smile carries a warmth that makes my stomach do a weird little flip. “The boardwalk’s perfectly safe. I actually volunteered with a hammer during the renovations last year.”
We fall into step along the path, keeping Milo’s purple dinosaur t-shirt in sight. The late afternoon light catches Sebastian’s snakes, turning their scales into shifting patterns of bronze and copper. It’s mesmerizing. The way they reflect the sun makes me want to reach out and touch them, to see if they’re as soft as they look. His profile against the setting sun steals my breath for a moment, all strong lines and gentle eyes.
Stop staring at his snakes. This is just an arrangement to get back into the library. Nothing more.But my racing heart seems to disagree. I find myself thinking about how careful I’ve become about physical contact over the years—avoiding shared drinks, being mindful of cuts and scrapes. But watching Sebastian, so good looking as he moves with such natural grace, I wonder… what would it be like to stop being so cautious?
“So,” I venture, “your neighbors really want to put you on dating sites?”
He groans, ducking his head slightly. “They mean well. But their methods are… overly enthusiastic.”
“Like stalking-you-with-zoom-lenses enthusiastic?”
“Exactly.” His laugh rumbles deep in his chest. “Though I suppose I should be flattered they think anyone would want to—” He cuts himself off, cheeks darkening slightly.
“Date a Gorgon?” The words slip out before I can stop them. “Sorry, that was—”
“Accurate.” His smile turns wry. “Most people see the snakes and run. Or freeze.”
“Mom!” Milo’s voice interrupts. “Can I pet that dog? Please?”
An orc walking a massive Saint Bernard has paused nearby.
“Is he friendly?” I call to the man who is shirtless despite the chill, his green skin on full display.
“The worst he’ll do is paint your son with happy slobber.”
“Go ahead,” I nod to Milo.
We watch as Milo carefully approaches, following all the proper dog-meeting protocols. The Saint Bernard’s tail wags like a furry pendulum.
“You’ve taught him well,” Sebastian observes.
“Had to. After his father…” The words stick in my throat. “Let’s just say Milo needs structure. Rules. Consistency.”
Something flickers across Sebastian’s face—understanding, maybe? He doesn’t push, though. Just nods and says, “He’s lucky to have you.”
“I’m lucky to have him.” My eyes track Milo as he giggles at the dog’s slobbery kisses. “Even if I sometimes swear in libraries and ruin our favorite activity.”
“About that.” Sebastian’s voice drops lower. “I really am sorry about the ban. I’m trying to figure a way around it.”
“I understand.” Shaking my head, I force a smile. “You were just doing your job. Besides, this fake dating thing will help get us back sooner, right? And if it keeps your neighbors from posting those stalker photos online, then it’s a win-win.”
His snakes do an odd little wiggle that might show embarrassment. “They really aren’t that bad. The photos, I mean. They actually managed to catch some nice moments.”
“Like helping old ladies with groceries?” Teasing him feels surprisingly natural. “Such a hero.”
