Page 5 of Taking a Tumble
Chapter 5
The Holey Wonders
KAZ’RON
Ican’t believe I'm here with Tabitha. After months of pining after the woman, all it took was a foxkin mishap to nudge things along. When I told her the plan for tonight’s date, I thought she may vibrate out of her skin. The way her face lit up and she reached for my hand—I swear that’s a core memory now.
A crisp fall breeze wafts the scents of spiked cider and fried food toward us, as we walk the lane leading up to the park. Music follows, though not the band just yet. They must be playing some filler music while people arrive and get settled.
We chatted on the short walk here. Nothing monumental, just easy get-to-know-you questions. The blanket I brought for us to sit on is under my right arm, Tabi’s hand holding my left. Yeah, I’m still in awe of that, too. She grabbed my hand at her apartment and never let go. The initial spark when she first made contact has faded to a warm contentment. She did it so naturally, like we’d held hands a million times before. It’s like she doesn’t have an awkward bone in her body.
“Where would you like to sit?” I ask her as we finally make it to the grassy area in front of the stage. Vendors surround theedges of the park, ready to peddle their wares to concert-goers. Tabi looks around, surveying the open areas.
“Maybe over there? It’s a little further back, but we won’t be at risk of being stepped on.” She points to an empty nook near the back of the field, pretty far from the stage but where we can still see it.
“That’s perfect,” I say. “Not going to lie, I’m a bit of an old man and would rather not be up near the stage anyway. Though I would have done it for you,” I amend. There’s a lot I would do for this woman. Maybe not any major crimes, but honestly? It depends on the situation.
Tabi shoots me a winning smile as we make our way to the spot she’s chosen, laying the blanket on the soft grass. I motion for her to sit before speaking.
“I’m going to grab us something to drink. They have some spiked cider tonight that smells pretty good. Would you like one?”
Tabi smiles softly at me. “That would be great, Kaz, thanks.”
I’m on cloud nine as I walk toward the cider stand, eager to get back to my date, when a shrill voice assaults my eardrums.
“Kaz-ron!” My name is drawn out and whined in the fakest sweet voice you can imagine. I know exactly who’s calling for me right now. I turn toward the voice and nearly sigh in frustration.
Emily.
I’ve successfully avoided the harpy for the last few months. We dated briefly a few years ago, but by date two I knew we weren’t compatible. Emily is pretty enough—nothing near Tabitha’s beauty—but she is incredibly needy. Don’t get me wrong, I want to pamper a partner and love feeling needed, but it felt like every other comment out of her mouth was something self deprecating, as if she needed reassurance. Or she just wanted to bask in compliments.
Also, her voice grates on my nerves. Yes, I am fully aware that’s shallow, but can you imagine spending the rest of your life with someone who makes you cringe whenever they talk? We never went on a third date, but Emily hasn’t gotten the hint and I’m horrible at confrontation, so I’ve just avoided the issue altogether. That’s come back to bite me in the ass tonight, though.
Emily’s wing grazes my shoulder as she comes to stand in front of me, blocking my path.
“Kaz’ron! Oh my gods, what are you doing here? You should have told me you were coming, silly!” She playfully pushes my shoulder as she simpers. I look back toward Tabitha and find her staring at us with furrowed brows. Shit.
Determination fills me, and I prepare to tell Emily once and for all that we are never happening. There is no way I’m letting her ruin my chances with Tabi. I can be firm, but kind. Ican.
“I’m on a date with Tabitha.” The words come out rushed and not at all as confident as I wanted them to. To emphasise my point, I wave my hand awkwardly in the direction of the sweet human woman waiting for me.
The harpy’s expression falls before turning petulant. She sends a menacing glare at Tabi, stomps a clawed foot, and storms off with a littleharrumph.
That didn’t go as smoothly as I planned, but when does anything? At least Emily is clear on where I stand and Tabi can rest assured I’m not interested in the interfering harpy. Taking a deep breath, I smile at my date and turn to continue to the cider stand.
There’s no line, so I walk right up to the window and am greeted by Hudson, a new guy in town.
“Hey Kaz’ron! What can I get ya?” he greets me happily.
“Two spiked ciders, Hudson, thanks. Oh, and maybe some of those cream cheese danishes.” They’re a new item Phillipa justmade for Grim’s bakery, I bet Tabi will like those. It isn’t long before Hudson hands me the cups and a small bag through the window, leaning forward conspiratorially, a mischievous shine in his eyes. Oh no.
“Did I just hear you tell Emily that you’re here with Tabitha? Ona date?” he whisper-yells.
“Yep, sure am,” I reply, just wanting to end this interaction and get back to said date.
His eyebrows hit his hairline. “Adatedate? Like,you’re dating and she’s off the marketkind of date?”
Is it really that hard to believe? Way to take a crowbar to the knees of a male’s confidence. Instead of revealing my inner wince, I simply say, “Yes, a date date.”
