Page 9 of Lion Conquers All
She had to keep him at arms length. No encouragement. Nothing. If he started to get pushy, she’d tell him to keep his coffee every morning.
It was strange that she’d grown a little more used to his silent presence. She saw him arrive and park in front of her mailbox on the street every single morning. He would stare at her house for a few minutes. Walk up. Leave the coffee. Stand there for a few minutes. Then leave without making a sound.
He was a lion.
She’d asked Ava.
That’s why he wore his hair like Saul and Kann—long and loose mixed with small braids. It was apparently a lion Tribething.
Aarav had led Helen to the back of the gym, away from the group. They were speaking quietly. He was being respectful. She was grateful for that, except for this nagging ache in her chest that wanted his attention while at the same time her brain was vehemently against that very thing.
A couple of people brought her their quizzes and quietly left the gym.
Gaven was up from his table next.
Connie took the paper quiz from his hand and smiled. “Thanks.”
“Do you think everything is okay?”
Connie stole a glance toward Helen and Aarav again. “I’m sure it is. Helen seems fine and he didn’t come running in like it was an emergency.”
Gaven nodded. “I’m going to go home for a few minutes and then I’ll be back for the afternoon session.”
“Sounds good. See you in a few.”
AARAV
“Haveyou by chance seen Sam Roberts?” He asked Helen. The others in the gym were quiet, likely listening. Which was fine. If anyone had seen Sam, he wanted to know.
“I feel like I did see him last week, but I haven’t even seen mine recently, so there’s no telling.”
“Where are your boys? No one was at your place when I stopped.”
She laughed and shook her head. “They are all down at Crooked Rock Gully camping and fishing. I haven’t seen them in a couple of days. There’s a whole passel of boys down there. My husband drove down last night to check on them and make sure they had plenty of blankets and food. If I had to guess, Sam’s probably there. Cell service is spotty out there, but my boys have a radio for emergencies.”
“Good. Thank you. I need to go out and check on them as well, just to make sure if Sam is there. Could you or your husband show me how to get there? I’m still a little unfamiliar with the surrounding hiking trails.”
“Oh sure. I think Katherine has maps in the front lobby, but honestly this is more my husband’s area of expertise. I’m not really a camper.” Helen waved him toward the big double doors and started walking. He followed, sneaking a glance at Connie on their way by. Then Helen stopped and looked straight at Connie. “Could you come show the deputy where people usually camp when they go to Crooked Rock. I know how to get there if I had to drive, but I’m not actually sure I could point it out on a map.”
“Everything okay, Helen?” Connie asked, taking a step toward them.
“Oh yeah, the Roberts are looking for Sam. I told Deputy Di’Rham he’s probably out with my boys camping in Crooked Rock. I really need to run and grab some lunch, too. You’re way better with maps.”
Connie’s eyes widened and met his gaze for a split second before flitting back to Helen. “Of course, you go grab your lunch before class starts again.”
“Thanks, doll.” Helen’s gratitude came right through her tone. She clapped Aarav on the shoulder. “You’re in good hands with Connie.” Then she hurried away, slipping through the front double doors and out of view, leaving Aarav standing in an empty gym with Connie.
He didn’t mind it at all, but her heart rate was erratic and her face was glistening with perspiration. “I can ask someone else, Connie.”
“No.” She shook her head, tentatively, like she was worried to make a sudden move around him. “It’s fine. I’m fine. You caught me off guard.”
He led the way to the lobby, holding the heavy metal door open for her to pass through. Her light floral scent filled his lungs and his lion pressed hard from inside. She was so close. Closer than she’d been to him in weeks. Her shoulder-length light brown hair bounced on her shoulders.
She had his gift of coffee clutched tightly in one hand, half-consumed.
That pleased him very much.
She accepted his gift every morning. She always had. The very first morning she’d looked at it suspiciously. Stared at the cup like it might sprout arms and legs and attack her, but in the end, she hadn’t been able to resist.
