Page 92 of Shifting Winds
Twenty-Eight
Ihadn’t seen or heard from Caelan for two days. Unusual, but I received no response when I texted him this morning.
Concerned, I texted Simone to check on him. She gave me no information other than telling me he was okay.
Moira, Tess, and Ash were all back in the shop, and things were slowly beginning to normalize once more. We had a massive pile of baskets and flowers on the table, each of us putting together a rustic centerpiece for an upcoming ladies’ luncheon. We’d chosen a mix of pretty winter flowers—ranunculus, anemones, roses, and a variety of seed pods and branches.
The event was a fundraiser, so as each basket was finished, I added a simple charm to help nudge generosity toward the cause. Simple, fulfilling work, and something I needed after the last few weeks.
Mom and Cernunnos were quiet. Thalia had visited yesterday with her ever-present grumpy shadow. No more disturbing visions, though she’d come mostly to check up on me to ensure things were going okay. Funny, because I was more worried about her than she was.
Garrett watched her like a hawk the entire time, and I wondered how long it would take Thalia to realize his interest in her was not completely protective.
“What’s going on with Caelan?” Moira asked as she picked up a stunning maroon ranunculus. “He’s been quiet these days.”
“No idea.” In the back of my mind, I wondered if he’d found out about Rowan coming over. Looking back, I should have declined his offer, but Rowan had been right. Ever since I’d seen him, I’d felt sharp and steady. “I’m assuming he’s busy.”
A thought occurred to me. “Shit. I forgot to tell him about Gianna’s cousin.” I reached for my phone one more time and typed out a simple message.
Ash winced. “I’m surprised they haven’t squashed the search or come up with some excuse to fend her off yet.”
“He’s been a little busy, I think, but I agree. Simone usually gets involved in all his goings on, but this one is delicate.”
My phone beeped.
Working on it, was his response.
Short and sweet, no flirty undertone. Huh. Had he broken up with me?
The thought made something twist inside me. I guess I had no right to be surprised by such an outcome. I was a hot mess and every time I was around, I seemed to make things worse for him.
“Evie?” Ash asked. “You okay?”
“Have you ever heard of being touch starved?” I blurted.
Ash and Moira’s eyes met, some silent communication happening.
“Shit,” I whispered. “You already knew.”
“No,” Ash said quickly. “Only suspected until we found out about your relationship with Cernunnos.”
Moira reached out and touched my hand. “This isn’t uncommon, but you…” She paused. “You’ve had a lot of good reasons to push someone away.”
“Is that why you guys have always been a little touchy feely with me?”
“I’m a dryad,” Ash said. “While not as hungry for touch as others, I do require it more than many.”
“Who does that for you?”
Moira chuckled. “His harem.”
Tess’s shoulders stiffened. Moira noticed immediately, her face falling. “Oh, no. I’m just kidding. We all know Ash doesn’t have a harem. If any of us had one, it would probably be me.”
“Evie could have a harem if she wanted,” Ash added.
I shuddered. “I can barely handle the testosterone of one shifter. Having four or five? Absolutely not.”
“Valid,” Moira said. “But could you imagine all the di?—”
