Page 36 of The Loneliest Dragon at Christmas
He wanted to shift, snarl, beat his wings, fly, and breathe fire into the sky. But he kept himself together.
Just keep walking, one foot after the other. Just get home. Just reach your den. Just hold yourself together until then.
Jack didn’t want Avery. That was what it came down to.
Avery didn’t understand why Jack had come to that decision. He’d seemed to like Avery enough at the Christmas markets. But in the end, it didn’t matter. Jack had reached his decision. Avery had to accept it.
They were over as quickly as they had started. They’d only met about a week ago. He should probably not be this attached anyway.
Cold air filled his lungs. He just wanted to be home, surrounded by books, warmth, and soft blankets. He was so distracted that Avery didn’t look where he walked.
His eyes widened as he realised he almost ran straight into a woman holding a baby.
“I’m so sorry!” Avery held up his hand. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
“No harm done.” The woman smiled at him. She tilted her head. “Avery, right?”
“Ah…” Did he know this woman?
She laughed. “I’m Ordelia. Jack’s sister. I’ve seen you in the bakery a few times.” She leaned close, brown eyes just like Jack’s, sparkling. “And I’ve heard all about you too.”
Avery’s stomach dropped. She didn’t know what had just occurred. She thought Avery and Jack were still…something.
Avery looked away, trying to control the hurt that had taken root in the pit of his stomach, which seemed to be growing and expanding inside him. He didn’t want to be here talking to Jack’s sister, not right now.
“Are you all right?” Ordelia frowned.
“I’m fine. I’m just…”…heartbroken, miserable, wounded, the loneliest dragon at Christmas.“…sick,” he settled on.
Of course, dragons didn’t get sick. Or if they did, it usually meant they were dying. But he’d panicked and that word had sprung out of his mouth. He had to admit, it was much better than telling the truth.
“Oh no!” Her brown eyes filled with sympathy. “I know, I’ll make you some lemon-and-ginger scones. They are perfect for when you are feeling unwell, especially in this weather.” She laughed. “I’ll make a batch and get Jack to bring them over tonight.” She winked. “You’ll be feeling better in no time.”
“No,” Avery said, trying very hard not to panic. “That’s very kind of you, but I couldn’t ask you to do that.”
The baby began to gurgle.
“Nonsense.” Ordelia bounced the baby, her gaze on the little one’s face. “And you didn’t ask. I offered.”
The baby babbled.
“Now I have to get little Ruthie inside and out of the snow. Bye, Avery.” She walked away, towards the bakery. “So nice to properly meet you.”
“I—” Avery took a step after her. He stopped. He should stop her from walking away. He should tell her the truth, that Jack had ended things between them and so would not want to come to Avery’s house to drop off scones.
Avery stood in the falling snow, unsure what to do as she entered the bakery. Maybe he’d just make himself scarce when Jack came. He’d let Daniel open the door and take the package. He’d hide in his library, curled up in his dragon form.
Although, it really wouldn’t be fair to make Jack come all that way to Avery’s home. Avery should go and tell Ordelia. He took a step forward. He halted.
But Jack would be in the bakery. Jack would not want to see him. It would be rude to go back.
And Avery couldn’t face Jack. He bit his lip.
He stood, unsure what to do. Several times, he started walking towards the bakery before turning right around and walking back.
What do I do?
He wrung his hands. But maybe Jack wouldn’t come. No doubt when he told his sister he’d ended things between himself and Avery, she’d realise she’d made a mistake and change her mind. She wouldn’t bake him scones. She’d only suggested that because she thought he and Jack were together.
