Page 46 of The Loneliest Dragon at Christmas
Books piled on the table, sideboards, and the floor.
Jack made a choked noise. “How many books do you own?”
“Oh. I…yes… Sorry. I forgot… I should…” Avery rushed to the table and picked the books up, clearly flustered. His eyes flicked around, looking for a place to put them. But there was no such place. Everywhere Jack looked there were books and books and more books.
A small space had been cleared at the end of the table, just enough for the two of them to eat.
Jack chuckled. “It’s fine, Avery.” Jack placed a hand on Avery’s shoulder.
Avery blinked at him. “I shouldn’t let it get out of control like this. It should be organised and neat. It shouldn’t?—”
“It’s fine.” Jack rubbed Avery’s back. “This is your home. You have it as you like. And you should see our home. It’s a mess.”
Avery searched Jack’s face. After a moment, his shoulders relaxed and he put the books down carefully. “It’s like the books keep breeding and multiplying.”
Jack laughed. “Is it like this in all other rooms too?”
Avery’s tongue darted out and licked his lips. “Mostly. Except the kitchen and the servants’ areas. And the drawing room.” He froze. “Actually, the guest room…” Avery looked at Daniel in horror.
“I have managed to clear the bed in the guest room for Master Berry, sir,” Daniel said. “And I have also cleared a path to the bed through the books.”
“Thank you.” Avery let out a breath. “Is that okay?”
“It’s perfect.” Jack laughed again. “And look, we have enough space for us to eat.” He pointed to where the two places had been set.
Avery smiled. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Not at all.”
The table stretched from one side of the room to the other. It could sit at least twenty people if books hadn’t been laden on top of it. Jack thought it felt a lot less intimidating because all the books crowded on top of it.
“But what about the bedroom? Is it filled with books too?” Jack asked.
“Well, yes,” Avery said slowly. “But I sleep in the library. Always in the library, where most of my books are.”
They sat, Daniel brought out the plates of food, and they began to eat.
Jack took a bite of the succulent meat. “Mmm. The pheasant is delicious.”
“Cook is amazing.” Avery speared a roast asparagus. “Everything she makes is amazing!”
Jack watched Avery eat with relish. Jack smiled. Because whilst Avery might be willing to change the meal at a moment’s notice, he clearly appreciated what Cook created and provided for him.
Avery held the fork and knife so delicately in his elegant hands. He ate with such grace and poise, unlike Jack, who knew his manners did not match. Jack tried to imitate Avery’s table manners. But his fingers felt too big and clumsy around the dainty silver cutlery.
Yet not once did Avery make Jack feel self-conscious in the slightest. He never stared or sneered. In fact, he didn’t seem to notice. He just beamed at Jack, as if his presence in his home was all Avery ever needed or wanted.
As they ate, Jack felt his resolve soften. He enjoyed being here with Avery. He could catch glimpses of what their life might look like together.
He still had his doubts. So many doubts. But he found himself asking himself if they could make it work despite the different worlds they inhabited.
Avery put down his cutlery and wiped his mouth with the napkin. “And did you really like the book?”
“Yes. I did.” Jack hesitated. “I was disappointed we had to stop. I was enjoying it so much.”
Avery sucked in a breath. “Well, we can read more after dinner. I think there might be dessert first.” He glanced at Daniel, gaze hopeful.
“I believe so, sir.” Daniel stepped forward. He smiled at Avery. “I’ll go check with Cook.”
