Page 58 of A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas
“Good evening, gentlemen. We have many different types of Christmas ornaments,” a fae woman said. “We have simple coloured baubles. Then we have the woodland creatures range, which are all hand-painted.” She gestured to a squirrel, rabbit, and sparrow ornament.
“I…” But Percival didn’t know what to say. Had he seen these ornaments before? Had he been a part of their creation? It unnerved him that he didn’t know.
The fae woman smiled brightly. “This one here is?—”
“No. Thank you.” Leo took Percival by the arm and guided him away. When they got far enough away, he turned to Percival. “You all right?”
“It’s just a surprise coming across Everflame Glass Factory.” He looked back to the stall. “It’s strange. I had this whole other life, other lives, that I just don’t remember. I mean, my last name is Everflame. And my uncle?—”
Percival shook his head. Thinking or talking about his uncle and his past lives always ruined his mood. “You know what, I don’t want to talk about that now.” He smiled. “Not tonight. I just want to continue walking around with you and enjoying the Christmas markets.”
Leo smiled at him. “Sounds good. But when you want to talk, I’m here.” Then he took Percival’s hand. “Want some dinner? I’m starving!”
Chapter
Twenty-Seven
Percival followed Leo to a stall that sold deep-fried dough topped with garlic oil, sour cream, and cheese.
“This is so delicious,” Percival said as they continued walking.
Leo nodded, his mouth full.
“But it’s not as good as your pies! They are the best thing I’ve ever eaten.” The best thing Percival remembered ever eating anyway.
Leo swallowed. “Thanks. But they are your pies too now. We make them together. It’s a team effort.” Leo grinned. “And I think we make a pretty good team.”
Percival beamed. “I just do what you tell me. You’re a good teacher.”
“Thanks. But you’re a natural in the bakery and at our Christmas market stall. The oven here can be temperamental. It’s always got issues and needs to be constantly fixed. So you’re a big help.” Leo bumped Percival with his shoulder. “You’re doing a great job, Percy.”
Percival let out a breath. That was what he wanted. He wanted to do a great job. He could never repay Leo and hisfamily for all their help. After all, without them, he’d probably be on the streets or in a workhouse.
Still, he’d do his best to make them glad for taking him in. He didn’t want them regretting the kindness they’d extended to him.
When they finished eating their fried dough, they got more hot chocolate. If pies were his favourite food, then hot chocolate was his favourite drink. This time, they had a shot of peppermint liqueur in it.
They stood to the side and watched others enjoy the markets as they drank the creamy, sweet liquid. The peppermint gave it a refreshing twist.
“Did you and I ever talk about Christmas in my past life?” Percival asked. “Probably not, since we didn’t really know each other.”
Leo hesitated.
Percival straightened. “I did talk to you about Christmas, didn’t I? What did I say?”
“Well.” Leo shrugged. “I wished you a Merry Christmas as you were leaving the bakery once. You called it frivolous nonsense.”
Percival frowned.
“Some people don’t like Christmas, Percy. That’s fair. It’s not for everyone,” Leo said. “We all have different things we like and dislike.”
Percival continued to frown.
“People don’t have to like Christmas,” Leo continued. “I mean, I like it. But not liking Christmas doesn’t make someone a bad person.” He placed a hand on Percival’s arm.
Percival let out a breath. It steamed in the air. He lifted his gaze to the lights on a Christmas tree. “But let me guess, you wished me a Merry Christmas and I snapped at you, sayingsomething about Christmas being frivolous. I was rude to you, probably angry. That’s right, isn’t it?”
After a second, Leo nodded. “But I don’t think I was being particularly nice to you then either.”
