Page 9 of Dating A Fae
“What’s wrong?” Milton’s voice cuts through my spiraling, scooping each evil thought into a pit of lava to burn away.
“I wasn’t being very kind to myself.”
“I do that. Some days I wonder what I’m doing with my life. But I love the cafe and I love being the portal keeper. It’s such an honor to be chosen. And if I didn’t have my cafe I don’t think we’d know each other.” His thumb caresses mine, calming me further.
Wisps are known for being nervous scaredy-cats. I’m no different. I think one of the reasons I’m drawn to Milton is how soothing he is. I could listen to him read a phonebook. I’ve witnessed him soothe demons and calm dragons ready to blow fire.
We’re at the library. On the outside it looks like a rundown shop with the glass storefront broken in several places. Duct-tape holds the spider-webbing of the breaks together. It’s all just a glamor to keep humans away.
Milton opens the door, and waves for me to enter first.
Magic tingles over my skin as a blast of hot air shoots from the opening. Testing us. Making sure we’re supes.
Found worthy, the glamor drops, and the bright sparkling lights inside the library dazzle me like they do every time.
Chapter 6
Milton
The supe library, to be cliche, is bigger on the inside. Much much bigger. It’s another realm entirely once you walk through the doors. It’s held in the space between the human world and the Faelands, creating a place all its own, that no one species can claim. I studied here for years before I was allowed to take over as the portal keeper.
As soon as we step over the threshold, Johnny’s an entirely different person from moments ago. His face lights brighter from within.
The grand hall has a black and red checkered floor. Floor to ceiling bookshelves. Over the years the library has modernized and there’s a cafe in the corner. I’ve heard nothing’s better than mine, though. A double staircase is the main feature. The banisters are gold leaf. Violet sparking balls of magic top the rails in intervals, they’re just there for the looks. You can touch one and nothing happens. We supernaturals have a flair for dramatic visuals.
Supes of all types walk among the stacks. I haven’t seen a giant in decades and here one is helping people reach the tallest of the shelves like a personal living elevator.
All the while I’m watching Johnny, he’s taking everything in like it’s his first time. Not that that’s strange. The layout of the library changes every few months to keep everyone on their toes.
“Johnny, can I ask you a question?”
He spins on his heel to face me. “Anything.”
I wonder if he’s like this every time he comes here. “Why didn’t you become a librarian? Or researcher? Or—”
Wrong question. His shoulders drop, the light of his skin fades.
“My parents said I’d need a career to carry myself for decades in the human world, and they didn’t approve of my reading all the time. I let them talk me out of it.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I love numbers as much as books, so accounting’s good for me.” His smile tells me he’s telling the truth. “I’m so close to my CPA license. Just a few more months working under Greg, and I should be good to go.” Again Johnny’s bouncing on his toes and spinning. Then he’s dashing towards the staircase.
I race after him. He’s laughing as he runs his hand through each of the magic balls on the banister. He’s such a spark of happiness, I’m not sure he even knows.
At the top of the stairs Johnny spins again, trying to decide which way to go.
“Race ya to the center.” I point to the opposite side of the library and take off. Johnny goes the other way.
Exertion like this isn’t my strong suit. Johnny makes it around the huge opening that looks over the grand hall before I do. And when I do, I’m out of breath, but still manage to be running.
“Con… Congrats,” I wheeze out.
Johnny’s clearly trying to hold back a laugh. “Milton, I run almost daily.”
There it is, he said my name again.Humanname. What would he think of my fae name? Will I ever trust him with it?
“Didn’t know.” I bend over and press my hands to my knees and breathe. His hand goes to the small of my back, rubbing small circles. He’s so warm.
