Page 8 of Dating A Fae
Johnny
Soft 80s music plays through the speakers in the ceiling of the donut shop. The table’s sticky, which sorta freaks me out. But the atmosphere is lovely. The scents could rival Milton’s cafe. There’s only one more person sitting around. They’re holed up in the corner with their laptop typing away as fast as their fingers can fly. I almost wish we went to a supe dining place, but I enjoy watching humans. I live and work with them, might as well dine near them too.
“I can stay closed today. If you want to keep the date going.” Milton takes a drink of his coffee, sets the mug back on the table. I’ve never seen him so nervous.“We can take a walk around a park or something?”
I dab my napkin to my lips. I like the idea very much. “Won’t that hurt business? People are used to you being open on Saturdays.”
Milton digs his phone from his pocket. Typing along, he has a determined look on his face. “There. Now anyone with the Night Guard app or my shop’s app knows I’m closed today.” He nods and slides his phone back in his pocket.
I want to run my hand into his hair and feel how soft it is.
“What about the portal?” He can’t just shirk his duties to be with me.
He gives me a grin. “No one’s scheduled to come through for another few weeks. So I’m free to be with you all day. If you want, that is.”
I can’t help matching his grin. “I do.”
Milton makes an adorable twinkling hum I’ve never heard him make before. We stand together and head out. The door chime isn’t as lovely as the one in Milton’s shop.
“What should we do?” he asks.
Few people walk the sidewalk, either eating or shopping in the various shops along Main Street.
There’s so much we can do. Usually, I read all weekend when I have the time, but I haven’t had the time lately. Not with tax season.
“Have you been to the supe library?” he asks, already knowing me so well.
“Not in months.” My voice comes out dreamy, and I feel so silly. “It’s one of my favorite places in the world.”
“I thought it might be, since you were so sad about the Library of Alexandria.” He nudges my side.
“I’m never gonna live that down, am I?” My groan is weak.
“You teared up. It was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.” Milton’s hand slides into my clammy one. “Is this okay?” He squeezes.
My cheeks burn as I nod. He thought something I did was cute.
“I’m a virgin!” I blurt it out before my brain can think about putting a lid on the thought. “All I’ve done is kissed a guy. One guy. In high school. A decade ago. He… he wanted to go further, and I didn’t, and he ended it right there then spread the rumor I couldn’t get it up. And—” I bury my face in my hands. Why, brain?Why?Everything was going so well. Now Milton’s going to think I’m such a weirdo. My insides vibrate. It’s a damn good thing I ate so many donuts, otherwise I’d burn right here on the sidewalk.
But he squeezes my shoulder. I peek from my hands. His thumb makes soothing circles.
“Hey, it’s alright. Nothing wrong with being a virgin. Okay? Besides, you might tire of me before we get anywhere near intimacy. That’s okay too.” Another squeeze.
“I don’t think I could get tired of you. Your sugar cookies are amazing, but…” My insides calm. Milton is so easy to talk to, even if I have embarrassed myself. “I go to your shop foryou.” I curse my voice for being so soft.
“Ever since that day you started coming to the shop, I’ve made sure to keep the extra stock. Otherwise, you buy me out, and there’s none for anyone else.” Another bright smile graces Milton’s lips.
I’m warm all over. Another burn is so close. I need to calm myself. “You’re so amazing.”
“I like to keep my best customers happy. But you’re my favorite by far.” His finger boops my nose.
His favorite.
Hand in hand, we walk towards the supe library only a few blocks down. Main Street is the supernatural hub and everything important is located here, from our library to the Night Guard headquarters. Some offices underground, others in other dimensions entirely. All hidden from human view.
We pass person after person. But the closer to the library we get, the less people there are. Less humans anyway. A few fellow supes buzz around, hidden by magic.
I’m all mushy inside. What have I done to be considered Milton’s favorite? I’m just me. Just Johnny. Boring Johnny. A wisp that’s terrified of his own shadow some days. My shoulders sag. This was a bad idea. I can’t drag Milton into my life. He deserves someone—
