Page 58 of Nightmare For Hire
Nox bounces on his toes as we wait on the porch for Devon and Norris to arrive. It’s a nice two-story house. There’s space around back big enough for a nice sized garden. Norris will love that.
“Will they like me?”
“They already do.” I drop a kiss on his temple and pull him close. “Don’t worry.”
“I wore pants, so I don’t flash my fun bits every time I bend down.”
The said pants Nox poured himself into are shiny purple leggings with a hot pink runner’s skirt over them. The bright orange off-shoulder crop top and combat boots finish his look. He even pulled a hairband through his golden curls to keep his hair from his face.
“I’m so ready to help. I helped Dani move in, so I’m pretty much an expert.”
“No doubt, but Devon and Norris have a lot more than Dani.”
“True.” He digs around in his pink heart purse and gets a handful of chocolate. “We need more fuel.” He drops a few pieces into my hand.
I unwrap one piece of chocolate. The crunch of gravel from down the street catches my attention and I turn to watch my friends pull into the driveway.
It takes everything in me not to rush the minivan. Devon bounces in her seat as she gets the van put in park and kills the engine. When she practically flies from the van, her blonde hair is a mess, and she’s in sweats.
“Cy!” Devon plows into me and I stumble back with the force of her hug, but keep us upright. You wouldn’t think such a small person had such power behind them, but Devon is strong.
“Dev!” I spin us around. Her weight in my arms makes the entire world melt away. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed her. Nox has kept me from spiraling too much.
When I finally settle her back on the ground, Nox runs to us and holds out his arms. “Me too!”
Devon doesn’t hesitate and launches herself at my Nightmare.
“Oh! I thought you’d be cold.” She laughs.
Norris gets the moving van parked and comes up behind her. I hug him as tightly as I had her, but refrain from spinning him around. He’s five foot ten of muscle and if I thought I could pick him up, I would no doubt be wrong. He’s tied his beard with a hair elastic and pulled back his long hair. Mine is still longer, but he always has excellent hair care tips.
Nox chats with Devon about where he found his purse. Norris wraps his arm around my shoulder.
“I’ve missed you, man, but I get why you had to move. I’m proud of you for doing what you had to for your sanity.”
“Oh!” Nox bounces and faces us all. “Dani and Maddox should be here shortly to help. Maddox is an orc! He’ll be able to carry lots.”
I lean into Norris. “Wait until you see who Dani is.” I’ve kept the surprise just to see the look on their faces.
Devon squeals. “We get to meet a Nightmareandan orc all in one day?!”
“Exciting, right?” Nox says. He takes her hands and they bounce around together.
“I think my fiancée just stole your boyfriend.”
Nox stops dead. “I can take you to the diner and you can meet Leon. He’s a troll!!”
More squeals.
Devon turns to Norris. “We have to meet Leon, too.”
“Babe. We have a long time to meet everyone. We’ll be here for a while, if not forever.” Norris takes her hand and kisses it.
“I guess you’re right. Maybe we should string out the fun experiences. I don’t have to go to work for a few days.”
“Buttttt…” Nox draws it out, waiting for everyone to look at him. “We’ll need food. So I vote we go to Portal Place Diner for food.”
“Yes!” Devon shoots her hand up as if to vote. “As long as the heartburn stays at bay.”
