Page 22 of Drink Up, Darling
“What are you punishing yourself for? You could leave at any time, you could move anywhere you liked. Go out into the village, meet people. Meet a partner, perhaps?”
The brightness faded from Godwin’s face. “I have no need for a romantic partner. That is the way I am, the way I have always been.”
Dariel’s brow furrowed. “You don’t have to be alone because you don’t want romance. There are infinite kinds of connections you could have! You could experience so much, live life to the fullest. Do whatever your heart desires!”
“I do leave the house, you know. When I need to.”
“I don’t think you leave enough!”
“Dariel.” Athens’ firm voice broke the shield around him, crashing him back into the dining room, where he had alwaysbeen. He took in his surroundings once again and breathed in and out deeply. He’d gotten carried away.
‘The shadows. I can see them.’
‘Oh. I…’
‘Don’t apologise, just breathe. We barely know this man. You barely even know me.’
‘I think I’m beginning to.’
Athens sighed.‘I know. As I am learning you. Perhaps we are all not too dissimilar.’
“My apologies, Godwin. It appears I’m a lot more exhausted from my journey than I thought. Forgive my abrasiveness.”
Godwin nodded, seemingly unfazed. “It is quite alright, Dariel. You are not the first person who has said such to me, and I do hear you. I appreciate your concern.” He took another mouthful of his mashed potato.
Without thinking, Dariel reached for his napkin and pulled the ring from it—sharply dropping it as a sting sung through his body and he let out a yelp. It was pure silver, and he had already noted that, so why had he been foolish enough to forget already?You’re not thinking straight.
At the clatter, both his companions darted their heads towards him. Athens understood immediately, Godwin’s face unreadable.
Dariel laughed it off. “Sorry, I accidentally poked myself. Sharp knives, I mustn’t be trusted with them.” He attempted a joke, but he sensed Athens’ smirk and deduced he’d taken it too far, making a meal out of it.
‘You’re such an idiot, you know.’
‘I’m well aware, thank you.’
‘It’s cute.’
‘Oh, stop.’
‘Endearing.’
‘Please.’
‘Hot.’
At that, Dariel did blush. A warmth pooled in his belly, and he instinctively turned to the windows to his right.
“Are you okay, Dariel?” Godwin asked, his genuine concern apparent.
Dariel flashed him a smile. “Splendid.”
‘Smooth.’
Chapter Seven
The three of them continued to eat their meals, Dariel trying to be discreet about everything he did after his little outburst. He wanted to put himself into silent mode—to stop being perceived. But all the while he ate, head kept facing the table, he thought of Godwin living alone in this house, no one to talk to, nothing to do, and doing it willingly. When he tried to focus on something else, his mind immediately wandered to Athens, and the image of how he sat in the bedroom pinned itself to the front of his mind.
Athens’ warm breath on your neck, what those long fingers would feel like on both your shoulders. Bare shoulders.
