Page 112 of Pretty Thing

Felix reaches over and takes my hand, but it’s me that squeezes him tight.

thirty-one

​. . .​

Eden

I slept soundly, but from the moment I opened my eyes, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Felix. The things he said to me at the crash site were dark and poetic.

He has a client this morning. So while he is downstairs, I’m curled up on his couch with a mug of coffee. The sun shines through the windows, warming my achy muscles.

I like this loft, but I’m still not ready to move in here. It’s not my home or my space. The comfort and familiarity of my childhood outweighs the sadness I feel without my parents there. No, I won’t be selling the house any time soon.

As my mind drifts, I pick up the pendant, rubbing it between my fingers. The smooth surface is calming regardless of how it came to be.

Who thinks to do something like this?

My phone dings with a text.

Kris: Hey stranger, want to go out tonight? There’s a new club that I’m dying to check out.

Oh god, I know where this is going. We don’t exactly have a thriving nightlife like in the bigger cities, and a new club is big news. Plus, the name is also unforgettable…The Fuzzy Beaver.

Eden: It’s Monday. Are you sure they’re even open?

Kris: Yup, already checked, and they are featuring local bands tonight. Come on, don’t leave me hanging.

Eden: Just us?

Kris: No. Kyle is coming, and so are Beth, Sean, and a few of Kyle’s buddies and people that I’ve met in class. Come on…you were so excited when they first opened. The Fuzzy Beaver. I mean, who can resist checking that out? LOL! I’ve been waiting to go with you.

I remember being excited, but it feels like another lifetime. It was the week before my parents died. I’m not sure I want to do a whole big group thing tonight.

Eden: What about Felix?

Kris: Yeah, if he wants.

Eden: No buts?

Kris: No. No buts.

Eden: I’ll see what he’s up to. What time?

Kris: I’ll pick you up from home at nine.

Eden: Nine? Lately I’m in bed by ten.

Kris: OMG!!! You are not old enough to be in bed by ten. Nine o’clock bitch, see you then. Eek!

I hear Felix walking up the wooden stairs, and I smile when he opens the door. He stops dead and just stares at me.

“What,” I ask, looking around.

“I can get used to this sight,” he says, making me blush. He wanders over, leans in, and gives me a soft kiss. “Is something wrong? You seem tense.”

Am I? I relax my shoulders.

“No, but Kris texted. She mentioned going to The Fuzzy Beaver tonight.”