Page 92 of Novice Girlfriend

She elegantly wiped under her eyes and looked at me. “Clare told me what you did. She told us what happened and we know.”

“Oh,” I breathed, a bit surprised that hadn’t come up yet. I bobbed my head and shifted my bag before coming to a decision. “Okay, but I go alone.” I shook my head when people argued. “No, I’ll go check on him, but I’m not bringing you. He and I made a deal that no matter what we check on each other and that’s allowed. I’m not overstepping.”

“Fair, but we have to guard you,” one of Taylor’s guys said.

“He won’t ever let me be hurt, and if we’re somewhere I could be, he’ll bring me right back,” I argued. “He’s with Loki, so it’s not Madison Square Garden.”

That won them over, plus whatever was on my face that said I wasn’t budging. I told Mrs. Oliveria she might want to talk to Clare about getting some food together until I saw the four cooler totes at her feet.

Yeah, that was silly of me.

“Give me a couple of minutes to set my things down and I have to pee,” I told her and headed inside. Honestly, I just needed a few to wrap my mind around what I was about to do.

And I needed to text Winter. He probably wasn’t going to like it.

Except he was fine. At least his text was and he said to please keep him updated and tell Link to stay strong because everyone was on his side.

So what was going on was bigger than Winter’s jealousy about Link?

I had no idea and didn’t understand men, I really didn’t.

I did what I told Mrs. Oliveria but then decided to change because Link was probably outside somewhere. I took a bit longer and used my magic to make something for Loki. Just a quick toy that wasn’t really meant for horses but something that would entertain him for a bit. Giving him a treat ran through my mind and I swallowed loudly.

Like an apple.

Except the ones I had weren’t meant for Loki.

And were from the gods.

I told myself I’d bring it just in case. I’d see how Link was doing and not make it a thing, probably not even bring it up.

I went outside and felt bad when Mrs. Oliveria looked beside herself like I might change my mind. “I made something quick for Loki. He’s going to need help if he’s comforting Link.”

“You are such a dear.” She leaned in and kissed my cheek. “Please just tell him to read my texts. That’s all I ask. And eat. I’ll just give him food and leave.” She set it all on the spot she’d made the circle, waving back my guards. “Let me know he’s safe. I won’t intrude.”

I nodded and hurried to push my power into the circle and break his block, not because I wanted to see him so bad.

Because I couldn’t stand seeing Mrs. Oliveria that upset.

Link didn’t even look at me, letting out the longest and heaviest sigh I maybe had ever heard. “Part of me feels stupid for not having expected this and another part of me is surprised you waited this long.”

I picked up the totes and brought them over. “Your aunt is beside herself with worry. She was fine when she saw you were reading her texts but—give her a damn thumbs-up or something.”

He snorted. “Says the girl who we had to get a watch because she was such a luddite.”

“Low blow,” I whispered.

He winced. “Right, sorry. Not because of that.” He lowered the bottle of what looked like whiskey? Bourbon? “I forgot it was because of your unconventional upbringing.”

I snorted and sat on a rock off to the side of him so he could see me, but I could also look out at the lake as well. “Yeah, unconventional.” I snorted again. “That’s like when your aunt or some of the council wives call it ‘colorful.’ Just call it fucked up. It makes me feel valid when I break down. The rest is like trying to minimize it.”

“Fair.”

“You want to talk?” I asked after a few quiet minutes.

“Clearly, I do,” he drawled.

“Where are we?” I muttered, looking around.