“If we’re done talking about my tie, rumor mill is churning out that you have a date.” Cole wiggled his eyebrows and finally sat.
My face warmed as I met the green of his eyes. There was no escape. With the quirk of Cole’s blonde brow, I could tell he was feeling smug for putting me on the spot.
“I do have a date, as a matter of fact.” I folded my hands in my lap and twiddled my thumbs.
I could hear practically everyone shuffling in their seats to be able to hear me better. I wracked my brain for something I could change the subject to. That’s when I remembered the wolf.
“Hey, you guys know about the Beast of Janafield, right?” I leaned in and half whispered.
The regular noise of the lunchroom resumed in full force. People didn’t care about old rumors; they wanted the fresh catch of the day. I had to suppress a roll of my eyes, but at least it worked.
“Who doesn’t know about that old wives' tale?” Sue shrugged.
“It’s not just a story, Suzanne, he’s real.” Despite Cole taking to Sue, his sights stayed on me. I swallowed heavily. “You saw him?”
I rubbed at the back of my neck. “I don’t know, I mean, I think I saw something, but he was gone when I turned around.”
“When did you see him?” The question was immediate.
“This morning at the coffee shop.” I leaned back and away from his oppressive aura.
Sue grabbed his shoulder and yanked him back into his seat. “Cool it, ghost hunter. And how do you know it’s a he? If it’s been avoiding you, it’s probably female.”
Cole gasped. I snorted on a laugh. Quickly, I slapped a hand over my mouth and stared wide-eyed at Sue. Our table was utterly silent for a beat before all three of us couldn’t stop laughing.
Sue wiped away fake tears. “Ah, so hilarious. Anyway… Your date with the mayor,” she said with a waggle of her brows.
I groaned and rolled my head back to stare at the ceiling. This would never end.
~~~
As soon as I’d gotten back to my grandpa’s home, I hastily fixed him a plate before darting up the stairs to get ready.
My heart was pounding in my chest. When was the last time I’d gone on a date? Oh, my old roommate’s cousin. I shuddered. That had been an utter disaster. Hopefully this one would be much, much smoother.
I pulled open the wooden slat door of my closet. Despite loving fashion and being able to recite every collection from Ma Belle Francesca for the last seven years, my wardrobe would be considered more… Cute librarian chic. A-line dresses, neutral-tone cardigans, and sensible shoes. I think it stemmed from my desire to keep attention off of me. I didn’t like being the center piece, and maybe if I just blended in, I wouldn’t have to worry. I sighed heavily. That was a thought for another day, just like the dream of one day having dresses made of fabrics smooth as butter and a closet full of red-bottomed shoes along with the confidence to strut them and not give a single damn about what anyone had to say.
To be honest, even if I had the confidence to rock them, funds were beyond low. It wouldn’t happen anytime soon, especially if Grandpa’s house had any type of say in it.
One side of the closet doors creaked before falling off the track and clattering into the wall. This damn house was mocking me.
I took a glance back at the “fun money” jar I had on my nightstand. Barely enough in there to cover my monthly splurge of a fashion magazine.
I could deal with a one-doored closet.
This was fine.
I patted my round cheeks. I needed to focus. I wanted to make a good impression on Johannes.
I pursed my lips at the sea of neutral and muted tones. Didn’t I have any pop of color? A swatch of gold caught my eye, and I smiled. My dad had bought a designer dress for me from a seconds shop when I graduated college. It was modest, flared at the waist and went to my knees. It was also perfect to bring out the shine of my yellow stone necklace. It had been a gift from my grandmother for my birth. My dad was always adamant about me wearing it. I assumed because we lost her so shortly after.
I moved to the floor-length mirror against one of the walls in my room and held the dress against my front. I practically glowed. I hoped Johannes would like it. My cheeks warmed instantly.
With a giddy giggle, I practically pranced across the hall to the bathroom. I’m sure I smelled like dry-erase markers and that odd smell that always seemed to permeate the sixth-grade hallway.
I stripped down and let the shower start heating up. The faucet sputtered before finally switching over. My heart, which had jumped to my throat at the noise, finally settled. The first time it had done that, rust flakes had poured out. A fun time was had by no one.
I turned and slipped on the plush white rug in front of the sink. My knee banged into the corner and began bleeding almost immediately.
My shoulders slumped, and I huffed. So much for wearing that dress; it would just barely not cover the injury. I grabbed the washcloth next to the faucet and dabbed around the edge to catch the blood droplets before they could hit the ground and create another mess for me to slip on.
With a frustrated sigh, I slapped the cloth back down on the counter. I’d just finish washing it in the shower. I pulled my necklace off and held it up to the light. Beams of faint yellow burst from the stone. I smiled and set it down before hopping into the shower.
I put my leg up on the ledge to finish washing my cut… that suddenly wasn’t there anymore.
Doubting my own mind now, I checked the other leg, despite knowing it had been that one. Nothing to be found there either.
Okay… weird, but the washcloth would settle this. I pulled the curtain back and was met with the bloody cloth still next to the sink.
I closed it again, counted to three, and reopened it. Still there.
Okay, self, don’t panic. Maybe it was just… Ketchup from the lunchroom. Yeah, that could totally be it. It was just a coincidence that I happened to hit my leg... That was stupid, and I knew it, but I did not have time for this.
I rushed to finish showering. I put on a light dusting of make-up, brushed my hair into a tight bun with my brunette side bangs curled, and pulled on my dress and the flirtiest pair of heels I could dig out of my closet just in time for my phone to beep with a message.
Johannes: I am here, darling. I’ll be right in.
In? Like in this house?
What time was it? My eyes darted to the top of my screen where 6:55 flashed.
Why? How long had it taken me to do this hair and make-up?
I threw my things into a simple purse and rushed down the narrow stairway, where I nearly tripped. I did not want Johannes to see the peeling wallpaper or the hairline cracks along the wall.
“Grandpa, I’ll—” I started but stopped midsentence when I saw Grandpa was laughing with Johannes in the foyer.
It felt like my stomach had dropped straight out of my butt to land on the floor. I swear I could even hear the wet slap of it hitting the greying carpet that had long since its installation lost its padding.
Johannes looked so out of place standing among the burnt-orange shag carpeting and aged family photos.
I collected myself and smiled as soon as he turned his gaze to me. I had to concentrate on not tripping down the stairs, but when those bright blue eyes were sparkling at me, it seemed like I lost myself.
“Ali, you said you had a date, you didn’t say it was with the mayor,” Grandpa admonished with a teasing tilt of his lips.
My face was so warm. Was it possible to blush so hot that I melted into the floor? Because in that moment, that’s how I wanted to go. Just a straight up pile of human goo.
“Your grandfather was about to show me the living room while I waited for you. He said something about a family album.” Johannes laced his fingers together in front of him.
Lord above, take me now.
The smile on my face was so forced, I should win an Emmy. My acting was of superb quality. My—
“Ali, you okay? If you need to use the bathroom, I can stall him,” Grandpa whispered.
Grandpa hates me.
“We'd better be off, unless…” Johannes tilted his head and cocked a brow.
Why did Grandpa have a stage whisper? Why was my life like this? Was I a bad person in a previous life?
I wrenched the door open before any more could be said. I grabbed Johannes’s arm and pulled him outside.
“Call me if you need anything. Love you, bye,” I said in one rush of breath and slammed the door behind me.
I swear I could hear him laughing… Actually, no, that would be the man standing right in front of me.
I pouted, my shoulders slumped.
“This isn’t going well, is it?” I sighed.
A gentle hand on my bicep drew my attention to Johannes’s face.
“It’s refreshing, honestly. Many people are afraid to even look my way, let alone tease their incredibly charming granddaughter about needing to relieve herself.”
“I’m going back inside.” I smiled and whipped around.
He barked a laugh before grabbing my hand. “I promise, no more talk of it.”
I pursed my lips in mock thought. As if I’d really have to consider anything when he had such a suave smile.
“I suppose I did promise you a date.” I held my pinky out to him. “I’ll stay on our date so long as you never mention what my grandpa said ever again.”
The sharp edges of his face softened slightly. It made my heart thump heavily. I didn’t understand the tenderness, but it stirred happiness in my chest.
His pinky was a shock of cold against my heated skin. “Promise.”
I squeezed his finger. “You can never break a pinky promise.”
Slowly he pulled away, seemingly reluctant to disconnect our contact. “Let’s get going, shall we?”
~~~
We pulled up in front of the only restaurant that stayed open late at night in town. And by late, I mean like 9:30 P.M. It was very unlike the city of Madison, where life was still blooming well into the night, especially weekends or holidays near the capital. There’s nothing quite like dodging green barf on State Street during St. Patty’s because you just had to have Ian’s Pizza.
“Let me get the door for you,” Johannes said as soon as we arrived.
Before I could protest he was out of the car and rounding to my side. I took his offered hand and shut the door behind me.
“I thought we might retry our Berta’s experience.” Johannes smiled, and a teasing tilt pulled at the edge of his smooth lips.
“Is this just a night to remind me of my failures?” I groaned with my shoulders slumped.
Johannes laughed quietly through his nose. “I’m sorry, I promise I want to enjoy this evening with you.”
The sincerity was bright in his eyes. It was surprising to say the least. As popular as Johannes was, he was also known to be stoic and aloof. But the gentle brush of his cool fingers against the back of my hand and the sudden softness of his face were making those rumors hard for me to believe.
Perhaps we’d be able to bond over the amount of unfounded rumors that swarmed around us.
The little bells above the door jingled as we walked in. A middle-aged woman with her back to us gave a cheerful hello.
“Sit anywhere you like,” she called over her shoulder.
“There’s a little booth in the corner.” Johannes pressed against the small of my back.
The seat was secluded, tucked away in a dimly lit corner. With the soft music playing from a nearby jukebox, I could almost imagine being at a speakeasy. Johannes would be in a handsome suit, crisp and refined. I’d wear the cutest flapper dress, and we’d drink and dance the night away. This was going to be so much fun.
We sat across from each other in the worn seats of the booth. The fake leather pulled my skin, resulting in a noise that definitely sounded like I had a three-bean salad for lunch.
I stared straight at Johannes, my eyes hazing over as I contemplated every decision in my life that could have led me to this moment.
Johannes rubbed at his mouth in a clear attempt to hide his smirk.
Thankfully Berta chose that moment to approach our table with two glasses of ice water.
“Mayor Dodgson,” she said with a wide smile. “Fancy seeing you here twice in one day.”
“I suppose I have a reason to feel a bit more social today.” His eyes found mine.
Berta gave the two of us a knowing smile. “If you two are interested, I’ve been working on a little something special.” After a quick nod from both of us, she darted off to the kitchen.
I’ve never had something I didn’t like from here. The cookies were always warm, the cake moist, and the tea the… leafiest.
“Do you come here often?” I asked.
“Usually every night. It was serendipitous that we met this morning.” He smiled. “Something told me I should go.”
He leaned back and made a show of sweeping his hand down his chest. “Ah, I said I’d prove to you that there would be no stain. These shirts are nearly indestructible.”
Relief flooded over me, and my posture slackened ever-so-slightly. “I’m so glad. I couldn’t live with myself knowing that I’d ruined a Ma Belle Francesca shirt.” I bit my lip.
I also didn’t want to even image paying him back for such a clearly expensive piece of clothing.
“If you covet fashion, I have a dear friend that I’d love for you to meet.”
The clacking of ceramic alerted us to Berta coming back. She had two steaming cups in hand. As soon as she placed them on the table, the delicious smell of toffee wafted up.
I inhaled deeply and sighed. It was one of those warm scents that made you want to curl up by a fireplace with a good book.
“I know it’s a little late for caffeine, so I used decaf. I call it my Toffee Kicker Picker Upper!” She giggled. “Let me know what you think, and if I can get you anything else.” She wiped her hands on her apron.
“Why don’t you bring us a plate of those berry scones you make?”
She jotted down the order Johannes gave her before slipping off back to the kitchen.
“Alice, I must ask how you know Ma Belle Francesca. Did you study fashion?” Johannes asked. He gently blew on his drink before taking a sip.
“You can’t laugh at me…” I cupped my warming cheeks. Whenever I mentioned my love for fashion, people automatically assumed it meant I was a vapid, starry-eyed shopaholic.
“I promise you this one time that I will not laugh at you.” Johannes quirked an eyebrow and smirked. “Your secret will be safe with me. I’m particularly good with them.”
Maybe the rumor about him being secretive had a ring of truth to it. I batted the thought away. I was here to get to know him, and that was definitely not helping.
“I am obsessed with fashion. Not just modern fashion either,” I gushed and leaned forward. “I went to school to be a historian. My focus was on fashion and the way it’s developed.”
I pulled myself back and sighed. “After some discouraging from others, I ended up dropping it and becoming a history teacher at a middle school. Don’t get me wrong, I love the children, and I’d love to have one of my own someday, it’s just… Not where I pictured myself, you know?”
Johannes frowned. I averted my gaze to the steam coming from my drink. I’d end up crying if I stared at him. I didn’t want him to think they were right.
“Only fools would try to tear down your ambitions.” He took a deep sip.
I perked up, my hands gripped the edge of the table, and my back was now stick straight. “You don’t think it was a useless pursuit?”
“Lives are far too short to worry about what others may think of us.” Johannes pursed his lips. “I’d have driven myself quite mad by now.”
I rested my elbow on the table with my cheek in hand. My necklace clacked against the table from the movement. “I wish I could tune things others say out. It seems l
ike coming to Janafield just to help my grandpa was not the dramatic answer the residents wanted.”
I looked up to Johannes, but his eyes were on my necklace.
“That piece of jewelry is lovely. Where did you get it? A gift from a lover, perhaps?” Johannes grabbed a sugar packet from the white plastic container at the end of the table before ripping it open and stirring it into his drink. My teeth ached just looking at it.
I couldn’t hide my smile, though. It wasn’t hard to see he was asking for more than just small-talk. I fingered the jewel for a quick moment. The yellow stone was warm from my body heat.
“It was a gift from my Grandma Maggie when I was born.”
“Carlyle’s wife?” Johannes asked.
I nodded. “She died not long after my birth. My dad always insisted that I wear it. I didn’t understand why at first because I didn’t really know her. But after my mom passed, I finally understood why it meant so much.”
“I’m sorry to hear of their passing. Did you know much about your Grandmother Maggie?”
“No, not much other than the stories Grandpa tells me. Dad doesn’t really talk about her.” I shrugged.
Berta walked back to the table and left a plate of scones and two smaller plates. They smelled amazing. We thanked her before she hustled off to help an elderly couple that came in. I sent them a quick smile. They always walked along the lake together. I aspired to be part of an adorable old couple one day.
Johannes placed a warmed scone on one of the small plates and pushed it towards me. “Please, eat.”
I didn’t need to be asked twice. I dug in right away and almost moaned at the taste. “Johannes, you are spoiling me.”
He barked a laugh. “You haven’t seen the beginning of spoiling.”
The wink he sent me after that made my heart flutter wildly in my chest. He was so prepossessing and had a magnetic aura around him. He oozed such an old-worldly charm that had me enamored.
“What do you think of Janafield thus far?” Johannes asked.
I shrugged and twiddled my thumbs. I was unsure what to say. 'The city is beautiful, but people think I have some sort of connection to a human trafficking ring? The air is crisp and I somehow feel recharged being here, but I’m the center of far too many rumors?'
Eyes Like Autumn (Seasons of the Magi Book 1) Page 2
