Chapter 12- Gordy
GAZING AT MYSELF in the full-length mirror, I do a small spin.
How do I look? Obviously, my shell, tail, and green skin are prominent features.
But I’m trying to figure out how Loxley will see me.
We messaged via Hot Water chat and exchanged numbers―success!
―and he asked me out on a proper date to the Cosmo summer carnival.
Naturally, I said yes, so I’ve spent the last six days panicking.
I’ve also been swooning in my bed at the mere thought of him.
Can anyone blame me? I’m twenty-one, I’ve never been on a date, and before last week, I had never kissed anyone.
And what a kiss it was. His lips felt so right on mine. I have no regrets about running to the driver’s side door and putting my mouth on his. Loxley was—no, is—so irresistible. I had to give in to the pull he has on me.
With a sigh, I gaze at myself in the mirror.
After concentrating for a moment, I morph into my human guise.
While I’m proud of my large chest and tight-but-not-actually-chiseled core, I ponder if Loxley will like what he sees.
Wait, will I have an opportunity to get naked with him?
This is all moot since I can hardly hold this form.
After putting on a large white long-sleeved shirt and black jeans, I shift back into turtle form.
My tail pokes out of the back of my pants, but that’s what the coat is for.
I’m almost out the door when I spot Seb out of the corner of my eye. He smiles at me as he pours some potion into some bowls. “Gordy!” he hollers.
Cringing, I pause and jog back. “Yeah?”
“Where are you off to on this fine Saturday evening?”
Biting my lip, I shrug. “Out.”
“Do you need me to drive you?”
I shake my head and reply. “I’m just gonna take the bus.”
“It’ll be so much easier if I take you.”
I try not to wince and contemplate lying and running off. The truth is, I’m not looking forward to the two buses to get to the carnival. “Um, okay?”
“Where are we off to?” Seb asks with a pep in his step.
“Just like…the other side of town.” After getting in and buckling up, I put on a medical mask and hike up the large hood attached to my trench coat. Seb seems friendlier than usual, and that’s saying something. He keeps eyeing me coyly, like he can read my thoughts. “Where’s Kai tonight?”
“Oh, meeting with the Union of Mages. Regarding what, I don’t know, but he assured me he’d be home for dinner.” Seb smiles at me again, and my brow furrows as I nod. “And he and I are …” He bites back a giggle as he grips the steering wheel. “We’re so happy for you and Loxley.”
His voice is nearly a high-pitched squeal, and I frown. I guess the cat’s out of the bag. With a frustrated huff, I ask, “How did you know?”
“My witch powers attuned me to the truth,” he says in a dramatic, almost airy tone. After a beat, he catches my gaze and says, “Lisbeth told me he was preparing for a date.”
“Oh.” I’m not sure if I’m thrilled he told his family or mortified.
“I swore I’d look out for you, and I am. While I don’t know Loxley that well, I’ve been informed he’s a chill guy. I very much approve.”
The relief in my chest is significant; I can date whomever I want to date, but it’s good to have my new family’s support.
“Um, thanks, I think.”
“I don’t want to meddle. True love should take its course.”
“Seb,” I whine. He’s acting like he’s more than three years older than me.
“Just be safe and try not to be a grumpy turtle.”
I huff and gaze out the window. He’s right that I’m not the most social creature, but Loxley is changing things about me. First kiss, first date, first lots of things.
“Ooh, and offer up personal details about yourself.” I gaze at him, and he continues, “Try…coming out of your shell.”
It takes him three whole seconds before he starts to laugh. With a growl, I say, “Cauldrons, I hate you right now.” In moments, we’re both cracking up at his awful pun. Admittedly, it was clever and funny.
But I’m happy to have Seb’s support. Now I need to focus on the date at hand.
After Seb drops me off at the parking lot entrance, I weave my way through the cars.
In the setting summer sun, I’m hoping no one notices the green scaly dude in the hooded trench coat.
My pulse is pounding, and my breathing is picking up with every step closer to the carnival entrance.
My nervous anticipation is almost enough to immobilize me or send me packing.
And then I see him at the ticket booth entrance.
He’s wearing a dark leather jacket and skinny blue jeans.
He’s crazy attractive, and he’s here waiting to hang out with me, of all people.
When he spots me, his eyes light up with delight, and I want to burst into a firework show of passion and feelings. What is this witch boy doing to me?
I rush up to him and say, “Hey, Loxley!” I’m out of breath and wiping my hands on my coat, but he doesn’t seem to care.
“Hey!” When he takes his hands out of his pockets, I lean in for a hug, but he puts his hand out for a shake.
I pull back and go to take his hand when he shifts into hug mode.
We repeat this at least two more times, and it’s almost unbearable.
After this awkward, five-second dance, I finally hug him, and he allows me to.
He smells so good, so right. And the magic in me almost wants to break free and send sparks into the sky.
My tail needs to stop wagging before I cause a public incident. Imagine the news: Turtle monster attacks Virginia carnival, details at eleven.
“You look great,” Loxley says after getting our tickets. He graciously pays for the full-night pass, so with the tiny wristbands, we’re able to go on unlimited rides.
“You do too,” I say. It takes some effort to get the wristband around my hand, but the feel of Loxley’s smooth fingers on my wrist is so worth it. “Thank you for buying these passes.”
“I…asked you out, so…”
“Still, such a gentleman.” I give his hand a quick squeeze, then lead him down the first row of booths.
In the bustling crowds of cheerful kids, it feels like Loxley and I are in our own little world.
With my hood on, no one seems to notice my green skin, and for tonight, I’m not a freak-of-nature shifter mage.
We’re two dudes spending time together. I keep stealing glances at him, in awe of how handsome my date looks in the twinkling carnival lights.
I thank my lucky stars that fate has put us in the same town. Loxley makes magic real for me.
We go on a few rides, occasionally chatting as we wait on various lines.
It’s a surprisingly fun time being jostled around by the metal contraptions.
I do my best not to squish Loxley when we’re in a narrow seat being pivoted around a circular track.
Still, I can’t say I mind being that close to him.
With our last ride over, I share a smile with Loxley, and laughter bubbles out. I’ve never had this much fun in public.
Having worked up an appetite, we decide to share a far corner table to have a bite. Munching on corndogs and funnel cake with this cute guy is thrilling. No one is paying us any mind, so I clear my throat and lean forward.
“So, first date stuff,” I say. He looks at me, and I wipe my hands on my lap. “How are your parents?”
“Good.”
After a long pause, I recall that he has dysarthria. He looks at me expectantly, so I continue, “I was raised by a witchy couple, my Mama and Papa. My biological parents died when I was young.”
“I’m sorry.”
“No worries, I had it good. Well, as good as a big reptile could have.” We share a chuckle, and I take another bite.
“Was school…difficult for you?”
I nod. “I was homeschooled. It’s kind of why I found my way to video games. It was an escape.”
“Same,” he replies with a smile.
“I’m an introverted gamer nerd turtle. But I can’t regret it. It led me to you, after all.”
He smiles and puts his hand over mine. After a quick squeeze, he pulls away, and I miss his contact.
“Yes, well,” I continue. “Mama and Papa couldn’t relate to my problems. Much like you, I sank into video games because of the online socialization aspect.
It made me feel normal, since my avatar was normal-looking. ”
“You…l-l-look…” Loxley seems to be frustrated, and I can tell he’s trying to muster up the words.
“Take your time,” I say.
His eyebrows jump in surprise, then he takes out his phone. He quickly types out the words, “You’re not abnormal. You look great no matter what your form.”
Is it possible to blush and be crazy turned-on all at once? Because that’s what’s happening. “Thanks,” I murmur as I rub my cheeks to try to hide my blush. “You sound like my folks. Trying to act like I wouldn’t cause a huge scene if I walked around with my tail out.”
I laugh, but Loxley frowns. He types out, “I hope one day you can be comfortable in public, but with me, you don’t have to try to be anything else.”
I frown and nod. There I go again, dampening the mood.
“I’m sorry. I’m shit at this whole socialization thing.
” I shake out my hands and tap the table.
“Or dating in general. This is kind of my first date. And I’m hoping this is your first date.
Not that I think guys don’t want to ask you out!
Far from it. You are really attractive. I just don’t want to sound like a lonely loser virgin.
See? There I go again, being self-deprecating and admitting I’m a twenty-two-year-old virgin.
Why did I tell you that? And why can’t I stop talking? ”
I groan, but Loxley chuckles and puts his hand over mine. “It’s okay, Gordy. This…is my first date, too.”
“Really?”
“Sort of.” His smile falls. “I’ve had…boys, but like…they only hung out with me to…” He shuts his eyes and shakes his head. “Sex only.”
My eyebrows rise. “Oh.”
“No one…l-l-likes getting to know me.”
My heart aches for him. This is the same guy I pushed away the day we met? He’s been through his share of heartache; it’s so obvious. And he still asked me out.
Loxley wants to spend time with me, so let’s make this a happy memory.
Placing my hand over his. “I’d love to get to know you.”
His brilliant smile has my turtle tail wagging under my coat. “The Ferris wheel!”
“Huh?”
He points behind me. Indeed, there is a large metal ride, the perfect place for couples to get closer. Jackpot.
“Me…and you.”
“I’m down, Boysen,” I say with a grin. We swiftly throw away our trash and make our way to the wheel. Tonight isn’t even over, and my face hurts from smiling so much. It’s a problem I could get used to, just like the feeling of Loxley’s hand in mine.