12. Talon
TALON
Saturday comes way too fast. I don’t know what I was thinking saying yes to this party.
In one hand, I carry a bucket with cleaning supplies, and in the other, I carry a bottle of my peach cider.
Under one armpit I have a mop and broom with an attached dustpan.
On my back, I lug a huge backpack cooler filled with cheesecake bites, fudge, and ambrosia salad.
I couldn’t decide and brought everything.
It’s bad luck to show up at a housewarming party without a gift and treats.
I just hope no one gets offended by the bucket of cleaning supplies.
Wren was chatting with Gabe yesterday morning that he’s slowly acquiring things he needs, but he hadn’t thought about cleaning supplies.
It’s a thoughtful gift if you ask me. The cider and treats are to share with everyone.
Sparkle had said bring something to share, so I have.
I must look ridiculous walking down the street loaded down with so much stuff, but I’m determined to make a good impression at this party even if my stomach is protesting.
My inner griffin forced me to dress up even though Sparkle said this is a casual party.
I’m in dress slacks and a nice burgundy short sleeve button-up shirt.
I think I look nice. My griffin agrees, and he’s usually right on these things.
Sparkle says this isn’t a giant party. He only invited about fifteen people. To me, that’s pretty big, but for Wren and my griffin, I’m going and I’m going to have a good time. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.
The closer I get to the bakery and Wren’s new apartment, the more my nerves act up. I stop two blocks away to do a bit of deep breathing.
“I can do this. It’s nothing. I know everyone at the party.
I can do this. I can do this. Everything is okay.
I don’t have to stay very long if I don’t want to.
I can just make an appearance and leave.
” I nod to myself and start walking again.
“This will be a piece of cake. And cake is delicious. Maybe I won’t hate the party.
And why the hell do I keep talking to myself? ”
I slow down once I get to the bakery. I expected to hear noise, but there’s silence other than the usual sounds of the outdoors.
I walk around to the entrance of the apartment and there’s a table with a pretty teal table cloth in the parking lot, but no people.
I flip my wrist to check the time. I’m not even early, just on time and that gives me anxiety too. I’m later than I meant to be.
The door to the apartment is open, and I start up the wooden stairs. I only get halfway up before Wren pops his head out.
“Oh! Talon! You’re the first one here.” He’s got glitter in his hair and he’s wearing makeup that makes his eyes pop. The shorts are formfitting and the crop top puts his abs on display. He must track my eyes because he looks down before smirking. “Like what you see?”
I nod, but refuse to look him in the face. “Where is everyone?”
Sparkle pops out and the two crowd the doorway. “You know how things are. People show up fashionably late.”
“Being late is rude,” I say.
“What do you have?” Sparkle asks.
I lift the bucket. “Gift and goodies? But the goodies require cold. I have ice packs, but I don’t think they’ll survive being outside too long.” I should have thought better of it and done something where the temperature wouldn’t affect it.
“I’ll take the gift,” Sparkle says.
Wren holds out his hands. “And I’ll take the goodies. We can set them up in here and they’ll be safe from the evil heat.”
I pass over the bucket, mop and broom to Sparkle, who cocks a brow, but takes everything. Wren ushers me inside while Sparkle continues down the stairs.
Wren leads me to a small kitchen and we start creating a spread on the countertop.
“It’s so damn hot outside, we’re doing a kind of split thing.
People can be up here or outside, whatever they want.
But everyone won’t comfortably fit inside, I don’t think.
” Wren looks around with his hands on his hips.
“What do you think about the decorations?”
I hadn’t noticed, too focused on displaying the treats and trying not to ogle Wren. “Very Sparkle.”
Wren grins and laughs. “Right? I love it, but it’s a lot of glitter.”
“Don’t make fun of the glitter,” Sparkle says, rejoining us.
What the fuck do I do now? I stand awkwardly in Wren’s kitchen now that we’ve plated all the desserts I brought. Sparkle swipes his finger through the ambrosia salad. Wren swats his hand.
“It’s so good,” Sparkle moans as he bats his lashes and I drop my eyes to the counter.
Wren hip checks Sparkle. “Behave. He doesn’t like being harassed.
” Wren tangles Sparkle’s arm in his. “Come on, kitty cat. We should go greet our guests.” He turns to me.
“You’re welcome to stay here if you want, but I’d love it if you joined us downstairs.
The sun’s going down and things should cool off.
But just in case not, Sparkle brought some fun sprinkler toys we’re gonna set up to keep everyone cool. ”
“Just need a minute,” I say and it comes out more croaky than I intended.
“Take your time,” Wren says, and ushers Sparkle out the door.
I look around at the glittery banner and balloons. It feels homey and I sort of regret not taking the place when Wick offered it to me years ago. But I love my house in the woods. It’s mine, and it’s perfect, plus it’s close to the fields.
Music starts outside and I decide it’s time to join the no doubt growing crowd.
I take a breath, then a step, and follow this pattern right to the door.
It’s as if I’ve been transported into a mosh pit.
The music’s turned up and people dance in the small parking lot.
More people join while I walk down the steps and by the time I get to the bottom and land on the pavement, my knees want to give out. So many people.
My griffin wants to play and I want to run away. I grip the banister and will my heart to stop pounding so damn hard. I know everyone here. There’s nothing to be afraid of. So why the hell do my hands tremble?
“Talon?” There’s concern in Wren’s eyes. One hand envelopes mine on the banister. “How can I help?” He’s not trying to woo me using his Fae charms.
“I just need a breath.”
Wren nods and takes my other hand and pulls me down with him to sit on the steps. “I’m really happy you came.” He holds my hand and looks it over, turning it this way and that. I don’t hate it, in fact the action helps calm me.
“I told my griffin we were coming, and he wasn’t going to settle until we got here.
” And now that we’re here, my anxiety has drowned out my griffin’s thoughts.
Well, it had. Wren’s calming me down more than anyone’s ever done before.
My griffin whines in my head wanting to be unleashed, but he knows that’s not going to happen here.
The next best thing is to allow him to play, but that requires me to let go and I’ve never done that in the presence of others.
“Would you like to dance?” Wren asks.
We’re so close I could count the glitter flecks on his cheeks if I want.
“My griffin would like that very much.”
Wren grins and squeezes my hand. “Would you like that?”
“Won’t know unless I try it.” The music’s still a fast pace and I have no idea how to dance, but looking at the partygoers, it doesn’t matter, everyone’s just doing their own thing.
Wren stands and helps pull me to my feet. He spins on his toes, then offers his hand again. “Let’s show them some moves.”
I take a few shaky steps with him towards the crowd.
Wren squeezes my hand. “Just keep your eyes on me. Don’t think about anyone else.” He lets me go and starts moving his body.
Skies, the way he moves. I know he has decades of dance experience, every courtesan or former courtesan does.
Plus, he’s best friends with Sparkle, the cat shifter surely taught him some moves.
The more he dances, the more comfortable I get and start swaying.
Not the best dance moves, but I’m moving instead of just standing there like the awkward weirdo I am.
“Look at Talon. He looks ridiculous. He doesn’t know how to dance.”
No! Bad memories aren’t allowed to pop up. I’m dancing with Wren.
Fuck. I’m dancing with Wren. My eyes snap open and he gives me the most sweetest smile.
“Hey there.” Wren swipes his hand over my bangs, situating them out of my eyes. “You looked lost in thought.”
“Some old memories tried to resurface.”
“I hate when that happens.” Wren moves my hands to his hips. The new song is a slow one and we sway together.
“Are you still dreaming of the Winter Court?” I take a tiny step closer.
“Unfortunately. Between that and anticipating the party, I haven’t slept much lately.”
“I could go petition this Lord Yelling if you want. I left the Fae lands on good terms, I just haven’t been back since I left. You’d have to tell me which court I’d find him at.”
Wren shakes his head. “I don’t want to burden anyone with this.”
I stop my swaying. “Wren, it’s affecting your life. You can’t go back to the Fae lands to talk to him on your own behalf. Someone should. I could be that person.”
“Why would you want to?” Wren’s words are so soft. “You haven’t exactly been friendly most of the times we interact.”
“It’s taking away your spark.”
Wren blinks back at me. “You barely notice me.”
“I notice more than you or anyone thinks.” I’m messing this all up. Just tell him how you feel, Talon. That’ll clear any uncertainty. Tell him you love having him at the bakery because just his presence gives you joy.
“You’re not really all that grumpy, are you?” Wren steps closer again. “Wick says you’re painfully shy and I’m beginning to see that too.”