Chapter 13 #3
He blushes at Acton’s praise. “Or maybe I’m just an old familiar face,” he teases. “But thank you for your sweetness, Acton. I continue to be the luckiest man in the world to be your mate.”
Norrell’s mouth tips up into a smile as he watches them, and I realize mine has done the same as my eyes move back to my uncles, still deliriously in love after fifty years.
“So,” Walt says with a light clap of his hands. “How does Midnight Mystic sound? Acton wants to try their new bee pollen smoothie.” He puts his arm around Acton, settling a hand on his waist while pulling him into his side.
“Sounds great,” I agree. “I’ve been so curious about it too!”
Walt marvels at all his signs in the windows along the street as we walk back to the coffee shop and café. They’re unmissable with their cute slogan in big print.
Midnight Mystic has a full menu catering to nearly every Whispered Folk diet. I always enjoy seeing the food Acton orders since I never quite know what to expect.
Though we arrive during the dinner rush, we’re still able to get a table, claiming it with our leftover campaign posters and then order at the counter.
I order spiced pumpkin soup with a side of fresh baked bread.
Norrell orders a beef and vegetable pot pie with a side salad.
Looking at him, I would have figured him to be much more carnivorous than he is.
But long ago he told me his people somehow grow fields of vegetables and grains in the expansive underground cavern they live in.
When we sit down, Walt sizes up Norrell more directly than he had earlier.
And frankly I’m surprised he hadn’t said anything sooner.
“So, we haven’t spoken since you came back,” he starts, sounding hesitant.
“I’m not saying I forgive you for what you did, but I’m glad to hear about everything you’re doing for Ada since you’ve returned.
And for your help today. I feel a little out of my element with this upcoming election, so I appreciate the support. ”
Norrell inclines his head. “You are welcome. If there is anything else I can do, just name it. And I have not forgiven myself either, so I would never expect it from anyone else, especially her beloved uncles,” he responds, his voice turning pensive.
“A lifetime of good intentions may never make up for that one terrible decision that led to my profound betrayal. And I will live with that knowledge for the rest of my days.”
Walt looks at me for a long moment and sighs, rubbing an unsteady hand over his mouth. It’s a difficult topic and I’m sure the expression on my face reflects my own range of emotions.
“It shows maturity that you understand the impact it had on Ada that you had the audacity to leave her. When you did. I’ll follow Ada’s lead on this, but it may take some time for me to come around again,” he admits plainly.
It looks like it pains him to say such a thing to someone he once cared for.
Acton surreptitiously rubs a soothing hand along his back.
“I understand. I failed Ada. And you and Acton by extension of that. Leaving her meant I left her family as well. I am eternally sorry. I hope to earn your respect again one day,” he says, his voice unexpectedly thick with emotion.
It’s a crazy notion, considering everything, but I want to comfort both males, even though it’s clear they need to work this out between themselves.
Walt took the abandonment very personally since he embraced Norrell as a nephew, though that hadn’t blinded Walt to his shortcomings as a mate to me.
Acton was also upset, but he never expressed his heartbreak as outwardly except to comfort me.
Watching us, Acton adds, “Seasons of change bring out the best and worst of those in its midst. We shall let this metamorphosis play out until we cast any more judgment.”
“That’s wise counsel as always, Acton. If my situation is the metamorphosis, I feel like I’m turning into a slug rather than a butterfly. But I do feel like a well-cared-for slug, if that makes y’all feel better about things,” I note with an easy laugh.
“You are not turning into a slug, my dear. They do not go through a metamorphosis,” Walt gently corrects me.
“Anything is possible at this point,” I joke, trying to lighten the mood at the table. Putting everyone at ease again will go a long way in helping repair their connection.
“You are already as vibrant as a butterfly floating on gossamer wings,” Acton reassures me.
Before I can respond, a server stops by with our food.
Everyone’s dinner looks and smells delicious.
I lean over to take a whiff of the bee pollen smoothie, a frothy concoction of sap from various trees as well as natural sugars, pollen, and honey.
The combination smells pleasant, like it would make a nice scent for a candle.
It is topped with pollen flakes and a sizeable chunk of raw honeycomb that Acton immediately plucks out of the glass and takes a big bite of.
We finally ease into more companionable conversation after our first few bites of food. I ask Walt who they ran into on their side of the street.
“Well, when we went to the garden store, they basically stole half my stack! Between all we’ve bought there and at their nursery, I guess we’re their best customers lately, what with the big back garden overhaul project.
They offered to hand them out to customers!
” Walt slaps his knee and laughs at the sheer silliness of it. “I didn’t have the heart to say no.”
“Well, they know how to keep their customers loyal!” I guffaw.
“The dance academy wants to host the election night party. They said they’ve been my biggest fans since I helped them organize recitals in the parks for their students who fly. I was too flustered to outright accept, but I told them I’ll consider it. That’s too much, right?” Walt questions.
“I remember how beloved those were,” Norrell chimes in. “The young students had tremendous talent.”
Acton cups Walt’s cheek in his hand affectionately, turning his head so they gaze at each other. “You have been a north star to many, even if you would never give yourself credit. Let them celebrate you, my overly modest mate.” Walt and Acton share a knowing smile and a peck on the lips.
“Then I believe we’ll have ourselves a party!” I gush, clapping my hands in glee.