Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
TOM
I’m whistling as I make my way toward the main house.
Some people might say that I’m in an obnoxiously cheerful mood this morning (Ian.
Ian said it), but hey, why shouldn’t I be cheerful?
Sure, maybe the end of the world is looming kind of close, and okay, maybe there’s a chance that I’m going to be murdered by a demon and my soul consumed by its darkness, but it’s a glorious fall day, I spent the night with an amazing man who seems really into me, and today I get to hang with my best friend. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Except for the whole demon-end-of-world thing.
And if Ian and Matt want to whine that I’m too cheerful while I make their breakfast, well, then they deserve for Gabe to lecture them on being “entitled little twats.” Gotta say, hearing him leap to my defense even though I didn’t need defending just made the morning even better.
I get to the house and carefully wipe my feet before going inside. Nobody’s going to appreciate wet footprints from the dew-dampened grass. Reception is empty, but the light is on in the office behind it, and I head behind the counter to knock on the doorframe.
Kieran looks up from his screen and smiles. “Hey, Tom. Thanks for this. There’s a school group coming in today, and I’d never get anything done with all the interruptions.”
“No problem,” I assure him. “That’s why I’m here, remember?
” With all the crap going on, plus being short-staffed, Kieran’s been running short of time to get everything done.
Me helping Skye run reception today will free him up to get on top of things.
I’ve done this before, usually when the estate is having a big event or a theme weekend and needs extra help, so all the paperwork’s already on file and I’ve had the safety induction.
“We’re so glad you’re here. Connor and the boys were talking about it last night, how helpful you’ve been, and what good company.”
I’ve known him long enough to know he’s being sincere, but also that he’s fishing for information. I lean against the doorframe.
“That’s nice of them to say. I like their company too.”
He watches me expectantly. I gaze innocently back at him. Finally, he sighs. “You’re going to make me ask, aren’t you?”
“Honestly, I’m surprised Skye hasn’t told you everything he knows already.”
He laughs, his green eyes shining. “He has,” he admits. “But Connor and I are nosy. And we care about Gabe.”
Aw. That’s sweet. “I care about him too.”
He studies me for a second, then nods. “We think you two will be good for each other. And now I’m going to mind my own business and wait for Skye to squeeze more information out of you. Come on, let’s get you a uniform.”
I cringe. I’d forgotten that part—working on reception means wearing one of the olde-timey outfits. Kieran keeps a bunch of spares for when they need extra help, so I know he’s got stuff in my size. But… ew.
We get me fitted out in pants, shirt, vest, jacket, and cravat.
I know from what Skye’s told me that they’re not historically accurate and have been modified a little to allow for comfort, but they’re still not that comfortable.
I’m not used to wearing a suit jacket and tie, much less this more complicated version.
The sacrifices I make for my friends.
When I go back out to reception, Skye’s there, turning on the computer and putting in the cash drawer. “Morning,” he says, smiling brightly. It widens even more when he takes in my outfit. “Does it make me a terrible person to feel joy in seeing you wear that?”
“Nope. You were already a super terrible person.”
He laughs and hands me a stack of brochures. “We didn’t have the energy to restock last night.”
“No problem.”
We work in silence for a few minutes, getting things set up for the day before the visitors arrive, and then Kieran pokes his head out of the office. “I’m opening the gate now, and the bus driver just called to say they’re ten minutes away.”
“We’re ready,” Skye says confidently, then turns to me.
“The level of chaos we’re about to experience depends on what kind of teacher’s in charge.
Some have the kids wait on the bus while they check in and get the details.
Those are the best kind. Some let the kids run wild in here while they handle the admin.
Those are the worst kind. Most are somewhere in between. ”
That doesn’t sound like fun. “How long will that last?” I’m struck by sudden horror. “We don’t have to show them around, do we?”
He laughs. “Fuck, no. Sarina’s their guide for today.
She’ll take them through the museum first, and then down to Ewan for an exciting lesson about blacksmithing made even more exciting by that one kid who always nearly burns themself by touching things they’re not supposed to.
They’ll have lunch at the picnic tables, and then they’re with Daniel for an hour or so before they get on their bus and go back where they came from.
Hopefully without having broken anything, upset any of the animals, or annoyed the ghosts. ”
Note to self: stay away from the kids.
“Speaking of annoyed ghosts, I heard you pissed off Carter last night.”
“Did he run straight to you to tattle?” I ask indignantly. “Can’t a man have some private time with his—” Crap. How do I want to finish that sentence?
Skye leans forward, expression avid. “His… what?”
“His date.” That doesn’t sound completely right, but there’s no way I’m saying “lover,” which is a stupid word. It’s too soon for “boyfriend,” and “hookup” seems vaguely disrespectful in reference to Gabe. He’s more than just someone I’m sleeping with.
“Your date.” Skye’s tone says everything there is to say about how stupid that sounds. “Is that what you guys are doing? Dating?”
“I mean… yeah? It’s been less than a week. Aren’t we moving fast enough without slapping a serious label on it?”
The disappointed scowl on my best friend’s face looks completely out of place. “I guess. It’s just… you two are so perfect for each other. Okay, maybe it’s too soon to get serious, but do you see it going in that direction?”
Yes. The sensible side of me thinks I should need time to consider this question, but the truth is, my whole being knows the answer.
“Yeah.” Saying it out loud sets off a swirling dance of butterflies in my stomach, but they’re excited, not anxious. Getting serious with Gabe? Yeah, that’s gonna happen.
“Yes! I knew it! If I hadn’t been so, uh, distracted by Daniel—”
I fake cough. “Obsessed.”
“Distracted, I would have tried to set you up sooner.” He stops. “Though it might have been hard, since your nonna called him the devil. The fact that he got over that and still wants you is a pretty big sign you two are meant to be.”
That reminds me… “I need to talk to Nonna later. She has to stop telling people Gabe’s going to be a big hero, like that has any impact on why I’m with him.
” I managed to distract Gabe from that last night, but eventually I’ll have to explain it without sounding like I only want him for his hero status.
Skye opens his mouth—probably to ask what that’s all about—but at that precise moment, a middle-aged woman with a cheerful smile walks through the door, and we both switch into work mode.
“…so we can just walk around and see what’s what?” the twentysomething guy wearing tiiiiiight jeans and a midriff top asks earnestly.
“You can. There are set times for farming and blacksmithing demonstrations, as you can see here.” I point to the schedule on the back of the folding map. “But you’re welcome to just wander around too. The off-limits areas are marked by signs and also don’t appear on the map.”
“Great,” his friend, dressed in equally tight jeans and a mesh muscle shirt, declares. “We heard this is the place to find queer eye candy. Is that true?”
My mouth opens and closes. Nobody prepared me for this.
Beside me, clearly eavesdropping even while he helps an elderly couple, Skye coughs.
“Uh… kinda.” Seized by mischief, I lean in, and so do they.
“I don’t normally work here, but there are a whole lot of hot guys who do, and yeah, a bunch of them are queer.
You should definitely check out the blacksmithing and farming demonstrations.
Or if twinks are more your type…” I trail off and tilt my head toward Skye.
They look in that direction, and I steal a glance. My best friend’s cheeks are pink while he determinedly ignores us, and I’m honestly not sure if he wants to laugh or kill me. Probably both.
“I like twinks,” muscle shirt guy says. “You got a Post-it or something?”
This day just keeps getting better and better. “Sure!” I grab the pad from under Skye’s nose and hand it over with a pen. A second later, he gives me back two Post-its with his name and number scrawled on them.
“One’s for the cutie, and one’s for you. We’re staying at the motel in town if you want to hang out later.”
I honestly don’t know why I’m so surprised. “Oh. I’m kind of seeing someone right now.” And Skye has a boyfriend, but I don’t mention that.
“Is he as hot as you are?”
Before I can even think of a way to answer that—he’s way fucking hotter would probably just make them ask for his number—Nonna pops in beside him and smacks his arm.
“Shameful! Shameful! He say he have boyfriend!” She switches to Italian and launches into a diatribe about respect for relationships and how young people need to be less slutty, and… I think something about how tight jeans make you infertile?
Fuck. The only good thing about this is that they can’t understand her, but they’re staring at her with slack jaws and pale faces. Muscle shirt guy is trembling slightly.
Kieran sticks his head out of the office, but I wave him off as I hustle around the counter and grab Nonna’s arm, turning her away from them.
She resists, and for a second I lighten the pressure, but then I remember she’s dead and I can’t hurt her.
Even in this manifested form, she doesn’t actually have a physical body.
“Come on. Leave them alone.” I haul her away toward the parlor waiting area where visitors can get water and snacks.
She’s still lecturing over her shoulder. “It’s fine, Nonna. I wasn’t offended.”
“I was offended!” she snarls.
I study her face. She’s really upset about this. “We’ll talk about it later. Go watch TV or help one of the others.”
She sniffs and mutters something I can’t make out, then disappears, leaving me to deal with the fallout. Skye quickly distracts his elderly couple, and I approach the two shocked men.
“I’m so sorry about that. She—”
“Was that a ghost?” Midriff shirt guy whispers. “They said there were ghosts here.”
I nod. “Yes. There are six ghosts who’ve been living here full-time for about ninety years, and two who’ve started visiting more recently.” I try not to think about how ridiculous that sentence is.
“Why was she so angry?” Muscle shirt guy asks, his voice a little shaky.
I grimace apologetically. “That’s my grandmother. She really likes the guy I’m seeing.” It seems like the simplest way to explain things. Thankfully, they both nod, seeming reassured by that.
“So she’s not a mean ghost?”
“No.” I shake my head. “I mean, she’s got opinions, but she wouldn’t hurt anyone. I’m so sorry she yelled at you, though.”
He waves it off. “Nah, I get it. My gram would be the same, you know? She’s always after me to settle down, and I’m like, I’m only twenty-four, Gram. Gimme some time to see what’s out there, y’know?”
“I know.” I’m suddenly seized by a fierce hope that he does get to see what’s out there. Whatever Gabe needs to get this done, I’ll do everything in my power to get for him. I want a world where young gay guys can come to Mannix to perv on the staff.
Respectfully, of course.
I show them on the map where they’ll find Ewan, who’s just about to start a demonstration, promise they’ll get to see his muscles bulging while he works, and send them on their way. As Skye’s elderly couple disappear down the hall toward the museum, we look at each other with wide eyes.
“Holy crap,” he says. “You should have introduced them to Ian and Matt.”