Page 21 of Knocked up By the Minotaur

Ismelda’s eyes immediately light with excitement, and she clasps her weathered hands before her. “Oh, are things going well between you two? Finally! I’m so glad to hear it!”

“She’ll jump at the opportunity to prove to her ex that she’s moved on from him.” I frown slightly, and then clink my own cup on the table with a snort of affront. “And what do you mean, finally?Are you questioning my abilities with the fairer sex? I think I’ve proven myself quite capable on that front.”

Ismelda’s eyes crease with amusement as she stands. “I think you most certainly have not. I’ve never seen you with the same lady for longer than three or four months.”

Getting to my feet, I wave my hand at her comment. “Those are two entirely separate issues.”

“Just like that father of yours,” she tsks.

“Ismelda,” I say warningly, even as I open my door for her and follow her out.

Her face softens, and she lays a hand on my forearm as we walk to the elevator. “He wasn’t always like that. Your father once knew how to love, I remember it even if you don’t. I just fear you’re taking inspiration from the wrong half of his life.”

“Well,” I mutter as the elevator doors slide open, “you sure know how to bring the mood down.”

She pats at the back of my hand and draws me into the elevator with her. “Olistaire, dearie, I worry about you. I’ve known you since you were a little calf, I just want to see you happy.”

“I am perfectly content with my life.”

“Why don’t you give it a real shot with Grace?” she asks, instead of responding to that statement. “What harm could it possibly do?”

I turn to look at the matronly witch, taking in the genuine worry in her expression despite her small smile. “Ismelda, the gods know you’ve made comments here and there throughout the years, but since when do you try to make me date the females I’m seeing? You’re starting to sound like Rho these days.”

“Rhokar is happily mated, and he just wants his brother in spirit to experience the same joys.”

“And you?” We finish descending past the other businesses in this building, and the elevator comes to a stop. “Why the sudden interest now? Why this female?”

She grabs my hand once more in hers, turning it palm-up in her grasp. The elevator doors open as she runs a finger over the scratch Grace left in the short fur at my wrist, and she gives it a considering look before glancing back at me with a smile.

“You have a lot more love in your heart to give than you think,” is all she says in reply. “I don’t want to see life pass you by before you discover it, that’s all.”

She leaves, and as the elevator begins its ascent back to the top floor, I let out a long sigh.

Well, that’s depressing.

Chapter 9

Grace

On Friday morning, I receive an unmarked package on my doorstep. For a long moment, I wonder if it’s from Brad and if I should simply leave it where it sits and hope it gets rained on. But then I decide that I’m simply too curious, and I bring it inside to open it.

It’s a gorgeous little black dress with a sleek silhouette, long sleeves to suit the cooling weather, and a pretty, off-the-shoulder design. I stare at it with my mouth agape, as Lucas bounces around me asking if he got a present too.

Brad didn’t… No, surelyhe didn’t buy me this? Why would he? He’s never bought me a thing, except for the obnoxious roses from the other day. This doesn’t make any sense.

But then I notice a small card tumble from the luxurious material, and I pick it up to read the elegant, handwritten cursive script.

Dear Pookie Wookie Pumpkin Pie,

I saw this and thought it would look beautiful on you. But you’re lovely no matter what you wear, so don’t feel obliged if it’s not to your liking.

Looking forward to seeing you tonight,

Oli.

I can’t stop thinking about the dress for the rest of the day, or the man who went out of his way to buy it for me simply because he saw it and thought of me.

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