Page 34 of Frosted Torment

“Not sure yet.” I laughed as I squeezed him. “I like this look on you, though.”

He held his hands out with a tilt of his head. “I can relax here.”

“Where are we?” My eyes took in the warmth of the cabin as a fire roared in the living room.

“This is Vincent’s place, but he likes to serve our meals and hold meetings here in the mornings. Now, let’s get you something to eat.”

I nodded, and he stepped aside and gestured with his arm out for me to walk into the kitchen before him. Lex leaned over the stove, now wearing a sweatshirt and black sweatpants. Hestirred oatmeal while an elderly woman with soft copper skin dashed sugar and cinnamon into the same pot.

She turned, her russet eyes sparkling. Deep-set lines caressed her face. She offered a smile, then clapped her hands twice to gain the attention of a few remaining angels. Those who finished tossed their plates in the trash, and others carried their food to the porch.

Wearing a long denim dress and a red and white paisley waist apron, she faced me. “Hi, Noa. Feeling better?”

“I think so.” I pressed my hands against my head. “My head doesn’t hurt anymore, but I can’t say the same for my body.”

“You can thank my grandson for that.” She brightened with pride, and I smiled. Her raven hair, parted down the middle, spilled down her back. She took a paper plate from the bar and filled it with waffles and fruit. “I’m Nevaeh, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you.” I grabbed a few grapes and chewed quickly. Hunger overcame me.

“Likewise.” Excitement sang out in her voice. “Bacon?”

“Yes, please.” I took a bite of a strawberry while she guided me to a seat at the bar where others left plates behind. “I’d like to thank Nakoma. Is he around?”

She watched me and rubbed the gray and white beads around her neck. They seemed to bring back a long-forgotten memory.

“He goes where he’s needed around here, but you’ll get a chance.” The screen door slammed, and Nevaeh patted her hands on her apron and sighed. “You need to talk to them, Jossy. Look at this mess. And slamming doors? I won’t have this house disrespected, no matter their feelings.”

“They’re processing everything, but I promise I’ll remind them of the rules,” he pledged.

Jossy walked out onto the porch, where voices grew louder in frustration. I turned back to watch Lex fill containers with leftovers and oatmeal. He stacked them into brown paper sacks, then labeled the bags with names. I ate faster, then gulped down two glasses of orange juice, savoring each burst of flavor left on my tongue.

What my mind craved was answers. About myself, the demons that stormed in last night, and my mother. I knew it would be challenging, but Jossy’s assurance about Vincent having all the answers gave me hope.

Something shifted inside me as I pondered it, and fear morphed into courage. I wiped my sweaty palms against my jeans, feeling anxious, and pushed my plate away. Realizing I hadn’t seen Ivy, I looked around.

Lex glanced up while wiping away remnants of breakfast from the counter. “She’s not here,” he offered with a smile.

“Not to worry. Ivy will be along.” Nevaeh’s tone indicated there were other important things to take care of besides me.

I forced a smile as she filled a percolator with freshly ground coffee. Two thermoses sat on the counter, and when she looked over, her eyes gave me solace. When the coffee finished brewing, I stepped down from the bar chair to join her, and she pointed to the thermoses. She took them with a smile as I pretended to keep my nerves in check.

Lex reached for a coffee mug at the back of the cabinet next to us and poured a fresh cup. He handed it to me.

“Cream and sugar?” he asked pointing to each on the counter.

“Wow, your choice to give me this and live for another day is impressive, Lex.”

I nodded with a smile and gestured with my coffee cup. The intense aroma of vanilla wafted toward me, causing my body to collapse in contentment.

He dropped two spoonfuls of sugar into my mug, followed by a dash of creamer. Handing me the spoon, he said, “It’s the only high you’re allowed to have.”

“And you love reminding me, don’t you?” I shot a disgusted glance at him before reclaiming my spot at the bar, as Lex chuckled at my expense.

My unease about the situation only grew stronger. I debated whether to reveal the truth about the man in my head. He could be a demon for all I knew, but in the end, I kept quiet. My eyes flickered from Nevaeh, who gazed out of a tiny circular window above the sink, and back to me.

She reminded me of my grandmother, whom I’d never met but had only seen in pictures. I’d never met any family on my mom’s side and knew nothing about my dad. Not even photos of him existed.

Ugh! My memory box. I’d have to figure out a way to get it back.

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