Page 37 of Perfectly Perplexing Zombie

“I…” I wasn’t sure what to say. Was Professor Stover bragging? He’d run a lot of successful archaeological digs. Maybe his reputation was enough and donors were coming out of the woodwork.

After clearing my throat, I offered up an admittedly weak smile. I’d never really known Professor Stover to be a braggart, but I supposed I didn’t personally know him that well.

Finally, I managed to say, “I’m glad to hear that. I mean, it’s good that you don’t have to worry about funding.”

“No, I don’t think I’ll have to worry about that ever again.” Professor Stover’s uncomfortable grin remained while he gave me an equally uncomfortable wink.

My earlier joy in meeting up with him faded into a sea of confusion and unease.

“Yo, Wendall.” Johnny’s hoofed feet sounded loud in the quieting bar. “I’m sorry to break things up, but the dishes are starting to stack up. Lizbeth made a dent in them, but she needs to get going.”

“Oh!” I jumped away from the edge of the bar. It was still strange expecting my cheeks to warm with an embarrassing flush while they remained cool and forever pale. “I’m sorry, Johnny. I lost track of time. I didn’t mean for Lizbeth to do that.” My gaze flashed from Professor Stover to Johnny. Trinket’s tail cinched on my bicep, holding a little tighter as I threw the professor an apologetic “I’m sorry, but I need to get back to work.”

“Absolutely. I’m sorry for keeping you so long, Wendall. Especially when you’re on the clock.” Professor Stover sounded truly sorry.

“It’s fine,” Johnny waved us both off. “Wendall’s a good worker, and I know he’ll get the dishes done in no time.” Johnny gave me a friendly slap on the shoulder as he walked by.

“I better get going,” I said, already backing away with relief. “It was nice seeing you.” I wasn’t completely lying. It had been nice, at least in the beginning. I still wasn’t sure what it was toward the end. I wasn’t even sure why I felt uneasy, only that I did. Maybe it was because Trinket didn’t seem to like him, and so far, she’d liked everyone else.

“Maybe I’ll stop by another time so we can talk a little more. Or maybe you’d like to meet up outside of work. I’d suggest coffee, but last I knew, that’s not on the zombie menu.”

Ouch.I inwardly flinched as Professor Stover chuckled at his own humor. It wasn’t that I didn’t know what I was. The fresh brain tissue sitting in my fridge was a constant reminder, as was my deteriorating skin and quiescent heart. I hadn’t felt bad about what I was until that exact moment.

“Yeah, I, uh…I’m actually pretty busy here. You know you’re free to stop by, but I’m not sure how much free time I’ll have. It kind of depends on how busy Dusk is.” I wasn’t sure how to politely tell Professor Stover that I didn’t necessarily desire a follow-up to whatever tonight had been. We’d done a congenial meet and greet, but as he’d just pointed out, we lived in completely different worlds.

That too-wide smile was back and appeared more forced than ever. I took another step backward and ran into a solid wall of flesh, but unlike mine, the heart that beat beneath that chest was strong and felt like a bass drum.

“Wendall.”

I’d never heard Ray say my name like that. Or maybe I’d never felt safe when he said it.

“Would you like some assistance with the dishware?” Ray politely asked.

Reaching behind me, I grasped a chunk of Ray’s pant leg. Trinket leaned away from me and toward Ray, cooing for all she was worth.She is such a flirt.

“Yeah. That’d be great. Johnny said they’re really piling up.”

“I wasn’t aware fairies lowered themselves to such menial tasks.” Professor Stover made a tsking sound. “Truly fascinating.”

“We go where we are required,” Ray soundly answered, his voice calm and just as soothing as before. The hardened edge that sharpened his words wasn’t directed at me.

“Yes, I suppose that’s true.” Finally pushing away from the bar, Professor Stover gave me a nod and said, “It was good seeing you again, Wendall. I’m certain our paths will cross again.” Professor Stover’s gaze tracked to Ray and held steady. I’d rarely seen a human brave or stupid enough to have a stare-off with a fairy.

In the end, the professor just smirked and walked off with his hands stuffed into his pockets. I watched him until Dusk’s doors closed behind him. Only a few stragglers were left, but I couldn’t be bothered to look at a single one.

“That was weird,” I finally said, tone a little breathless.

“Not nearly as weird as you currently think,” Ray answered.

His breath across the top of my head made me realize my back was still plastered to his front, and my hand still had a death grip on his pants.

Pulling away, I released his pants and mumbled a hurried “Sorry.” I wasn’t sure what I was apologizing for, and by the pinched skin between Ray’s eyes, neither did he. When he remained silent, I thought back on his earlier words and asked, “What do you mean?”

Instead of answering me, Ray said, “I believe there are dirty dishes that require attention,” before he turned and headed for the kitchen area.

Choking on my response, I startled and hurried after him. “Wait! You don’t need to help me. I can handle it.”

Ray didn’t verbally answer. He walked to the sink. Lizbeth had drained and refilled it with fresh, soapy water before she left. Ray rolled up the sleeves of his expensive shirt and filled the warm water with dirty glasses.

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