Page 13 of In the Grey of Dawn

Sucking in a deep breath, I take in what he's saying. I'm angry, but also I don't think I am at the same time. He’s communicating with me when I need him to and I don't want to make a fool of myself if I keep throwing myself at him.

“Just to be clear, if someone asks me out on a date then I should say yes to him?”

“Sure,” he says, gritting his teeth. “We’re just friends, Charlie. You can date whoever you want to.”

Although he's saying the words out loud, I don't think he's saying them for me. I think he's trying to convince himself.

“Okayfriend, I’ll spread my wings a little and see where I land.”

Chapter 8 - Charlie

The adjustment to small town life has been a bit easier than I expected and I've fallen into a rhythm with everything. Each morning I get ready and head down stairs to Beans for my coffee. I've tried everything on the menu so every day I ask Nova to surprise me with whatever drink she feels like making. I have yet to be disappointed by her creations.

I spend my days with Mila and Dante, making sure she's looked after in every way I can. I love her and my job, but the shift from a bustling ER to having one quiet and polite patient has been an adjustment.

Not once have I come home with blood on me and I think I'm starting to miss the unpredictability of every shift, as well as Dimi’s surprise visits.

I've been thinking about asking Porter if I can fill in at the bar every now and then, just for a change of scenery. He wouldn't even need to pay me. It's just that I'm no longer physically or mentally simulated; however, the amount of her romance books I managed to get through is impressive. I’ve read more than I have in the last ten years and I’ve discovered a particular fondness for monster romances. The idea of a 12-inch,ribbed, blue alien cock with barbs and sparkly blue cum is far more appealing to me than it probably should be.

Pushing open the door to Beans, the warm air and the smell of freshly roasted coffee is heaven. I can feel my mouth watering, only moments away from indulging in one of life's greatest pleasures. The coffee shop is blissfully empty and the dim lighting in Pages; Nova’s adjoining bookstore makes me want to curl up in one of the comfy armchairs and spend the day reading alien smut.

“Good morning, beautiful,” I say to Nova, standing behind the counter with Ace not far from her, perched on a stool near the display cabinet.

“Charlie, I don't mean to bethat guybut I'm the only one who calls Nova beautiful alright?” His brow furrowed but the small smirk he's trying to control is clear that he's just attempting to get a rise out of Nova, one that she's walking right into.

“Ace, don't be a dick. Charlie can absolutely call me beautiful.” She says with a frown as she walks to where he's sitting, giving his shoulder a swipe. Instantly, he pulls her in between his legs and wraps her in a hug, her arms flailing for a second before she gives in and relaxes her arms around his waist. You can see them both visibly slacken in that moment and not for the first time, I wonder why the fuck are they not a couple.

“It’s okay Ace, she's all yours. Let's just say I'm a fan of lumberjacks but not of axe wounds, if you get my drift. I've sampled more than one kitty cat but prefer a pork sword if you catch my meaning. Eaten at the restaurant a-la-minge but just prefer a cum gun. I can go on or is that too much for 8 a.m. on a Tuesday?”

Nova whirls around to face me, still wrapped in Ace's arms and they both saynoso loudly that I'm glad there’s no other customers in here to bear witness.

“Charlie ...” Ace says, his voice breaking slightly as he says my name. Clearing his throat and practically whispering he continues, “Charlie, have you eaten pussy?”

The small moment of silence that surrounds us builds tension as they wait with bated breath for my answer.

“A few times. It's not that bad but just not my thing. My experimental phase in exploring my sexuality lasted a bit longer than most. A few years longer, I guess, but if you haven't already I recommend you try it, Nova. Can't say you don't like something unless you try it first, right?” I say, shrugging my shoulders and inspecting what pastries are on offer this morning.

“I wanna watch. I wanna watch if you do.” Ace yells out, as he scrambles to his knees before her. Holding both of her hands in his like a desperate proposal. “Nova, if you ever decide to taste the delicious nectar ofthe puss-say, I will be your spirit guide. I will take you on a journ—.”

“Why is he being weird?” Nova asks, cutting him off and looking at me confused.

“Please Nova, I beg you. Let me watch you eat pus—.”

“Okay, fine. Whatever, but just stop being weird about it. I promise if I ever decide to, you know,” she says, waving her hand around, “be with a woman. We will all talk about it and ifeveryoneagrees, then you can be my spirit guide.”

Ace pulls her into his arms, mumblingthank youover and over as he nuzzles against her. Their size difference makes it nearly impossible for him to avoid her breasts with him kneeling on the floor.

“Have you two ever?” I question, waving a finger between the two of them. Surely they have a casual thing on the side. Two people can not have that much chemistry andnotbe touchingbits. Nova pulls away from Ace and he lets her go, a look of longing flashes across his face as he moves to sit back on his stool.

“So just yoursurprise medrink then?” Nova says, changing the subject, her face so blushed you would think she had sunburn.

“Yes, please. Shower me in your frothy cream, Nova,” I say laughing, as her blush deepens.

The door to Beans rings out as it’s pushed open and I turn to see a man I've not seen in town before. He's about my height, with solid shoulders and straight dark blond hair that falls to just above his ears. He's like a young Leo inTitanic, except in his 30’s and with far more muscles. Smiling at him, he locks eyes with me and grins in return, his eyes lighting up like it's the 5th of November.

“Hi. Sorry, I don't mean to come off excited but you’re the first people around my age that I've met since I got to town. Everyone else has been quite old, or a kid.” He says confidently to me, the warm woollen sweater he wears makes him look like he's just come from a fishing vessel.

“Oh, that's … well to be honest that's probably the weirdest way to introduce yourself but that's okay. I'm Charlie, this is Nova and Ace, andthisis the best coffee shop in town so we’ll no doubt be seeing more of you. Have you moved here or just on holiday?” I ask, trying to be friendly.

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