Page 18 of Starfall

Rowen froze. “Thanks.”

“I am fighting themom scrub.”

He grinned as she pulled her hand back. “I wouldn’t mind.”

“Let’s save the grooming for another date.”

Rowen chuckled. “So, I am considering our first date at an end. The shopping is a second date, and this evening is separate as well.”

She got into the car and sighed. “I fell right into the second date.”

He leaned in and kissed her quickly. “You did. This is turning into a very fun day.”

“Right.” She buckled up. He closed her door and walked around to the other side.

She tried to pull herself into her normal shape, but it wasn’t happening. It was her natural form for the rest of the day. Must be the stupid solstice.

He got in next to her and buckled in before waiting until they were clear and then backed out, and they were on to their next stop.

“So, why are you so eager to play chauffer?”

“Because I want to spend time with you and don’t mind driving.”

“Oh, I don’t mind driving either.” She glanced at her arms and realized that if anyone had noticed, they hadn’t commented.

“Good. I can use portals, but I guess you don’t like to.”

“It is the one thing in the world that can turn my stomach. If I have to portal, I keep myself hungry.”

“Sensible. Is it the same when others transport you?”

“I don’t know.”

“Oh. Can we test it?”

“Not until I digest lunch.”

He chuckled. “Fair enough. We are going to my cousin Merwin’s shop. She’s pleasant.”

“Merwin. Merwin Hyguard?”

“Yes. Do you know her?”

“Um, yes. She’s Gabi’s younger sister, right?”

“You know it.”

“Well, she didn’t like me and Orla much. She thought we were making fun of Gabi instead of trying to make her laugh.”

“She has changed. She’s a grownup now.”

“Okay. But don’t be weirded out if she tries to put me in pastels or sizes that are too small.”

“I am sure she will be a consummate shopkeeper. Are folks often hostile to you?”

“Yes. Now that the ogre is more to the surface, it causes some folks to get nervous.”

“I can see that.” He turned off a main road and into a private lot. “We’re here.”

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