Page 7 of Prayers for the Prickly

“Of course I did, no way was I letting him leave before he told me. It’s Oliver, but he said that everyone just calls him….”

“Olly,” I finished for him.

“Oh come on, you know him?” Ever grumbled, scrubbing a hand over his face. “Please don’t tell me you’re calling dibs?”

“Nope, he’s all yours. It’s his brother I want to know more about.”

“His brother? Oh, now you’ve gotta tell me what’s going on.”

“Nothing yet, but I’m hopeful,” I explained, lowering my voice as several customers entered the shop. “His brother made the driftwood sculptures I told you about.”

“The ones you won’t let me see.”

“Like I told you, they are already wrapped and waiting for Tilly’s party. You can see them then. It’s worth the wait, I promise you. His craftsmanship is amazing.”

“Is that the only thing that’s amazing?”

“So far. Olly was over here giving me hell for not having chocolate,” I explained. “But he bought a bunch of candy for his brother before he left. Now that I know Gregor’s favorite flavors, I plan to whip up a few things just for him.”

“Are you going to deliver them yourself, too?”

“Sure am. With any luck, I’ll land a date this week, too.”

“Sothat’swho you’re standing here mooning over,” Everett said, smacking me on the arm.

“I think he’s my mate.”

I clasped my hands over my mouth and mentally kicked myself for blurting that out where anyone could hear. Not that Ever was guaranteed to keep it a secret, either. When that hedgehog got excited, words spilled from his lips with the same speed as when he filled his chocolate molds. Fast, fast, fast.

Ever scooted closer, until our shoulders brushed, allowing us to speak in hushed whispers without being overheard by others in the room.

“You think, or you’re certain?” Everett asked.

“I-I-I was only around him for a little while but ever since I left his shop, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him,” I said. “And last night, I dreamed about being pinned down beneath him, and oh my goddess, Ever, it was the best dream. I did not want to get out of bed this morning.”

“Which is also why you made a beeline to claim the washer once you did,” Everett giggled, nudging me.

“I may have gotten a little overly enthusiastic,” I admitted, snickering a little. “It’s been awhile.”

“TMI, bro, TMI.”

“Like you weren’t planning on coming in tomorrow and telling me all about your date tonight.”

“There could be some truth to that.”

“Uh huh,” I grumbled, nudging him. “Get on back to your shop and let me deal with my customers.”

“And those special treats you intend to whip up, too,” Everett shot back.

“Just make sure you don’t forget Uncle Gene’s espresso beans,” I called after him, giggling when my sibling turned and discreetly flipped me the bird, before returning to his chocolates.

Chapter 3

Gregor

The space between night and dawn was but a sliver of silvery light, but it was my favorite time of day. Free from car sounds and rambling cell phone conversations the public didn’t need to be privy to, there were just the early gulls and the scuttling sand crabs. The rolling surf as it lapped against the shore was better than even the music of my favorite bands. Out here, I could enjoy it unspoiled. It was better than any mediation playlist I’d ever cobbled together.

There were times when I just came here to listen, and not to harvest driftwood, the way I was this morning. The soft shhh of the sled I pulled behind me over the sand only enhanced the rhythm of the morning.

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