Page 53 of Apex of the Curve

Vyking and Fen had hung lanterns at even intervals from the underside of the roof’s edge and the light from them was warm and just enough along with the lantern at the center of the table. It seemed if they could get away with skipping the use of electricity, they would. I couldn’t decide if it was a cost-saving measure, or what, but I liked it whatever the case may be. It was simpler somehow, certainly more rustic, and just made things peaceful.

“What about you, Aspen?”

“What?” I looked up from my plate where I’d been chasing my last bite of salad across its surface.

Jon chuckled. “We were talking about travel. If you could go anyplace in the world, where would you go?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” I said. I blew out a big breath. “With everything going on, travel has honestly been the last thing on my mind.”

“Oh yeah? What’s going on?” he asked, catching whatever look Fenris beside me cast him too late. I put my hand on Fenris’ arm and he looked down at me. I shook my head slightly, indicating that he didn’t need to protect me from having to talk about my life – shitty though it may be for the time being.

I gave Jon the CliffsNotes and he gave a low whistle.

“Yeah, you got a lot on your plate. All that aside, I know exactly what you’re going through with your business. I had something similar happen to me when it came to the meadery and getting it going.”

“Really?” I asked.

“Man, I didn’t know that,” Fen said.

“Me either,” Vyking declared.

“Oh, yeah. It’s a long story, and it’s getting late, otherwise I’d get into it for y’all. I promise, though. Rain check. It’s a wild ride from start to finish.”

“Love to hear it, brother. Can’t be as crazy as your trip to the old country,” Vyking said.

“Oh, that’s part of it,” Jon said.

“Shit, you’re gonna have to come back real soon, then.” Fenris got to his feet and stepped out over the bench of the table to get out.

“After a meal like that, what’s for dinner tomorrow night, man?”

The guys had a laugh and I smiled and giggled along with them as I started to gather plates and utensils to bring everything inside.

“Leave it,” Vyking grunted. “You and the boy cooked; I clean. Fair is fair.”

“Let me give you a hand bringing this inside,” Jon said affably. “Then I’ll get out of here.”

“Thank you,” I murmured.

“Hope things get better for you,” he said, and I smiled.

“Thank you. I hope so, too.”

“Come on, let’s get you to bed. It’s past your bedtime,” Fen said gently and put an arm around me.

“K. Goodnight, Jon, goodnight, Vyking.”

“Night, girly,” Vyking declared and I went with Fen inside.

“Go brush your teeth, I’ll turn down the bed,” Fen said at the top of the stairs.

I rolled my eyes slightly and said, “Yes, Dad.”

“Oh, you’ll call me daddy, alright,” he said with a wink, and I burst out laughing.

“No,” I said with certainty. “Not my thing.”

He grinned at me and I stepped into the bathroom and shut the door.

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