Page 19 of Knot Gonna Give You Up

“Simon, this is Henry, no nickname,” Vic says.

“Hey,” I greet Simon, holding a hand out for a shake.

Simon looks at my hand, then back up to my face, before grasping it. “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice place you built.” I take a stab in the dark.

When they were talking about the feedback, it signaled that one of them owned the joint, and my bet is on Simon. He seems to observe everything, telling me he’s invested in what’s happening around him.

“How’d you know?” he asks.

I shrug, “Somewhat lucky guess. Overheard you guys talking about a feedback box or something, and you seem more invested in what’s happening around you. You’re continuously surveying the room.”

He smirks in response and nods his head.

“It’s obvious you put a lot of thought and effort into it. I’ll definitely be telling people to visit if the coffee’s as good as the ambiance,” I continue.

Vic chuckles, “Oh, just wait. Simon makes the best coffee you’ve ever had. We live together and I’mspoiledby it.”

When he mentions living together, that’s when this feeling clicks, and I realize it’s a Pack Pull that I’m feeling. These guys are Pack, and now I feel frozen in place with the knowledge. Vic’s eyes light up when he sees me freeze, and Simon looks like he just got indigestion.

“You feel it!” Vic states, excitedly.

I rub at my chest. “Yeah, shit, I didn’t think I’d ever feel that.”

Simon clears his throat, “I need to go check something in the back.”

My name is called for my drinks as Simon walks away, so I turn and grab the two cups before stepping back with Vic. We stand by the wall, a bit away from where people are waiting for their drinks. Taking a sip of my coffee, I hum in appreciation.

“You’re right, this coffee is fantastic.”

“Right? He’s got a thing for beans. They have to be just right and have to help small farmers,” Vic explains.

“How long have you two known each other?” I ask.

“We met in college, been roommates ever since.”

“Oh, when you said you live together, I assumed you were together or part of a Pack. You seem tight enough to be Pack.”

He sighs, “I think we are Pack, but Simon walks away any time I mention it. He got burned pretty badly before we met in college, so I try to be careful in approaching the topic. You don’t seem to be bothered by it, though.”

“I wasn’t sure if I would ever find the pull, so yeah, I’m definitely interested in talking about it. If we want to pursue it, there are lots of details to start thinking about. Of course, I don’t want to make problems for either of you, so please tell me if I overstep.” I realize I’m rambling a little by the end of that thought.

Vic just smiles, and I’m impressed with how easy-going he seems in general. It will be nice to have someone in the Pack like that. Assuming we become Pack. I don’t even know if there are others, but it’s not something I want to push. Yet.

“Maybe we can catch dinner sometime soon?” Vic suggests.

“Yeah, for sure, I’d be up for that. Can I give you my number? My hands are full at the moment.” I hold up the drinks.

Vic grabs his phone, and I recite my number to him. Not a moment later, I feel my pants buzz with a text message. We part ways with a smile, and by the time I get home, I’m glad I ordered the hot chocolate extra hot. Normally, it’s not something I do, but it just felt right today. I guess my instincts were on point because it was still hot when I got home.

“What’s got you all smiley?” Ray asks after taking a sip.

“I think I have a Pack.”

nine

JOSIE

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