Page 62 of Falling in Love with A Tiny Bat

“Did you have a good time?” Alexios asks, mischief in his stormy gaze.

“Idon’twant to talk about it.” Pushing off the kitchen counter, Castor says, “If there’s nothing else I’m needed for, I’ll be on my way.”

“Oh, right.” My stomach knots itself into a pile of spaghetti as I cradle my sweet angel. “There is something.”

Alexios eyes me.

“Castor, next Friday…”

Alexios’s brows rise, but a warm smile takes hold of his features, crinkling the corners of his eyes as he dips his head and runs a gloved finger across the island counter edge.

“What of next Friday?” Castor inquires.

“Are you busy?”

“I might have something devious planned…although certainly nothing so time-sensitive as I cannot adjust my schedule.” His teeth flash, bright and fanged. “What manner of event have you in mind?”

This is going to take several mustard seeds of faith.

Which is saying a lot.

Because most days I’m positive I don’t even have one.

“Xios and I…were invited to dinner.”

Castor’s mirth depletes. “Oh.” He sips his drink, then he pauses, draws the can away, and fixes his attention between Alexios and I. “Oh. You want me to watch the babe again. Am I to take this as a glowing review of my services tonight? Have you decided I’m responsible and trustworthy? What honor. What thrill. How mindful, demure, and cutesy of me.”

“I…” I fight to bring a cooling breath into my lungs. “I wouldn’t gothatfar…”

For the record, I wouldnevergo that far. Giving Castor a phone suddenly feels like a crime. Whoever gave him access to garbage internet trends should be taken out back and shot.

Oh.

Darn.

Chipper, Castor continues, “You’re right, of course; I should go farther. You are willing to entrust me with the most precious being in your life. I have proven myself worthy, in spite of every odd. I shall be telling Whimsy of this. In vast detail.”

My mouth opens and closes. My brow furrows. “Whimsy?”

Alexios coughs to cover a laugh. “His birb. On…that Finch app.”

For the love of Sir, Alexios roped Castor into that, too?

Delight in his every pore, Castor says, “She’s a little princess, and I find myself ranting to her in depth. The more words I write, the more money it gives me, and the more money I have, the more articles of clothing I can purchase for her. Thus, I findmyself trapped in the tumultuous, never-ending cycle…”

From here, it looks like a downward spiral…

But, I mean, technically that app is for mental health and self-care? Maybe it’ll do Castor some good.

Castor sighs, pitifully. “Xios’s invitation to join hisTree Townwas the first message I received after you helped me set things up a few days ago.”

I turn my attention to my…very odd…soulmate. “Xios, I think you have a problem.”

“I think you might be jealous that I have more friends in my Tree Town than you. Do you feel threatened, as an extrovert?”

I pout. “Aw, sweetie. No, see, I actually talk to people, inreal life, and when I talk to them online, I have more than a dozen vague actions I can send them through a chubby bird…” Rocking Ash, I suck my teeth. “So…yeah…it’s moreconcerned, lessthreatened. Do I need to take you out and socialize you better?”

He lights up. “I’d gladly let you take me out. On a date. With a gun. I am open to the options.”

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