Page 12 of Wooing the Wiccan
I’m trying to easemeinto the idea of Jared being in my life. Am I really thinking about doing this? Could Jared be interested in me that way, and could something come of it? It’s been so long since I was in a relationship that I’m not sure I remember how to be in one.
My phone vibrates in my hand, and I glance at the screen.
Jared:
Perfect. Does tomorrow afternoon at four work?
I’ll make it work. I send back an affirmative, hesitate, then add:
Could I call you later? My colleague told me a story about his toddler today that I think will both horrify and amuse you.
Perhaps I should feel some sort of moral quandary about using Cecy as an excuse to get closer to a man, but I don’t. It’s just a story, after all.
Jared:
Haha most toddler stories are like that! Can’t wait to hear it. Talk to you later x
My breath catches as I stare at that x. I’ve lived on Earth for well over a decade, and I’ve embraced as many aspects of modern technology as I can. I know an x means a kiss.
But I also know that it’s not always used to mean akiss. Is this a “friendly air-kiss to end the conversation” x, or is it Jared’s way of signaling that he’s interested in more? I need more information.
Ten minutes on Google isn’t helpful. The internet is vastly divided on this subject, and context seems to be the key factor. I need a personal consult with someone who’s dated more recently than me, and more importantly, who’s familiar with these Earth rituals. Brandt, maybe? Or better yet, Percy… though as I understand it, he was single for decades before he met Brandt. And neither one of them would give an opinion without asking a dozen or so questions.
Picking up my office handset, I dial a three-digit code.
“Reception, this is Dáithí.” He sounds distracted, and I begin to second-guess this action.
“Dáithí, it’s Raðulfr. Is this a bad time?”
“Of course not, Your Majesty. I was just typing an email warning people not to order any more singing telegrams unless they want to feel my wrath.”
He… “What?”
“Just something the dragons have been doing to amuse their very tiny minds, sir. They write the song lyrics themselves, and none of them have any talent. What can I help you with?”
I make a mental note to bring this up with Brandt. Hopefully he’s not participating. “It’s not important. I’ve received a text message from a… friend. Er… a friendly acquaintance. I mean?—”
“Someone you’ve been flirting with. Go on.”
We really don’t pay him enough. “This is strictly confidential, Dáithí. I haven’t decided yet if I want to pursue things. Nobody knows I’m considering it.”
He pauses. “Not even Eoin?”
I knew that would get his attention. I’m not certain what’s going on between the two of them—enemies, lovers, something in between—but it’s been amusing the office for some time now, and Dáithí never hesitates to get one up on Eoin.
“Not even him. The security team knows about this man’s existence, but that’s all.”
“They won’t hear anything more from me.” His glee makes me smile.
“Thank you. As I said, it’s not important. I just want to be certain I’m interpreting something in this message correctly. He said ‘talk to you later’ and then ended it with an x.”
“An x like a?—”
“Yes. Is that… Do you think that might mean something? Or is he just signing off?”
Dáithí makes a humming sound. “Honestly, it could go either way, but if I had to choose, I’d say he meant something. Have you been texting a lot? Flirting?”
I consider. “We met five days ago and have texted every day since. I’m not sure if we’re flirting, exactly.”
