Page 11 of Mane Full Of Stripes
“Ice skating?” Sena grinned. “And who suggested that?”
“He did.”
“Did you tell him you can’t skate?” Arvo asked. “He’ll spend more time helping you off the ice than actually skating.”
“I never mentioned it. He’ll find out when we go.” Apollo tucked into his beef and moaned. “So good, Mom.” He swallowed, then smiled. “It means I get to put my hands on him and see how he responds.”
“And he suggested it?” Lida hummed. “Well, if he’s had a bad time, and he wants to test the waters, so to speak, then this is a good suggestion. Hands on with no expectations.”
“Yeah.” Apollo sighed. “I don’t want to know the details, but I guess I need to know some of what he went through, so I don’t accidentally trigger a reaction from him. I don’t want to accidentally scare him because I do or say something that frightens him or reminds him of what happened.”
“It’s a difficult conversation to have. I would suggest letting him bring it up. Or maybe ask an innocent question and see if he’ll talk.” Arvo gave Apollo a small smile. “You have to tread carefully with him. He’s young, an omega too, and he’s been hurt, so will be slow to trust.”
“I know. I’ve been thinking about him and us for most of the night. I did some research too, so I know to move slower than usual, especially if I’m close to him. I don’t want him to think I’m raising my hand to hurt him, but I also know it will take time for him to trust me. I can take it a day at a time, but he’s my mate. I don’t want to mess this up by rushing him.”
“It’s good to see you’ve been thinking this through.” Arvo looked up at Sena when she cleared her throat. “What is it?”
“My friend, Sandy. She was in an abusive relationship. She’s much better now, as you know. She’s married with two gorgeous babies, but if you want, I could have her call you? If you want.”
“Would she be willing to? I don’t want her dragging up painful memories.”
“I’ll ask her and leave it up to her. She’s human, but she’s lived around shifters all her life, so she knows how important mates are.”
“I would appreciate you asking her, but please make sure she knows she doesn’t have to talk to me if it’s too painful for her.”
Sena smiled and nodded. “I’ll make sure she knows.”
“Eat up everyone. I have chocolate fudge cake warming in the oven with the potatoes.”
“You have more mashed potatoes?” Apollo paused with his fork in the air and glanced at his plate. He’d barely taken any when he’d been given the bowl. “I didn’t get much.”
Arvo snorted. “Didn’t get much? You took half the bowl!”
“No, I didn’t. I made sure to leave plenty for everyone else.” Apollo shook his head. “I can see potatoes on your plate.”
“I got the small amount you left us.” Standing, Arvo got the other bowl of mashed potatoes out of the oven. “I’ve never known anyone to love mashed potatoes like you do, Apollo. Meat, yes. Dessert, yes. Mashed potatoes? No.”
“I know a zebra who loves carrots,” Sena said.
“I can understand carrots but—”
“Okay, I get it. I have weird food likes.”
“Hmm. You do like mashed corn as well and mashed carrots. Maybe it’s mashed food you like.”
“Aww, like when you were a baby.” Lida smiled. “You used to have it all over your face and in your hair and then you’d smile your toothy little—”
“I get it.” Apollo gave Lida a look. “Thank you for reminding me that I was a messy baby.”
“Better your face than your butt,” Arvo grunted. “How the hell—”
“Stop!” Sena slammed her hands over her ears. “I’m trying to eat here.”
“Sorry, you’re right. It’s not a conversation to be having at the table.” Arvo picked up his water and took a sip. “So, ice skating. Any ideas what to do after? A hot chocolate would be nice. You can warm up and talk or, in Jost’s case, laugh at all the times you fell on your ass.”
“I hadn’t thought about after. He might want to disappear and leave me behind. I should think of different dates too and not just the usual ones. A meal out or going to the movies are pretty normal dates.”
“There’s that climbing place or paint ball. You know where you shoot paint balls at each other,” Lida suggested. “Or maybe a scuba diving lesson, but that might be something you do when you’ve gotten to know each other a little better.”
