Page 19 of Halluci-Dating A Demon
“Uh, how about that lavender-foam matcha drink. A small one, please.”
“Sure. Anything else?” He was here last time and is completely unbothered as he fixes my drink order, his upbeat personality making me notice the jerks behind me less.
“Nope, that’s all. Thanks.”
“Wait . . . does your name happen to be Arien?”
I reach for the cup as he hands it to me. “Yeah, why?”
“I have something for you.” Turning around, he lifts his hands in the air as he mumbles something to himself. “Oh, that’s where I put it.” Leaning down, he pulls an envelope out from below the cash register and sets it in between us on the counter.
“What’s this?” I gesture toward the item with my name written sloppily on it.
His lips twist. “I’m not sure, but Elias said to give it to you.”
Biting the inside of my cheek, I slide the envelope into my pocket and step out of the way when I hear footsteps behind me. The man wearing the badge reading “Ian” on it greets the new customers before telling me to, “Have a good day.”
I smile, lifting my hand, and the envelope weighs heavily in my pocket as I walk to an empty table in the corner. Taking a deep breath, I remove the folded paper from the envelope and slowly unfold it.
The tightness in my stomach lessens when my eyes skim over the words written in blue ink.
I prefer the horns and purple skin. Please don’t hide any of it.
Flapping sensations fill my stomach and my cheeks ache from how big I’m smiling. I search for him some more but he’s not here, so when no one is paying attention, I slink my way upstairs. My hand rest against the door for way too long beforeI finally have the courage to knock. The door pulls open and a woman is laughing on his couch, pointing at the TV screen. “You’re missing the best part.”
“Then pause it so I don’t,” he says over his shoulder and lowers his gaze to me. Most men I come across are taller than me, but nothing like Elias. I don’t think people ever expect a sleep demon to be this small, but it does help when you want to be in and out of somewhere without being noticed.
“Hey.”
“Hi.” Clutching my cup in one hand, I lower my gaze to the other holding the letter. “I wanted to stop by quickly before I had to head back to base. I didn’t realize you had company.”
“Elias, what’s the holdup?”
“Give me a few minutes, will ya?” Letting out a short laugh, he returns his eyes to me. “Sorry, my sister randomly showed up for a visit and we were in the middle of watching a movie.”
“Oh, cool. It’s okay, I have to get going anyway.” My eyes bounce from him to the curious face behind him. She tilts her head, focusing more on our conversation.
“You gonna introduce your new friend?”
“Ah . . . Ames this is my de—friend, Arien.” He clears his throat, shuffling his feet. “Arien, this is my little sister Amy.”
“Yeah, I’m the cool one,” she chimes in, staying where she is. “You’re welcome to join us if you want.”
“As much as I’d love too, I’m running a little behind on making curfew, but it was nice to meet you.”
“You too,” she chirps. “I had no idea my brother was out here making new friends. Looks like I was worried for nothing about him being lonely, and you’re just the cutest little thing.”
“Ames,” he warns under his breath, lowering his gaze, and she laughs, her eyes full of amusement.
“Thanks. You two enjoy your movie, and sorry for interrupting.”
“No worries,” Elias says. “I’ll see you later.”
“Yeah, you will.” My cheeks heat, and I’m sure I’m reading way too much more into his words than I should, but we did practically kiss earlier. His lips were so warm, the perfect mixture of soft and rough as his facial hair scratched against my chin. The back of my neck tingles and I’m worried I’m holding onto hope for a kiss I’ll never experience again.
Elias closes the door as Amy opens her mouth, and he mouths an apology before fully disappearing on the other side. I walk back down the long staircase and order another drink on my way out, making a note to try more lavender-flavored drinks and food. Ian is as welcoming and sweet as before, sneaking me a free muffin as he hands me my order. When a tall, redhead enters the shop behind me Ian goes rigid, his confidence from before dying.
“Welcome to . . . to . . .” He glances down at one of the menus, and I snicker quietly to myself at how he suddenly forgot where he worked as I exit the shop. The driver opens the car door and glares at me through the window when I get in. I guess not everyone I spend every day with can be considered a friend. I was taken by surprise, and flattered to hear the word come from Elias’s mouth, and also . . . disappointed?
