Page 29 of A Beginner's Guide to Demonic Possessions
He barely had time to stop and process that before Paz, always attuned to him, was asking, “Everything ok? No ziplining necessary if you didn’t enjoy it.”
No, I loved it, Paz. I love everything you plan for me, Trent murmured, and he had to resist the urge to say “I love you.”
Paz paused, as if he sensed Trent was holding something back, but then he started talking about Peru.
Trent laughed and chatted with him, pushing the whole being in love thing to the back of his head for now. It was too new and bright and shiny for Trent to think too much about it, and he held it inside himself. Maybe he would tell Paz tonight. Maybe his demon would be able to stay, in which case perhaps Paz could grow to love him as well. If Paz was pulled away tomorrow, however, at least Trent would have told him how he felt. At least Paz would be able to go out and continue his work and know that somewhere in the world there was someone who loved him.
He hoped it would be a comfort to his demon. More than that, however, he hoped his demon would be able to stay with him. He had never wanted anything more in his life.
Chapter
Seventeen
V-DAY FINALE
Paz booked his trip—they decided on a beautiful exotic resort with a room that walked out onto the beach. They talked about doing things like snorkeling and getting mixed drinks on the beach and taking a dinner cruise, and they never said it, but they both acted like Paz would be there.
They didn’t book plane tickets, and although Paz murmured something about flights being more expensive this far out, Trent knew that it was also because Paz didn’t know whether to book one or two tickets.
They didn’t go out for dinner, because Paz said he knew Trent would hate the crowds and the overdone restaurants (and he wasn’t wrong). Instead, Paz made him some kind of fancy chicken dish with roasted potatoes, and it was amazing. They talked while Paz cooked, sharing stories about Trent’s friends and colleagues and Paz’s fellow demons. They laughed and flirted, and Trent didn’t think he’d ever enjoyed a Valentine’s Day dinner as much in his entire life.
When Paz suggested a movie after dinner, they’d playfully argued while scrolling through the streaming apps—Paz wanted a comedy, and Trent wanted a sci-fi film. When they happenedto pass a horror film, Trent needled Paz until he finally pulled up the movie created in his honor.
Paz said he supposed that would count as a comedy since it was so wildly inaccurate, and they’d had a great time watching it, all while Paz pointed out what was true and what was totally made up (the whole crucifix scene absolutely appalled and grossed out Paz and wasnotbased in fact). He blamed Ari for most of it, and his running commentary really did make the film both interesting and highly funny.
“And I swear a priest did NOT die!” Paz insisted for the fourth time while he finished showering for the night. “Ari was the priest! In disguise, obviously, and sure the church sent someone over, but Ari took care of that, and no priests were harmed in the making of that practical joke!”
Trent was just giggle-snorting about the whole thing, and when Paz turned off the water, got out of the shower, and wiped the mirror to look in it, Trent saw amusement and happiness in Paz’s eyes.
Aw, I know that. You’re too nice to off a priest. Or to off anyone, really, Trent said fondly.
“Listen, some people deserve to head to the afterlife sooner rather than later, but mostly I don’t make that my business. I never take those cases,” Paz replied.
He smiled softly into the mirror, and then he turned and pulled on boxers and a t-shirt. When he walked into the bedroom, he glanced at the clock and then climbed into bed, shutting off the light.
Trent had to admit that he was a little bummed that Paz wasn’t breaking out the toys, but he was also satisfied to just lay and chat with his demon. There was so much to know about each other, and Trent had the stressful feeling that the clock was ticking. He wasn’t sure if it was coming from him or Paz, but hewas suddenly worried as hell. It was like an impending sense of worry and doom just descended upon him.
“It’s almost midnight,” Paz said quietly.
Yeah, it is. And I want you to know that this has been the best Valentine’s Day of my entire life, Paz. You did that for me. You made it everything I could have wanted. Thank you, Trent whispered.
“It was mine too, Trent. This has been the best few days in all of eternity thanks to you. So thank you, beautiful. Thank you so much for being you,” Paz murmured.
Hey, we don’t have to go to sleep yet, Paz,Trent pleaded. Paz’s words felt like a goodbye, and Trent was starting to panic.
“It’s almost midnight,” Paz repeated softly, and this time Trent understood.
The day didn’t end when he went to bed—Valentine’s Day ended at midnight.
Paz’s possession ended at midnight.
It had been three minutes until midnight when Paz had looked at the clock. How much time was left?
Paz? Paz, I want you to know… I want you to know that I love you. That I’m in love with you. No one has ever made me feel like you do, and even if I never see you again, I want you to know how much you are loved. No matter what you do or where you go, you are loved, Trent rushed out, wanting Paz to know, to understand, and all the while hoping that Paz would be there in the next few minutes.
“Oh Trent…” Paz started to say, but then he was cut off.
He was gone, and Trent was back in his body.
