Page 5 of Elemental Love
“What’s wrong with that?” Gregory said.
“A bit of color warms a place up, makes it cozy.”
“Now you sound just like Coryn.”
“It overlooks the water, doesn’t it?”
“Indeed, and there’s a balcony. The building is close to the Streetcar line and there’s South Waterfront close by for shopping. It’s a good spot—if you have to live in the land of the living damp, you should at least live there in comfort.”
“I like being close to water. It’s soothing somehow.”
“Hmm.” Gregory waved Samuel over. He took their food orders and supplied more drinks before moving smoothly away.
“Why do I get the feeling that there are certain subjects you try to avoid discussing with me?” Evrain made eye contact with his godfather and held his gaze.
“You need to learn patience, Evrain. Some things are better for the waiting. Like fine wine, some subjects must be allowed to mature before they can be fully appreciated.”
Evrain sighed. “You talk in riddles.”
“Have you ever thought that I might just like to cultivate an air of mystery?”
“Well, it’s working. I feel like I’m on the edge of a precipice. Everything in my life is changing. New job. New country. I’m being tugged in so many directions…”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s hard to describe. It’s like there’s a dam in my head and tiny cracks are starting to appear. I know there’s going to be a flood. What I don’t know is whether I’ll be able to surf the wave or I’ll drown in the torrent.”
Gregory frowned. “You’re twenty-one in three days’ time, aren’t you?”
“Yes. What’s that got to do with anything?”
“Everything, dear boy. Everything. I promise things will become clearer, but for now just try to relax. Enjoy the flight and anticipate all the adventures that await you in your new life.” Gregory closed his eyes. His mouth was set in a stubborn line.
Evrain realized he was going to get nothing further from his godfather. A vague sensation of nausea knotted his stomach, something that had been happening more and more frequently in recent months. Even as he dismissed the feeling, Evrain knew, deep down, that something was amiss. He realized that he had clenched his fingers into a tight fist and forced them to relax. He peered out of the window and watched the scudding clouds tinged with orange and red.
“Even the sky is on fire. Grandma would say it’s an omen.”
Gregory patted his hand. “The omens are all good, Evrain. You’ll see.”
With no direct flights operating from the UK to Portland, the journey had been long and tiring even in the luxury of first class. The route had taken them from Edinburgh to Seattle and, after a short layover, from there to Portland. Almost twenty hours in total. Evrain was relieved to escape the confines of the plane and reach the bustle of the arrivals hall. He pushed a trolley loaded with his own large cases and Gregory’s compact weekendbag. Needless to say the damn thing had a wonky wheel and a mind of its own. He managed to steer it across the concourse without causing actual bodily harm to other travelers but gained a bruised shin for his trouble.
Gregory, looking as fresh as if he’d just spent twenty hours at an upscale spa, strolled confidently ahead. “There’s Coryn.” He waved toward the crowd of people collected behind a barrier.
Evrain glanced up and spotted his second godfather. Evrain’s smile was instant. Coryn had that effect on people. Tall and lean with short silver hair, he had lightly tanned skin and laughter lines that crinkled the corners of his eyes. He wore beige chinos and a chunky cream cable-knit sweater. Several women clustered around him and he seemed vaguely amused by the attention.
Gregory increased his pace. He held out his arms, and Coryn stepped into them as if they were the only place in the world he belonged. They kissed, long and slow. Evrain’s temperature rose.
Fuck, those two are hot. Ugh! Why am I even thinking that?
Evidently, he wasn’t the only one. A couple of wolf whistles sounded and there was the obligatory comment of, “Get a room.”
When they finally separated, Coryn’s eyes were glazed and dreamy, and Gregory had smug satisfaction all over his face. Evrain raised an eyebrow.
“Hi, Coryn, nice to see you.”
“Evrain! How wonderful. I hope this cantankerous old miscreant hasn’t caused you too much trouble on the flight over.”
“Oh, I’d say he was his usual self.” Evrain gave Coryn a hug. As always, Coryn’s arms became a haven of safety and security. In all the times Evrain had stayed with Coryn and Gregory during his childhood, it was always Coryn who’d dealt with scrapedknees, extracted splinters and removed the layers of mud that Evrain had attracted on his adventures. Coryn exuded calmness.
