Page 11 of Once Upon a Rec Center Wish
Nelson slapped the log. “Then you have to convince Vern that he’s your mate.”
“And how do I do that?” All my attempts had failed in the past.
Tapping his fingers on his lap, Nelson pursed his lips. “First, you have to find a way to get him to your house.”
“How?” I doubted inviting him for dinner would work anymore since I no longer had a reason.
Nelson shrugged. “Find a reason to get him to come that he can’t resist. If not food, then tell him something is broken. He’ll feel obligated to fix it.”
I gasped at the idea. That would work perfectly, because Vern was so proud of his craftsmanship. “But how do I make him stay? How do I convince him that I want him?”
With a smile, Nelson squeezed my shoulder. “Be completely honest with him. And if that doesn’t work, throw yourself at him.”
My body jittered as I filled with a new hope. But would the plan actually work? Could I convince Vern that I wanted him as my mate?Only one way to find out.
I jumped off the log, anxious to return to the village. “Thank you, Nelson.”
“Good luck,” he called as I raced off.
Chapter Ten
Vern
With a collection of tools in my belt, and a log over my shoulder, I headed to Falco’s house. Though I was positive I always built sturdy tables for the homes in the village, he claimed his rocked when he put weight on it, as if the legs weren’t the same length. Perhaps one of my brothers had built the one in Falco’s home. But I refused to let anyone believe that I had crafted a faulty table.
Part of me dreaded going to the outer-worlder’s house. I didn’t want to see him with anyone else. I knew one day he would pick a mate and start a family with that being, but the less I knew about any of that, the better. Plus, I was still hurt that he’d tossed away the gift I’d given him. Why had he come to me to get his table fixed if he didn’t respect my craftsmanship?
Regardless, I couldn’t say no, and when I reached his door, I released a heavy sigh before I knocked.
It didn’t take Falco long to answer, as if he’d been waiting for me to get there. But his smile and the delicious scent wafting from inside caught me by surprise. I glanced over my shoulder to see if another being was coming up the path behind me. Perhaps he’d been waiting for a suitor and he thought I was that man. “Um, hi. It’s just me. I’ve come to fix your table.”
His smile widened. “I’m so glad you’re here. Everything is just about ready.”
“Ready?” Aside from cleaning off the table and allowing me space to work, there was nothing else Falco needed to prepare.
“Yeah.” His cheeks reddened. “I thought we could eat first. Before you take a look at my table.”
I glanced behind me again. “Are you sure it’s me you were waiting for? I’m Vern. I’m not one of my brothers.”
He chuckled and reached out to squeeze my arm. “I know who you are. And I purposely asked you to come over. I just thought it would be nice to eat with you again. I’ve missed you.”
He gestured me inside, though I remained reluctant about the encounter. There was something I was missing.
I made my way over to the table, and sure enough, it did rock when I rested my hand on it. Yet, I didn’t get a chance to examine it, the top covered in a long cloth that almost reached the floor. Plus, Falco held a spoon in front of me, his hand underneath to catch any droppings. “Taste it.”
I opened my mouth, hoping the concoction tasted as delicious as it smelled. When it hit my tongue, I was assaulted by flavors I’d never experienced before. “What is that?”
He drew back, a sudden pout overtaking his lips. “You don’t like the stew?”
“No.” I shook my head. “No. Yeah, it was unexpected. Caught me by surprise. But it’s the most appetizing thing I’ve ever tasted.”
His cheeks flushed again. “I’m glad you like it. I made this stew especially for you.”
“Why?” I ignored the flutter of my heart, the hope trying to push its way into my mind. Letting him fill me with unrequited longing would only hurt when I left again. “Why would you make a special stew for me? Why not one of your suitors? You’re supposed to be looking for a mate, not entertaining me.”
His bottom lip trembled before he stared at his feet. “I…I already found the person I want as my mate.”
“That’s great!” My gut twisted and I prepared to leave. I would just take the table with me. “Then what’s the problem? Why am I here and not the man you want as your mate?”
