Page 20 of A Bridge to a Troll's Heart
“I don’t know, but I’m afraid it’s my fault.” With his large hands, Arlo flattened the leaves together and tightened the twine. One more piece should secure them well enough for her journeys.
“What’s his name?”
“Toby.”
Liosa pursed her lips. “Did you threaten to cut Toby up and eat him?”
Arlo hid his horror. “I did not.”
“Did you put a curse on his unborn children?”
Arlo made a note never to get on her bad side. “I didn’t do that either.”
Liosa hummed. “Well, did you at least pry off a fingernail or two?”
“Why in the world would I do any of those things?”
“How else will he know you like him?” she asked as if it were obvious.
Arlo shook his head, glad he wasn’t born a water nymph.
“Have you asked him why he hasn’t come to visit?”
“How could I when he hasn’t been by?” Arlo made the final knot in the last piece of twine and checked his work.
“Oh.” Liosa blinked. “Well, you must go to him.”
“I can’t. Who would guard my bridge?”
“Who cares?”
“I do!” Arlo roared indignantly. “I cannot leave my bridge unattended.”
Liosa cocked her head and snorted. Bits of pink and red coral dangled from her ears and swayed with the movement. “You are really in a bind. Shall I curse Toby for you, then?”
“What? No! I only want him to be happy.”
She shrugged. “Don’t say I never offered.”
“I won’t.” Arlo handed over the packet of leaves.
Liosa set the starfish on his thigh. “Pleasure, Arlo. Good luck with your wolf shifter, and if you change your mind, I’ll curse him next time I come through.” She winked. “My treat.”
“Um, thank you?” Arlo waved as she swam off.
Though it was nice to have someone to talk to, chatting with a rather terrifying water nymph proved unhelpful under the circumstances. After all, he couldn’t take her advice; he liked Toby just fine with all his fingernails intact, and leaving his bridge to seek him out at his village was impossible.
Arlo climbed the bank of Red Elk River and stared at the distant bend in the trail longingly. He couldn’t help but wonder, what would happen if he did go?
* * *
Toby
Foldinganother handful of raisins into the batter, Toby glanced over at Surry, Timothy’s mate, who awaited his reply. She’d had enough of Toby’s moping and had told him as much, then demanded to know the cause. When a pregnant woman corners you in her own kitchen, you answer.
“I’ve done something stupid, and I feel bad for it.” Toby stared into the mixing bowl rather than look Surry in the eyes for his confession.
“Tell me what you’ve done.” Surry rinsed the dishes in the sink. “I’m sure it wasn’t so awful that a heartfelt apology won’t fix things.”
