Page 45 of Fall Twice

“Fresh air will be good for you,” he informs me for the fifth time today.

“I went for a run this morning,” I remind him.

He chuckles under his breath. “I haven’t seen you with your lady friend in a while.”

“Lena and I are just friends.”

“I’m not deaf, I heard you the other week at ten in the morning.”

I look at him skeptically because Lena and I weren’tthatloud. Then again, I was too focused on staring into her eyes as I made her come. “Let’s get some mulled wine or something.” I indicate in the direction of the Olive Owl stall, thankful I can replenish my supply, as they have bottles on sale and their winery is about an hour away.

“Why are you being so stubborn? Just romance her over dinner.”

I touch my short beard. “That’s not the problem. The issue is that I shouldn’t do that unless I’m certain that I won’t hurt her.”

“But sometimes you need to test the waters, otherwise you won’t know.”

I listen to him as I indicate for two cups of warm cider—the adult version—then add two bottles of white to bring home. Why did I just choose white? Probably because subconsciously I’m thinking of Lena and what she would drink if I invited her over.

“We aren’t new to one another; it’s not about testing the waters. It’s… understanding what I feel because it isn’t like it was then,” I admit as I pay the guy who I can only assume is one of the three brothers that own the winery.

Johnny and I hold our drinks and continue our slow walk, exploring a mix of fall goodies and a few people trying to sell Christmas decorations. Up ahead I see Prudence and her stall, and I nod my head to greet her when she takes notice of me.

“Lucky Hollows residents, we have two good-looking gentlemen walking around.” She smiles as she straightens a candle on display.

“How are the customers today?” I ask her as I study the options in her stall.

She quirks her lips out. “Can’t complain. I’m pushing the candles and lavender for sleeping. It’s great that you both stopped by.”

“The other option is he sits at home, listens to records, and drowns his sorrows in a whiskey glass,” Johnny gladly explains my life as of late.

“No,” I say, quick to defend. “Probably would just have graded assignments or something.” I shrug.

Prudence brings a hand to her hip. “I’m surprised you’re not here with Lena.”

My face has a hardened look due to hearing Lena’s name, and Prudence instantly looks to Johnny for an answer.

“It’s getting a little confusing,” he offers in answer to explain my relationship status.

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out. She’s good for your aura, I picked it up when you both came into my store. She brings you light. Anyway, I’m positive I’ve seen her around here.” Her eyes grow wide.

I look around as if Lena will suddenly appear. “Here?” I point to the ground.

“Yeah.”

“Right, with her son.” I try to throw logic into the equation.

Prudence shakes her head. “Nope.”

I stiffen slightly and rub the back of my neck. Of course she would be here, as she loves autumn, and this whole event celebrates crunchy leaves and the smell of nutmeg. Over the last day, I debated texting her because this is exactly the kind of event I would take her to as a friend or more. Instead, I opted for maturity and not confusing us.

“Want some herbs? To cleanse your mind? Awaken your heart?” she offers with a pointed look.

At least it causes me to break out in a grin. “I don’t need any of that. Maybe me overthinking this is the sign that it’s not going to work, you know?”

Johnny chuckles, and he exchanges a glance with Prudence. “Or it could be the absolute opposite. You mentioned it yourself, that you feel different this time, and maybe your body is in shock that, at last, you could end up with who you were meant to be with.”

“Now you are ready for one another,” Prudence adds her two cents before turning her attention to a customer.

---