Page 39 of A Winter Crush

“Of course it’s fine for you.”

Wareth sat up straight, no longer focused on the clay. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You like this village and pottery studio.” Rin had paced back and forth. “You would be happy to never leave.”

“Why is that a bad thing?”

“Because I’m not like you. I’m not some grumpy, boring potter who fits this simple village life perfectly.”

Wareth swallowed around the lump in his throat.

But Ori didn’t find Wareth boring. He liked being with him in the studio. He said he loved it. Sariah was right. They did fit together, better than he and Rin ever had.

“I’ve been thinking, when you are recovered, you could focus on selling the wares,” Wareth said, rubbing the rim of the mug with his finger. He’d made this mug. “And maybe Ori could stay on as my assistant. My apprentice, even.” He glanced across at Sariah, worried she would be offended, but he shouldn’t have been concerned.

“That sounds wonderful! I knew if you just opened yourself up, you could find someone. I really think this will last.”

“I hope so.”

“And truth be told, I don’t think I can work so much for a little while.” She placed her hand on her stomach.

“Why not? Are you unwell?”

“I’m pregnant.”

“Again?”

She gave him an amused look. “I’ve been showing for a quite a few weeks now. I’ve been expecting you to notice, but you haven’t.”

He looked at her stomach. He supposed it looked bigger. But it was hard to tell under the winter layers. “Ah… Congratulations?”

She laughed, shaking her head. “Thanks.”

Soon after, he left, dropping by the village store to buy a Solstice loaf, Solstice sweets, bread, dried sausages, and cheese. He even grabbed a bottle of mead. It wouldn’t be as elaborate as the meal he knew other villagers were having, but he was excited all the same. And Wareth couldn’t wait to ask Ori to be his apprentice.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Wareth held the parcel of food as he walked the short distance home. He hadn’t felt this hopeful in… He didn’t think he had ever felt this hopeful or optimistic about his future. He put the food away in the cupboard. He tidied and organised the studio. It didn’t need a clean, since Ori usually did that. But he couldn’t sit still as he waited for Ori to return.

He assumed Ori would arrive sometime in the morning, even though he’d said midday. But the morning slipped away.

Ori probably just needs to spend some time with his family. After all, he’s been spending so much time with me.

Whilst he waited, he took out some of his favourite pottery and gave it a quick clean. Then he set it up for their Solstice Eve meal. Midday came and went. Wareth carried the crates lined with cloth out near the kiln. He stared at the forest around the cabin.

Ori is just running a little late. He will come soon.

Wareth began organising his tools based on function and size. Still no Ori. He paced around the kiln, then walked into the studio and back out. All the while, he searched the forest with his gaze.

The afternoon turned to evening. Darkness descended around the pottery studio. In the back of his mind, Wareth knew he should start to unpack the kiln. There was lots he needed to do.

But he wanted to do it with Ori. He wanted to share it with him.

Wareth stood under the awning, staring at the trees. He shivered as the wind howled and whipped at his clothes. Time crawled by minute after minute. And still, Wareth waited.

Finally, he had to accept the truth.

Ori isn’t coming.