Page 106 of Should Our Hearts Catch Fire

“Love them so long they let me have my beauty sleep.” Zeke’s expression becomes contemplating. “You know what, sincewe’re both here, let’s have a little chat.” Without waiting for a response, he pulls out the chair opposite Ellis and takes a seat.

“Okay?” Ellis says, unsure. He has no idea what to talk about with Zeke, apart from the chai powder he makes. He watches, bewildered, as Zeke pulls out a tiny notepad and a pen out of nowhere and fixes Ellis with a serious look.

“What’s your sun sign?”

Ellis blinks. “Uh…Virgo.”

Zeke clicks his tongue. “Yeah, I was worried about that.” He continues at Ellis’ confused look. “See, Gabby is an Aries, those two don’t mesh well. The score of compatibility is close to zero.”

“I…think it’s been working just fine.”

“Hmm.” Zeke taps the pen against his pursed lips. “Maybe you’re compatible in other areas. What’s your moon, Venus and rising sign?”

“I…what?” Ellis determines his spirit animal must be an owl because he can only blink like one.

“So uneducated.” Zeke pockets the notepad and the pen. “You know what, show me your palms.”

Ellis almost does, then remembers Gabriel’s warning. “I’d rather not.” He folds his hands in his lap, casting a hopeful glance towards the kitchen. What are the chances Gabriel will pick up on his minor distress?

Distress-summoned or not, Gabriel suddenly emerges, a small paper box likely containing the promised cinnamon roll in his hands. His smile falls when he notices Ellis’ spooked expression and Zeke sitting across from him.

“Zeke, what are you doing?”

Zeke has the gall to look confused. “Me? Nothing. Just chatting with your boo.”

“Leave mybooalone.”

Rolling his eyes, Zeke gets up and disappears somewhere in the kitchen under Gabriel’s watchful gaze.

Ellis is still cringing at being referred to as boo when Gabriel nods at him. “Come on, I’ll make your coffee.”

Ellis follows him to the coffee machine, watching him work. It’s oddly calming, especially since Gabriel makes everything look effortless.

“Was he bothering you? Do I need to kick his ass?” Gabriel asks seriously.

Ellis chuckles. “I’m tempted to say yes just to see you do that.”

Gabriel sticks his tongue out, pouring hot milk over the mixture and putting a lid on it. “Here.”

“Thank you.” He leans in for a kiss. “See you tomorrow.”

Gabriel kisses him again. “Can’t wait.”

Ellis:Did you know that Virgo and Aries aren’t compatible?

Gabriel:I’m gonna kill Zeke.

Ellis:The match is less than 10%.

Gabriel:Stay away from the horoscope, Ellis.

Ellis:Do you think I’m uptight and pedantic?

Gabriel:OMG. If you read any more of that shit, so help me.

Ellis:…You do have a temper.

Gabriel:Ellis!