Page 13 of When the Weaver Met the Gargoyle

“What’s in it?” I ask, blowing the surface of the cider.

“Apple, of course, and all the regular spices, but it also has an herb I don’t usually include. Let me know if you figure it out.”

I wiggle my eyebrows at her. “So mysterious.”

This whole situation would normally have me running to the nearest dark corner, but I feel comfortable with Rom at my side. Yes, people are staring and whispering, but Kayais acting like nothing is amiss. Rom is quiet and kind. I don’t feel like I’m about to be publicly mocked, even if I am currently at the heart of the most juicy gossip. Maybe a relationship with Rom wouldn’t be impossible. Maybe after I get the contract with Lord Rustion, I can consider it and discuss it with him. Would Rom try it if I said I was willing? Probably not. He’d made it clear we were hanging out as friends.

I sip the cider, and the savory hint of thyme touches my tongue.

“Thyme?” Rom and I say in unison. We chuckle, and his laugh is so deep and lovely that I just want to hear it over and over.

Kaya clasps her hands and bounces up and down. “Huzzah! Yes! And you like it?” She looks from my face to Rom’s, her excitement catchy.

“I love it. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory,” I say.

Rom nods. “I prefer it to the usual cider I’ve had in the past because it’s less sweet.”

Kaya beams at us. “Perfect. Thank you so much! I heard you two are going to the party. What dish are you bringing?”

Oh, the dish. I forgot about that tradition. Eachcouple has to cook something together and bring it to share with everyone.

“Maybe you have a suggestion?” Rom says to Kaya.

Kaya crosses her arms and studies a spot in the distance. “Hmm. Maybe…”

I turn to find a table. “It’s okay. We will think of something.”

“How about a squash casserole?” Kaya asks. “I can jot down a suggested recipe if you want.”

“Aw, thanks so much,” I say, trying to hide my true feelings about squash. Disgusting.

Kaya laughs. “Okay, never mind on that. I can tell you are not in love with the squash idea.”

A chuckle rumbles from the depths of Rom’s hood.

“What? Is it my face?” I hate that all my emotions show so easily. It makes me feel overly vulnerable.

Rom and Kaya nod and snicker as one of the many maplecats flits over our heads to perch on a ceiling beam.

I touch Kaya’s arm. “Sorry. I just loathe squash of any kind.”

“Evenpumpkin?” Rom asked.

“If you put enough sugar and butter into the mix, I’ll allow it.”

Lifting his cider, Rom says, “I’ll toast to that.”

Kaya huffs a little laugh as we walk away.

“How about that table?” I say right as Rom points at the same spot in the corner.

A shy, pleased look glimmers from the dark of his hood. I wish he would take his cloak off so everyone could see how handsome he is, but I wouldn’t even dream of pushing him. I completely understand wanting to hide a little. Or a lot.

As we make our way toward the table, the door’s tiny bell rings, and in sweeps Tully. She waves at Kaya, then she looks our way and wiggles her hips suggestively.

“Um, what is that about?” Rom asks as he holds out my chair for me.

No one has ever done that for me before. I thought only ancient old men remembered to do things like that. “Thanks. Tully wants more out of our friendly Harvest Party situation than we do.”