Your Loyal Servant

(27) Crowned Victorious?

Because Howie lived with me, we left the restaurant together. But Selma made sure to tell us that she was not going to observe our journey home and that whatever might happen was not to be considered for the "date challenge". We said that was fine and she departed for a movie downtown while we walked home.

Staring at the sidewalk, he apologized, "I'm sorry there are no other means to return. Had I brought the bike, this would have been easier."

I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. I mused, "You talk differently depending on the situation. Back at the restaurant, you were informal. Now, you're very formal."

"Of course," he agreed, nodding. "I am addressing you as your servant. If I were to speak to you so casually, it would be presumptuous of me, since I'd be assuming that I considered us on equal ground. But as I am your servant, that is not the case."

Rolling my eyes, I walked ahead of him on the curb, balancing on the edge and keeping my arms outstretched so I didn't tumble into the street. I asked him, "How long you are going to keep up this servant stuff?"

He moved so he walked behind me, ready to catch me if I fell. He explained, "I will always be your servant, Ms. Orrie. That is—was—my sole purpose. It is my duty unto my family to repay the debt by serving you until the end of your life. My status as your loyal servant will never change."

"Will you always be first and foremost my servant?" I asked in a whisper, nervous for the answer. I didn't really want him to say yes.

He answered softly, "I will be whatever you need me to be."

Way to dodge the question, buddy.

I stopped walking, forcing him to pause as well. I turned around to look at him in the eyes as I inquired, "And will you be happy doing that?"

A gentle smile curled his lips and he stepped forward so we were toe to toe. He tugged on a strand of my hair and let it go so it would bounce as he told me, "As long as I am by your side, I will be happy."

My own smile bloomed on my face as I gazed into those strange eyes that looked like little slivers of the moon. In that moment, it didn't matter that Selma had just analyzed two dates, one with Bianca and one with me, because right then, as far as I was concerned, I had won and he was mine.

"Do you have someone you want to win?" I asked, since I was hoping the mood would encourage him to say my name.

He smiled like he knew my intentions. He replied, "When the coin is in the air, we all wish it to land a certain way."

I groaned in irritation and whipped back around, almost slipping off the curb. But I caught myself and marched on in determination.

Howie chuckled from behind me and strolled onward with me. He guessed, "I'm assuming that wasn't the answer you were looking for."

I didn't dignify that with a response.

"You know," he started, saddling up beside me, "you are acting differently. I guess you've been changing this whole time, but you're—forgive me for saying so—flirting more."

I glanced at him. "Yeah," I conceded with a shrug. "But most people act differently around . . ." My voice trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.

"People they like," he finished for me. He smiled. "I know. You were like this with Brick, too. So, this is your girly side."

My eyes fell to my Converse on my feet and I kicked at the ground. I mumbled, "I'm not proud."