Loving the Genie (Genie's Love, Book 2) (14 page)

Apparently, I have some room in my heart for happiness. At work today, Macy flings her arms around me, thanking me over and over and over again for getting involved in her love life. I’ve never done that before. She was the one always getting involved in my love life. I’m more than glad to return the favor. She tells me she and Andy spent practically the whole night talking, and he listened to every word that left her mouth. She also says they have a long way to go, but at least this is a start.

To celebrate their renewed love, Macy demands Sebastian and I meet her and Andy at the club tonight. We’re at our lunch break now and, keeping my eyes on my food, I say, “You mean just me.”

“What? No way. Sebastian’s invited.”

“You want to hang out with me and my invisible boyfriend?”

“Why not?”

“Because you can’t see him?”

She waves her hand. “Doesn’t matter. He’s your boyfriend and I want the four of us to hang out. Like we did before. Nothing has to change.”

Of course things are changed. How am I going to dance with Sebastian at the club? How am I going to be able to watch the other couples talking and kissing and having a good time when I can’t?

“I don’t know if I’m in the mood,” I tell her.

“Lily, please.” She grabs my hand. “Please, please. Please.”

I sigh. “I can’t be seen with him in public. If we’re to dance, we can only do it in my apartment and—”

“Says who?”

I stare at her.

“Who says you can’t hang out publicly? People are going to stare, but who cares? You’re there to have a good time with your amazingly, sweet, sexy boyfriend. Everyone else is just the walls. Well, except for me and Andy.”

I pick at my food as I think about her words. She has a point. Why should I care what other people think? Sebastian might leave soon. I want to squeeze in as much time with him as possible. That doesn’t include being cooped up in the house all day.

“I’ll ask him when I come home.”

She looks around. “He’s not here?”

“He only came yesterday when he sensed something was wrong. I guess he doesn’t sense anything now. Also, he doesn’t want to disturb me at work. I think he’s a little freaked out about my losing my job, so he wants to stay as far away as possible.”

She’s quiet before, “I’m really sorry you used up your second wish.”

“Me, too.”

“Any luck with the research?”

I shake my head. She wraps her arms around me. “It sucks that you can’t be with him.” She draws back. “You’ve helped me and Andy and I wish I could help you, too.”

“Thanks, but I don’t think there’s anything we can do. I mean, we’re talking about magic here. We’re no match for magic.”

“I thought love conquers all.”

I want to shrug, but my shoulders are stiff. “I guess not.”

When our lunch break is over, we get back to work. As much as I need the money, I don’t want to be here. I want to be with Sebastian, soaking in as much “us” time as possible.

I’m not concentrating on anything, getting the orders mixed up and tripping over my feet. Luckily I catch myself in time before all the food splatters on me and the costumers I’m serving. Good thing my boss didn’t see that. I don’t want him to think I’m not taking the job seriously. I definitely don’t want to have to use up my last wish on getting my job back—again.

As I head home, my thoughts continue attacking my mind. They’re like a recording, playing over and over again, not stopping until someone—or something, like the genie rules—presses a button, and poof, he’s gone. My stomach churns.

I feel a presence behind me and turn around. Nothing and no one is there. I look around some more, take a few steps forward and back, and peer at the windows of the houses around me. Nothing is there.

I’m being paranoid, seeing things that aren’t there. My brain must be so messed up with Sebastian possibly—more like definitely—leaving me that it’s conjuring all these thoughts and images. I shake my head, pushing them away.

“Hey,” I say once I enter the apartment. Sebastian is sitting on the couch. He spreads out his arms, and I sink down on his lap. His arms come around me as he nuzzles his face into the side of my neck.

“I missed you,” he says, his voice husky. He presses his lips to my temple. I turn around and our mouths meet. I push myself closer to him, kissing him like this is our last one. I’ve missed him like crazy, too. After a long day, it’s great to be enclosed in his arms. I feel safe, protected, but most of all, loved. I don’t want to move from this position.

My phone beeps. Grudgingly, I reach for it. A text from Macy asking me if I spoke to Sebastian about going to the club tonight. I’d rather remain here with him and make out until the sun comes up, but I know it’s not healthy for us to be alone all the time. Also, I know Macy and Andy would like to spend some time with my genie before he leaves. Even though they can’t see him, they’ll know he’s there.

Macy also mentions that we’re going to a different club, in case Max is around the last one we went to. I don’t think he’d give us any trouble after what happened between him and Sebastian, but it’s good to be safe.

Once I tell Sebastian about Macy’s request, his eyes light up. “I love going to clubs. The dancing, the music. It’s a lot of fun.”

I’m not sure if it hits him that no one will be able to see him, and I don’t have the heart to remind him. I’ll have to, though, since I don’t want him to be crushed when we enter the club.

He goes on and on about how excited he is and how bored he was at home. I place my hand on his chest. “Sebastian.”

He’s too animated and excited to listen to me. “What should I wear?” As soon as the words leave his mouth, his eyes widen as they peer at his golden chest. As a genie, he can’t wear clothes, only his black pants. Regular clothes melt off him.

“Oh,” he says. “Right. How could I forget?” He slaps his forehead like he’s berating himself for getting excited over something he can’t have.

I stroke his cheek. “It doesn’t matter that you’re invisible to other people or that you can’t wear clothes or drink. What’s important is the two of us having a good time. Letting loose and forgetting all our worries.” I kiss him. “Tonight, it’s just you and me. Nothing else.”

He pulls his head back. “I wouldn’t be able to bear you watching the other couples dancing. It’s better that I don’t go.”

“We can dance.”

His confused eyes meet mine. I shrug. “I’ll be dancing with someone who doesn’t exist, but I don’t care. We can save the slow dances for when we’re alone together, but for the fast dances, we’ll just be side by side, having an awesome time.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’m not going to let the stupid genie rules hold me back.”

He nods slowly. “I was on the computer most of the day.”

My heart fills with hope that he found something useful, but then it deflates when I see the defeated expression on his face. “You couldn’t find anything?”

He shakes his head, his lips in a tight line.

“That’s okay.”

“It’s not.” He puffs out his cheeks. “But I don’t think there’s anything we can do about it.”

I slide my hand into his. “Yes there is—we make the most of whatever time we have.” I’m trying to be strong for him, but my insides are being torn apart. He can’t leave me. He
can’t
.

Sebastian puts a wide smile on his face. “Okay, let’s go to the club and have some fun.”

Macy, Andy, Sebastian, and I enter the club. This one isn’t as packed as the one we used to go to, but there are many people our age here. I take Sebastian’s hand and give it a squeeze. He returns it, smiling warmly.

Andy and Macy are holding hands, too. They have smiles on their faces, but things seem a little stiff between them. I hope their love for one another surpasses all and that they’ll be happy again, like they used to be.

Many people bang into us as we pass them. They go through Sebastian, since he’s kind of like a ghost to them. From the way he shivers in disgust, I can tell he’s not comfortable with the idea of people walking through him. Finally we reach an empty area and have room to breathe. “Would anyone like a drink?” Andy asks.

Macy and I say yes. Once he leaves, Sebastian says, “This is item number one I can’t do for you.”

I rest my hand on his arm, fully aware that I look like I’m touching air. “It’s okay. Don’t let these little things bother you. We’re here to have fun, remember?”

He nods reluctantly. I turn to Macy. “Are you guys cool? I sensed a little bit of tension when we met outside and as we walked in.”

“We’re okay. Not in lovey-dovey land yet. I’m just glad we’re talking. I know he wants to trust me, but he doesn’t feel like he can. I’m going to try to change his mind.”

I hug her. “That’s great. And I know you’ll be back in lovey-dovey land soon.”

She laughs lightly. “I’m sorry you can’t…I mean you and Sebastian.” She looks around like she’s trying to find him. He’s standing right in front of her.

“We’re not thinking about that,” I tell her. “We’re forgetting all of our problems for a few hours.”

“Too bad we can’t get drunk.”

I playfully slap her arm. “The last thing I need is getting arrested when I only have a few days, weeks, whatever left with Sebastian.”

“Hmm. Good point.”

Andy returns with our Cokes, and then we join the others on the dance floor. Sebastian is very close to me and I wish I could wrap my arms around his neck and gaze into his eyes as we sway to the beat of the music. Instead, we dance side by side, doing these crazy moves that I’ve never done before. Dancing has never really been my thing, but with Sebastian, I feel like I can do anything. That I can try many different things without worrying how silly I look or failing. I’ve become a different, better person due to him. I wonder how I’ll be once he leaves. No. I’m not thinking about that. As far as tonight goes, there is no tomorrow. Just Sebastian and me having fun with our friends.

Sebastian takes my hand and twirls me around. We go on dancing and laughing. Everything around me fades away and it’s just Sebastian and me, in our own little bubble. He stares into my eyes and I stare into his. We’re like in a trance, just gazing at each other like we’re in different worlds but are looking through a mirror that connects the two dimensions. Like he’s on Ortarus and I’m on Earth and our souls are fighting to be together.

Someone crashes into me and the spell is broken. I’m being pushed to the left, then to the right as more people bang into me. The place has gotten very full and there’s hardly any room, let alone air.

“Wanna get out of here?” I ask Sebastian, who’s standing there as the people dance through him. Some people turn to me, thinking I’m talking to them. I give them awkward smiles and look away.

He nods. I search through the crowd for Macy and let her know Sebastian and I are going outside for some air.

I stop when we’re near the women’s restroom. “I’ll just be a minute,” I tell him. “Meet me outside?”

“Sure.”

After I’m done my business and leave the bathroom, a voice says, “Long time no see.”

I look up and find Max standing there. He has a wide smile on his face. “Missed me?” he asks.

I ignore him and continue my way outside. There are many people around, but no Sebastian. Where is he? We were supposed to meet out here. Maybe he took a walk. I decide to head down the block.

Max is following me.

“What do you want?” I demand, not looking back at him. My eyes roam the area, but I don’t see Sebastian anywhere.

“Where’s your boyfriend?” Max asks, amusement in his voice.

Again, I ignore him and continue marching down the block. Max’s pace quickens, but he’s still a few feet behind me.

“I’ve been watching you for a while now,” Max continues. “I don’t know who that guy was, but he’s not your boyfriend. You don’t have one. Let’s give us another chance. What do you say?”

He’s been the one following me? “Get away from me.”

He catches up and grabs my arms, shoving me against the wall. “Or else what? Your boyfriend’s gonna come save you?” He motions around. “No one’s here.”

“Let go of me.”

“Please, Lily. I’m not going to hurt you. I want to give us another shot. Please.”

I pull out of his grasp. “Get away from me.”

“No.” He grabs my arms again. “Not until you tell me you want me. Please, Lily.”

I kick him in the leg, which causes him to yelp and drop his hands. I take the opportunity to run away, making sure not to look back because that will only slow me down.

Suddenly, I hear a loud groan and the sound of someone being thrown against the wall of a building. When I turn around, I see Max lying on the ground and Sebastian standing before him with his hands raised.

“Sebastian,” I say.

He’s at my side and pulls me into his arms. “Are you okay? I felt in my heart that you were in trouble.”

I clutch him. “I’m okay. I was looking for you.”

“Me, too. I think we went in opposite directions.”

Max stirs and looks at me. “What the hell’s going on?” He gets to his feet and marches toward me, when Sebastian flicks his hand, sending Max into the wall again. He must be pressing Max into the wall because Max’s eyes widen as he thrashes in place.

“Holy shit. You some kind of witch?” he says.

I step closer to him. I don’t care what he thinks of me, a witch or freak or whatever. As long as he doesn’t find out about Sebastian. “Yeah, I am. And it’d be wise for you to keep your distance from me, from Macy, and from Andy. Do you understand me?”

He chortles. “Freak.”

“Do you?” I demand, narrowing my eyes.

He groans as Sebastian squeezes him against the wall. Then he shoves him into the next wall and the next, then to the ground. Max has bruises, but they’re healing right away, all Sebastian’s doing. He doesn’t want to hurt Max, he just wants him to get the message.

“Do you understand me?” I say again, my voice louder.

His body is trembling like he fell into a pool of ice cold water. He nods quickly, clutching his stomach. A second later, he throws up.

“Come.” Sebastian’s arm wraps around my shoulder. “Let’s go home.”

I bury my face in his chest. “Thanks for saving me.”

“No problem, but you did well on your own.”

“Thanks.” I kiss him. He yanks me closer, deepening the kiss. I can feel how worried he was and how relieved he is that I’m okay. I don’t think Max was going to hurt me, but I’m more than grateful to have Sebastian by my side.

Hopefully, Max learned his lesson and won’t contact me in any way.

Once we get home, I text Macy to let her know what went down with Max and that she and Andy should be careful. She’s very concerned about me, but I tell her I’m okay and safe, wrapped in my genie’s arms.

It’s the only place I want to be right now.