"I'm not going to lie, you may be on to something there." I sit down on the floor and cross my legs, aware of how low down it makes me compared to him. I hope he gets the message and sits with me, it could be awkward if not.
Thankfully, he does, and our knees brush against one another as we sit side by side.
"What else did you bring?" I ask.
"Not much. Some toys, kitten food, a food and water dish. Just the stuff you need to get started."
"Thank you," I whisper. "I don't understand why you're doing this, but thank you." My hand almost flies to my mouth in an attempt to shove the words back in, but I refrain. I don't want to draw any more attention to what I'd said than I have to.
"Maybe I saw a pretty girl in need and I wanted to help. Or maybe I really like cats. Or, there is this remote possibility that I'm just a new guy here who wants to makes friends rather than be the odd one out."
"And your choice of friend is a girl who magically creates cats when she tries to do magic?" I raise an eyebrow.
Rhubarb chooses that moment to come up to the two of us and jump about. I think he wants to play, but I'm still learning his mannerisms, so I'm not entirely sure about that.
Caspian isn't phased, and picks up one of the toys, moving it back and forth so the stuffed mouse on the end wiggles about in front of the kitten.
"Is that a mouse on a stick?" I ask, completely forgetting about my other question.
"Yes. And as for making friends with a girl who conjures cats...I think there's more to people than what they can and can't do. Just because your magic does this, it doesn't mean I shouldn't be your friend. Nor does it mean we won't get on well. I'm more interested in you than in your magic, Mona."
My heart swells in my chest, though I try not to let it get too big. I don't want to lose rational thinking.
Rhubarb pounces on the mouse, looking victorious even if I suspect Caspian let him have it.
"We should get them collars," he says.
"I wouldn't even know where to start looking for t
hem. Where did you get this stuff from? And how much do I owe you?" I ask, already disappointed in myself for not asking that sooner.
"Next day delivery is a wonderful thing," he teases.
"Wait, you ordered all this yesterday?"
He nods. "But mostly as an excuse to come talk to you."
"You have my number, why not just ask if you could come over?"
He shrugs. "This felt more personal. I want to get to know you, Mona. And not over the phone."
Oh wow, I've found a rare one. I should try and keep him around. Especially if he's going to forgive me my eccentricities already.
"You still haven't told me how much I owe you for the kitten stuff," I prompt. I don't want him to think I'm just using him to buy me stuff. That's not a good way to start a relationship.
Oh. Look at that. I don't need a potion to tell me what I want after all. Apparently, the attractive new guy is what I'm after.
"You don't owe me anything."
I open my mouth to protest, but shut it again when he shakes his head.
"You can repay me by agreeing to come to a party with me tomorrow night."
"I'm not sure that's a good idea." I glance away.
"Oh, I'm sorry, was that Ryan guy your boyfriend?"
I can't stop the laugh that escapes me. "Far from it. He's my best friend's twin brother."