Page 39 of Stoney Gazes for Helpful Gorgons

"I don't have a girlfriend. He means...it's complicated." But mostly because we didn't get to finish our conversation earlier and I really wish we had. Rhea had clearly wanted to talk about the possibility of something, and the moment the idea was on the table, I realised I want it.

But I have to deal with one thing at once.

"You can tell us all about her over dinner," Grandma says.

"She's a gorgon," Eddy says. "She's got snakes in her hair and they're really cool."

I laugh. "They are cool," I agree, realising that having Eddy around means that none of my secrets are going to stay that way. At least he seems more like his normal self. It's worth it to see the smile on his face.

Grandma pats me on the back and gives me a doting smile. "Dinner," she says firmly.

I nod and the four of us head out of the door, making me realise just how much I've missed family dinners since Mum died. At least that's something it seems like I'm going to get back now, even if Dad isn't the one giving them.

Chapter 17

RHEA

The moment I open the door to see Jack on the other side, all of my nerves about the upcoming conversation disappear. I may not know how this is going to go, but none of it changes the fact he makes me feel at ease. And that's exactly what's going to happen here.

"You're not wearing your glasses," he says.

"I knew it was you. And I like that I don't have to wear them sometimes. I don't usually when I'm home alone."

He nods, seeming to like the answer. "Can I come in?"

"You know you can." I step back. "How did everything go with your grandparents?" I ask, heading over to my bed and taking a seat.

Jack doesn't hesitate to come and sit beside me. "It went well, I think. They took Eddy back last night and made sure he has everything he needs for school today. I don't know exactly when they're going to talk to my dad, but they've said they're going to and I know they'll keep their promise."

"That's great news," I respond. "I'm pleased for you."

"Thanks. I know there's still a long way to go and there's a chance nothing is going to change, but at least we have people we can rely on to look out for us."

I nod. "It's really good. I mean, the stuff with your dad is really bad, but I'm glad your grandparents are watching out for you."

"Me too."

I look down at my hands as a weird silence settles over us. There's an intensity to us that I don't recognise, we're normally so much more talkative.

Jack notices me fiddling with the hem of my shirt and reaches out to take my hand in his. "We should talk about what happened at the museum."

"Technically nothing happened at the museum," I point out.

He chuckles. "All right, we should talk about what we were talking about at the museum then. I believe you wanted to know how I'd feel about your snakes if I was kissing you."

"That's not exactly what I said."

"It's what I'm choosing to hear." He lets go of my hand and reaches up to cup my cheek. "I can tell you how I feel about it, or I can show you. The choice is yours."

My breathing hitches. "Show me." The words come out as barely a whisper, but there's no taking them back. I don't want to.

Jack leans in and my eyes flutter closed as I wait for what's to come. He slips his hand further into my hair, not seeming to care in the slightest that Rattle is coming to see what's going on.

The moment Jack's lips meet mine, I forget all of my worries about my snakes. It's sweet and full of emotion, not quite what I expected but even better for it.

He pulls back and I open my eyes, only for me to gasp.

"Rhea?"