Loving the Genie (Genie's Love, Book 2) (6 page)

Something smells wonderful. I can’t explain it exactly, but it’s nothing like I’ve ever smelled before. Opening my eyes, I find myself in a meadow, with flowers all around. I don’t know what this place is. I’ve never been here before.

I look to my right and left, but don’t seen anyone around. Not even Sebastian. Where in the world am I?

“Hello?” I call. There’s no response. I call a few more times, but again, the place is completely quiet except for a breeze whistling through the trees.

“Sebastian?” I ask as I walk deeper into the meadow. “Sebastian?”

Something that feels like a hand shakes my shoulder. Glancing down, I don’t see anyone or anything. It’s as if the thing touching me is invisible. I shout and try to escape, but my feet are frozen like I’m stuck in cement.

“Don’t touch me!” I yell.

“Lily!”

My eyes shoot open and I jump up in bed. I’m back in my room, on my bed. Sebastian is beside me, his face alarmed.

I rub my temples as a sigh leaves my mouth. It was only a dream. I’ve had weird dreams before, but nothing like this. Sebastian’s hand is on my shoulder. He must have been the one touching my shoulder, trying to wake me up.

He pulls me to his chest. “Are you okay? You were tossing in bed and calling my name.”

“It was a dream.”

He lifts his eyebrows. “I’ve heard of the concept, but I don’t quite understand what it is. It seemed…painful.”

I rest my head on his chest. “Sometimes it can be. After Daisy died, I used to dream about her a lot. That was very painful.” I lift my head and give him a small smile. “You’ll probably experience a dream soon. I guess you’ve never had any as a genie?”

He shakes his head. “What was your dream?”

“I don’t really know. I was alone in a meadow. Then I woke up.”

He twists his mouth. “Do dreams mean anything?”

“There are many different opinions on dreams and no one really knows. Some say it’s your deepest thoughts and desires, or your greatest fears. Others claim it’s just nothing. I don’t know. I’ve had weird dreams before. They’re really not a big deal.”

He nods.

I look at the time and feel my eyes nearly pop out of their sockets. “I’m going to be late!” My boss was very nice to let me change my shifts around so I could go to California. I can’t be late.

I dash to the bathroom to get ready. When I come out, Sebastian is sitting at the kitchen table with a box of cereal and some milk. “You can stay in bed,” I tell him as I pour myself some cereal.

“I know, but I thought I might do some research on getting an education. What should I look for?”

“You’ll need to get a GED.”

He looks lost. I grab a pad and a pen and write it down for him. “People who don’t finish high school can get a GED. It’s equivalent to a high school diploma.”

“And I can go to college and get a job?”

“Yes. It’s going to be a lot of work, since you’ve hardly had any schooling, but I know you can do it. You’re really smart.”

“Thanks.” He picks the pad of paper off the table and studies the words. When I’m done eating, I bend toward him and place my lips on his neck. “I’m going to miss you while I’m at work.”

He turns his head and our lips meet. I plow my fingers in his hair as he holds me tightly against him. I don’t want to let go, and I know he doesn’t want to, either. But we have no choice.

“Come to Inferno,” I say. “And we’ll hang out during my lunch break. You know how to find the place, right?”

“I think so.”

I write down specific directions just to be safe. Sebastian yawns as he looks it over.

“Okay, I need to go,” I say. “And you, my incredibly sexy genie, need to get your butt back into bed. You’re falling asleep at the table.” I’m an hour earlier than usual, since I need to make up the hours I missed when I went to California. Sebastian’s so sweet for waking up with me and seeing me off.

He frowns. “The bed is so empty without you.”

I kiss him. “I know, but as much as I want to, I can’t take off another day. I’ll see you at lunch. One o’clock, okay?”

He takes my hand, clutching it tightly before reluctantly letting go. I press my fingers to my lips, then to his before I leave the apartment.

Macy rushes over when I enter the restaurant. “Tell me everything!”

I shrug as I head to my locker to put my things away. “The therapy session went well. I feel like my mom and I are closer than we’ve ever been.”

“That’s great. And…?” She wiggles her eyebrows. “Does she approve of your boy?”

I smile. “I think she really likes him. Ugh, it was so awkward when she found out we’re living together and sleeping in the same bed.”

“She thought you guys were…”

I nod. “I love him so much and want to take that next step, but I don’t know. I don’t want to pressure him or anything. He has so much to deal with. He’s looking into getting his GED.”

“That’s great.” She rubs my arm. “Don’t worry about the sex thing so much. It’ll happen.”

“I know.”

“Talk to him. I know guys don’t like talking about serious things like that, but you need to.”

I nod. Sebastian might not have been human for long, but he hides his thoughts and emotions like all guys do.

“Are we still on for Friday?” Macy asks.

“Yep.”

“He sounds like a great guy, Lily.”

“He is.” I take my phone out of my bag. “Remember how I told you he doesn’t photograph? Well…” I hand her my phone and her eyes widen.

“He looks hot! Not as hot as—”

“Andy.” I roll my eyes. “Are we seriously going to compare boyfriends?”

She laughs. “Definitely not.” She glances at the time. “We’d better get to work.”

The day carries on like usual, except for the fact that I can’t stop thinking about my genie. Whenever a new customer sits at a table, my heart fills with hope that it’s Sebastian. Which is stupid because he’s not supposed to be here for another hour or so. I guess a part of me is hoping that he’ll surprise me. Because I can’t get my man out of my head, I’m not focusing as well as I should. I know that’s very irresponsible of me, but I can’t help it.

It’s after twelve when I head to a table to serve my next customer, and I stop in my tracks. It’s not Sebastian sitting at the table, it’s one of Inferno’s VIPs, Charles Daley, and his wife. He has invested a lot of money over the years and is a regular customer here. Apparently a few years ago, a waitress got fired because she got his order all wrong. Maybe someone else should take them. My mind isn’t exactly working so well today.

Biting my lip, I look around for someone else to serve them, but everyone is busy. I take in a few gulps of air and clear my head before approaching them, pushing a smile on my face. “Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Daley,” I greet. “Welcome to Inferno. My name is Lily. What would you like to order?”

The man doesn’t look up. He seems to be in his mid-fifties, with a full head of white hair. His wife is dressed in a nice summer dress. She doesn’t look at me, either.

“I’ll have the spicy tuna with the steamed vegetables,” he says. His wife orders the same.

I rub the back of my pen on my lip. “I’m sorry, but we don’t have the tuna right now.”

“Excuse me?”

I shift from one foot to the other. “The tuna is currently unavailable.” I suggest other things on the menu, including today’s special. But the man won’t hear it. He demands to have his tuna.

“For ten years I have been coming here. Never has a waitress had the audacity to refuse me.”

Glancing around, I realize that everyone is staring. Great, this is just perfect.

“I’d like to talk to Chef Charleston,” Mr. Daley demands.

I nod and head to the back of the restaurant for my boss’s office. As I pass the kitchen to get there, I notice two plates filled with spicy tuna sitting on the counter. Their ticket says table number seven. That’s Mr. and Mrs. Daley’s table. I don’t understand. I thought we didn’t have tuna.

Deciding not to question this, since I might be
this
close to losing my job, I rush back to their table and place their plates down, apologizing for the misunderstanding. The guy shoos me away, taking a bite of his fish and sighing contently. I sigh, too, relieved that he didn’t make a big scene.

Back in the kitchen, I ask the chefs if there is more tuna. They tell me they haven’t cooked tuna dishes since eleven. I don’t understand. What’s going on?

No time to ponder about it. I have many more tables to serve. I go to my next one and poise my pen over the pad, not bothering to look at my customer. “Good afternoon, welcome to Inferno. What would you like to order?”

“I have a lunch date with a beautiful waitress named Lily Richards,” a familiar voice says.

My eyes spring up. Sebastian is sitting there with a goofy grin on his face. I want to throw myself at him and kiss the juice out of him, but that wouldn’t be appropriate. “You’re early.”

“I was bored. I’m trying to understand the stuff I’m researching about the GED, but even magic can’t make me smarter. I know I’ll get there soon, though.”

“I know you will, and I’m going to help you.” I stare at him as a thought hits me. Magic. “How long have you been here?”

“I don’t know. Maybe ten minutes.”

Ten minutes? That must mean… “You created those tuna dishes for table seven, didn’t you?”

He holds out his hands like he has no idea. “I’m not sure. I saw what was happening and I wanted to help you.” He takes my hand. “Lily, I can’t create anything. It couldn’t have been me.”

“Then who?” I search around. “There’s no one else with magic.”

“Maybe the chefs had some tuna that you don’t know about?”

I shake my head. “I asked, but they hadn’t seen tuna for an hour. It must have been you. Maybe your magic is getting stronger.”

He lifts his hands and studies them. “I don’t feel different.”

“Thanks for helping me,” I say. “There was a good chance I would have gotten fired.”

His eyebrows furrow. “For not serving a dish you didn’t have?”

I shrug. “Maybe. Mr. Daley would have gotten mad at my boss, who would need someone to pin the blame on. That person would probably have been me.”

His eyes widen. “If you lose your job, you won’t be able to save up for culinary school.”

I love how hopeful he is that I’ll get in. I love how much he supports me. I wish I could wrap my arms around him and give him a big kiss, to show him just how much he means to me. “That’s okay. I’m still here. I’m going to take my lunch break now.”

Hand in hand, we make our way out of Inferno to spend half an hour together. It’s going to be a long day before I can see him again, and I squeeze in as much Lily/Sebastian time as possible.

On Friday evening, Sebastian frowns as he gazes at himself in the mirror. “Are you sure this is appropriate for a date? It seems very casual.” He’s wearing a white T-shirt and jeans.

I step up behind him and wrap my arms around his waist. “We’re going to a movie, then out to eat. It’s pretty casual, Sebastian.” He’s watched movies before, but he’s never been to a theater. We’re going to the best one in Brooklyn. It’s a little pricey, but I want Sebastian to have the full experience. Macy and Andy agreed and are very excited to go to that theater, too.

“Are Macy and Andy going to dress this way?”

“Yes.”

He frowns and takes off his shirt. He’s about to reach for another one, but stares at himself. Then his eyes move to me. “Lily?”

“Hmm?”

His hands move over his chest. “This feels odd—not having golden skin or any designs. I feel kind of naked.”

When he was a genie, his chest was covered in swirly designs that matched his lamp. My finger tingles as I remember the way I traced them, and how Sebastian trembled at my touch.

“Lily?”

“Yeah?”

He’s still examining himself. “Why don’t I have hair?”

“What?”

He looks at me. “I passed the park a few blocks away from home. There were many men around, some not wearing shirts. They had hair. And I also noticed hair on the men who had shirts. Their top buttons were opened.” He looks down at himself again. “They had on their legs, too. I’ve also noticed it all my years on Earth, but I didn’t think about it until today. I guess I’m comparing myself, now that I’m human. Or…I think?”

I kiss his cheek. “I don’t know why you don’t have body hair, but it seems like you’re human. Well, except for the whole magic thing. But that’s a perk.” I look into his eyes. “I love you just the way you are. You don’t have to worry about anything.”

He nods unsurely.

We finish getting ready, then take a cab to the theater. Macy and Andy are waiting for us inside. When they see us, they head over. Andy pulls Sebastian into his arms. “Thanks for saving my life, man.”

Sebastian’s too thrown off to do anything, and just stands there. He opens his mouth to say something, when Andy draws back and thanks him over and over again.

“I owe you my life,” he says.

Sebastian sweeps his hands toward me. “I didn’t do anything. It was Lily who wished for it. I just fulfilled it.”

I lightly slap his arm. “Are we going to do this again?”

He laughs. “No.” He smiles to Macy and Andy. “It’s nice to meet you. Lily has told me so much about you.”

“Likewise,” Macy says.

“And congratulations on your engagement.”

They’re quiet, avoiding each other’s eyes. Macy’s hand tightens on her purse and Andy’s leg twitches. Are they having problems? Oh, no. I hope not.

Sebastian and I exchange a glance. From the look in his eyes, I can tell he feels terrible for bringing it up. I motion that it’s okay, that we didn’t know. Macy hadn’t mentioned anything all week. Has she been keeping it from me, or is this a recent thing? I hope she knows she can tell me anything, just like I know I can tell her anything.

I want to ask questions, but it’s not my place to get involved. She’ll talk to me about it if or when she’s ready. If she chooses not to, then I need to respect that.

Macy clears her throat. “Should we go in?”

We get our tickets, popcorn, and snacks, and enter the theater. Sebastian’s eyes bug out of his face when he takes in the scenery around him. I’m shocked myself. I’ve never seen a theater this big. He nods toward the large screen in front of us. “What’s that?”

“That’s where the movie will play.”

“So big?”

“Yep.”

We manage to find good seats and make ourselves comfortable. Sebastian sits on my left, and Macy on my right. Andy is next to her, and takes her hand. That’s a good sign. Or is it? Are they putting up an act now?

When the previews start to play, Macy whispers, “Hey. You’re probably wondering what’s going on with Andy and me.”

“Sort of, but we don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. But if you do, I’m all ears.”

“Thanks. We’re just going through something. The…the wedding’s been canceled. I mean, we still want to get married, but not yet.”

“What happened?”

She’s quiet for a few seconds. “I kissed someone…”

I gape at her. “You kissed someone?”

“It was the guy who lives in the apartment right above us.” She inhales, then exhales. “Andy and I got into a stupid little fight and he stormed out of the house. The neighbor must have heard everything because he knocked on my door, asking me if everything was okay. I was a mess, crying and feeling so bad about myself, that I told him what happened and said I wasn’t sure if I wanted to marry Andy. Which was a total lie, but I wasn’t right in the head. The guy said some nice things and I just kissed him. It didn’t mean anything and was so, so stupid. I’m not sure Andy loves me anymore.”

“Andy
does
love you.”

She wipes her eyes. “When he came back home, I told him what happened. Of course he was hurt. We have some…stuff we need to work through. I really love him and don’t want to lose him. I’m such a terrible person.”

“No, you’re not. You just made a mistake. Andy will forgive you. If not, he’s an idiot.”

She’s about to answer when Sebastian leans closer to me. “This is wonderful. Everything is so big and clear and the sound…I feel like I’m inside the TV.”

I smile at how adorable he is. “That’s the point. You’re supposed to feel part of it.”

“Spectacular.” He munches on some popcorn. “Really awesome.” He munches some more. I lower my eyes to the barrel. We bought the jumbo size to share, and he’s pretty much eaten it all. He really loves popcorn.

“I’ll get more,” I say, reaching for the barrel.

“Hold on. Let me try something.” He waves his hand over the popcorn and more appear. His eyes widen. “I can…I can create…” He turns to me. “It’s been bugging me ever since you mentioned it at Inferno, and I haven’t been able to create anything. Until now.” He squints, confused. “I don’t understand it.”

I place my hand on his. “Sebastian, we need to pay for that popcorn.”

He shakes his head. “I didn’t take it from anywhere. I just…duplicated what we had.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

Macy elbows me. “You guys wanna keep it down? The movie’s about to start.”

We focus on the movie—it’s an action one with a little bit of romance. When I look at Sebastian, I can tell this whole magic creating thing is bothering him. I know it doesn’t make sense. He’s human and his powers shouldn’t be getting stronger. But maybe it’s possible. He’s not exactly fully human. I don’t think he can ever be one hundred percent like any other guy his age. I love that he has magic, but I’m also worried that things will go wrong. I don’t want us to accidentally do things we don’t want to do. Like use magic to cheat through life. Not that I think Sebastian would ever do that, but life is hard, and we might be tempted.

Sebastian stretches his arm over my shoulder. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing.” I reach up and peck his lips.

About half an hour into the movie, Macy and Andy start making out. I’m glad that despite what’s happening between them, they’re still in love. I catch Sebastian watching them, then his eyes move to me. I shake my head. “Not here.”

“Why not?”

I shrug. “I want you to watch the movie.” That and I’ve never really been comfortable kissing in public. I like sharing intimate moments behind closed doors.

Sebastian bends close to me and whispers, “Okay. Thank you for bringing me here.”

“I’d do anything for you.”

The movie ends with a passionate kiss shared by the guy and girl, and Sebastian raises his fists in triumph. The lights turn on and Sebastian’s arms are still raised. He has a large smile on his face. Most of the other people shoot him weird looks, but he doesn’t pay attention to them.

Andy chuckles. “You must really love movies.”

“I do, especially the romance ones.”

Andy stares at him.

“Because it reminds me of Lily,” Sebastian quickly says. “The first movie we watched together was romance. It means something special to me.”

Andy chuckles. “Not me. I’ll leave the romance movies to the chicks. Now horror, that’s where it’s at.”

Macy slaps his chest. “You like a good romance movie every now and then. Admit it.”

“Never.”

We leave the theater and go to the nearby fast food joint for dinner. Sebastian and I sit on one side of the table and Macy and Andy sit on the other. Things seem okay between them. Andy is looking at Macy the way he always had, but I sense some betrayal as well. I really hope things work out between them.

“So, Sebastian,” Andy says once we’ve ordered and are waiting for our food. “What was it like being a genie?”

Sebastian tells them everything, starting with Ortarus and ending with returning to Earth. Andy’s mouth drops. “Wait, you’re over a hundred years old?”

“A few hundred, yes.”

Andy’s mouth drops even more. “Damn.”

Sebastian laughs lightly. They continue talking when I notice something in the corner of my eye. A guy I recognize is sitting at the table on the other end of the room. Max, my ex-boyfriend, the guy I dated right before Sebastian. He never loved me but was using me to get over his breakup with his ex-girlfriend. Sebastian had tried to warn me, but I didn’t listen.

“Oh, god,” I mutter. “Look who’s there.” I tilt my head toward Max’s direction. Sebastian narrows his eyes.

“Is that his girlfriend?” I ask, eyeing the brunette on his left.

“Um, no,” Macy says. “Turns out his ex didn’t want to get back together with him. I don’t even think she knows what she wants. He must be on a date with someone else.”

I reach for Sebastian’s hand. “All I can say is good riddance and I hope he’s not using that girl like he used me.”

Andy shifts in his seat. This must be awkward for him, since Max is his good friend. “He’s in a bad place,” he says.

“I don’t doubt that,” I say. “He just shouldn’t take advantage of anyone.”

Andy shrugs. “I think he’s changed, but it doesn’t really matter, does it?”

“Nope.”

Sebastian smiles and gives me a quick kiss.

Our food is ready and we dig in. It’s really good, in a disgustingly awesome type of way. We discuss many topics as we eat, like the movie, school, jobs, and the news. A shadow stands behind Macy, and I look up. Max is there. Without the brunette. Either she left or she’s in the bathroom.

“Hey,” Max says, focusing his gaze on me. I ignore him. Sebastian, on the other hand, doesn’t. He stares him down, just as Max is staring him down.

“Who’s that?” Max asks.

“My boyfriend,” I say. “Sebastian.”

Max frowns as he looks him over another time. He snorts.

“Did you want something?” I snap.

Max smiles wide. “No, I have everything I need.” He walks away.

“What a…” I shut my mouth, stopping myself from uttering my next words in front of Andy. Max might have been a lousy boyfriend to me, but he’s a good friend to Andy.

Macy slowly meets my gaze. “He was asking about you the other day.”

“Max?”

She nods.

“Did you tell him I’m seeing someone?”

“Yeah. I guess that’s why he came over.”

I roll my eyes. “Because he doesn’t believe I could get a guy, right?”

Macy shakes her head. “I don’t think that’s it. I think he wants to get back together with you. I told him to back off.”

“Thanks.”

“I could take him,” Sebastian says, glaring at the door. Max is no longer there. “If he so much as touches you, I will kill him.”

I place my fingers on his arm. “Sebastian, relax. We don’t need you going to jail.”

His eyes narrow at the door. “I don’t like the way he was looking at you.”

I squeeze him arm. “Let it go. Please.”

He tears his gaze from the door and looks at me. “I just want to protect you.”

“I appreciate it, but it’s okay.”

He nods. “I’m sorry.”

Macy says, “You don’t have to worry, Sebastian. Max won’t be a problem. I made it clear that she wants nothing to do with him.”

That seems to relax my genie, but I can still see the tension in his eyes.