Page 49 of Zombies, Satyrs and Vampires, Oh My!

epilogue

Jace

Several months later…

“Are you nervous?” Harriet asks. She’s standing in our bathroom, looking at me through the reflection in the mirror.

I’m standing behind her while she finishes putting on her make-up.

“No, not nervous. Excited, but mostly grateful.”

She gives me a teary smile, then dabs at her eyes. “Don’t make me mess up my face.”

“Your face is perfect, just like the rest of you.”

She turns and puts her arms up and around my neck. “I love you and I’m so proud of you.”

I pull her to me, just holding her against me. So much has changed since Harriet came into my life, besides the obvious of not having a painful erection for all eternity. She’s brought so much joy, not just into my life, but into our town. She loves so unconditionally, so thoroughly; she’s made me a better man. Satyr, whatever.

“Do you remember before we met that you thought I was on the spectrum?”

She laughs and leans back to look at me. “I do. Forgive me if I think that most of the smartest, most creative people in the world are on the spectrum. Steven spoiled me with the way he views the world.” She shakes her head. “It would have perfectly explained your reclusive nature and being camera shy.”

“True. Instead, I have fucking horns and goat ears.” I wiggle them which sends her into a giggle fit. She loves my stupid ears, what can I say?

“We should go, or we’re going to be late,” she says.

“Is this the one I should wear?” I ask, tugging on my kilt. Yes, I can finally wear clothes again. I’m still sizable enough that going commando is a perfect solution for me.

“Yes, that one is my favorite. I love the colors.”

It’s a black, white and grey plaid with a thin line of hot pink running through it. It’s a reminder to her that I’m hers and she’s mine.

It doesn’t take us too long to get downtown and to Down the Rabbit Hole. It’s my first time playing here in a really long time. The townspeople are getting used to me being out and among them again, but I was saving this return for something special.

When we step into the bar, it’s already crowded. I put a hand on Harriet’s hip and pull her closer to me.

“You’ve got this,” she says.

We walk to the front so I can make my way to the piano, then Harriet shrieks!

“Steven! What are you doing here?” She practically pummels her brother in a bear hug.

“Hey sis,” he says, amusement lighting his tone and features.

We’ve video chatted with him several times and told him about the town and, well, all the monsters. He didn’t even really have many questions; said he couldn’t wait to visit. So, he and I have been making arrangements for this for a few weeks.

I hold my hand out to him. “Nice to finally meet you in person,” I say.

He smiles. “You actually do have goat legs.”

I laugh. “Yes, I really do.”

“Everyone is so different,” Steven says. He glances around the room.

“Is everyone being nice to you?” Harriet asks. “I don’t want to have to kick some monster ass, but I will.”

“Harry, stop,” Steven says.