Page 106 of Stubborn as a Shadow

I nodded as I swiped my finger through the cream cheese icing and licked it off. Nelson stared at my finger. He swallowed, then took a large bite of his sandwich.

“She’s coming here, is that okay?”

“Of course,” he agreed. “She’s your family. I’ll mention it to Jake. We’ll make sure there’s a bedroom ready for her.”

“Okay. Good.”

“She’ll always be welcome here. You know that, right?”

Here. Like this was my home now too. Little fizzy bubbles fluttered through me. I liked that idea.

Then Nelson frowned down at his sandwich.

“What’s wrong?”

“Some of the others want to celebrate that you’ve been found.”

“I wasn’t really lost,” I pointed out.

“I guess it’s a matter of perspective,” he said. “But that doesn’t change things. They want to get together at the pub tonight.”

“Because of me?”

“Don’t feel like you have to go,” Nelson said quickly.

“They’re holding a party for me? Of course I have to go!” I glanced around. “Galloping glitter, I don’t have anything to wear! Can I order clothes for delivery?”

“Willow Lake isn’t big enough to offer services like that.” Nelson shook his head. “You can borrow something of mine.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Do you have anything that isn’t black or gray?”

Nelson glanced toward his closet. “Uh, no?”

Before he could open his mouth and try to champion the world’s dreariest colors, someone knocked on the door. I pulled the sheet tight around me as Nelson crossed the room to see who it was. It wouldn’t be anyone I knew, so I stayed put. Violet might be fast, but she wasn’t that fast.

“What the—?” Nelson muttered when he looked through the peephole. As soon as he opened the door, he was pushed aside by a moving pile of clothes.

“We’re here to rescue Morgan. Again,” came a voice from under the heap of colorful fabrics. When the massive pile was dropped onto the bed, I finally saw Jeremy and a few other people. Jeremy was the only one who didn’t look uncomfortable. “Since you didn’t bring any luggage, we figured you’d need to borrow some clothes. We brought a bunch of stuff, but between all of us, there must be something that’ll fit you.”

I eyed the jumble of textures and colors. “Really? But I don’t know you…”

Jeremy rushed over to me.

“Watch out, he’s a hugger,” someone shouted, but before I could react, Jeremy had already pulled me into his arms.

“You’re our new BFF. Of course we’re here to help,” Jeremy said, as if that made sense.

I wasn’t sure if I’d ever had a BFF before. I had Violet, though, so maybe. But this felt different. It felt like happiness. Laughter burbled up inside me. And little bubbles burst from my mouth.

Jeremy’s eyes widened. “That is freaking awesome. I have so many questions. But first, let’s find you something to wear.” He beckoned to the others who were still hovering in the doorway. “Come on, Ash. Simon. Jake. Ryley. Get in here. Let’s go.” He clapped to get them moving. “We have a unicorn in need. I repeat, we have a unicorn in need.”

Simon, who I’d met this morning, hunched in his hoodie. “I don’t know why I’m here. My mate is the one who likes clothes.”

Jeremy just waved away his grumbling. “You’re here because you’re our BFF too. Come on, come on. The party is going to start any minute now.”

I glanced at Nelson. Just by the look on his face, I knew that if I didn’t want this, he’d send all these people away. I smiled, loving that he had my back if I needed it.

But I was okay. Good, even.