Where the Devil Says Goodnight (Folk Lore 1)

“The pastor always speaks so highly of your infused spirits. I’ve tried them, and I also think they’re great. What if we found a way to sell them?”

Emil took his time, but when he looked up into Adam’s eyes, there was new determination glinting in their green depths. “And you want me to move with you?”

His hand was warm in Adam’s, as if their limbs were slowly but surely growing together. Adam’s heart beat all too fast, so fast he might faint at any moment, but if that happened, Emil would catch him.

“Yes.”

Chapter 16 - Adam

The town hall in Sanok resembled a cake covered with pink icing, with ornamental turrets of pure sugar. During his two previous visits here, Adam had only made it to the supermarkets on the outskirts of town, so when he stood in the middle of the huge central square surrounded by two-storey buildings reminiscent of life-sized models in a massive diorama, he was struck by how charming the old town was. Everything looked brand new, so unlike the reality of gray facades farther from this most representative part of town.

“So when did this guy say he was coming?” Adam asked, watching small children run around in a modern fountain that doubled as a playground.

Emil shrugged. “Don’t worry, we’ve got two hours to kill.”

Despite the sunshine, it was cool enough for Emil to wear his leather jacket, and Adam couldn’t help but walk that inch closer to him than he should have just so that he could smell him, sense the warmth emanating off Emil’s skin.

The tourist season was in full swing, and the town was packed with visitors from all over the country for whom it was the perfect base for hiking in the area. If Adam had been among them, he’d have surely wanted to eat lunch at one of the many restaurants branding themselves as traditional highland inns, but after three months in Dybukowo, the fancy café across the square held way more appeal. Its minimalist decor and hipster name suggested they might even have a real espresso machine.

“And he said he’ll give you all that fruit for free?” Adam asked, his gaze passing over the church tower emerging from beyond the cutesy architecture. He was dressed in jeans and his favorite soft hoodie, so the priest who’d later hear his confession would have no idea who Adam was.

“Yes, they’d had an overabundance of cherries this year, so he’d rather offer them to someone than let them rot.”

When they passed a group of young women in black clothes and combat boots, Adam couldn’t help the tingle of pride when Emil made all their heads turn, because while the girls might not know it, this guy was here with him. He wasn’t surprised though to hear Emil’s name called out in an attempt to draw his attention. A man like him wasn’t a frequent sight around here. He listened to the right music, was tall and handsome, had daring tattoos, and could grow out a lush mane of dark hair. A real treat for every metalhead girl. But Emil politely greeted them back and followed Adam.

So maybe this wasn’t a date, but as they approached the large parasols casting shadows on tables in front of the café, it damn felt like one.

“You’ll still need cash, right? For the other ingredients.”

“Yes, but potatoes are cheap. If I play my cards right I’ll get them at a discount from Mrs. Janina’s cousin.”

Adam frowned as he sat down in the comfortable chair in the shadow. “Potatoes? Why would you infuse liquor with potatoes?”

Emil laughed out loud and pushed at Adam’s shoulder. “Adam! Come on. For the vodka, I’m not making virgin cocktails.”

Adam looked around, but no one seemed to have heard them. “What? I thought you were going to just buy some.”

Emil sat in the chair opposite Adam and cocked his head. “We’re talking about five hundred bottles of liquor. It’s not exactly mass market production, but even if I bought cheap vodka, I’d have to spend fifteen thousand zloty at least. I don’t have that kind of cash.”

But Adam did. He wasn’t in any way rich, but he did have savings that would have covered the liquor and left a bit to spare. His mouth dried, but as he watched Emil play with a leather cuff he wore as part of his going out outfit, the sense of tenderness spreading in his chest made him lean forward. “I could lend you the money. You know I don’t really have many expenses anyway, since the parish pays for my keep.”

Emil snorted, but his gaze remained focused on Adam as the waitress brought them menus. “What are you talking about? I can handle it. Not to mention that I know what I’m doing. Granddad passed his recipe on to me, and I’ve been helping him make vodka since I was twelve. I even have distillation equipment in the shed. I’ll get the free cherries, and worry about the bottles in due time.”