Seeing Shadows (Shadows 1)

We were in front of Colette's and I didn't ask any further questions. I wasn't sure I wanted to know the answers. Simon gave me a big hug and I couldn't help but melt in his embrace. He had started hugging me Wednesday night, doing it so casually that I didn't

even think to protest. I told myself they were friendly hugs. I hugged Grant and Marcus often. If Simon held me a bit longer than a friend would, I didn't comment on it. But his hugs were becoming more and more frequent. At times when I wasn't sure were appropriate. Simon had hugged me in the middle of rolling meatballs. We had tried throwing M&M's in each other's mouths while the red sauce for the meatballs simmered, and when I had been successful in catching one, he had given me a hug.

I decided that Simon was the best hugger in the world. I was surprised that I was so receptive to them. There were so many complications. He was in one of my visions. I was trying to discourage him with lies about Bob. I still didn't understand what his relationship with Claudia was. And then there was the whole "vardoger trying to take over his body" thing. I couldn't help constantly searching his eyes for a flicker. But Simon's hugs felt too good for me to protest and I decided to allow myself this one pleasure.

His strong arms wrapped around me, making me feel safe and protected. Simon's chin rested on my head and I felt surrounded by him, enveloped into his body. And the scent of him - warm and masculine with a hint of cologne, was enough to drive any girl mad.

I finally pulled back when the hug had lingered on for far too long. I gave him a shaky smile. I hoped he didn't notice the shaky part.

"Well, thanks for walking me to work. Have fun tonight. See you tomorrow."

Simon smiled in return. "See you tomorrow." Then he was gone.

Unfortunately Marnie and Colleen had witnessed the hug since the front of the cafe was all glass. Colleen just gave me a smirk when I entered but I had to endure Marnie's barrage of questions about whether Simon and I were together. She also told me over and over again how disappointed she was that the Henchmen weren't performing this weekend. The band had been planning on performing at least once every weekend, but since we were going to Connecticut this weekend, it was impossible. I didn't tell Marnie that though because that would've added fuel to the fire about me and Simon.

When my shift was over, I turned to wave at Colleen. "Bye Colleen. Have a good weekend. And thanks again for letting Emily and Gabe cover my shifts." Gabe was another server, and he and Emily had been willing to take my shifts this weekend so I could go to Connecticut.

"Just be sure to make this weekend worth your while," Colleen said with a wink. I hadn't specifically told her where I was going this weekend, just that I was going out of town, but she seemed to have assumed it would be with Simon.

I rolled my eyes and smiled, giving a last wave. Marnie had already left for the night. Since it was a slow night, Colleen had scheduled only one server for the last hour. Colleen and Devi usually stayed later, doing inventory and going over the books since Devi helped her with the business side of the cafe.

The door closed behind me with a jingle of bells and I started walking when I saw Simon leaning against a tree in front of Colette's.

"Hey!" I said with surprise. "What are you doing here?"

Simon straightened and ambled over, his hands in his coat pockets. "I figured you'd need an escort home. And I found someone willing to fill that position. Me."

I laughed. "Simon, it's perfectly safe for me to walk home alone. I do it all the time." And it was safe. The few streets from Colette's to my apartment were residential and there were often people sitting on their steps, hanging out even when it was late so it wasn't as if I was walking a deserted path.

Simon cocked an eyebrow. "You can just say thank you."

"Thank you. But it's unnecessary." I then softened my tone, since he was just worried about me. "I'm happy for you to walk me home though. This time."

Simon shrugged without comment and then slung his arm around my shoulders as we made our way home. I accepted his touch as easily as his hugs. It was becoming addictive.

"So how was work?" he asked conversationally.

"Good," I said, burrowing into his side, relishing the warmth in the cold night. "It wasn't too busy so half the time I was just gossiping with Marnie." I gave him a sideways glance. "She's heartbroken that the Henchmen won't be playing this weekend."

"Yeah, well Joel wasn't too happy about it either. But what can you do?" Simon sounded unconcerned.

"But what if he doesn't let you play other weekends because you're missing this one?" I asked.

Simon shrugged. "I doubt it since we seem to be bringing in a crowd. And if he does, who cares?"

"Probably Grant," I laughed. I envied Simon's carefree attitude. I was the polar opposite of him, constantly worrying about the results of my actions. Although I had seen flashes of Simon being far from easygoing.

Simon grinned. "Grant does live and breathe the Henchmen. But Joel would just be cutting into his own profits by not letting us play." He looked down at me, seemingly ready to change the topic. "Kendra's birthday party is Saturday night, and we'll be pretty busy during the day since it'll be lots of family stuff. But I want to spend Sunday showing you around Darien. We're not leaving until six so we have plenty of time."

"I'm sure Sarah would love to see your hometown. Especially if you can drag Grant along." I smiled but my mind was racing furiously. I had called my aunt Monday night after I had decided to go to Connecticut. It turned out that she lived only about ten minutes away from Darien and I was planning on going to her house on Sunday afternoon. I knew we weren't planning on leaving until six in the evening that day, which would leave me plenty of time. I figured that Saturday would be busy with Kendra's birthday and it would be too obvious for me to slip away then.

During the phone call Monday night I had realized that, at some point, I had accepted her as my aunt. My excitement in meeting her was growing, although I was apprehensive as well. It wouldn't be just a happy family reunion. Her answers to my questions would affect the rest of my life.

I hadn't exactly figured out the logistics of getting to Aunt Brenda's. We were all driving down in Simon's car so Sarah wouldn't have her car there. I had thought about suggesting we drive down separately, but I had no reason to give that would justify the change in plans. At least, not a reason I would give willingly. Besides, I didn't know what excuse I could give even if Sarah did have her car. She certainly would want to know where I was going, and I wasn't ready to tell her yet. Never mind I didn't have a clue what to do about Simon.

"I was thinking it would just be you and me," Simon said, breaking into my thoughts. "Grant said he was going to stop by his parents' house on Sunday. I suggested he invite Sarah along and he agreed."

I bit my lip. Now it was going to be even harder getting out of spending time with Simon on Sunday. It was bad enough trying to figure out an excuse to slip away when it would be the four of us, but now I had no idea what to do. I distractedly thought about how ecstatic Sarah would be to finally go over to Grant's house, but I pushed the thought aside. I had more pressing matters to deal with.