Mint and Nicotine

Chapter One

Author's Note:

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It had been a peaceful day. The first one she had experienced in a while. Usually by this time, May Calloway was three drinks down and teetering on the edge of a nervous breakdown.

But not today. Today would be the day she told him.

Sunlight spilled across the bright green grass, warming the earth beneath it. The neighbors took advantage of the cool of the afternoon, the smell of fresh-cut grass filling the air.

A content sigh left May's lips as coarse fingers threaded through her chestnut hair with practiced ease. She hummed softly, eyes closed, a faint, mischievous smile touched the corners of her lips.

A gentle breeze brushed against her skin, carrying the scent of summer.

"I'm bored," she complained, her hands folded over her stomach.

A low chuckle escaped Elias.

"So I've heard," he said. "Four times now."

His fingers never paused, untangling another strand of hair with effortless familiarity. There was an easy fondness in his expression, one worn smooth by years of knowing her.

"My answer hasn't changed." He glanced down at her, amusement flickering in his eyes. "What exactly am I supposed to do about that?"

"The way you take initiative never ceases to amaze me," she teased, cracking open one brown eye to peek at him. Her grin only widened.

"Honestly, if I have to tell you not to be boring, you're hopeless."

Elias hummed thoughtfully. His fingers slowed before stopping altogether.

"You know..." he said after a beat. "I've never considered that."

He nodded with exaggerated solemnity.

"I'm clearly beyond saving."

With a long, theatrical sigh, he started to stand.

"I'll see myself out."

"Elias."

She groaned and immediately flopped onto his lap before he could get very far.

"Stop being an idiot," she whined, wriggling until she was comfortable again. "I was comfy."

Without another word, she caught his hand and tucked it back into her hair.

"...There."

Elias looked down at her for a moment before the corner of his mouth lifted.

"...As you command."

A comfortable silence settled between them. Somewhere in the distance lingered the sweet scent of forgotten pastries they purchased hours ago.

"You know..."

May spoke without opening her eyes. A small smile teased at her lips, one Elias had learned to be wary of years ago.

"I don't think I've ever told you this before..."

She paused just long enough to make him wonder where this was going.

"But I think I would make a perfect girlfriend for you."

She said it as casually as someone commenting on the weather.