Chapter 32 - Kaius

Julie and I enter the diner a few minutes later, where everyone's already gathered around a large table. The place is packed, with several of our friends and townsfolk filling up the booths and tables. The buzz of conversation, the clinking of dishes, and the hum of the kitchen create a lively atmosphere.

Lena and Cyrus sit close together, sharing a quiet moment, while Sarah does her best to resist Rufus"s relentless attempts to charm her. Georgia, Milo, and Rosie are deep in conversation while Peyton, Evander, and Orion chat animatedly at the other end of the table. Bernadette is trying and failing to catch Orion"s attention, casting sidelong glances his way, which seems to give Sarah endless amusement.

Some of the other dragons from the clan are also here for dinner. Xander, Amelie, and Ryker are off in a corner, chatting with a couple of the townsfolk. Julie's brother Greg is talking animatedly, waving his hands around as he speaks. I can't help but grin; he has the same enthusiastic energy as his sister when she's talking about something she feels strongly about. Their mannerisms are so similar.

We settle into the remaining seats at the table, and Rufus wastes no time in poking fun at me.

"Hey, Kaius," he says with a smirk, leaning over the table. "What took you two so long? Didn't take you for one to struggle with finishing a job."

"Ah, you've got me all wrong, Man. It's not that I couldn't finish the job; I'm just not one to leave the job half done," I reply with a wink, drawing a laugh from the group.Julie rolls her eyes, but there's a smile tugging at her lips.

"I hate you both."

Rufus raises an eyebrow.

"I mean, is he really that thorough?"

"Rufus, just because you're stuck doing solo work doesn't mean I'm going to share him with you, even if you act like an old married couple, so don't get any clever ideas," Julie says, grinning.

Laughter ripples around the table, and Rufus shakes his head with a chuckle, "Touché."

The waiter arrives, and we order our drinks as the rest of the group continues to chat. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the diner is buzzing with life. It feels like home, a place where we can all come together and unwind.

The clamor of laughter and conversation fills the air, and I can see everyone is enjoying themselves. Cyrus and Lena are leaning in close, whispering to each other, while Milo is gesturing animatedly, making Rosie laugh. Rufus is still trying to work his charms on Sarah, who firmly swats his hand away whenever he gets too close. Georgia is deep in conversation with Peyton, Evander, and Orion; they all seem to be discussing the current weather.

Just as we're getting settled, I see Mr. and Mrs. Harris enter the diner, scanning the room for a moment before making their way over to our table. Julie notices them, too, her eyes widening in surprise.

"Kaius, Julie," Mrs. Harris greets us warmly. "Would you two like to join us for dinner?"

Julie exchanges a glance with me before turning back to her parents.

"How about you join us instead? But only if you promise not to ask me to come back and work at the shop."

Mrs. Harris's eyes soften, and she nods.

"Agreed. I actually took what Kaius said seriously. I've hired one of the local boys, and Greg is making plans to move back permanently."

Julie's face lights up at the news, and she pulls her mother into a hug.

"Thank you, Mom. That means a lot."

Mr. and Mrs. Harris settle into the remaining seats at the table, and the conversation quickly shifts to catching up on family news. The atmosphere is lively, filled with laughter and conversation.

The group exchanges stories, and everyone's relaxed, enjoying the moment. Mrs. Harris talks about the market, sharing funny anecdotes about the customers. Greg joins in from his table, recounting a particularly amusing incident with one of the local boys. There's a sense of closeness in the air, a bond that only family can bring.

As Mrs. Harris shares another bit of gossip from the market, she makes a comment regarding melons that opens the door perfectly for me to make a snarky remark about Julie's love of trashy romance novels. I resist the urge, remembering my promise to Julie to keep my teasing in check.

But Julie notices, raising an eyebrow at me.

"You're really going to let that one go?"

"I'm reformed," I reply with mock seriousness. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

She gives me a knowing look, and I pull out my phone, sending her a quick text, drawing an absolutely hilarious comparison between the melons in question in the story to her breasts. Julie lets out a laugh at the text, and I can't help but smile.

The evening continues to be filled with easy conversation and warm laughter. It's a moment where everyone can relax and enjoy each other's company. The surrounding diners exchange glances, sharing in our joy, even if they're not part of our group.

As the evening goes on, Mr. and Mrs. Harris include me in their plans for the holiday dinners, talking about the dishes they plan to make and asking for my input. For the first time, I feel a quiet warmth settle in my chest, realizing that I have actual family plans for the holidays. I've spent so many years without that sense of belonging, and now I'm looking forward to it.

The conversations around the table flow easily, the air filled with laughter and warmth. Everyone is pitching in to make plans, and I feel grateful to be part of this group and to have found a place where I belong.

"You should bring something special for dessert, Kaius," Mr. Harris says with a warm smile.

Mrs. Harris nods in agreement.

"Yes, and maybe we can have a little cook-off and see who makes the best pie."

"I'm pretty sure that unless I'm bringing grapes and popcorn, we've about exhausted my ability to cook," I laugh with a small shrug, "But I'm thrilled to taste test for your cook-off any time."

The idea of joining a family for the holidays warms me to my core. For years, I've drifted alone, having no one to spend the holidays with. But now, I find myself surrounded by people who truly care about me, and I couldn't be more grateful.