The local builder, Dave, and his two sons, were already hard at work fixing all the damage to the Children’s Wing of the Library. And her cousin, Erik, the artist, was in the midst of repairing all the carved wooden figurines destroyed by Asher.
There was no word on Flynn, as yet. Maat’s Warriors scouring the world for him. Interrogating every Supernatural they could find regarding the possible whereabouts of Hathor and Neith. Dash, leading the charge, desperate for any news concerning his twin brother.
Thump. Thump. Gigi glared at the innocent lump of dough. Annoyed at it, no, annoyed at herself, and at her entire family, if she were to be honest. She should be downstairs in her industrial kitchen baking up a storm, but instead, she was up here, hiding in her apartment.
But she was just so very tired. Of all the inquiries regarding Nico’s health. And the non-stop sly questions about whether she had Nico tucked upstairs in her apartment, since they hadn’t seen him around the bar lately. And the never ending questions. Were they moving in together permanently? And what did Gigi think of winter melding ceremonies?
Of course the family thought they were still an item. Still in a relationship.
It took everything Gigi had not to open her mouth and scream that she and Nico were officially over. Which would be beyond bad. Then the prying questions would really ramp up and be accompanied by sympathetic pats on the hand and shoulder. Followed by never ending well-meaning advice for the lovelorn.
Which would be wasted breath on her family’s behalf.
She was not heartbroken over Nico Yanez. Well, yes, she had been. But it had been eight days, she was over him, had moved on. She had a business to run, an Empire to build. Gigi didn’t have time to be heart broken.
A buzzer sounded, Gigi frowning, she didn’t have anything in the oven. Oh, her watch. Good Heavens, she had ten minutes to get her act together and head to Gaia’s for a meeting to discuss Theo’s birthday party. Nico would probably be there, which was fine. They were just two professionals working a job. What should she wear?
What should she wear? Crap, snap out it, woman. You wear your normal uniform of grey skirt, white blouse and purple belt, easy. Except she was covered with flour. Which was fine, she’d just change into a clean skirt, and blouse. Her hair? How did her hair look? Stop! Just stop. Thumping the dough hard, the rolling pin striking the kitchen counter with a loud crack.
Stop. You’re a business professional. Get the clean uniform on, wash your face, comb your hair and plaster on that can do smile. You got this.
***
Stepping into Gaia’s kitchen, Gigi was hit by a cacophony of smells. Given the large number of jars lined up on one counter, neatly labelled, clearly Gaia had been cooking up a storm recently.
Given she operated a stall at the nearby Reverie Valley Market every Saturday, it wasn’t surprising. Gaia provided the relishes and chutneys. Her business partner, another cousin, concentrated upon jams, curds, and sweet dessert sauces.
From the sheer number of jars though, Gigi didn’t think Gaia would need to re-stock her inventory for several months, if not the remainder of the year.
There were only two tea cups waiting on the counter by a large pot steeping, emitting wafts of lavender, chamomile and mint. Two? So that meant, nope, not going there.
“Gaia, how are you?” Giving her cousin a reassuring hug before stepping back to study her. Hmmm, Gaia looked worried, and there were dark circles under her big blue eyes. “How’s Theo doing?”
“He’s good.” Except Gaia was twisting the tea towel she was holding into knots, her words saying one thing, her demeanour another. “He and Sergei are outside.” Gaia said the word outside like you would utter the word minefield. “Sergei’s weeding my vegetable patch, and Theo’s in his bassinet, napping.” Turning quickly to glance out the nearest window to double check on the men in her life.
“Oh, that’s good. They say sunshine is important for babies.” Wow, the glare Gaia hit her with could have stripped paint from a wall. “How about I pour us some tea?” Gigi picked up the pot and played mother. “I haven’t heard from you in a few days.” Not one text message changing the theme of Theo’s party, it had been peaceful, but strangely eerie.
Heaving a sigh, Gaia sat down on a nearby stool, gesturing for Gigi to do the same. “Yes, about that. I wanted to let you know, in person, I’m cancelling the party.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. It’s only Theo’s first birthday. I should be keeping it small, intimate, immediate family only, and I think we’ll hold it here, in the living room. Where it’s nice and cosy.”
Hah, Gigi was pretty sure Gaia had swapped out the word safe for cosy. Damn, the events of eight days ago were continuing to linger. Once she was finished here, Gigi would text their cousin, Quinn, the psychiatrist, and get her to do a drop by on Gaia. Although, there was probably one or two things Gigi could do to help get the ball rolling.
“Really? Whew. Something small and cosy. To be honest, that’s a little bit of a relief. Aunt Lucy only contacted me the other day to let me know that the Icelandic side of the family have now been invited to Asher’s party. You know how those Ice Deities like to party and eat. It was going to be a challenge to get everything organised for two big family parties scheduled so close together. But now you’re having your little intimate cosy family party. Well, that changes things.”
“Yes.” Gaia’s cheeks had reddened but she wasn’t taking the bait, not just yet, determinedly gulping down the soothing tea she’d brewed.
“And it means the family can concentrate all their energies on just the one big blow out for Asher. And the magic theme is going to be beyond amusing. I just feel sorry for the entertainers, the Great-Greats are no doubt going to be sticking their noses in and trying to work out the logistics of every trick. It’s certainly going to be a memorable family party. And the location, Valhalla. I know it’s a little chilly and austere, but once the decorators that Lucy has hired get through with it, I’m sure it’ll look fantastic. Oh, I should remind her to hire a professional photographer. Sorry, business brain goes into overdrive. Now, let’s concentrate on your little family gathering. Do you think a dozen cookies will be enough? You did say small, and immediate family. I’m sure it’ll be great, pin up a few streamers, pop a candle in a cupcake. No muss, no fuss. I really don’t blame you for going the—”
“Actually, I think I’d better confirm things with Sergei’s family before I do anything rash. It might be too late for them cancel their travel plans. Perhaps we should proceed as if Theo’s big birthday bash is still on.”
“Okay, sure. You do have five months to tweak or change things if you need to.”
“Yes.” Gaia’s big blue eyes were suddenly glittering with intent. She was a surprisingly competitive person under all that earthmother hippie exterior. “I might even have to look for a better, I mean, bigger venue. I forgot about the gold eating Croatian branch of Sergei’s family tree. And speaking of changes, I’ve been thinking about the theme-”
“About that.” Gigi pushed over her new party brochure. “Here’s photos of all the cookie shapes I can do. Colours are changeable, up to two months prior to the event. But once you make your choice, then I just want to draw your attention to this table here, which lists the additional expense for any changes.”
