“No, I mean, he’s had a lot of experience with Love Goddess cursed objects attaching themselves to him… he might be able to give you some tips on dealing with it.”
“Oh. Yes. Of course.” Riordan took another big gulp of water. “Look, I came here today to tell you what I did, it was way outof line. Using my magic on you. Stalking around watching you guys. Reporting back to Hathor.”
“She was controlling you, give yourself a break.”
“That’s the thing. I’m not sure she was controlling me, not all the time. I’ve had the biggest crush on Nico since I started working at the Five Alarm Bar. Although he’s only ever treated me like an employee or a kid sister. But I kept hoping that one day, he’d see me, you know? Once I turned twenty-one I was sure. Yeah, well, nothing changed. And I told myself to move on. To concentrate on my studies. Maybe find someone to casually date. But then I saw you guys kiss, and I realised I wasn’t over him, and worse, I knew it was hopeless.”
“I’m sorry you had to find out about us being together that way.” There was no use in telling Riordan about the cursed ring, the secret partnership or the faux relationship agreement.
“Heavens, I should have been happy for him, for the two of you. I mean, if he had to hook up with anyone, he totally deserves someone like you in his life. And okay, I had a pity party, bawled my eyes out. Then the necklace arrived in the post. I put it on and wham, all my feelings, all my emotions just kind of narrowed down to one thought, how unfair it was that you got everything in life, including Nico, and how much I… hated you. Beautiful. Wildly successful. Brilliant. Amazing at everything you do; your degrees, your business, all your charity work, and how kick ass you are at self-defence. How effortless you make everything look.”
Wow, Gigi had no idea Riordan had seen her like that, it made her want to apologise and at the same time hire her cousin to write up her professional biography.
“And of course Nico would twig to how frigging wonderful you are and fall at your feet, just like the billionaire, the astronaut and the think tank genius and I was beyond sure, that you would break his heart, just like you did those other guys. But the longerit went on, I just found myself growing more and more resentful. So I began zapping you with my magic every time I walked past your place. I know, I know, it was a disgusting thing to do, but I couldn’t seem to stop thinking about how you have everything, and could have anyone in the world, why did you have to choose my Nico? Yes, yes, I know he’s not mine, but I didn’t want to see him get hurt.” Dark blue eyes stared hard Gigi’s way, clearly looking for understanding, or sympathy.
“I pray to the Goddess Above that you’re having daily sessions with Quinn, because you’re seriously crazy.”
Riordan’s mouth dropped open in shock, she hadn’t been expecting that response.
“I’ve just been living my life, Riordan. I studied because I loved learning more about my magic and the world. I built up my business because baking brings me joy and I want to share that feeling with everyone who tastes one of my treats. But I worked hard for all my achievements, the degrees, the Emporium. Late nights. Even earlier mornings. And I certainly haven’t blithely skipped through life leaving a trail of broken hearts behind me, like you’re suggesting. I dated. We weren’t right for one another. Once I realised that I moved on, sue me. And as for me and Nico…”
Crap, what could she share here, without volunteering to join Riordan’s broken hearted pity party? He ghosted me? Haven’t heard a peep out of him since that day at the Library. Nope. Pressing her nails hard into the palms of her hands, not going to cry, not going to think about him. Damn, but she was a grown up too. It wasn’t like she’d called him. Okay, new plan. World domination of her Chocolate and Cookie Emporiums, at the very least establish stores in five countries, and then she’d talk to Nico. That would only take, what, three to five years? By then her heart would be mended. And she’d be able to suggest they be friends, and genuinely mean it.
“… well, that’s private, and no one’s business but ours.” Yeah, nothing to see here. Absolutely nothing.
“Sorry, again. But you’re right. I have to stop waiting around and hoping for things to happen instead of making them happen. Stop putting off taking charge of my life just because I know it’ll upset my brothers.” Riordan still looked pale and hollowed eyed, but there was resolution in those depths now too. “No more putting off my dreams, just to keep the peace.”
Gigi wasn’t sure she liked where this was going. “Aren’t you studying forensic science?”
“Yes. I only have three more subjects to complete my degree. And once I graduate my brothers want me tucked away in a lab somewhere nice and safe.”
“But you don’t want that?”
“No. I’m tired of hearing about Jodie having all these exciting adventures with the Time Bureau. And Brynn and Chase going on about their part time work with SRG in Europe. I’ve buried my head in the sand long enough. Putting if off because I knew the fall-out would be epic. You know, I think maybe even my crush on Nico was a form of self-sabotage. A distraction. What I’ve always wanted to be was an Enforcer. But I never had the courage to actively pursue it. But I think, given my degree and Brodie’s self-defence training, I should be able to convince Elijah to take me on as an apprentice.”
“Your brothers are going to freak, big time.”
Riordan was smiling, almost laughing now. “I know. Let them. This is my life. And I’m tired of them thinking they get any say in it.” She stood up abruptly, and then paused. “Oh, are we good?”
Never one to tell a lie. “We’ll get there.” Gigi rose to her feet to escort Riordan back to the front door. “Good luck with Elijah, and with Nico.”
“Thanks. I don’t know which one I’m more nervous about seeing.” And with a wave Riordan was dashing down the wrought iron stairs to the alley way below.
Riordan, a Southern Sanctuary Enforcer?
Her young cousin had a very difficult road ahead of her. An enforcement apprenticeship. And perhaps even more difficult, trying to find a way to unhook Hathor’s claws from her psyche. Thankfully she was surrounded by a tremendous number of people who would support and guide her.
Speaking of being surrounded by fabulous family, it was past time Gigi tracked down Aunt Daisy and floated the idea of her managing the about to be opened Parisian Gigi’s Chocolate and Cookie Emporium.
World, get ready, here comes Gigi DeWitt to conquer you.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Fifteen minutes later Gigi wandered back upstairs to her apartment, more than a little dazed.
“Here.” Darcy handed over a glass brimming with amber fluid. “You look like you could use this.”
“Yes. Thanks.” Accepting the glass, taking a sip before wandering over to the sofa to collapse, her legs no longer able to support her. Nothing could surprise Gigi anymore, not even Darcy having broken into apartment.
