“Since when are they curses?”
“Since forever.”
Star pulled a face when her wallet turned up empty. “I’ll have to owe you.”
“No fair!”
“You stripped me of cash, kid.”
“Don’t worry. We can stop at the bank before we go home, Star,” Kat chirped as she walked over to the TV.
With my teacup in front of my mouth, I sang, “You’re creating a monster.”
“Precisely. I want her to be a monster. She won’t get hurt that way. I love destroying the Jersey Voruls of this world, but Conor made me promise not to kill people.”
“Again? Isn’t that like the fourth promise?” Inessa joked.
“Fifth. What can I say? Some cunts,” Star whispered, “just need to die. Speaking of which… Aidan. You’d better call me tonight if you’re still arguing when you get back.”
“I will. Last night came out of left field, but I like him alive, Star,” I reminded her. “Okay, so, gifts? Secret Santa?”
“This year… we could make each other presents.”
Only Camille and Aoife didn’t groan at Aela’s suggestion.
“Do I look like the sort of person who macramés?” Star demanded.
“I know you started crocheting, Star. Don’t bullshit me,” Aela countered.
“You crochet?!”
Star glowered at her boots. “Conor suggested it. Said it might be relaxing.”
“Didn’t work, did it?”
“Fuck you,” she said sweetly.
“Kat! Your mother owes you another ten.” As my minx of a niece wooted over by the TV, I continued, “I don’t make stuff.”
“Well, you can try.”
“I pity the person I pick then.”
Aoife just smiled. “I think it’s a great idea, Aela. So, we’re in agreement?”
“Yeah, I’d be down,” Camille agreed.
Star scratched her nose. “Fine.”
Inessa shrugged. “If that’s what everyone wants to do.”
Aela smirked. “Just FYI, I’m not going to make you something you can sell later.”
“No fair,” Star chimed in with a grin.
Groaning, I grouched, “Okay. Homemade, it is.”
TWO
