“Never said you were.” He set the tray down on the table and pulled her frozen concoction out with a grimace of distaste.
Thalia grinned and took it, popping the straw in and pressing it against her chest like it was a precious diamond.
“I do not know how you drink that crap.”
“That’s because you have no joy in your life,” she said as she took a drink and sighed.
Garrett’s eyes flashed with hurt, but he played it off. “Ladies, did you need something from Thalia?”
“They’re trying to figure out why your Lord is lying to her.”
Moira choked.
“Gods, Thalia!” I glared at her.
Garrett let out a heavy sigh. “Alright.”
“That’s all you have to say?” I demanded.
He sat on the edge of the couch, a defeated look on his face. “You and I both know I couldn’t help you even if I wanted to.”
I didn’t want to feel bad for him, but the expression he wore coupled with the slump of his shoulders made my stomach twist with empathy. “You aren’t denying he’s lying to me.”
He held up his hands. “I’m not getting involved in this at all. I can’t.”
Garrett hesitated, his mouth opening and shutting before he scraped a hand through his hair. “I know we’ve had our differences, but I think you’re good for Caelan. And I would hate for anything to come between you. He needs someone powerful who doesn’t put up with his bullshit.”
“Of which there is a lot,” Moira interjected. “So. Much. Bullshit.”
Thalia laughed.
Garrett took a long drag of his coffee. “I think you should speak to Caelan directly.”
“Oh, don’t worry,” I said. ‘“I plan to.”
“Good.” He rose and went to the kitchen where he promptly dumped out his coffee.
“You wanted the glittery one?” Moira asked with a smirk.
“They added sugar,” he clarified with a glare. “The devil’s spice.”
I stood and tucked my purse strap over my shoulder. “Thanks for being candid and not lying to me.”
Garrett shrugged. “Good luck.”
“Evie isn’t the one who needs luck,” Moira said cryptically as she followed me out.
We didn’t speak until we were back in the car.
“There’s something familiar about her,” Moira said. “Did you notice that?”
“I did, and it’s bothering the hell out of me.”
“Are you going to Caelan’s?”
I shook my head. “Not yet. How do you feel about paying Barrett a visit?”
Moira smiled. “Great idea. I’ve got a good internal lie detector. Maybe he can tell us what he knows about the swans. And whether it’s worth wiping them all out.”
