“He wasn’t red.”
“You had sex.”
“He had sex. I held still.”
“Oh, damn.”
“I got the spell; he got off; I got out.” Bethany shrugged.
“I just always hope that a first time will be memorable.”
“Oh, I remember it, I just don’t want to do it again.” Bethany shrugged.
“Well, Nessa has the desk covered for the party on Saturday. Sound check is at five. Party starts at eight and goes until one. You are the second performer, up on stage at nine until ten.”
“An hour? My wings are super excited.”
Orvis’s eyes got wide. “Oh, I had forgotten about them.”
“That was the point.”
Atolica smiled. “I will need to warn you about someone who gets very excited by wings. He calls us all cousins. I think he is looking for a flying family.”
Bethany nodded. “Understandable. It is always more fun to fly with others.”
“You have done it?”
“Once or twice, when I had to flee for my life. Avian shifters are always willing to help confuse ground walkers. It is handy.” Bethany sighed.
Atolica blinked. “I haven’t flown with a flock in years. Things have been complicated for me.”
“Understandable. How are your nieces?”
“Growing like weeds with a third on the way. They are gorgeous, and my sister is so happy.”
“And you are an aunt two and a half times over. Congratulations.” Bethany smiled.
“Thank you. I can’t believe you are here.”
“Well, I have a legal identity again and now am working on my own comfort, a decade and a bit late.”
“Fourteen years.”
“I remember. You were just old enough to fly away from your flock.”
“And I tried to bring you home to Crioss, but they made me call Leetha first. She found you a shelter.”
“Right. Your first meeting with Leetha. She had to come get me.” Bethany smiled. “And you visited me for a bit until they thought I was safe and I could leave.”
Atolica smiled. “And then you were gone.”
“Yup.”
“Well, Nessa says I can borrow you, and if you give me your financial institution, I can send you the payment to lock you in.”
“Why are you so eager?”
Tolly grinned. “Because Stovos listens to your music. When you were out being whoever, I knew your voice. When I found your music all over his phone, I hoped for this kind of moment, and then here you were.”
