“Hawthorne and I are going to meet with Caron. You and Gatlin are going to continue with Hera’s quest and hit the first two temples,” Jamison explains. “This war is accelerating, and we need to split up and tackle the two things at once. The sooner we find out who’s behind this and secure the panels, the better I like our odds.”
I look at Gatlin. “I can go alone if you want to join them. Everything is ready.”
He narrows his eyes. “Do you want to go alone?”
I open my mouth to tell him that it’s fine, but I can’t get the words out. I want him there. And not just because I’m terrified of Hera. I trust him to have my back.Damn. This transparency thing sucks.
“No, I want you to go with me.”
A look of satisfaction makes his golden eyes gleam. “Not that you had a chance in hell of going alone, but it’s good to know I’m growing on you.” He motions to the dining room. “Everyone, go sit down. Lunch is ready.”
Gatlin sets down sandwiches and soup in front of each of us. Having missed breakfast, I don’t wait for the rest of them. The first bite explodes in my mouth, and I hum in pleasure. Grilled cheese sandwiches but like nothing I’ve ever tasted. There must be three different cheeses in there and some kind of jam. Strawberry? No. A hint of spice hits my tongue, and I realize what it is. When I glance at Gatlin, he’s watching me.
“Jalapeño pepper jelly?” I ask, licking my lips.
He chuckles, and Jamison and Hawthorne immediately swing their heads toward him in disbelief. “Gives it a little kick. I take it you like it?”
“Best grilled cheese I’ve ever had,” I assure him with a smile. “In fact…one day, when this is all over, I’m going to open that fancy bottle of wine in my cellar and drink it with these sandwiches. They’ll pair beautifully with each other.”
Jamison raises an eyebrow and looks at Gatlin with a question in his eyes.
The corners of Gatlin’s mouth tilt upward the slightest bit. “A 1945 Château Mouton-Rothschild with my grilled cheese sandwiches.” He whistles. “That’s a date.”
The use of the word date makes me pause, but I can’t tell if it’s just a casual use of the phrase or if he means it. I’d like a date with Gatlin. More than a date, if I’m being open and honest, which apparently I am these days.
Jamison shakes his head at the two of us, but wariness still lingers in his eyes.
“Are you coming back here after you meet with Caron?” The words spring out of my mouth before I have a chance to examine them.
Jamison’s spoon halts in mid-air, and he tilts his head. “Do you want us to?”
I hesitantly glance at Hawthorne. Everything was simpler when they weren’t here. Gatlin and I had found a rhythm that didn’t include a side of tears. Or a helping of hurt. But this morning showed me that they need to hear me say I’m sorry. To tell them how I feel about them.
“I do, but if you don’t wish to be around me, I completely understand.”
“We’ll be back,” Jamison states firmly.
Relieved, I grab my empty bowl and plate and leave the table, unable to sit there any longer. In the kitchen, I set them in the sink, then stand there looking out at the land around my home. It’s bittersweet having them here, because it gives me a glimpse of what could be. But when this is over, my sanctuary will be shattered if it doesn’t. How do I go back to living alone in this big house again? Seeing them in every corner. Maybe I’ll find another place for the next few hundred years. If I’m still around, of course. Who knows what the gods are planning?
Someone steps up behind me. Tension creeps into my shoulders, but the smell of juniper and him instantly calms me. Gatlin. His large arms wrap around me as he sets his chin on my head. It’s like being sheltered by the strongest of oak trees. With a sigh, I burrow into his chest as if I’ve done it a thousand times, wrapping his warmth around me like a blanket.
“What are you thinking about?” His low voice is gruff with concern.
“Living here. Alone,” I admit. “After all this is done, it’s going to suck.”
He tightens his arms. “The future isn’t written. Keep being honest with us and yourself. If you feel something, tell us. We need reassurance, too. But the most important thing right now is to concentrate on the present. The last thing I want is for you to be distracted before we meet with Hera.”
We. Such a simple word that holds so much power.
“I’m glad you’re going with me.” Although I worry Hera won’t see it that way. She doesn’t like surprises.
11
PHAEDRA
Instead of researching until the wee hours, I headed to bed early last night to give them time alone to plan for the meeting with Caron. He’d sent coordinates for a location outside London, and the three of them were studying the surrounding area when I went upstairs.
Surprisingly, I slept well. Probably because I was in my bed instead of on the couch. I peer out the window and see the first rays of sun streaking across the sky. It’s so beautiful here. Sometimes I really wish I still had horses in the barn. There’s nothing like a brisk ride at dawn to make you feel like the world is there for the conquering. Guess I’ll have to go with plan B.
