I slowly rounded the back of the Aston, pretending to fumble with my keys. Instead of getting in, I stopped at the trunk, popped it open, and rooted around as if I’d forgotten something important.
I waited until I heard the fading tap of the cane behind me before shutting the trunk and moving to the driver’s door.
“Have you befriended her, Mari?” the dark-haired witch snapped. “Are you crazy? You can’t be friends with Eliza.”
Mari shrugged, looking sheepish. “What? She’s the assistant coach for my daughter’s cheerleading squad. What do you want me to do, Rayna? Ignore her?”
“Yes,” Rayna hissed. “I want you to not speak to her.”
Mari sighed. “I’m not sure how much longer I can—”
“Shut up.” Rayna tossed her dark hair over her shoulder as her gaze swept the alley...and landed on me.
I slid behind the wheel of the Aston like I hadn’t heard a word, keeping my door open.
“Did you get one?” Mari asked. “A Valentine? I got mine earlier this week on Monday.”
“Yes, I got one on Monday as well,” Rayna said. “So did Reed.”
Mari’s eyes widened. “You’re talking to Reed again? That’s great. He and I speak a couple times a year, but nothing serious.”
“No, it’s not great I’m speaking to him,” Rayna leaned closer to Mari, and I had to strain to hear. “He and I both think Eliza sent them. So keep your mouth shut, Mari.”Rayna grabbed Mari’s arm. “For everyone’s sake. Your daughter’s included.”
Mari jerked free and scowled. “That’s enough, Rayna.”
“For what it’s worth,” Rayna said as Mari opened her car door, “I’m sorry to hear you and Hunter are having problems. You two were always the perfect couple.”
I could tell by the way Mari’s head jerked that Rayna had hit her mark.
“I’m sure we’ll work it out,” Mari said as she hopped up into the SUV.
I started the Aston and adjusted the mirror, watching as Mari peeled out of the alley, tires spitting gravel.Rayna stepped back, arms crossed, watching her go.
Then she turned sideways and looked straight at me.
I averted my gaze, closed the door, and fiddled with the mirror, as if it required intense concentration.
After a moment, Rayna turned and walked away.
“That was weird.” I took a sip of my mocha and pulled out of the alleyway. I didn’t have time to think about the exchange...I had a Galentine’s dinner party to get ready for.
3
“This is ridiculous,”my tuxedo cat, Savage, muttered as he paced around my kitchen later that evening.
I bit back a smile and took a sip of my red wine. I knew what he was talking about, but I wanted to make him squirm just a little. “What is ridiculous?”
“Valentine’s Day. Explain it to me again. Why do I have to participate in a holiday that is clearly designed for humans and supernaturals? I am neither.”He flicked his tail in annoyance.“It is not a cat holiday. There are no mouse-shaped chocolates. No tuna bouquets. Nothing of value.”
I laughed. “You have a girlfriend now, Savage. That’s why.”
He stopped pacing and glared at me.“Nyxie understands me. She appreciates my complexity. She does not require trinkets to validate our bond.”
“Uh-huh.” I took another sip. “And yet you’re pacing.”
He hissed and resumed pacing.“I just don’t understand why I must do something.”He paused.“Do I have to get her a gift?”
“Yes,” I said simply.
