“By blood, I don’t know you. I want to get to know you, though.”
“I know that and I’m glad you do.” There was a hint of sadness in his voice. “I remembered you and I wanted you to be a part of my life. I had a good life, raised by the kindest human couple in Jeanerette, but I miss our parents fiercely. I know now you were raised alone.”
“Not alone. I had the Clagues.”
“Good. That’s the family of Pearl?”
Phineas nodded. “Yes. Mycher,as you called her.”
Pierre cocked his head to one side. “Isn’t that what she is?”
“I’m hoping she will be.” Phineas fiddled with his mug.
“Ah, well it’s clear you both care for one another.” Pierre took a sip. “When you find that someone special, you hold on.”
“Have you ever found someone like that?”
A half smile crept on Pierre’s face. “Once, but he…it didn’t work out. His career was very important.”
“He?” Phineas asked, stunned.
“Oui. I hope that’s not a problem?”
“Nope,” Phineas stated. “Not at all.”
“Good. I’m glad you were raised here. Even though I had a loving adopted family, the place I lived wasn’t so kind always.”
“I want to know more about it. Mom and Dad didn’t tell me much and I only have fuzzy memories of the Great Revelation.”
“We’ll talk about it,” Pierre said quietly. “However, I think you have some other things on your mind.”
Phineas nodded. “My first date with Pearl.”
“Your first? And you’ve come to me for advice?”
“Yes. I’m going to cook her dinner and I just want everything right.”
Pierre smiled, sitting up straighter. “Well, I do know romance and I’d be glad to help you any way that I can.”
After his visitwith Pierre and gleaning as much information as he could, Phineas made sure everything was perfect for the date.
Magnus had actually come out and had helped him make the perfect dinner. It was one of Pearl’s favorite dishes, eggplant parmigiana.
Sven had sent over a bottle of wine, because it seemed to be a running joke that Finn had wooed Margaid over a box of wine, and the rest of their little friend group wanted to one-up poor Finn.
Though Finn had no idea it was happening.
And really, Finn won because he had Margaid. The box of wine hadn’t scared her off, and now they were married.
Still, Phineas was completely appreciative of Pierre, Magnus, and Sven helping him out. Phineas had spent most of the day tidying up his home and making it cozy. He strung some twinkle lights, and flowers were blooming on the vines that had grown in through the slats of the walls of his little treehouse in the swamp.
The night air was perfumed with the water lilies and other beautiful plants that were their most brilliant at this time of the early summer. Outside, he lit citronella torches he made to keep the mosquitos at bay.
Everything was ready for Pearl’s arrival.
He put on trousers and a nice shirt, but he didn’t bother with shoes because he hated wearing them. Especially when he was at home. They hurt his webbed feet. Pearl was used to him without clothes, but he wanted to look nice for her.
Especially after she had set up a time for Dr. Mishra at the Harmony Glen Hospital to meet with him and Pierre and do a swab for the genetic test. The only downside was that the results were going to take a few weeks, but at least the test was done. Honestly, after spending time with Pierre today, Phineas had no doubt they were family, and he looked forward to getting to know Pierre even more and helping around Coat.
