“No. That was just perfect. I needed to hear it. If it’s not too forward of me, I’d like to say something too.”
She smiled prettily and said, “Of course! Say whatever you wish.”
“I hear you’ve been a little hard on some of the paranormal–human couples. I think if we’re going to make this work, you’ll need to accept them for making the same choice we’re making. Otherwise, you’ll be called a hypocrite.”
At first, she stiffened, and her eyes rounded. Then she shook her head and let out a sigh of resignation. When she relaxed, she said, “I know. I know. Someone already spoke to me about it. I just wasn’t sure if it applied to me. When I realized it did, I wasn’t sure what to do about it. Eventually, I decided I should host an apology party—but we’re not calling it that! We’re calling it Gaia’s gala. I have to maintain some semblance of dignity.”
Aaron smiled. “Perfect. I’m proud of you. It might not be easy, but I’ll be right there at your side.”
* * *
Gaia eavesdropped through the floor of the vacant second floor over the party venue—a tea room. Bliss had managed to get her friend to reopen after business hours for a private function.
“Who sends out invitations to a party that starts in an hour?” Gabe asked.
Misty leaned into him and whispered, “It can only be one person, hon. My boss.”
Kizzy overheard and exclaimed, “Gaia herself will be here? And by the way, where are we?”
The goddess decided she needed to make an appearance quickly before thirteen tables full of guests whipped themselves into a tizzy. She floated down through the ceiling to the small stage that had been set up for performers at the Boston Uncommon Tea Room.
“Welcome, one and all. Welcome. I’m glad you could all make it to my party.”
“Did we have a choice?” Antonio asked.
Gaia held her tongue and gazed out at the crowd. So many familiar faces. So many humans mixed with paranormals, and itwasn’tthe horror show she’d thought it would be. She did a quick count and noted five phoenixes—three with human partners, two with modern muses—a werewolf with another one of her muses, a wizard and vampire couple, a human waitress with a shapeshifting coyote, two muse and dragon couples, and a handful of witches among the humans. A veritable smorgasbord of humanity and paranormal beings, all sitting together like…friends! Who knew?
Aaron rose and joined her on stage, putting his arm around her waist. Gaia sighed and laid her head on his shoulder.
Some of the couples looked at each other with eyebrows raised.
A disembodied female voice said, “Oh, come on. Don’t look so surprised.” Fate stepped out of the ether and gazed at the crowd. “You all knew I was looking for a mate for Mother Nature. As you can guess, I succeeded.”
“Where the heck are we?” Ruth asked, holding her infant dressed in a pink onesie.
“Some kind of restaurant, I think,” the male witch next to her whispered.
“I can see that. I want to know wherethe buildingis,” she said.
“You’re back in Boston!” a pretty brunette said as she entered from a door on one side. She carried a large, steaming teapot. “For those unfamiliar with the place, you’re at the Boston Uncommon Tea Room. My name is Bliss. I’ll be serving tea, and someone is coming right behind me with coffee. Simply ask for what you want.” She pointed to each table, and a cup and saucer appeared in front of each guest. Then she began making the rounds with the hot water. She offered a choice of teas, and whatever the guest asked for appeared in front of them.
Another young woman, carrying a tray with a pot of coffee and an assortment of sweeteners and creamers, entered behind her and said, “Welcome back, most of you. I’m Angie. I’m an actual waitress here. Bliss is just helping me today. So are a few others you may not know, like my boyfriend, Tory.” She pointed with her thumb behind her. A tall, muscular black male came out carrying two trays with three tiers each. The three silver levels were laden with scones, cakes, and tiny sandwiches. The appearance of a big man with small delicacies was incongruous but cute.
Tory set them down on two tables, then rushed back for more. Another young man, also muscular but shaved bald, passed him carrying two more of the same triple-tier trays and set them on two more tables. Before long, each of the attendees had a cup of tea, a small plate, and an assortment of goodies in front of them.
Once everyone was settled, Gaia cleared her throat.
“Welcome to Gaia’s gala! I know it’s probably not what you expected, but I thought this would be cozier then a raucous party with a dance floor, a DJ, and all those crazy buffet lines.”
Another goddess walked out of the ether. Karma was wearing studded stilettos and leather from head to toe. She smiled at everyone. “For the few of you who don’t know me, my name is Karma. And you’re all here because”—she looked over at Gaia—“somebodyhas something to say to you.”
“Wait a minute. I was going to let people fill their tummies and have some pleasant conversation first.”
“There’s no time like the present, Sister.” Ah, Fate chimed in.
Gaia shifted from foot to foot. She looked over at Fate and said, “I would have gotten around to it.”
Fate just raised one eyebrow and folded her arms.
