She threw her hands in the air. “Well, one good thing came out of this little exercise. Clearly, we need to hide a fireproof safe somewhere with a separate supply in case of disaster.”
“See? I’m good for something.”
“I never said you weren’t, Chad.”
“Then why do you ignore me when I’m trying to reason with you? Oh, that’s right, you’re a woman.”
Gwyneth wagged her finger. “That’s enough female bashin’, Mr. Chad.” She cocked her head. “I’m curious. What happened to make y’all hate women so much?”
“I don’t hate women.”
“Then why do you criticize us every which way?”
“Because it’s fun.”
“Fun for you, maybe. Not so much for us.”
“Turnabout is fair play. Why don’t you get into the spirit and try some man bashing?”
Gwyneth laughed. “I can think of much better things to do with a man.”
Chad groaned.“It’s times like this I really miss my body.”
“So, Gwyneth, how are things going with Nathan?” Morgaine asked.
She giggled. “Well, now… I’m havin’ loads of fun with him.”
“Really? That’s a nice surprise. I didn’t expect you two would have that much in common.”
“Oh, we don’t. But for some reason, it don’t matter neither. I get more out of how he makes me feel.”
“Really? How?”
“Well, I’ve never realized my full power as a woman before now.”
Chad coughed.“The hot, witchy, Southern Belle is just discovering she has power over men? God help us.”
“It ain’t like that, Chad. I could take advantage, but I don’t. I’m simply teachin’ him how to treat a lady. That way if things don’t work out for us, he’ll be all prepared to find someone else to love someday.”
Sometimes Morgaine thought she knew her cousin, and then she’d go and do something completely unexpected. “That sounds very altruistic of you.”
“All true what?”
“Altruistic. Adjective. Unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others as opposed to egocentric.”
“Oh. Well, yeah. That’s me all right. I’m as concerned and devoted to Nathan’s well bein’ as I am for y’all’s.”
“Good.” Morgaine smiled. “I’m glad to hear it. So how are you teaching him to treat women?”
“Well, today he’s buyin’ me a Christmas present.”
“Christmas? But we don’t celebrate—”
“That don’t matter. He does. So, I’m lettin’ him buy me a gift. It’s part of bein’ all-true-istic.”
Morgaine smirked. “Oh, is it now? I hadn’t thought of it that way. What are you buying for him?”
“Do I have to buy him somethin’? It ain’t my holiday.”
