Part 2 (1/2)

Hes still a work in progress, but I think hes come along well. I saw him wave and give me a look that meant come on up. Flo was laughing at something Richard was whispering in her ear. My stomach twisted. How was I going to get her to give up her necklace? And would just returning it satisfy that bloodthirsty family now?

Theyve set a date, New Years Day. Youll come with me to the wedding, wont you, babe? Rafe pulled Lacy to him, sliding his arm around her waist.

Sure. She looked up at him, clearly more than a little in love.

One of Lacys sisters was standing right down the bar from her, watching us. Lace had several sisters, brothers too. I wondered what they thought of her relations.h.i.+p with a s.h.i.+fter who wasnt a member of the cat family.

Of course Lacy and all of my shop crew will be invited. I smiled and gestured toward the balcony. Now I need to go on up.

Wait a minute. Seems like we hardly ever see each other. Me working days, you nights. Lacy sipped a gla.s.s of what looked like water. Do you remember my sister DiDi? she said when her sister moved closer.

Sure. Nice to see you. When a waiter waved at Rafe. he murmured an excuse and left. There goes your date. Its not easy dating the club owner, is it, Lace?

No. Her shoulders slumped. Our dates are never uninterrupted when were here. Its a good thing She glanced at her sister. Well, guess I might as well let the cat out of the bag, so to speak.

What? DiDi glanced at me. She called me over here with news. You still have a job, dont you, Sis?

Sure. But I lost my apartment. Mr. Blade evicted me. Hes making a giant place for Glory and him on the second floor of our building. So I had to make other arrangements. Lacy smiled suddenly. Rafe and I are living together now. Isnt that great?

DiDi hissed and I swear her hair rose a good three inches. I backed up a step. Are you nuts? Mom will kill you. DiDi signaled the bartender. Tequila, a double.

I think thats great. I kissed Lacys cheek. Congratulations. Thats a big step. There had been a time when Id been Rafes number one. But now hed obviously found a way to move on. I was happy for him.

Dis right. Mom is going to stroke out. s.h.i.+fters and were-cats? Thats a non-starter for Mom-cat. Lacy leaned against the bar. Shes been planning my wedding for years, but I wont accept any of the mates shes picked out for me. Boring tabbies or randy alley cats. No thank you. But Rafe She sighed, her eyes dreamy. I know you wont kiss and tell, Glory, but you should understand. Rafe is so much more than just a s.h.i.+fter. Hes, um, special.

DiDi downed one of her shots, then signaled for another. Girl, you are unleas.h.i.+ng a s.h.i.+tstorm. Warn me when you go to tell Mom. I want to be out of town.

I just stared at Lacy. Remembering. Yes, Rafe was special. But Id let him go and made my choice”the man who waited for me upstairs. I patted Lacys shoulder. Said something encouraging and headed up. I couldnt keep every guy Id ever wanted on a string forever. They had to move on because I sure had.

Flo smiled when I slipped into a chair next to Jerry. Let me see your ring again, mi amica. I have been telling Jeremiah. A woman should have good jewelry. If he hasnt bought you a Christmas present yet, he should add to your collection. It is your security, no?

Gloriana doesnt have to worry about that now, Florence. Shes finally agreed to let me take care of her. Jerry dropped a kiss on my lips. Dont hurt me now. You know what I mean, sweetheart.

Yes. I get it, Jer. Well be equal partners in this marriage. And you dont have to buy me a boatload of jewelry to prove your love. I snuggled against him.

Hush, Glory. A wise woman never turns down good jewelry. Who knows what the future might hold? As I say, security. We must take care of ourselves. Flo held my fingers and studied my diamond. Ricardo understands this and is happy to make me feel loved with his generosity. She dropped my hand and kissed Richard to prove her point. He didnt seem to mind her frank talk.

Security. I wasnt familiar with the concept. Jerrys arm tightened around my shoulders. He knew how I felt. Id struggled against being dependent on anyone, even him, but some part of me craved never having to worry about my next meal, a roof over my head, safety. Jerry offered me that feeling. Flo had Richard and yet she still h.o.a.rded jewels just in case.

I swallowed some of the synthetic blood with alcohol in the drink Jerry had ordered for me. It did little to chase away the cold in the pit of my stomach. Flo was never going to give that necklace away willingly. Still, I was going to try honesty first. Ask her to give it up. If that didnt work? Well, then Id have to deceive my best friend. Not easy around a mind-reading vampire.

Chapter Three.

What was going on down there? Jerry kept his arm around me. Lots of hugging and drinking going on.

Lacy moved in with Rafe. Theyre officially a couple now. I was happy about that. Her sister? Not so much. I picked up the gla.s.s of blood with alcohol again. Mmm. Thanks, I needed that.

You sure it didnt bother you that Valdez has moved on? Jerry watched me closely. Jealousy?

No, not that. Driving over here was a little nerve-wracking. Right, Flo? I looked to her for help.

Yes! Everywhere we go there are crazy drivers. I wonder if Glory should be driving one of those big SUBs. Her little car would be squashed like a bug if a truck hits her. Flo smacked her hand on the table for emphasis.

I think you mean SUV, darling. Richard rescued her drink when it almost spilled. And I know what you mean. The freeways are chaos. I hate the idea of either of you in a small car out there.

Do you want a bigger car, Gloriana? Ill buy you one. Jerry slid his hand down my arm, keeping me from picking up my gla.s.s again. I realized Id already almost drained it. You seem a little rattled. What happened?

Oh, it was nothing. Just an eighteen wheeler getting a little close, thats all. I patted his hand. As an excuse, I thought it worked. I was blocking my thoughts. No reason for him to see I was really upset about Flo. Dont you dare buy me a car. I dont want to drive one of those enormous things. I cant even climb into one without showing the world my underwear when Im in a short skirt.

Jerry grinned. I dont mind seeing your underwear. But not sure I want the world to have the privilege.

Flo was eyeing me. She knew I was covering up something”the meeting with Miguel for sure. Well, I dont want one either. Both of us look very good in our little convertibles when we put the top down. Now I got Glory here to you. Tell us about your surprise. What have you two been up to?

We scouted some wedding venues. And I think we found the perfect one. Richard pulled a thin laptop from a leather messenger bag I hadnt noticed hanging from the back of his chair. Take a look. He quickly brought up a page. I had to admire his computer speed. My laptop was old, overloaded and took forever just to boot up.

Oh, Glory, look. Its like a Tuscan villa perched on a hilltop. Flo turned the screen toward me. It would be most romantic at night, with the lights of Austin twinkling in the distance.

Wow. What is this place? I stared at the picture. It was a villa, a perfect replica of one that you might see in Italy. Of course their website showed it sparkling in the sun but there were a variety of pictures of weddings by candlelight on the terrace and one next to a waterfall. Jerry! What do you think?

I think Id marry you next to a cactus in Death Valley. But this place was actually great. Richard and I s.h.i.+fted out there. It has an old world feel I liked, even though someone built it fairly recently. I think we can get it New Years Day. Ill book it if you think itll do. He scooted his chair next to mine. Is this really happening? Are you actually going to commit to me this time?

Yes. And this place is perfect. I tore my gaze from a slide show of weddings with glowing brides and happy grooms taking vows beneath a canopy of stars. Grabbing Jerrys hands I looked into his eyes and showed him my thoughts. I wanted this, wanted him. And I didnt doubt it was time to make this happen.

Ill call them and confirm. Richard had his arm around Flo. As best man its the least I can do. Look at them, Florence. Theyre actually acting like a happy couple.

Yes. I am thrilled. Flo touched a c.o.c.ktail napkin to her eyes. Im going to throw you a shower that will drown you in presents, mia amica. What kind you want? Lingerie? Or more practical things? I lived with you, remember? Your towels? Rags, I say.

Were running out of time, you know. But thats a sweet thought. I let go of Jerrys hand. Richard had stepped away from the table and was on the phone. I was surprised the venue was open this late but I guess if they were hosting a wedding tonight, they would be.

Ill manage. Make a guest list and leave the rest to me. Flo typed something on the computer, and I had to admit I was surprised she even used one. Im going on-line now. You must register everywhere. Have you done it?

Uh, no. I glanced around to make sure no mortals could hear us. I mean what does a vampire need? Dishes? Certainly not pots and pans. It seems silly”

Silencio! Nothing about marrying your soulmate is silly. Am I right, Jeremiah? She gave Jerry a look that dared him to disagree.

No, of course not. This is going to be the most important night of my life. He kissed my lips.

Jerry! I had to admit Id been hanging back, letting him see to details I should have been more involved with. Its important to me too. Thank you. Im sure it will be perfect. I touched his cheek, savoring the texture of his evening beard.

It will be if I have anything to do with it. Jerrys smile worried me. I knew that look. He was up to something. I have another surprise for you, Gloriana. Look. Jerry got to his feet. Here he comes now.

When I saw who was sauntering up the stairs, I poked Jerry in the arm. You didnt!

Oh, yes, I did. Meet your wedding singer. Jerry rubbed his bicep though I knew he considered my feeble hit a love tap. Ow. I think you bruised me.

Good. I met the man at the top of the stairs. Ray! Why?