“And so it is.” She straightened, smiled brilliantly as she looked into Jordans eyes. “So it is. Come in.”
Moe didnt need a second invitation. He raced by her, skidded on the tiles, bumped into the archway on his turn into the parlor. When they caught up with him, he was curled into a chair, his chin resting on its velvet arm, his tail thumping.
“Hey! Off the furniture, you ingrate.”
Even as Flynn moved over to haul him downmoe's big brown eyes shifted to Rowena. His tail thumped harder.
“No, please. Hes perfectly welcome to sit there. After all.” She hurried over to intervene. “After all, hes a guest.”
“Hes an operator.”
“Yes.” She stroked one of his floppy ears. “And he… whats the phrase? He has my number. No harm. Now what can I offer you? Coffee, tea?” The corner of her lips twitched as she looked at Flynn. “Perhaps a cold beer.”
“Did you read my mind or do I just look like a guy who wants a beer right now?”
/> “Perhaps a bit of both. Please, follow Moes lead, and sit. Be comfortable. Ill just be a moment.”
“IsPitte available?” Jordan asked.
“Certainly. Ill ask him to join us.” Brad waited until shed left the room, then turned to Jordan. “Okay, I cant stand it. Dont just blurt out how you want this house and always have, or somethinglamebrained like that.”
“Do I look like I just fell out of the nest?”
“Ever bought a house before?”
“No, but—”
“I have. Youre a successful author with a string of bestsellers. They know youve got money. Add some sparkly childhood dream to that and youre just asking to get taken.” Jordan took a seat. “You know, Im beginning to see why you irritateZoe .”
Brad looked down his nose. “I dont irritate her, I make her nervous. The irritation is merely a side effect of the nerves.”
“Yeah, Im starting to get it, too,” Flynn put in, and flopped down in his chair, much like his dog. He perked up as Rowena came back, carrying a tray.
“Hey, let me give you a hand with that.” Flynn pushed to his feet, took the tray that held five pilsners of beer.
“Thank you. Please, help yourselves.Pitte will be right along.” She sat on the sofa, curled up her legs, and sent Flynn a silky smile when he offered her one of the glasses. “Its an important day.”
He felt his stomach clutch when she looked at him. “Yeah. I guess it is.”
“Youre allowed to feel a bit off-center. Its human. Ah, heresPitte .”
“Good afternoon. Rowena tells me weve things to talk about.” He sat on the sofa beside her, reached for a beer. “Youre well?”
“Seem to be,” Jordan answered. “Maybe I should start with whats happened.”
He told them first of Kanes taking Dana back into their past.
“Its interesting.”Pitte studied his beer, considered. “More straightforward than one expects from him.”
“A method that matches his quarry,” Rowena said.
“Clever of him. He doesnt attempt to trick or deceive her. Rather he tells her precisely what hes doing, allows her to see, and still experience. Yes, it was a very good strategy.”
“It might have worked. Nearly did. I dont think wed be where we are, at least not now, if Malory hadnt given us both a push.”
“The six of you are part of one whole. Vital and individual,” Rowena added, “but stronger yet for your connection. How did you resolve this thing with Dana?”
“Do I have to tell you? I can just about see the little red hearts circling over my head myself.”