Page 175 of Gates of Tartarus

“Elizabeth, I know you’ve met Jonah. Um, Maela, this is my, um, boyfriend.” My voice goes up on the word, a little giggle entering my tone unintentionally, and Jonah grins down at me.

“Damn straight,” he says, holding out his hand to Maela. “Nice to officially meet you. I’ve heard your name, obviously, but…”

Maela shakes his hand, looking bemused, and Elizabeth directs a knowing gaze and raised eyebrow my way. “Boyfriend, hmmm? Are you Instagram official?”

And, damn her, I laugh, because it’s funny and because it’s so difficult to align this teasing, relaxed woman with Rhea. Which, thank God, because unless I stay mellow and unless Maela can prevent herself from acting like a robot, we’re fucked.

“But, Mr. Shotridge, as charming as you are, thisisa ‘Female-Only’ zone.”

Shooting a delicious grin her way, which I can tell hits, because this guy is fucking gorgeous and could charm a snake, he shakes his head, his hair catching in the wind.

“I know, I know. But I wanted to walk her over, make sure she got here okay. And,” he whispers conspiratorially to Elizabeth and Maela, “I wanted some alone time. I never get her without those other guys hanging around.” Frowning slightly, just the smallest line appearing between his eyes, he looks at me, then back at Cole. “I know I’m not supposed to say anything, like, it hasn’t been made official yet or whatever, but Kai told me she’s heading to Gaia, and I’m, like, super psyched.”

Cole’s eyes widen briefly, which for her is like a spit-take, and she looks at me questioningly. I’m truly flustered, am not sure where he’s going with this, and I just look back at him, trusting he knows where he’s stepping, and willing to follow.

“I… I’m sorry if I shouldn’t have told him…” I mumble, and Jonah leans over and kisses me, ignoring the others, before turning to them.

“No.I’msorry. We were talking it over last night when I was frustrated with the rest of the team, and their demands on her time. I shouldn’t have mentioned it. I’m just excited for her to be where she’s appreciated, and where we can date, like, openly. Smith has all these fucking rules about teammates and…” he looks suspiciously at Elizabeth, who is now completely intrigued. “Does, ah... does Gaia have any of those, um, restrictions or whatever? Just in case. Like for future reference? Hypothetically?”

Cole’s face lights up like the Christmas Tree in the square, and she smiles in a tight, satisfied way, like all the dominos are falling in her favor.

“Why, no, Mr. Shotridge. We don’t. Just register your consensual relationship with HR, as per most companies, and it will be fine. I’m happy to send you over any applicable paperwork. Should you wish to review it. For hypothetical situations.”

Jonah nods, spins me around and bends me backwards like something from a movie, and kisses me until I can’t breathe, then stands me up, and smiles at the woman. I’m not ashamed to admit I’m a bit wobbly on my feet after it.

“Take care of my girlfriend,” he commands jokingly, then drops a 20 pound note on the table in front of me. “It’s cold out. I’m happy to buy you ladies a round of drinks to start your time together. Text me, Cutie, when you’re on your way home, and I’ll turn on the electric blanket.”

And with a wave, he hops the small, wrought-iron fence surrounding the café and heads out.

“Well!” says Maela, looking properly appreciative as he walks away. “My goodness. Leather thong.” She winks at me.

I grin at her, face scrunched up in happiness. “Ah. Yeah.” Then, turning to Elizabeth, I soften my smile slightly. “Hey! I didn’t know you were coming. Glad to have you along though. Are you looking for a dress too? Small World Fancy Dress, right?”

Elizabeth recoils slightly, then laughs. “Oh Kailani. Your humor! Dear girl. I appreciate the offer, I truly do, but I have a dress already. I, oh Lord, this is going to sound terrible and tremendously patrician of me, but I don’thiredresses for occasions.”

Fallon snorts behind her, then catches herself when Elizabeth shoots her alook, and grimaces at me apologetically. “Sorry, Ms. Reed.”

“No offense taken!” I laugh. “Even hiring a dress is a new experience for me. This isn’t really my world.”

Elizabeth tilts her head and looks at us appraisingly. “I picked up Maela this morning to surprise you both once I heard about your day out. I wanted to touch base to make sure there’s nothing you need or want during this transitional period. I know I’ve been busy, and left you to... brave the waters, shall we say... on your own. But now we’re all here, I’m realizing I may be throwing you into the deep end without proper guidance. Fallon?” she calls over her shoulder, and the hovering Ms. Agnew approaches instantly. “I have an account at Harrods,” she says, reaching towards Fallon, who instantly digs through her case and pulls out a heavy, black, metallic card, which Elizabeth grabs and passes to me. “I know, I know, Maela,” she cuts off Maela’s protests. “You already have a dress and mask. And I’m sure Kailani would like to pick her own dress as well. But you’ll indulge me, won’t you both, and let me buy you some proper new shoes and makeup? And take your hired gowns to Alena, in the seamstress department. Tell her I sent you and she’ll make sure you’re properly fitted. Don’t go to anyone else, mind you.”

Maela looks torn between gratitude and a bit of a bristle.This girl has some teeth to her bite!I think, smiling to myself. “Mamanis in fashion, as you know, Elizabeth,” she begins, making an effort not to be stiff, but also clearly slightly offended. “I assure you I’ll dress the part.”

Elizabeth smiles and pats her cheek, likeactually pats her fucking cheek, and I bite my own to keep from laughing out loud. “I know, dear,” she says gently. “But what with your father’s illness, I thought a little signing bonus wouldn’t go amiss? Humor me. Just a lovely little pair of Louboutins to accentuate your outfits, no? Or a sparkly set of Vuittons? Please, Maela, for me?”

Maela grumps a little and rolls her eyes jokingly. “Well, if I must, I must, Elizabeth!” and both laugh.

I grimace, and both look at me with equal amounts of humor. “I can’t just wear this?” I ask plaintively, and I don’t think the horror on their faces is faked. “Kidding, kidding,” I mumble, and Cole shakes her head.

“No motorcycle pants for this one I’m afraid.” Fallon clears her throat quietly, and Elizabeth checks her watch, frowning. “Ah. I’m out of time. You’re both alright? Nothing needed? And I already spoke with Maela about this, but you’ll take my car?” It’s not really a question. Elizabeth points behind her at a discreet, very sharp-looking, black Rolls Royce with a proper driver in a suit and hat beside it. I notice that no one has asked him to move the car, despite it being clearly double parked. She looks at her watch again. “Ah. I wish I could join you, but I really must get to my meeting.”

“Are you sure you can’t call out, Elizabeth?” I plead. “We’d love to have you.”

“Yes! Please?” Maela echoes, and Elizabeth smiles happily.

“I would if I could. If I’d known about it sooner…” a faint note of rebuke enters her voice, which she forces out quickly. “But I understand you’re not under the same time constraints as I am, of course. Have a wonderful day, ladies.”

“Well, at least keep your phone handy?” I ask hopefully. “I can send you dress options and get your opinion.” I motion disparagingly to my outfit. “I’m not saying I need help, but…”

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