Page 3 of The NemeSis
“It couldn’t hurt to ask.” Beth flashes me a smile.
“If I see him.” Although, I doubt I will. It’s been so long. “Are you coming to the birthday bash they’re throwing at the club?” I quickly change the subject.
“Yes! I’ll be in Saint Bipal all week if you want to hang, but my flight doesn’t leave until Monday morning. I have some stuff to catch up on here.”
“Some stuff or someone?” I tease.
“Moving on to official sorority business. Did the Gammas accept our invite?”
I bite back my laugh. “Of course.” I pull up the calendar on my iPad and place it on the table between us. “Everyone is excited for the events leading up to the games.”
“I can’t believe you pulled this off. Are you sure you don’t want to keep it up next year?”
I shake my head. “My course load is going to be even more full next year. I will gladly be an in-between person when I’m able, but I will not be able to handle the responsibilities needed for a social chair again. No worries, I’ve been working on a file that will help the next person to step up to easily stay on track.”
If everything goes according to plan, my summer will be abroad and then next year, I will be the newest TA in the history department. Which means I will not have time to be social chair again, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to leave behind my own legacy in filling the role.
The Greek Games haven’t been a thing for years. There’s been too much discourse between the houses over the last hundred years. I made it my personal mission to mend the fences left behind. It was too easy to convince the others when they realized it would be their legacies as well.
“Then here is to creating something nobody else could imagine would’ve returned.” She raises her mug. “You truly amaze me, Kyra. To leaving a legacy.”
“To leaving a legacy,” I cheer with her and take a sip.
Chapter Two
ARES
“Did you bring me a present, Uncle Ares?” I look down as Elena tugs on my shirt, her little fingers pulling at the fabric. Big hazel eyes peer up at me questioningly.
“What do you think?” I whisper, then watch as her eyes widen with excitement. She should know I never visit without a surprise. It’s my responsibility as her only uncle to spoil her every chance I get.
“Elena, that’s not polite.” My sister-in-law, Daphne, walks up to us and holds out her hand. “Let Uncle Ares hold your new little sister for more than two minutes before you demand all of his attention.” She shakes her head with a smile. “Come. Let’s go and make a snack.”
Elena hesitates before taking her mother’s hand. “Vodo! Vodo!” she skips eagerly next to her mother while being led out of the room.
“Vodo?” I glance up at Apollo.
My brother shakes his head with a laugh, then rubs the back of his neck. “Avocado. It’s Elena’s latest obsession since she tried guacamole last week.” Apollo clears his throat. “Are you going to Saint Bipal next weekend?”
I ignore him and peer down at baby Cora in my arms. She’s barely a week old. I would have come sooner—been in the hospital the day of her birth—but was out of the country for business.
As the Chief Curator for Drakos Global Enterprises, I do more traveling than most. Apollo may be the CEO and face of the company, but he also has a growing family. It’s no big deal for me to act in his place as needed around the world. He has two little ones at home now and doesn’t need to miss any of their firsts if I can help it. Family comes first; it’s the foundation of our company.
“It’s a good thing she takes after your wife.” I can’t help but smile as I watch Cora’s lashes flutter over her hazel eyes before they close. Her adorable squishy face scrunches for a moment before relaxing as sleep takes over.
“She’s got my dark hair,” Apollo argues.
“Daphne has dark hair, too. Some would say they look just like their mother, between the hair and eyes.”
My brother narrows his eyes. “Fine, but be straight with me. You can’t avoid Mom forever.”
“I’m not avoiding her. I was there a month ago. Every time I’m passing through, I make it a point to stop and see her.”
“Then what is it, Arthur?” Apollo crosses his arms in front of his chest.
I shake my head. “I’m not avoiding him either.”
Our stepfather, Arthur, is a great man. He treats our mother better than either of us could hope for. He’s caring, kind, and loves her unconditionally.
