Mother Nature laughed. “You think? Her husband violated my rule so damn much, I sent him to the top of the Matterhorn to think about what he was doing, but he still refused to close the bar. I finally had to make him human again and erase his memory. Let me tell you, it is not easy to undo vampirism!”
“I don’t think it will be a problem after hours. Claudia and Anthony still know nothing about the paranormal world, and they might let us rent the perfect space. Brandee and I used to operate the equipment and could provide tea and coffee with already-made cakes and cookies, that sort of thing. I canaskabout renting the place from her for a private party. All right?”
“Sure. See if that’ll work.”
“If Claudia is not okay with our taking it over completely, I can come up with something else. Maybe a private outdoor place under a tent? But I don’t know any paranormal caterers, and then what do we do about food and drinks?”
“Do we have to feed and water them? What are they, cattle?”
Bliss chuckled. “No, but a party isn’t a party without refreshments. Some folks are terribly shy, and just having something to do other than stand there looking uncomfortable is helpful.”
“Yes. That’s what I’ll be doing. For this event, I think privacy is key. My muses can transport the guests wherever they need to be, so it doesn’t matter where we hold this party, as long as it’s secluded.”
“Leave it to me. I’ll find a good place and time where everyone can meet, then I’ll design your invitations and show them to you before I send them out. How’s that?”
Mother Nature smiled and patted Bliss on the head. “You know me well. You’d probably call me a control freak, but that’s fine. It’s just the way I am, and I don’t think it’s a bad thing.”
Bliss smirked. “I wouldn’t call you a control freak. At least not to your face!” The two of them laughed. Then Bliss continued in a sincere tone, “You’re the goddess of all. And we’re lucky to have you. You’re looking out for us, even if not everyone realizes it.”
“Thank you, Bliss.”
Bliss disappeared. It sounded like the next and hardest thing to do would be coming up with the right words for her apology. How could she say she made a mistake without losing the respect of her subjects? Oh! Maybe she didn’t have to.
“Now who can I get to say those words?” she mumbled aloud. Letting out a long sigh, she realized. “I know exactly who has to do it. Me, dammit.”
Chapter 11
Ruth’s reading was interrupted by the first sharp pains of labor, and she began timing her contractions. Five minutes apart. It was time to call her father. She punched in her father’s number and waited until it went to voicemail.Dammit. He’s probably off in the rain forest and doesn’t have a signal. Thank goodness I have Kizzy as a backup.
Rain was coming down heavily. She couldn’t drive herself, since her dad had their rental car, so she’d have to take a taxi to Kizzy’s place. She just had to be sure her sister was home.
After only a couple of rings, Kizzy picked up. “Hi, Ruth. What’s up?”
“Mytimeis up. I’m in labor.”
Kizzy gasped. “Oh my Goddess! Where are you?”
“At the hotel. Dad was going to drive me in our rental when the time came, but he’s probably off in the rain forest and unreachable. Of course, he has the car, so I’ll take a cab or Uber. I don’t want you driving in this rainstorm.”
“I’ll be right there.”
“No! I just said I don’t want you driving in this. I’ll come to you.”
“I’m at Gabriella and Antonio’s place. Do you have the address?”
“I think so. Let me check my contacts.” A moment later, Ruth saw that she did indeed have the number and address of the Fierros’ home. “Yes, I have it. I’ll be right over.”
Kizzy squealed with delight. “How much time between contractions?”
“Five minutes. Plenty of time.”
“Okay, great. Firstborns usually take a little longer, so we’re good. Do you want me to call the cab for you?”
Ruth laughed. “I’m in labor, not helpless. Of course I’ll call my own cab. In fact, I can see one sitting outside the lobby. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
Kizzy signed off, sounding as excited as Ruth felt.
* * *
