“Please.”
Gwyneth stepped aside and Morgaine crossed to the couch in Gwyneth’s living room. “Is Chad here?”
Gwyneth cocked her head. “Chad?”
“Hello ladies. Is there something I can do for you?”
“Uh, yes.” Morgaine said, nervously. “Can you give us a few minutes alone?”
“You want to kick me out of my own apartment?”
“No. We can go to my place if you’d rather not leave.”
“In other words, you just don’t want me eavesdropping.”
“Correct.”
An audible sigh suggested Chad was fed up.“What makes you think I won’t just follow you and listen in without telling you?”
“Because I’m respectfully asking you not to.”
Another loud sigh.“Oh, all right. You’re taking all the fun out of it anyway. I’ll go see what Nathan’s up to.”
“Thanks, Chad.”
Gwyneth’s expression turned to one of concern. “What’s wrong, Morgaine? You look like a pup that was left behind when the family went for a Sunday drive.”
“I’m okay. I’ve just been thinking…”
“Oh. Well, that can’t be good. Y’all want a glass of sweet tea?”
“No, thanks. I’d just like to talk to you for a little while.”
“Of course.” Gwyneth sat on the sofa next to her. “What’s got y’all thinkin’?”
“A couple of things. First, you know how much I rely on you for everything. It sounds as if you’re starting to resent it.”
“I’m sorry, darlin’. I don’t mean to sound that way. I just worry about you, that’s all. What if something happened to me? Back when Konrad and Roz lived here, I know y’all felt safe with each other, but now they’re gone.”
Morgaine looked at her lap. “I know. I—oh, Goddess…This isn’t easy. I don’t want you to get mad.”
“Spit it out, cousin. I’m more apt to get mad if you keep dancing around the back door.”
“I need to help Sly…and not just as a friend. But I need your help. Do you know what I mean?”
Gwyneth sat up straighter. “Oh! Youaresweet on Sly! More than a little by the sounds of it. But what about his feelings for his wife? Oh, no wonder you look sadder than a broken swing.”
Morgaine leaned back and stared at the ceiling.Oh well, here goes nothing.“He kissed me.”
Gwyneth cocked her head. “Huh?”
“I know. I was confused too.”
Gwyneth stood abruptly and balled her fists. “Well, now I know why you thought I’d get mad. But I’m not mad at you, cousin. I’m mad at him. How dare he say all that stuff and then lead you on?”
“I—I don’t think he’s leading me on. Look, if you’ll sit down and try to stay calm for a few minutes, maybe I can explain it.”
Gwyneth dropped back down the sofa. “Fine. Try to explain, ‘cause it sure don’t make no sense to me.”
