Page 93 of The Devil’s Feather

The doorbell rang, and we both jumped. I didn’t even know we had a doorbell. I scurried over and opened it to Mandeep wearing an all-grey linen outfit and a worried expression.

“Whoa, that was fast.”

“I have an apartment not too far from here. Just happened to be staying in the city a little longer after the event.” He crushed me into a hug, expensive cologne tickling my nose and the linen of his long shirt scrubbing my cheek.

“Oh my god, Elaine, you must be out of your mind.” He held me at arms’ length, studying my puffy, tear-stained face. “You have been through absolute hell. Sorry to intrude like this; I just didn’t want you to be by yourself.”

“No, no, it’s sweet of you. Come in.” I waved him through the door.

He kicked off his embroidered slippers, opting for socks since none of the house slippers fit. I introduced him to Deandra.

Dee pursed her lips. “Wait, which ex are you?”

“The only one who counts,” Manny laughed. “Rafael chewed people up there for a while, and he’s also dated some truly wretched folks. Not just Molly Lively, either, though she’s currently ranking at the top of Mount Doom.”

Deandra shot me a raised eyebrow.

He picked up on it. “Look, I care about the big bitch as a friend, but I’m not trying to get back with Mr. Dark Night of the Soul. I love myself too much to go through that again, no offense.”

I giggled wearily. “None taken. Rafael can be a lot sometimes.”

Mandeep bobbed his head side to side, widening his eyes. “He is so much. I’m never dating anyone smarter than me again, and definitely no one with rage issues. Give me a sweet golden retriever himbo of a man. Rafa has too much muscle for me, anyway. I like ‘em with some padding.” He winked at me.

I hugged my arms. “I didn’t think I cared about muscle either until he started princess carrying me around like I’m some dainty little doll.” Whew, no, couldn’t keep thinking about that without crying again.

Dee grinned. “That’s so fucking cute.”

Mandeep stuck out his lower lip, but his eyes twinkled. “Well damn, I never got the princess treatment. Granted, I weigh a lot more than you, but that man is strong as an ox. Did he do the pick you up with one arm thing on your first date?”

I laughed. “Second date, technically. I should have known that was his go-to move, the smug bastard.” Thank god Mandeep had come. It helped to talk to someone who knew my beloved so well.

“Probably told you those abs weren’t for show either, right? Yeah, sure, Jan.” Manny gave his hair a meaningful toss. “Rafael is vain like a 14-year-old girl. He just hides it under all that snark and self-deprecating humor.”

Deandra snorted.

I nearly spilled my coffee. “That might be the most accurate take on his personality I’ve ever heard.”

Mandeep waved an airy hand. “Oh, I have so many stories for you. He’s going to hate it.”

“Ok, I like you. You can stay,” Deandra declared.

We exchanged grins.

Picking up my mug, I waved it. “I know it’s super late, but can I get you some coffee or tea or anything?”

“No, thank you. I won’t stay since you’ve got company, I just wanted to check in. I’ll be there tomorrow with the search party.”

“Wait! You don’t happen to know how to make Turkish coffee, do you?”

Mandeep laughed. “Girl, that’s what the internet is for.”

1 “Make Us Whole Again” by Cenobia

26

NOT A TAME LION

Grey morning light tickled me awake. I reached for the body denting the mattress behind me. Why is he so far away? Normally, I roll right into him. I tossed the duvet back, revealing Deandra. My sniffles woke her up.