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***
Although intrigued about the connection between Lottie and Trelin, Nova felt her usual first day exhaustion creeping over her. Cain hadn’t specifically said anything about having dinner together, but she assumed he’d be up shortly to ask where she wanted to go. Slipping into sweatpants, a tank top, and fuzzy socks, Nova twisted her blonde hair into a messy bun on top of her head. Snuggling down into the couch she pressed #32417 on the room phone to order room service. While she wanted to spend time with Cain, they could stay in tonight. She ordered Shrimp Alfredo with bread sticks for herself and a grilled chicken Cesar salad for Cain. At the last minute she added one piece of cheesecake to their order. Flipping through the TV channels she wondered why they bothered with the mortal food. Her father was all about appearances. His concern was consistently how he and his family were perceived by the public.
A knock at the door pulled her from the thoughts of her family. She tipped the bellhop who handed her the food then waved at Trelin who only nodded in return.
“Whatever,” Nova muttered under her breath. She sat back on the couch settling on a Christmas movie marathon running on one of the stations. She ate her pasta slowly and thoughtfully. Was this ever going to fulfill her? Would she ever feel like a whole person again. Would feeding from a human be any different? She doubted it. Her father had regularly preached against it.
“It is demoralizing and indecent. We can live among the mortals in peace. They need not fear us.And we do not need them to survive.” These words were repeated in each lesson taught throughout the retreat’s thirty days. Nova had never, not one time in all her undead life tasted blood, human or otherwise. She’d always wanted to discuss it with her parents, ask about their lives when they first became immortal, but her mother had always told her it wasn’t something to discuss.I could ask Lottie.Nova shocked herself with the thought. Suddenly, she realized how much time had gone by; it was after 8 PM.Where could Cain be?She pulled her phone out, shooting a quick text to Cain to check in. Then she threw her leftover pasta and the entire piece of cheesecake into the trash. She left Cain’s food on the counter.
Nova sighed loudly as a chime from her cell phone brought her back to the couch. Expecting a response from Cain, she was pleasantly surprised when it was Lottie, asking if she wanted to have a drink.Did she?A zing of excitement running through her made her feel like she did want to have a drink, but it also occurred to her that just a few short hours ago she’d purposely ordered in dinner to avoid going out with Cain.What did that mean?
***
“You’re such a great teacher,” Lottie smiled, batting her eyelashes at Cain.
He returned the smile; it was hard not to when Lottie focused all of her attention on you.
“You’re a decent student,” he joked. “What are you doing after this?”
“I think I’m meeting a friend. You?”
“Going to spend some time with Nova. You’re welcome to join us.”
Lottie’s eyebrows shot up. Her plan had been to put space between them and make them question their relationship, but she’d been in poly relationships before. It never occurred to her that this may be a perfect situation for that.Should I just the plan?
“Um, not tonight but soon.”
“Great. I’ll see you tomorrow in the seminar, right?”
“Of course. Unless we can keep doing these private one-on-one sessions.”
Cain chuckled. “That’s not how the program works.”
“Darn,” Lottie winked at Cain as she left the conference room, her head swirling with different endings of her plan. Cain was gorgeous, funny, and incredibly caring. His only flaw, as far as she could tell, was that she was standing between her and Nova.But what if he wasn’t? How could I find out without just coming out and asking them?It was something to ponder but it was time to get Nova’s undivided attention.
“Hi,” Nova smiled as she stood up to hug Lottie.
“You look amazing,” Lottie beamed at her.
“You’re such a flirt. I’m here, as a friend, to have one drink.”
“Of course, so I am. Friends can tell their friends how nice they look. Our little group is always complimenting each other.”
“Uh huh,” Nova was smiling though.
“So, why don’t we get drinks to go, or not at all, and take a ride on the sky lift?”
Nova stared at Lottie for a few seconds before answering. It was almost as if Lottie could see the Angel and Devil on her shoulders arguing. Lottie suspected Nova wanted to go for the ride, but she also knew how important it was for Nova to keep a good reputation.
“Sure, why not,” Nova finally answered.
Lottie grinned. “Let’s go then.” The women left the bar together; each keeping her fingers crossed they didn’t run into Cain or the Bryant’s. They lobby was fairly empty and when the elevator doors opened, they were the only ones in it. Nova pressed herself into the corner as Lottie stood close but not invading her personal space. Neither spoke as they walked off the elevator, onto the roof, and waited for the next lift. Lottie opened the door, stepping aside to let Nova on first. Rolling her eyes, she got in and slid all the way over.
“Shall we?” The lift took off and Nova couldn’t help but smile. She had to admit, Lottiewascharming.
“So, now that I have you up here, all to myself-”
“Let me stop you right there,” Nova sighed. “We’refriends,Lottie. That’s all.”
