First World(85)

Brace and Lucas were in deep discussion at the end of the table. Lucas gave me a half-smile acknowledgement, but Brace was focused on his plate, his expression troubled.

Got to love men. Kissed the hell out of me yesterday, swim-stalked me on the beach this morning and now couldn’t even look up when I entered the room.

“Morning, baby girl. How did you sleep?” Josian was glowing away at the end of the table, his red hair smoothed down, golden skin luminous, a large stack of flat round pastry pieces in front of him.

These delicious little miracles were shaped like pancakes but filled with a buttery golden syrup. True magic, if you asked me.

“Had some weird waking dreams. Figured out how to open Walker doorways. Got a permanent tattoo and no one knows why. And about to head to another planet.” I shrugged. “Can’t really complain.”

I’d started eating as I talked. A few small pieces of food flew out of my mouth onto the crisp white table cloth.

Josian boomed his laughter.

Francesca shook her head. “I don’t see too many obstacles in your path.” She shrugged. “At least not today.”

I shook my head. “I’d feel much better about that if you didn’t have your face all wrinkled up with worry.”

She smiled, although that was a generous description; it was more of a grimace.

I laughed. “Very reassuring, thank you. Don’t quit your day job, Frannie.”

She looked affronted. “But this is my day job.” She winked at me.

Brace was still ignoring me. Jerk.

Should leave him here with Samuel. Also a jerk.

Look at me making friends everywhere I go.

Josian stood suddenly. “I don’t want her to go, Lalli. I don’t have a good feeling about this.” Worry lined his permanently young features.

She stood as well, reaching out to grip his arms. “I don’t want either of my children to take off on their own to some unknown planet, but if it’s that or the end of the world then I don’t think we have much choice.”

He scoffed. “End of this world, maybe. I’ll find us another one. A better one.”

I laughed. Josian took arrogance to a completely new level. “Can you transport the billions of people on all seven planets?”

With a resigned sigh, he shook his head in my direction. To Josian, those that weren’t family didn’t factor into his plan.

Brace joined the standees. “I’ll keep them safe, Lalli and Josian. Don’t worry; we’ll be back before you know it.”

Josian pointed his finger at Brace. “I’m feeling a decided lack of trust in you at the moment, Brace. I see how you look at my daughter.”

For the first time Brace’s eyes swung in my direction, before he looked back at Josian. Flushing a little, I stared at my half-eaten food.

“I promise I have no ulterior motives, other than adventure and keeping my friends safe.”

Brace was lying; he said that without an ounce of emotion, as if repeating a rehearsed line.

Josian turned his gaze toward me. I nodded at him. I wouldn’t be letting my guard down around Brace. Well, I’d try really hard not to, but if he looked at me I was a goner.

“It’s time now. Josian, you go, gather your family. You are going to struggle to find them all. Some have made it their mission to remain hidden indefinitely,” Francesca interrupted us. “Start at the junction between the four quadrants of this universe. And you must hurry or you will miss something important.”

Josian frowned at her. “You are getting on my last nerve, Frannie.” He marched to the end of the table, muttering about crazy sisters-in-law. Reaching down, he pulled me from my chair for one last hug.

“Stay safe, Aribella. Trust your instincts and make me proud. If you need me, I’ll find you, no matter the consequences.” He pulled away.

I reached up high to pat his shoulder, offering whatever small comfort I could. “Luce and I are used to looking after ourselves. We’ll be fine.” He nodded once. “I love you, Dad.” I wanted to say it, just in case.

He placed one hand on his heart, before raising it to his lips, kissing it and then touching it to my lips.

“May your journey away from me be short, but your experiences life-changing. Love you too, Miquerina.”

I really should find out what that meant.

He moved toward Lallielle then. He touched her face before lowering himself close to press his lips to hers. It was short and ever so sweet.

Lallielle turned away as Josian opened a doorway in an unused corner. I caught a glimpse of fire and night in the far distance, and then with one last kiss blown in my direction, he was gone. The room felt empty; the absence of his presence was huge. Lallielle, looking lost, hugged her arms around her body tightly, but then she pulled herself together.