Page 7 of Nocere

"Thanks for cooking, baby." Ainsley leaned over and smooched her shoulder before snatching up a bit of cheese.

"It was my turn." Jordan grinned then turned her attention to me. "How's work been for you, Rosie?"

"Good. I really like what I do."

"You're pretty good at it, I hear."

My brow furrowed and I asked, "From who?"

"All our cop friends who work with you."

"Reliable sources then." I smiled then sipped my soda. Ainsley pointed at the snacks and I nodded my agreement to indulge.

A few minutes later, the front door opened and the bustle of feet echoed on the wood floor. Soft murmurs, shuffling bags, and a small whine joined the sounds.

"I got her," said Alice, whose voice I recognized.

"Are you sure, baby?"

"I am." Alice appeared a moment later with a little girl perched on her hip. The girl clung to Alice's neck, her legs tucked under her arms and she whined on and off. She must've been around three or four. Despite her position, I couldn't help admiring her adorable outfit. She wore a Halloween dress with pumpkins and witches, black stockings, and little orange combat boots. Stella appeared, windswept and in scrubs, carrying at least three bags.

"Let me take something, Stell," said the voice of a third woman who followed them into the room. I'd met Stella before, but never her daughters. The girl in Alice's arms could've been her clone.

"It's okay. I've got it."

"You've got precisely nothing. Give it." The woman behind them stood equal height to Stella, but with black hair pinned back with a sleek clip. She, too, wore a set of blue scrubs, and the two of them appeared as if they'd just run here from surgery.

"Sheesh. All right." Stella relinquished some of the bags as Jordan and Ainsley stood to greet them. I rose from my seat, picking at my nails as my nerves churned the bubbly drink in my gut.

"You're missing some littles," announced Jordan as she kissed Stella's cheek.

"We were all set to have Finnley watch the girls, but we had a last minute combatant." Alice patted the little girl's rear. "Luna changed her mind."

"We'll take our pretty little moon any day." Ainsley tickled Luna's sides and the girl squirmed, hiding her face against Alice's neck.

"And we both got stuck at work," said Stella. "Everyone this is Samirah, Samirah, everyone—I really have to pee."

"Go, go." Jordan rushed her off and laughed as she took the bags from Samirah to shake her hand. "Nice to meet you. Come in. All of you."

"You as well. Thank you for having me." When she smiled, the woman's hazel eyes brightened against her soft bronze skin. Her thick, perfect eyebrows, strong cheekbones, and endless lashes held my attention as her gaze fell on me. Her smile parted her lips, and for reasons unbeknownst to me, my face flushed with heat.

"This is our friend, Rose." Jordan gestured to me and I offered them a small wave.

"Hey you." Alice kissed my cheek, and I smiled.

"Hi. Nice to see you."

Stella hurried back over to us appearing slightly less rushed, and drew in a deep breath. "Hi, Rose." The minute Luna saw her, she started to whine and reach for her.

"Hey," I said, smiling at her, then returning to my seat once everyone gathered around the table.

"Okay, baby. Mommy's sorry." Stella plucked Luna from Alice and the little girl curled up against her just the same. Stella offered her wife a glance laden with exhaustion as she hugged her daughter and let out a slow breath. Alice leaned over and kissed her forehead while giving her hair a few strokes.

"Easy, honey."

"I'm so tired," she said, pressing her lips to Luna's cheek. "And hungry."

"We're in a good place for the latter."

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