Page 57 of Shattered Magic

“There will be plenty. Thank you, and text me if you want a car to pick you up.”

Zerul nodded in confirmation.

“That would be great. Thanks.”

Stella hung up.

Hari called Eon and spoke to her for a moment to understand the dynamic that she was dealing with. Luna was in charge of Stella with eight years between them, and Stella was twenty-five. It was fucked up, but they were both strong extranaturals.

Hari thanked Eon, congratulated her on the rescue the previous night, and they hung up.

She stared at her phone and bit her lip. When she got a note from Asta, she blinked in surprise. She called and said, “Hey, Asta. How are you doing?”

“Great. I heard you need ladies for the lineup?”

“Yes, please. Do you know anyone?”

“Yes. I have two friends who meet the criteria of female and powered and available tomorrow night.”

“Really? Thank you. You spoke to them already?”

“Yes, we get breakfast together before work. I thought I would ask. They are up to play dress-up. They just wanted to know if they should do their own makeup.”

“Please. I don’t think that all skin tones can be accounted for sight unseen.”

“Good point. I will be there as well.”

“Thanks, now do you think I should try and find a few more?”

“Two more might be safe. Maybe Gen has an idea. Eon is closer to her than I am, so it might be a good way to get cooperation.”

“Should I contact your friends?”

“Sure, or I can put you on speakerphone.”

“Oh, please.”

The two soft and pleasant voices made Hari smile. That had to be the most relaxed gathering ever. She didn’t care what they looked like; they were going to chill out the entire group the following night.

She got in touch with Eon and got a spare lady for the evening, and when it was done, it was noon. Zerul smiled. “Do you want to head to the club now?”

“Sure. I will make us something to eat. I have been jonesing to get into the kitchen, but I always run into scowls and flapping hands here.”

They headed to the club, and she opened it, keying in the passcode and flicking on the lights in the kitchen.

She printed out the list and put it on her clipboard. She took out two steaks, set them on the thawing plate, and marked them off the list.

“Salad or fries?”

“How good are your fries?”

She grinned. “Pretty damn good.”

“Fries then.”

She turned the oil on.

He smiled, and she took the next hour to take the inventory and place the order. After that, she fired up the grill and got to work, getting the steaks just underdone and on plates to rest while the fries went in for their second round.

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