Page 34 of Hostile Holiday

“And before that? How did it show?”

“It didn’t.” She paused. “Oh.”

“Indeed. It is worth checking on her just to see if she knows what you are. She might be your companion star, after all.”

Orla thought about it. “I guess I am just going to have to ask her.”

Strella hugged her. “That’s the spirit. Usually, a set of stars remains close. Things have gone slightly askew with you, so you are going to have to push them into position.”

Orla nodded. “I can do that. I couldn’t before, but now I can.”

They returned to the dining room, where Hunter was leaning back and scrolling on his phone.

Orla blinked. “Oh, darn. I need a phone.”

Hunter smiled. “We can do that. Was it an interesting chat?”

“It was the start of something. I think I can build on it.” She looked over at their host. “Thank you, Strella.”

“It was no trouble. You now know what being next to another star feels like. Go and find your companion. You won’t be able truly to enjoy life without her.”

Hunter asked, “Why is that?”

Strella faced him. “To sum it up, they fell together, so they rise together. I was a wandering star. I was alone for my entire existence. You are different. To be at your best, you need your companion. Lovers come and go, but your twin star is for eternity.”

Orla nodded. “Then, I had better go find her.”

Hunter looked at her and nodded. “Where do you suggest we look?”

“I have a few ideas.” Orla smiled. “We need to get back to the city.”

Hunter smiled. “Let’s get you a phone first, and then, you can hunt for another summoned star.”

“Great.” She hugged Strella and then pushed Hunter to the entryway, where their boots and jackets were waiting. There was an excitement building, and she wasn’t sure of the source, but it felt right.

Chapter Seven

Orla felt stupid but asked, “Why am I so hungry?”

“You and Strella spoke with each other for a day.”

“What?”

“You are both stars, and time means little, so you talked, and I managed the bed and breakfast. She warned me that might happen, so I brushed up on my customer service skills.”

“Oh. Well, that would explain it.”

Orla remembered both her and Strella having a soft glow, so the passage of time was less noticeable.

“Sorry about that.”

He reached out and squeezed her hand as they drove back to the city. “Not a problem. You were both so happy when you returned that it was worth every dish I washed.”

She shrugged. “What time is it?”

“Just after noon. We can go for lunch anywhere you like.”

Orla looked at her fingers. “How do you feel about diner food?”

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