Page 4 of Stripe Theory

“What was that?”

“Nothing, nothing.” Gerri waved away their suspicious looks. “Just thinking about logistics. For example, did you know there’s a rather important charity gala coming up next month? Something about conservation efforts for big cats?”

“The one at the Natural History Museum.” Lumina perked up. “Alora’s already planning to attend. She’s quite excited about the tiger conservation exhibit.”

“How interesting,” Gerri mused. “And isn’t Kedi Biogenetics one of the major sponsors this year?”

“Why, yes,” Jewel’s lips twitched. “In fact, Rehan is expected to give a speech about the importance of protecting endangered species. Especially tigers.”

“What a remarkable coincidence,” Gerri said blandly.

“Gerri...” Both women fixed her with knowing looks.

“What? I’m just saying, it would be a shame if two people so passionate about tiger conservation didn’t get a chance to meet. In a romantic setting. Under the museum’s new starlight ceiling installation. With dancing.”

“And let me guess,” Lumina raised an eyebrow, “you just happen to be on the planning committee?”

“I might have some small influence over the seating arrangements,” Gerri admitted. “And the music selection. And possibly the menu—did you know Alora’s favorite dessert is chocolate mousse? Such a coincidence that it’s being served that night.”

“Along with Rehan’s preferred single malt scotch, I assume?” Jewel asked dryly.

“Well, we want everyone to be comfortable,” Gerri said primly. “And relaxed. And possibly slightly tipsy.”

“You’re terrible.” Lumina laughed.

“I’m efficient,” Gerri corrected. “Now,” Gerri continued smoothly, “have you seen the cake? The baker outdid herself.”

They all turned to admire the masterpiece being wheeled in—five tiers of golden fondant decorated with intricate dragon scales, topped with a pair of dragons whose tails intertwined to form a heart. As they watched, tiny jets of flame shot from the dragons’ mouths, lighting the sparklers arranged around each tier.

“Now that’s what I call a showstopper,” Lumina murmured.

“Just wait until we plan Alora and Rehan’s wedding cake,” Gerri couldn’t resist saying. “I’m thinking white chocolate tiger stripes. Maybe some edible gold leaf. Ooh, and those sugar sculptures that look like DNA helixes!”

“With little tigers wearing lab coats on top?” Jewel suggested, getting into the spirit.

“And test tubes filled with champagne as party favors!” Lumina added.

“Ladies, ladies,” Gerri held up her hands, laughing, “let’s not get carried away. We still need to get them in the same room first.”

“Right, right.” Lumina tried to look serious. “One step at a time.”

“Exactly. First the gala, then the romance, then the wedding.” Gerri ticked off points on her fingers. “And then, of course, those brilliant grandbabies.”

“You really think they’ll be compatible?” Jewel asked softly, motherly concern creeping into her voice. “Rehan carries so much responsibility, being both CEO and pride leader. He needs someone who can understand that burden.”

“Alora has such a big heart,” Lumina assured her. “And she already understands shifter biology better than most humans. She’d be fascinated by pride dynamics, not intimidated by them.”

“Trust me,” Gerri patted both their hands. “I have a feeling about this one. Like I had about Asher and Talon.”

They all glanced across the room where the engaged couple now swayed together on the dance floor, lost in their own world. Occasionally, tiny sparks would drift up from where Talon’s hands rested on Asher’s waist, but she just smiled up at him, completely unfazed by her fiancé’s literal burning love.

“See?” Gerri gestured at the couple. “Sometimes the most unlikely matches make the most perfect pairs.”

As the luncheonbegan winding down, Jewel and Lumina rose to leave, both hugging Gerri warmly.

“This has been lovely,” Jewel said sincerely. “You always know exactly how to bring people together.”

“It’s a gift,” Gerri agreed modestly. “One I’m happy to share with deserving people.”

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