Page 24 of Fritillaria

“Wait…really?!” Matilda’s eyes start to well up with tears.

It’s not long before they’re falling in earnest, her little body shivering against mine. I can’t tell if it’s from excitement or not.

“Yes, really. I’m even going to try and convince her to go in the car with us. We could pick her up.”

“I have to finish her quilt in time! Let’s go home early so I can work on it.”

I chuckle as she excitedly climbs out of my lap and grabs a tissue to clean herself up. It’s adorable that she’s been working on that project for Ivy, that she has had that hope all along.

Chapter 21

Ivy

I received the most awkward phone call of my life last night from Aspis. I almost hadn’t answered the strange number, but of course my instincts came calling and told me to pick it up.

I have known Aspis to be a very charming male, definitely someone that the other ladies in the label have their eye on. But he can be so awkward when he tries to talk to me.

His deep timbre was instantly recognizable, asking me if we could all go to the dinner together.

The last few days have been filled with a lot of thinking for me. My general consensus is that I should at least give this dinner a proper attempt.

So I said yes.

Which is why I am now freaking out in the foyer of my building as a car waits for me. It’s the sleek black and tinted windows of a car with a driver. So at least Aspis had put some effort in.

My heart is fluttering in my chest with nerves as I think about seeing them both. It’s been over a week, and I don’t know what to expect.

I’m going to assume that they have been seeing each other without me. I wonder how close they’ve gotten already? I have seen how quickly the other mates in the studio have gone to being like basically married.

I guess I will find out now.

Except my feet don’t move. I wait just inside the door and out of sight, building up my courage. They arrived a little early so I don’t need to go out right away.

I had no idea what to wear to this dinner. It’s at Flora and Sebastian’s house, and I didn’t know if people were dressing up for it.

In the end I settled for a good quality cropped t-shirt, a pleated skirt and a pair of sheer tights with boots. Most of my tattoos are on show, as well as the light impression of my nipple piercings through my shirt. If I’m going to have to go to this dinner with Aspis and Matilda, the least they can do is lust over me a little.

OK, I can do this.

Stealing a breath, I leave my building and stride to the car in a few confident steps. It clicks open just as my hand reaches it and I slip inside before I can run away.

Matilda and Aspis are sitting on the side bench of the long car, looking cozy. They give me tentative smiles as I settle in on the back seat. I don’t need to be all snuggly with them, I can sit here just fine. My body protests a little, but I manage it.

“Hi,” I say, simply. I’m not sure what else to do, really.

“It’s so good to see you.” Matilda sounds so genuine, her golden eyes looking a little too close to tears for comfort.

Aspis just stares, a pained look on his face. Is it really this hard for him?

“How are you?” Matilda continues, placing a hand in Aspis’ and squeezing, probably to get him to say something. They look so comfortable with one another, so at ease.

My heart shatters into a million pieces at the sight. Why do Icare? I shouldn’t feel like this, I don’t want to feel like this.

“I love your outfit!” Matilda breezes on, completely ignoring that I haven’t answered her yet. She looks stunning in a flowing lavender sundress, her tanned legs and furry hooves peeking out from beneath.

Aspis looks different. I’m used to seeing him in a suit, or at least a business shirt. But today he is wearing a simple t-shirt, his arms on display. They are covered in corded muscle and intricate tattoos. I had no idea he was hiding that.

Of course it makes him instantly more attractive.

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