Page 27 of Flowers Near Me

She looked at her nails. “I don’t know. I just painted these.”

By the mercy of the Fates, she’d survived her first night in Hades’ lair, completely unscathed. In fact, the guest room she slept in was cozy enough for her to get a real night’s sleep and the shower was much larger than the one she used back on her mom’s estate. Being underground felt claustrophobic enough to make her even more appreciative of the spaciousness of Hades’ penthouse. And Hades’ taste in coffee matched hers, which was the greatest relief. Who knew what kind of disgusting, pre-ground trash most bachelor gods drank? Thankfully, Hades wasn’t one of them.

Chimes echoed from the entryway and Hades boomed, “Come in,” before a line of uniformed staff filed in, pushing food carts with covered metal platters. Some set trays on the countertop as others carried plates and silverware and disappeared into the hallway leading to the dining room.

“All this for hosting my sister and her family?”

“The alternative would be me making scrambled eggs.” He cocked an eyebrow. “I’ll save my breakfast cooking for you.”

Persephone let out a light chuckle. “Now that we’re roommates, I’m sure we’ll try each other’s breakfast cooking at some point over the next six months. I hope you like burned bacon.”

“Not just roommates. Acouple,” Hades added with a smirk.

She stepped towards him, invading his space. His eyes lit up as she came closer. “Yes, a couple of roommates.”

“Sure.” Hades winked at her. “What drink should I get for my roommate?”

She narrowed her eyes but there was no bite in her words. “Water’s great. Thank you.”

The chimes sounded again, and Cerberus whimpered and ran to snatch a chew toy from between pillow cushions. He hurtled towards Hades before sitting at his feet.

Charon’s voice called, “They’re here.”

Laura and Charon entered first, with Peter and Helena behind them. Laura held a potted snake plant. Probably the only thing that could survive with no sunlight in Hades’ underground apartment.

“Welcome.” Hades shook Laura and Peter’s hands, then offered a palm to Helena. She high-fived him, still clutching her father’s leg.

Together, Peter and Hades gazed at the ceiling as Hades pointed towards different features.

Laura placed the plant on the coffee table then embraced Persephone and whispered in her ear, “What’s really going on?”

“I’ll fill you in later.” Persephone squeezed Laura’s arm as Helena sprinted towards them shouting, “Aunt Sephy!”

She lifted Helena in a hug, instantly feeling lighter seeing the little girl. “Are you hungry? I heard there’s gourmet mac and cheese.”

“And cookies. That’s what Miss Charon said.”

Charon smiled at Helena. “That’s right. Dessert will be brought down later, along with a coffee tray.”

Laura glanced at Persephone, raising her eyebrows.

“Charon, will you be joining us for dinner?” Persephone asked.

“Thank you but I need to help shuttle guests to an art exhibit tonight. I’ll check back with you later.” With a slow nod, Charon said, “Enjoy your dinner,” and walked out behind the departing staff.

“She seems nice,” Laura said. Her gaze shot to Hades and Peter before whispering, “Why are your texts so cryptic?”

Casting a furtive glance towards Hades, Persephone ushered Laura and Helena towards the kitchen. “I didn’t know how much I could tell you before, but this contract includes a fake dating arrangement in addition to spokesperson duties.” She ducked her head down and asked, “Helena, do you want to pet the dog?”

“Yes.”

“Yes, please,” Laura added.

“Yes, please,” Helena parroted and scurried towards a curious Cerberus whose tail began to whip back and forth happily.

“So, why are your texts so weird?” Laura stepped near Persephone.

Persephone leaned in towards her sister. “Hades can read anything I send from my phone.”

---