Page 86 of Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
Fumiko forced a laugh. “That makes me sound scary.”
“Anyone in my place might well tremble.” Juuyu still breathed deeply, still blinked slowly. Utterly calm despite his words. “You are a beacon.”
She sat a little straighter. “What does that have to do with anything?”
Juuyu’s low whistle was as impossible to interpret as his analogies. But then he said, “You are a vastness, Fumiko.”
And she was almost positive that he was calling her beautiful.
TWENTY-NINE
Bandit
After breakfast the next morning, Akira bought a pile of postcards, brought them to a coffee shop, and spent a couple of hours composing silly messages. Wind-and-Tide had its own tiny post office, and once he had the pile safely sent, Akira texted Uncle Jackie.
Do me a favor?
Within reason
I’m feeling rather favored out
Actually, nevermind
Favor away
This will help me slip into character
What?
Favoritism
I’m embracing it
I will be so good to you
Akira had always thought he and Tsumiko were alone in the world. So when Jacques Smythe had sashayed into their lives and demanded favorite uncle status, Akira had wholeheartedly embraced the novelty of an extended family.
They had real ties. Sort of. Jacques was related to the husband of the previous owner of Stately House, the lady who’d left everything to Sis. Also, Jacques was cousin to the husband of the woman who’d given birth to Kyrie. That lady had given Kyrie to Sis. For keeps. And somehow or other, they’d also inherited Jacques. Definitely also for keeps.
I love you, Uncle Jackie
You say that now
How do you feel about pastels?
I have no strong feelings
You say that now
About that favor?
I’m meeting a friend for lunch
At the sandwich shop in the museum
Just in case something strange happens
I wanted someone to know where I went
