Page 9 of Hera

“You can call me any time, sister dear,” Demi said. She pulled away and went to the sink to wash her hands. “I must finish these butter buns. Don’t you have work to do?”

Hera wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “Yes, I do. I’m taking this with me, though.” She indicated the platter of apple turnovers.

Demi laughed. “They’re all yours.”

On the way to her office, Hera glanced out a window. The clouds had almost fully vanished from the sky and the sun was shining brightly. She nodded in satisfaction.

That’s better.

The morning passed quickly, her nose buried in paperwork for ButterNut Bakery. Today was usually the day that she added up receipts, but she kept finding her mind wandering. By lunchtime, she’d done only half her usual amount of work, and she was frustrated with herself.

“Fine!” Hera said as she burst into the bakery where Demi was helping a customer. “I’ll do it. I’ll go.”

It took Demi a moment, and then a huge grin broke across her face. “Really?” she squealed, clapping her hands together giddily. “Oh, we’re going to have so much fun getting you ready!”

“No. I’m not going to dress up for this. I’m going to go wearing something that I’m comfortable in. If guys don’t like me at my worst, they don’t deserve me at my best,” Hera said decisively.

“Oh, honey, no. Not your worst,” Demi gasped with wide eyes.

Hera frowned. “Well, no, I suppose not. But I’m not putting any extra effort into my appearance.”

Demi pursed her lips. “All right. If you insist. I do see your point.”

“I don’t want guys who only want to bring me to bed. I’m looking for forever, and I don’t want to be someone I’m not.” Hera turned her gaze on the customer. “What doyouthink?”

The man looked uncomfortable. “I think you’re right.”

Hera snorted. “Spoken like someone with a wife.” She turned back to Demi. “My man needs to be able to disagree with me.”

“Why would I disagree if you’re right?” the man said timidly.

Demi handed him his receipt with a smile. “You should probably go.”

“Right.” He took his bag and hurried out the door.

Hera watched him go, amused. “Definitely more backbone thanthat. Someone who makes me laugh. I want chemistry, long-term. I want what you and Charles have.”

“I’m sure you’ll find it,” Demi enthused. “Aphrodite and Eve are very good at what they do. Do you want me to go with you?”

“For moral support?” Hera chuckled. “No, thank you. I can handle this on my own.”

“You’ll call me the minute you get home and tell me all about it, won’t you?” Demi asked.

Hera raised an eyebrow. “What, like you did?”

Demi blushed. “I did tell you. Eventually.”

“All right.” Hera took a sandwich from behind the glass case. “I’ll tell you tonight. Or tomorrow morning when we’re setting up the bakery, at the latest.” She smiled. “I might be too tired tonight to call you.”

“Hera!” Demi pretended to be shocked, but Hera could tell she wasn’t. Not really.

“I’ve got a lot to do in the apothecary this afternoon,” Hera said, her skirt floating about her legs as she twirled away from the case. “See you at closing!”

“Remember that it starts at eight sharp tonight!” Demi called after her. “Don’t get so caught up in your work that you forget to get ready!”

“Don’t worry, I won’t show up in my lab coat,” Hera teased.

She returned to her office with her sandwich, energy refocused. She finished the accounts in record time, tidied up, and headed upstairs to her apartment and the lab. She had picked several herbs a couple days ago that should be dry by now, and she set about crushing and mixing them with drops of various different oils.

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