Page 75 of Lochlan

When I pull into the mansion's parking lot, Pru is sitting on the hood of her car, cross-legged on her phone.

The only people I've seen in this mansion were the women of Crimson Beaches. I don't understand why there're a ton of cars in the small parking lot. I have to park further down and hike up where Pru found a spot in the front row of cars. She slips off her vehicle as I approach. We hug like we haven't seen each other for years instead of days.

“I'm so glad you got my message. I wasn't sure about your schedule and didn't know if you would return today.”

“It's lucky I saw your text. I thought about driving over to MacTavish Cellars today for their employee appreciation lunch.”

Pru wrinkles her nose. “I thought you weren't going to do that. Why did you change your mind?”

Lochlan MacTavish changed my mind. He hasn't bothered to call for the two days I was gone. I thought I'd drop by so he'd know that I'm back.

I adjust my bag on my shoulder. “I got a call from Layla in HR. She wanted to confirm numbers for the luncheon. I thought that my invitation was an afterthought, but she said no, that I'm not currently on the schedule, but I'm still employed by the company and they'd like me to come.”

“Does that have anything to do with Lochlan? I mean, you didn't come back to the apartment until the next day after you left with him. With me back at practice and you jaunting off to San Diego, there hasn't been time to talk.”

“I'll tell you everything you need to know later. We don't want to be late for QC. How did you get this meeting with Poppy?”

She rolls her eyes. “It wasn't easy. Fair warning, she knows you've been looking at other clubs and she's not happy.”

I shrug. “I thought I could fit in with Crimson Beaches just to partner with Poppy. But after that challenge, the price is too high. Did she consent to this meeting to berate me for leaving?”

“Honestly, she realizes you're one of the best players in the club. You leaving for another club doesn't make Crimson Beaches look like we have our act together. Maybe she wants to make amends?”

We're ushered through the great hall to a small sitting room lavishly furnished with touches of red and crystal. It reminds me of being in a royal waiting room. Pru and I are sitting on a red tufted couch, something out of Queen Anne's collection.

Poppy enters through an invisible door wearing the same gown she wore when I first attended court: red poppies on a field of white. We stand. I know it's dumb, but it's all theater to Poppy.

“So glad you could come.” Poppy sweeps in front of us, resting a hand on each of our shoulders, followed by air kisses with each. “Can I offer you something to eat or drink?”

“I'm fine,” I say.

“Nothing for me,” Pru says.

“As you wish,” she says, floating to the end of the couch. She pats the cushion near her, signaling us to sit. Since I'm the person she agreed to meet, I sit in the middle between Pru and Poppy.

“Pru said you wish to discuss the challenge that you didn't complete.”

I glance over at Pru, who shoots me a stare not to contradict her.

“It's been a few days, enough time to think about the results of the challenge. Have you decided?” I ask.

Poppy adjusts her gown, smoothing out the wrinkles, so the cloth lays just so.

“I've given considerable thought to the matter. But before I discuss my thoughts, I think this would be a good time for Pru to discover the mansion's gardens. There are three sections: a rose garden, a wildflower meadow, and a meditative labyrinth. All equally beautiful.”

Pru rises to her feet. “Will I find the gardens if I go out the way I came?”

“I'm afraid you will be forever lost if I send you out into the gardens unescorted.”

Poppy stretches a well-manicured hand toward a table next to the couch and hits a button on a small blue box. “I not only have someone who will escort you to the gardens, but they'll give you a tour.”

As if we're in a movie, the door opens and the gorgeous bronze god who waited on Pru the first time I attended court strides across the room and extends his arm to Pru. I almost didn't recognize him. For one, he doesn't look like a pretty robot, and this time he's dressed in slacks, a tailored gray shirt, and a jacket, looking like a hot professional. Pru swallows hard as she glances into his eyes and takes his offered arm.

“Pru, this is Alexander. He's very excited to take you on the tour and if you need anything else, just ask him; he'll be happy to oblige. I'll let Alexander know when Kenzie and I have completed our business, but if you would like to linger, then please do. Alexander is completely at your disposal for as long as you like.”

When we're left alone, I turn to Poppy. “I'm very impressed; that was a wonderful gift for Pru.”

Poppy inclines her head. “I thought you knew I take care of all my sisters; I just want her to be happy and if Alexander pleases her, then I'm overjoyed.”

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