“It kinda is,” Eve agreed, a little surprised she could interpret the words, even if she still saw only blobs and splotches. “It’s really great, kid.”
More babbling, along with hopeful blue eyes. This time Eve had to look to Mavis.
“She’s hopi
ng you’ll put it up.”
“Oh. Ah, yeah, sure. I . . . I’m going to take it home. I have to show it to Roarke, and we’ll put it up.” Somewhere.
“And Somshit?”
“Yeah. Him, too.”
“Gah-ad?”
“The whole deal. It’s great,” she said again because, strangely, it sort of was. “Thanks.”
On a happy sigh, Bella laid her head against Eve’s shoulder.
“We have to go, my Belle, and Dallas has to work.”
“Want Das.”
“We’ll see Dallas soon, but we have to go home, finish packing for our trip.”
“Go whoosh!” Bella scrambled around to face Eve, jabbering and howling with laughter.
“She loves to fly and go on trips.”
“Where are you going?”
Mavis hauled Bella up. “To New L.A. The Oscars, remember?”
Stupid, stupid Oscars. “I didn’t know you were going.”
“Not just going. I’m performing.” In a rare show of nerves, Mavis pressed a hand to her belly. “‘Hold on Tight’ is up for Best Song, and they asked me to perform. It’s not going to take it—I think ‘Take Your Rest’ has it locked, but . . . Jeez, Dallas, I’m performing at the freaking Oscars. I’m a little terrified.”
“You’ll kick ass.”
“Ass,” Bella echoed.
“Sorry.”
Mavis shook her head. “I can use the kick ass. And I’m going to try to do that.” She tipped her head to Bella’s. “Who’d’ve thought? Who’d’ve thought I’d ever have the chance to kick it at the Oscars. And I wouldn’t if it wasn’t for you.”
“Oh, bull . . . ony.”
“Primo save. It’s true. You and Roarke opened the door, and here I am. I’m never going to forget it. So, you better watch.”
“Wouldn’t miss.”
“You watch,” Mavis repeated. “Because I’m going to kick it. For my Bellamina, for my honey bear. But this time? This time most of all for you and Roarke. Gotta jump, we’re leaving tonight. Tell Dallas bye, baby.”
“Bye, Das!”
“Flip side,” Mavis said. “Cha.”
Bella blew kisses over Mavis’s shoulder as they clipped out.