She swallowed the untimely lump in her throat. “Sounds good. Thank you.”
After discussing safety measures, the group of women went to a seafood restaurant on the beach in Camps Bay. The wind was strong and the foaming waves angry. The white stretch of sand framed by cliffs was beautiful in a wild way. They sat down at a table with a sea-facing view and ordered seafood platters. After a waiter had served champagne, Maya raised her glass.
“To life. To Nicolas.”
“To life, to Nicolas,” the group said in chorus.
“Cain told us you work at a theater in London,” Kat said. “I was a big fan of your mother.”
Asia added, “I never guessed Cain was married to the Clara Jones, although I’ve often wondered if he had someone in his life.”
Clelia placed a hand on Alice’s shoulder. “We shouldn’t discuss her father.”
“Why not?” Maya asked. “He’s our boss. We should gossip about him until his ears burn.”
“I couldn’t help but overhear you talk earlier,” Alice said to Maya to change the subject. “Are you adopting?”
“Twins,” Maya replied. “Tim can’t have children.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”
“Oh, that’s all right. Tim is a dhampir.”
Alice chocked on her champagne, which made Maya laugh.
“Keep it between us, though,” Maya said. “Outside of this group, it’s not common knowledge.”
“Congratulations. Boys or girls?”
Maya grinned. “A boy and a girl. They’re only six months old. We’re expecting them in August.”
“It’s about time the two of you start a family,” Kat said. “Tim is so broody. He’s driving me insane with the way he spoils Thomas.”
The women got involved in a lively discussion about their children, the affection clear on their faces. Did her chest feel tight because of her history with her mom, or because she knew she’d never have that with Ivan? Either way, it wasn’t a subject she cared to examine at a dinner table surrounded by Cain’s team members.
Lost in her own thoughts, she’d gone quiet.
Asia, who sat next to her, touched her hand. “It’s hard to imagine the deadly Maya or Clelia as moms going all gooey over their babies, right?”
Alice studied Clelia with more attention. She looked way too delicate to be fighter.
“What do they do on the team?”
“Clelia is the firestarter.”
That took Alice by surprise. She’d expected that talent more from the daunting and broodily quiet Joss. “What about her husband?”
“Joss is a bloodsucker.”
“What’s that?”
“He can tell things about people by tasting their blood. It’s a rare ability. He’s probably the last of his kind, unless Laudrain has inherited the trait.”
“Their son?”
“Yes. He’s the cutest thing ever.” A smile curved Asia’s lips. “Sean can’t wait for me to fall pregnant. He’s very Scottish-Catholic that way, wanting a big family.”
“Where are the children?”
“They’re with their grandparents and caretakers. Normally, when we’re all together, we try to meet with the babies, but this trip was too risky.”
“How about Sean? What does he do?”
“Oh.” Asia gave a love-smitten sigh. “He moves the earth.” She winked. “Especially for me.”
Alice couldn’t stop a laugh from bubbling over her lips. “You’re a lost case.”
“I can’t help it. He’s such a hunk. Ivan isn’t bad himself.”
“We’re not together,” Alice said quickly.
“No?” Asia lifted a brow. “You could’ve fooled me. From the way he’s staring after you with his tongue dragging on the floor, I’d say he’s got it bad.”
“It’s hard to explain. It’s physical, only.”
“Mm.” Asia sipped her champagne. “If you say so. Sometimes men are too stupid to recognize love even if you wave it right under their noses.”
“It’s not like that. Ivan loved me once, but things happened, things that left him vulnerable.”
“I heard about his past. He must be terribly insecure.”
Alice swirled the liquor in her glass. “Aren’t we all?”
“I know it’s not my business, and I don’t know Cain like you do, but I’ve learned from experience that he always acts true to his morals.”
Alice looked up. “Why are you saying this?”
“I feel the tension between you. Lily was right, you know. She has a shitty father. So do I. I know for a fact Lann and Clelia’s dads were pretty horrible, too. Your father is a good man.”
“A good man doesn’t necessarily make a good father.”
“Agreed, but don’t let your pride rob you from having one. It’s too late for Lann and me. Clelia and Lily have to live with the knowledge that their fathers are the bad guys. At least, yours is the good guy.” She patted Alice’s hand. “Enough of the deep talk. Tell me about London. I’ve always wanted to go.”
Alice told Asia about the theater and her home, about her favorite attractions, and the charm of the countryside. By the time the food arrived, her glass was empty, and she felt more relaxed. The rest of the evening’s conversation involved lighter subjects, and to her surprise, she enjoyed the company. Maya was snarky and funny, Clelia gentle and considerate, and Kat cultured and entertaining. Topped with Asia’s intuitive support, a girls’ night out seemed exactly what Alice had needed. She was much less tense when they arrived back at the house shortly before nine. The men were home, having coffee in the lounge. Alice excused herself and went to bed, a single bed in a single room.