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I’m much fonder of thinking about the ABCs we explored instead. I learned thatavocadosare the one food she can’t live without. And that she’s the best person in her twice-weeklyboxingclass.
Best of all, kissing the outer edge of hercollarboneis as good as sucking her in other places…
The ringtone ends abruptly, bringing me back to the present. Not a bad thing since I’m calling my boss. It wasn’t difficult to recognize the number, originating at Elizabeth McCarthy’s home in a swanky section of Pasadena. It also wasn’t surprising, considering that I imagine Alameda’s president has turned the place into her operational headquarters for now.
“Professor Kane,” she croons.
“President McCarthy.” I answer with a polite smile out of habit. Though she can’t see it, I’d offer the exact same brand if we were rubbing shoulders at a university event.
Our relationship has always been like that. Pleasantly polite. Warm enough to foster a friendly connection but never casual enough to blur the line between her professional status and mine. Which is why I finally forced myself away from Kara’s arms and our warm sheets to follow up as quickly as I could.
“Sorry I missed your call,” I say.
“I’ve been reaching out to as many of the faculty as I can. I was worried when you didn’t answer. The campus is…well…”
“What? I was there yesterday, and nothing seemed to be damaged. Has something happened since?”
“Structurally, no. But logistically, things are a tad…tousled,” she explains. “The national guard needed to commandeer our offices as a temporary command center. We’re not sure how long they’ll need to be here or when everything will return to normal.”
“I understand. My mother is a trauma nurse. She was one of the first to be called when they were staffing the emergency response center.”
“Special people are called to that profession.” Her tone is genial but genuine. “And now I know where you get your considerate spirit from.”
I respond with a subtle laugh. “Not sure my students would agree with you.”
“Which is exactly what I pay you for,” she quips. “On that note, the board and I met for an emergency session this morning and unanimously decided to cancel classes for the next two weeks.” Her measured breath is audible. “I know this isn’t preferred, but the needs of the students must come first. Many of them have more to worry about than their studies right now. Big pockets of the city are still without power, if not under rubble.”
I exhale quietly in relief. I haven’t had the chance to press Hecate on a syllabus for Kara’s enlightenment—not that such a timeline would be forthcoming—but my instincts have already picked up an underlyingsomethingin the goddess’s energy. Urgency? Impatience? A mental hourglass with a wider throat than most?
All three of them make sense, which I acknowledge with a grimace. Maybe they’re the reason for Hecate’s strange energy, a force that pushes against her earth-mother serenity with nearly visible force.
Or maybe it is that obvious. If so, does Kara sense and see it all too? If so, she hasn’t said anything. Maybe it’s just a thing between Olympians, but my instincts are hazy because of my mixed blood.
And maybe it’s a little thing called sleep deprivation.
Because even demigods have limits to their gas tanks. And lately, mine’s been running way below the comfort line.
That being said, I refuse to get compliant about our current situation. The streamside Perugian villa, with its spa tub and enchanted forest garden and five-star Michelin kitchen, is everything alluring to Kara and me, but it’s not home.
Because as real as it is…it isn’t.
It’s only a placeholder for the reality we do have. The one we’d started to build with each other. That reality is more tangible than any force I’ve ever known, including my long-suppressed powers. But continuing to grow our love in a land of fantasy—one that’s more surreal than Los Angeles—already feels like piling shoddy bricks atop a risky foundation.
“I think that’s the right call,” I continue, re-grounding myself in the conversation with McCarthy. “Students aren’t going to retain anything if they’re constantly looking outside, wondering what the elements are going to do next.”
“I appreciate that, Professor Kane.”
“I appreciate you taking the time to call and check in personally.”
“Well, I’ve had a lot of help,” she says good-naturedly. “Professor Levin lives nearby and has been here to help with organizing the recovery effort on this end.”
My mouth flatlines. I’m sure my pulse does the same thing. “Professor Levin. You mean…ErinLevin?”
The next few seconds stretch too long.
“The very one. Did you meet her at Saturday night’s fundraiser?”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
