CHAPTER 12
Rachel woke bright and early at noon the next day, disappointed to find the other side of bed empty.
After taking a shower, she spent a few minutes in the closet, and eventually selected a long gray skirt with a blue peasant blouse, and doing her hair in a puffy ponytail, she ventured out into the kitchen for breakfast.
"Morning."
Ivy was seated at her computer. The living vampire was not wearing her usual low cut leathers but a pair of black slacks and a tight red top under a black vest. Her own hair pillowed loosely across her supple shoulders.
"Morning."
Rachel found French toast waiting for her on the island counter. It was, Ivy told her shortly after they moved in together, the one thing she knew how to cook best. She poured herself a cup of coffee. "What're you doing?"
"Trying to find a gift for Ceri's baby." Ivy sighed. "Problem is, I can't find anything about what elves like. Not to mention the fact this mother is a thousand years old. Who knows what kind of stuff she's used to?"
Rachel chuckled, with a mouth full of French toast. "Al." Though he had treated his former familiar as a slave, he had known her for a millennia and probably knew her far better than anyone, including Quen. Not that she was suggesting they call the demon. She would be beyond thrilled if she never saw a single demon again. "Maybe we should stop thinking of her as an elf. She's a new mother. I'm sure she'll appreciate anything we give her. We can stop by Toddler Barn on the way to Trent's."
Ivy put her computer to sleep and turned in her seat. "I asked Jenks if he wanted to come. Know what he said?"
"I can guess." Rachel did her best high-pitched pixy impression. "Tinks' diaphragm! No way am I going to greenie weenie's fairy infested fortress!" She actually was curious to find out how the fairies who had attacked their church a few months ago were getting along in Trent's idyllic, and immaculately kept, garden. "I'm gonna wait for Bis to wake up."
Ivy laughed. "That's it exactly."
Jenks flew in a pixy hole in the window. "I heard that!" He huffed when they both started laughing. "Yeah, pick on the four inch man." He crossed his arms. "Last time I was at elf boy's place I barely made it out alive. No thank you."
"Suit yourself. I'm sure Ceri will understand." Rachel smiled at Jenks' expression. "We'll tell her you were too…"
"…lazy?" Ivy offered. "Scared?" She snapped her fingers. "I know. Drunk."
Jenks' wings turned blood red and started dripping harsh red and black, sparkling dust. "I hate you both."
"Does that mean you'll come?" Rachel knew Ceri wouldn't be upset, in fact in all likelihood the elf would fully understand, given the presence of the fairies, but she would also really miss him if he didn't.
Jenks huffed. "Fine!"