“Great. Why don’t you refill our glasses while I cut two slices? We’re going to want milk with this too.”
“Okay.”
With Rixaline doing that, Donna grabbed their plates and a big knife from the block. She sliced two generous pieces and served them up.
Rixaline took her seat in time for the cake.
“Hang on,” Donna said. “We need forks.” She set the knife beside the cake box, then grabbed forks and went back to her place. “Here. Let’s see if this thing tastes as good as it looks.”
They dug in.
It did. Actually, it tasted better than it looked.
Donna let out a little moan of happiness. “Oh wow. That is good.” She looked over. “You like it? Never mind, half of yours is gone. I’d say that’s a yes.”
Rixaline paused. “I eat too fast.”
“You do eat fast. I’m sure that will change with time. I promise no one’s going to take your food away from you here, okay? And there will always be more.”
She nodded. “Okay.”
Donna pointed at the cake with her fork. “I don’t know where this came from, but we should order another from this bakery. We should try at least three or four of their cakes, just to see if they’re as good. For purely scientific purposes.”
Rixaline nodded. “No argument from me.”
She was nearly done with her cake. Donna leaned over. “You want another piece?”
The girl’s gaze darted toward the confection still sitting nearby, but then she shook her head. “Nah. I’m good.”
“Really? Because you look like you want a second piece. If you do, just say so. It’s absolutely okay.”
Rixaline glanced at Donna. “I don’t want to be…needy. Taking without giving seems wrong. And I’ve already taken a lot.”
“Sometimes we have moments in our life when we need to allow ourselves to be helped. When we’re not able to give as much as we’d like because of circumstances beyond our control. That’s where you’re at. And you know what? It’s okay. You know what else? It’s very often a blessing to the people who get to help you. I’m very happy to do the giving right now. I really am.”
Rixaline stared at her hands. “You’re helping me because it makes you happy?”
“Yes, but also because, as the vampire governor of New Jersey, I’m supposed to take care of people like you. And I want to. Not only are you in a terrible situation through no fault of your own, but you don’t have family to help you. To me, that means the rest of the vampire community must become that family.”
Rixaline shook her head, still not looking up. “That’s very kind, but it doesn’t feel fair that it’s so one-sided.”
Donna thought for a moment. “There is something you could help me with.”
Her head came up. “There is?”
Donna nodded. “Do you like animals?”
Rixaline smiled. “You mean like Lucky?”
She’d met him briefly yesterday when he’d shown up to check out the pizza situation.
“Yep. See, here’s the thing. He’s getting a little chunky. He needs more playtime, but we’re all pretty busy. If you could play with him for about ten minutes two or three times a day, that would be a big help. Maybe you could even brush him once in a while.”
Rixaline grinned. “I can do that. If he’ll let me.”
The black-and-white beast strode into the kitchen, probably having heard his name. He sat by his food dish and meowed.
“Good morning to you,” Donna said. “Did you hear us talking about you?”
Lucky just squinted.
“He wants his breakfast,” Donna said. The sun was starting to brighten the horizon.
Rixaline jumped off her chair. “I can get it.” Then she hesitated. “You have to tell me what to do, though. Taking care of a pet is new to me.”
“No problem. He needs a clean dish, which are those little white ones in the cabinet next to the fridge. Then he gets half a can of food, clean water, and a scoop of his dry food. There are little plastic lids that fit the food can so you can put the remaining half in the fridge for his dinner.”
“Okay, I can do that.” She got to work fixing Lucky’s breakfast, and when she happily set the dish on his food mat, she glanced back at Donna. “Can I pet him while he’s eating?”
“Sure, he won’t mind that.”
Rixaline cautiously stroked Lucky’s head. “Wow,” she whispered. “He’s so soft.”
Donna smiled. “He is. You should try brushing him later.”
“I would love to do that. He likes that?”
“He loves it. Just avoid the belly. He may roll over and show it to you, but trust me, it’s a trap. Other than that, you’ll pretty much become his new best friend.”
“Who’s becoming whose best friend?” Pierce wandered in wearing a robe over pajamas.
Donna wondered if he’d slept in the pajamas because of Rixaline, or if he always wore them. Not that his sleepwear was any of her business, but he looked so dapper in them.
“Rixaline is going to help me take care of Lucky. He needs more playtime than he’s getting, and she’s now in charge of that.”
“That’s great,” Pierce said. His gaze shifted. “Cake for breakfast?”
Donna grinned. “You want some?”
“Not without coffee.”
“Oh, coffee, yes,” she answered. “I need that too. Especially if I’m going to stay up. Which maybe I should with all the work in front of me.”
“I’m on it.” Pierce headed to the Keurig.
“No, you get yours first. But grab yourself a fork,” Donna said. Rixaline was still crouched beside Lucky. “Rixaline?”
She jerked her hand back. “Too much petting?”
“No, not at all. You can pet him all you want until he gives you a sign he’s done. Which will usually be him walking away or switching his tail. I was just going to say that we need to get you some clothes.” Donna got another paper plate, then cut a slice of cake for Pierce.
“I have a few things in my bag.” Rixaline bit at her lip. “They’re a little beat, but they’ll do. They just need a washing.”
Pierce brought Donna a cup of coffee despite her telling him to fix his own first. She smiled up at him. “Will you sit with Rixaline and order her some things today?”
“Be happy to. Are you thinking just the basics, like jeans, T-shirts, shoes? Anything more specific?”
“Whatever she wants is cool. I’ll ask Charlie if she’ll help later with underwear and such.”
“Thanks, that’s not really my department,” he said with a smile as he went back to the Keurig for his cup. “What’s your style, Rixaline?”
She stood, leaving Lucky to finish his breakfast without pets. “I don’t know, really.” She glanced down at what she had on. “I like this. It’s warm and comfortable.”
He brought his cup over to the seat beside Donna, where his slice of cake was waiting. “I’m guessing you haven’t really had a chance to figure out what your style is. We can work on that.”
Donna winked at the girl. “Pierce is really good at clothes. That outfit you first saw me in yesterday?”
“That was crazy-cool.”
“He helped me with that. Styled it.”
“Really?” Rixaline grinned at Pierce. “Can you make me look like that?”
Pierce forked up a mouthful of cake. “I don’t think the governor’s budget will cover designer suits and heels for sanctuary guests, but we can definitely shoot for a look that’s right for you. For the record, however, the governor already had that suit. I just helped with the shoes, hair, and accessories.”
Donna grinned. “All of which I would have done differently, so stop trying to not take credit.”
He laughed. “As you wish.” Then he looked at Rixaline. “Give me three words that describe how you’d like to appear.”
Donna sipped her coffee while Rixaline and Pierce talked fashion. She liked this very much, this happy, helpful, family vibe that
was going on. It reminded her of the times when Joe had been away and it had just been her and the kids in the house. No pressure that he might do something or say something to ruin the mood. When he’d been away, there had been peace in the house.
Not just in the house, but in her. At least for those fleeting moments.
This had none of that impermanence about it. Mostly because there was no reason for it to change. No Joe to come rushing back and ruin it all, even if he was still alive. He couldn’t affect her now.
She was the boss here. This was her domain. She made the rules. Being in charge was potent stuff. She could see how this kind of power could go to your head and make you forget what mattered if you didn’t hold fast to the good things in your life. The things that were right and true and solid.
That one thought was enough to make her realize she had something that needed doing immediately. She slid out of her chair and picked up her coffee cup.
“Leaving us?” Pierce asked.
“Headed to my bedroom for just for a little bit,” she answered. “I need to call my kids.”
Chapter Fifteen
Donna knew her kids’ schedules pretty well. Joe was an early riser, thanks to the Air Force’s insistence on his 0700 arrival at work. Christina’s first class wasn’t until ten, so she’d be asleep for another hour yet, at least. Maybe longer.
Donna tapped the contact for her son and listened to it ring.
“Hey, Mom. How are you?”
“I’m really good. How are you?”
“Outstanding. You’re up early. Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine. I wanted to talk to you. Do you have a minute?”
“Sure. I’m just ironing my pants. Let me put you on speaker so I don’t burn myself.” She heard the sound click over. “All right, go ahead.”
“You’re going to make some woman a fantastic husband one day, you know that?”
He laughed. “Is that your way of asking me if I’m seeing anybody? Because I’m not. Although there is a woman in supply who’s pretty cute.”
“Are you going to ask her out?”
“Maybe.” A small burst of steam from the iron punctuated his pause. “I’m not sure I’m her type.”
“Honey, you’re a very handsome man with great manners and a terrific sense of humor. You’re every woman’s type. She’d be crazy not to say yes.”
He laughed. “You’re obligated by law to say all that.”
“Doesn’t mean it’s not true. Just ask her. You have nothing to lose.”
“Except my pride.”
“You’ll heal.”
He snorted. “Spoken like my mother. How are you doing with…everything?”
She took a breath and sat on her bed. Then stood up again. “That’s kind of why I called. There have been a lot of changes in my life, and I need to tell you about them. Big changes. The kind I probably should be telling you in person, but I don’t want to put this off any longer than I already have.”
“Okay, now you’re freaking me out. What’s going on? Please tell me you haven’t met someone and you’re getting remarried.”
“What? No. What on earth would make you think that?”
“It’s the only thing I could think of.”
“It’s not that. I promise.”
He exhaled. “Good. Whatever you have to say can’t be that bad, then.”
She hoped he still thought that in a few minutes. “Honey, do you believe in the supernatural?”
He was silent for a few seconds. “Yeah, I guess so. I mean, anything’s possible, right? There are pilots who claim to have seen UFOs, so why not? And Aunt Cammie’s dedicated her life to the service of a higher power.” Suddenly, he groaned. “Do not tell me Dad came back as a ghost.”
“No! Mary and Joseph, the places your mind goes.” His guess was scarily close, but that was a conversation for another day.
He laughed. “Then tell me what’s going on already.”
“I’m trying. It’s hard.”
“Just say it.”
That was the easiest way. And the only way. “Something happened to me right after your father’s funeral. I became a vampire.”
Dead silence. Then laughter. “Aw, come on, Mom, tell me what’s really going on.”
“I’m not kidding. I swear on the Holy Rosary. I went to the cemetery the night after the funeral to yell at your father, and I was attacked and bitten. Another vampire saved me by turning me into one.”
More silence. “Are you kidding me?”
“I wouldn’t kid about this.”
“How is this, I don’t… Mom, are you for real? A vampire?”
“Yes. A hundred percent real. Can you handle a little more?”
“There’s more?”
“Some.”
He took a long breath. “Go ahead.”
“Due to circumstances, which I am happy to explain in detail when and if you want to hear them, I am now the vampire governor of New Jersey.”
“I…I don’t even know what that means.”
“It basically means I’m the head vampire in charge of our state.”
“Do you get paid for that?”
That was Joe Jr. Very much like his father in some ways, always wanting to know what the bottom line was. “Yes, actually. Very well too. I get a salary, plus staff and an amazing penthouse on the river with a view of the city you wouldn’t believe. You’re welcome to come visit anytime you want. I’ll buy you a ticket.”
“I think I should probably do that. And soon. Because this all sounds like stuff I need to see in person. Have you told Christina?”
“Not yet. Pretty sure she’s still asleep at this hour.”
“Yeah, I suppose so.”
“You seem remarkably calm.”
“I’m processing, that’s all. Not sure how to respond.”
She understood. It was a lot to take in. “I’m sure you have questions. It’s okay. You can ask me anything.”
“Are you okay? You said you were attacked. Were you hurt?”
“I’m better than I’ve ever been, actually. I was hurt a little, but it was nothing serious, and now I heal very quickly.”
“Do you have to drink blood?”
“I do. Sounds gross, I know, but it’s really not.”
“Yeah, going to have to agree to disagree on that one. Can you go out during the daytime?”
She didn’t want to lie to him, but she wasn’t going to confess this secret over the phone. She tried to answer in a way that wasn’t completely untrue. “It’s not a good idea, no.”
“You’re really a vampire, Mom? With fangs and everything?”
“Yep. Fangs and everything. Just when I need them, though. Not all the time.”
“Man.”
“I know, Joe. Trust me.”
“A penthouse, huh?”
“And a driver and an administrative assistant. I also have another assistant.” Explaining that Pierce provided her with blood seemed like too much information at the moment.
“I should come visit. Maybe in a couple weeks. You going to tell Christina today?”
“That’s my plan. I’ll call her in a couple hours, when I know she’ll be awake.”
“She might freak out. I’d be surprised if she didn’t, really.”
Donna laughed. “I was worried you might, too, but you’ve handled it pretty well.”
“I think I’m still in shock. Are you immortal?”
“Mostly, yes.”
“Wow. Can I text you later if I think of other questions?”
“Honey, you can text me, call me, email me, whatever you like any time of day or night, okay?”
“Okay.” A smile was in his voice. “Thanks. I should probably get going. The gate gets busy.”
She relaxed a little upon hearing the lightness come into his tone. “You know what hasn’t changed?”
“What?”
“How much I love you.”
“I love you too. Talk to you la
ter, okay?”
“Okay.” They hung up, and she sat on the bed, a huge weight leaving her. Joe Jr. had handled it incredibly well. And he wanted to come visit, which she took as a really good sign. Now she just had to talk to Christina.
That would happen a couple of hours from now, but talking to Joe Jr. gave her hope that things with Christina would go well too. She twisted to look out at the sunrise. Streaks of pale pink and peach lit the sky. Today would be a good day. Even if her rat of a husband had faked his death.
She groaned softly at that thought. What was that man up to? Nothing good, that was for sure.
He’d be dealt with. She wouldn’t let him get away with this.
But first, she’d have a quick shower.
That quick shower turned into a long one. The hot water felt too good to rinse and run. She lingered and tried to spend a few moments without dwelling on everything she had to do, but that was easier said than done.
Was there a woman alive who didn’t sometimes feel the weight of the world on her shoulders? Probably not. But then, women were incredibly strong and immensely capable. Herself included. The thought gave Donna a little comfort and a boost of confidence.
Whatever the day held, she’d handle it.
Refreshed, she got out of the shower and dressed. Jeans and a sweater, nothing fancy. As far as she knew, there was no one to meet with, and she certainly couldn’t leave the house while the sun was up, so putting on anything dressier wasn’t necessary.
She stuck her phone in her back pocket, then went out to the kitchen to see if Charlie was in there yet, since that seemed to be the gathering place for everyone. No sign of her. Donna put in a K-Cup and got a fresh mug of coffee going.
Pierce and Rixaline were sitting side by side on the big sofa in the living room with his laptop open. They were shopping.
Donna walked over while her coffee brewed. “How’s it going?”
Rixaline’s face was bright with happiness, and Donna suddenly noticed how pretty the young girl was. “Really well. I’m getting basics.”
Pierce nodded, his expression buoyant. “Jeans, some good T-shirts, leggings, two sweaters, boots, ballet flats, a cardigan, and a sturdy coat.”
Donna patted his shoulder. “Thank you. Maybe get a dress or a skirt too.” She looked at Rixaline. “If you’d like.”
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