Calliope and Ss walked into a cozy little diner on the corner, the kind with checkered tablecloths and the warm smell of coffee and pie in the air.


    Once they slid into their booth, Calliope looked at Ss, a little suspicious. "I thought you said you had to go on a business trip. What are you doing here?"


    Ss gave her a sheepish grin. "I pushed it back. Wasn''tfortable leaving you here alone."


    He reached across the table, taking her hand for a second. "But after dinner, I really do have to go. Can''t put it off much longer."


    Calliope felt her heart swell a little. She knew the folks from the Jewell family couldn''t really do anything to her, but Ss worrying anyway meant the world to her. It was nice, having someone who cared that much.


    The waitress came by, and Ss ordered all Calliope''s favorites-crispy fried chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a slice of apple pie for dessert. He even poured her coffee just the way she liked it, with two sugars and a ssh of cream, smiling at her like she was the only person in the room.


    The more time she spent with Ss, the harder it was to resist his quiet charm.


    After they finished eating, Calliope nudged him. "Go on, get out of here. I''ll be fine. I promise."


    Ss lingered for a moment, but she waved him off, insisting she could handle herself.


    If the Jewell family wanted trouble, they''d be the ones running scared, not her. Truth was, she just didn''t feel like stooping to their level.


    Once Ss left, Calliope wasn''t expecting to run into Fleur and Yvette strolling down Main Street, shopping bags in hand. They looked like they''d been having a pretty good time togethertely. It''s funny, considering their history.


    Calliope sipped her icedtte, giving them a quick once-over. Her eyes lingered on Yvette, especially her stomach.


    Fleur was the first to speak up, her toneced with her usual swagger. "Well, look who it is. You hanging around here too?"


    Calliope shrugged, stirring her drink. "Yeah." She shot a pointed look at Yvette''s midsection. "Didn''t expect you to be expecting so soon."


    Both women''s faces changed at that. Fleur''s eyebrows shot up, and Yvette looked downright ufortable.


    "What did you just say?" Fleur blurted, surprise written all over her face.


    "You didn''t know?" Calliope arched


    an eyebrow at Yvette. She couldn''t


    say for sure just by looking, but something about the way Yvette carried herself...


    Calliope had a hunch. She held out her hand. "Let me see your wrist. I can tell you if you''re really pregnant."


    She didn''t actually care that much. But it was wild to think Gideon, who could barely get around after his ident, might be a dad. Or was the kid even his? The drama was just too good to resist.


    Yvette looked equal parts hopeful and nervous. She''d been told by doctors she might never have kids despite all the treatments and herbal teas she''d tried. She didn''t put much stock in Calliope''s abilities, but the curiosity got to her.


    "Are you serious?" Fleur said eagerly, turning to Yvette. "Go on, let her check. We''ll know for sure!"


    Fleur was desperate for a grandchild, especially a grandson. Whatever beef she''d had with Calliope, it could wait.


    After a moment''s hesitation, Yvette held out her wrist to Calliope, eyes wide with anticipation.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!