Real Vampires Live Large

Page 55

“You called?” Valdez came out with an empty Twinkie wrapper stuck to his paw. He’d been heavily into the junk food since his return to normal. And I sure wasn’t denying him anything.
“Go across the hall and stay with Will and Lacy until time to go downstairs. Tell Will to give you some turkey and dressing. I ’ll get you both on my way down.” I threw open the door and knocked on the one across the hall. I didn’t wait for an answer, just slammed my apartment door and locked it. I’d heard the shower go on and knew Flo would be in there at least twenty minutes.
“What’s on your mind, Gloriana?” Blade grinned, because he always could read me.
“A juicy reunion. I think we both deserve one. Don’t you?”
Twenty minutes was a good start, but not nearly enough time. I was grinning though, when I threw on my clothes again, Jerry a well satisfied and interested observer. I had less than five minutes to get downstairs.
“Um, Jerry. When you looked at Simon, who did you see?” Okay, a shot in the dark. Maybe Simon had to consciously make a person see him that way. But if Jerry said, “I saw you, Gloriana.” Well, wouldn’t that be cool?
“I saw an ordinary man, Glory. No one special.” He sat up and pulled me to him. “Why? Did he have a power I don’t know about?”
“Forget him and his powers.” I kissed Jerry and turned to go.
“Wait. I have a present for you.” Jerry rolled out of bed and picked up his pants. “I know you lost your cell phone.”
“Yes, that damned Greg Kaplan took it.” I grinned when I saw what Jerry held in his hand. “Is that what I think it is?”
“A new phone. The latest technology including . . .” He pulled me close again. “A camera. It even takes videos.”
“Thank you.” I sighed and leaned against him. “Hmm. You got one too?
“You bet.” He rubbed my back.
“Call me later?” I grinned, my mind whirling with endless possibilities.
“Count on it.” Jerry kissed me and pushed me toward the door.
I stopped in the doorway and gave him my best sultry look. “Call me, Jerry. And don’t be surprised if a pterodactyl answers.”