is she playing? “Oh, yeah?”
“Yes, I hoped we might collaborate on a project,” Neli says cheerfully.
I stiffen. “Collaborate?” There’s no way I’m working on anything that involves the horrible man next door. I don’t know how Neli puts up with him. He’s insufferable, insulting, indecent! So many “in” words fit that inhumane man.
Metal cupcake pans hit the floor with a clatter. “Sorry!” Eliza chirps. “Just getting things ready for our new cinnamon bun cupcake recipe.”
“Maybe we should take this to the patio,” Mom suggests.
I shake my head. “Actually, that won’t be necessary. I’m not interested in collaborating. We’re going in another direction.” I stand. “Excuse me, I have some calls to make.” I walk out.
“Stella, what’s wrong?” my mom calls after me. “Don’t you even want to hear her idea for collaborating? She waited all this time to tell you.”
I keep walking, heading toward the stairs. “No, thank you.”
“Stella!”
“I’ve got work to do,” I say.
I’m halfway up the stairs when Neli appears in the front hall below. “Stella, wait. Can we take a walk?”
I grip the handrail tightly, trying to rein in my temper. I don’t want to lash out at Neli when I’m mad at him. “I’m really very busy.”
“Five minutes, okay? I think you’ll find it worth your while.”
I clench my teeth, pride and curiosity battling it out within my mind. “Okay, five minutes.”
I go downstairs and lead her through the front door. We take the brick path toward our flagstone patio, where we host tastings. It’s set back a ways from the vineyard. My sisters and I used to play in the grassy yard next to the patio, on a swing set that’s long gone.
I gesture for Neli to take one of the cushioned swivel chairs under a large patio umbrella. I deliberately choose the chair that will keep my back to the castle across the street. I know the reminder will just piss me off.
“First, let me just say your wine is not horse piss,” she says.
“Gee, thanks.”
“Boz shouldn’t have said that. He’s going through something right now. Some massive, uh, life changes, and it’s made him a little loopy. We’re both very sorry about the way things ended last night. He asked me to come over today and make it right.”
“You did nothing wrong, Neli. There’s nothing to forgive. As for him, he can apologize for himself if he really means it.”
“He’s sun sensitive because of some…medication, but maybe he can stop by one night to do just that.”
I instantly feel bad for despising the man. He has a sleepwalking condition and he takes heavy-duty medication. My brows draw together, thinking a little more about his eccentricities. Neli also said he works a lot at night too. So many things that don’t quite fit—avoids sunlight, works nights, sleepwalks in the early morning, on heavy medication. He sounds like an oddball nocturnal animal. “What’s wrong with him?”
“What’s not wrong with him is a better question,” she replies.
“Sorry to hear it.” I lean forward. “I appreciate you coming over to follow up, but I don’t feel comfortable collaborating on anything. I don’t think it’s in my best interest to spend any more time with Mr. Bozhidar.”
“I see.” She shrugs one shoulder. “Okay, well, I tried. So, uh, nice chatting with you. Sorry it won’t work out. Bye.” She stands abruptly and heads back the way we came.
I stare at her rapidly retreating back. Funny. She didn’t sound sorry. She sounded kind of cheerful when she left. I shake my head. What an odd pair those two are.
Guess we didn’t miss anything never spending time with our neighbors.
Boz
“What do you mean she’s not interested in spending the evening with me?” I roar. This is the gravest insult. And I put on my new velvety cape for this? After a wonderful slumber and an arduous time selecting the perfect outfit for Stella’s visit this evening, Neli has brought nothing but disappointment. “Did you tell her the pinot noir doesn’t taste like horse piss?” I gave Neli strict instructions to say just that.
“Yes, Boz, I did exactly as you asked. And I said we were sorry about the way things ended last night.”
“Did she forgive you?” A vampire never apologizes, so Stella had better appreciate the gesture.
Neli looks to the floor, finally submissive, as my servant should be. “I think so.”
“Then what is the problem? I demand you bring the virgin here tonight.”
Her head jerks up. “Boz, it’s different now. You can’t just summon a virgin. And how do you