Outfoxed (The Fox Witch #1) - R.J. Blain Page 0,125

shook my head.

“If you don’t enjoy playing, just say so, pick your favorite chair, and read. Gaming is not mandatory, and watching can be just as fun as playing. If you are interested in trying a game, just say so, and we’ll play the same game again so you can try it.” Sandro’s mother retrieved the empty bowls, rinsed them in the sink, and put them in the dishwasher. “Baths and naps for both of you, and I don’t particularly care if you bathe together. You’re adults, just make sure one of you stays awake so nobody drowns. The hot tub is set up on the back porch if you’d prefer to soak. Your bandage has to be changed anyway, so don’t worry about getting it wet. Just don’t take it off while you’re soaking.”

“I don’t know about you, Jade, but I have a date with the hot tub,” Sandro announced, hopping to his feet. “Did you bring anything for me to wear, or am I going to have to go steal from Francis?”

“Liam brought clothes for you. Your room is next to Jade’s. She can show you where hers is at. As your room is not in the bathroom next to her room, I’m sure you can figure it out. The condoms are in the bathroom, birth control is in the medicine cabinet, and the massage oil and similar is in the basket on the bottom shelf of the vanity. If you want anything else, you’ll just have to go to Saratoga Springs tomorrow.”

“I thought we were cooking tomorrow.”

“I’m sure your father won’t miss you for the hour or two it’ll take you to head to Saratoga Springs and do some shopping if you need to go to the store. Just don’t go to the larger store in Albany. We would like you back in time for dinner at the absolute latest.”

I took that as my cue to escape. “Come on, Sandro. When you’re offered a chance to escape, you take it rather than talk about it. Are you sure I can get the bandage wet?”

“I’m sure. It’s supposed to be waterproof anyway, but even if it’s not, it’s a salt system, so it might sting but it should help with your healing. There are several bathing suits and bikinis in your dresser. I recommend the bikinis, as they won’t put any pressure on your ribs. Enjoy yourselves. I’ll bring you some drinks. No alcohol for you, Sandro. She can’t have any because of her medications. We can cook with it, but that’s it.”

“Drinking is for people who enjoy hangovers. I am not one of those people. Raspberry, please.”

“Raspberry?” I asked.

“For my soda. What flavor do you want?”

I stared at him. “You’re having raspberry soda?”

Sandro grinned. “Yes. Try it. It’s good, and you’ll want something cool to drink while relaxing in the hot tub.”

“I guess I’ll have a raspberry soda then, please?”

Sandro’s mother chuckled. “Raspberry it is! Go enjoy your soak, children. And if you decide to take a nap, I’ll keep an eye on you both and make sure you don’t soak too long.”

I took my own advice and fled while I could.

Sunday, May 24, 2043.

Lake George, New York.

The East.

* * *

Sandro’s raspberry soda contained crushed ice, raspberry syrup, carbonated water, whipped cream, and raspberries on top. The next time I needed to distract him, I’d provide raspberries. One box might keep him busy for a while. While we soaked in the hot tub, which could easily fit six, his mother sat on a lounge chair nearby, sipping at a green soda. She’d even turned her whipped cream green.

“Lime?” I guessed.

“Melon. Honeydew, to be specific. I almost made myself a sour apple, but the bottomless pit in the hot tub with you would beg for a sip, and then I’d be out my drink.”

“It’s true. They’re my second favorite, and I’m very good at suckering my mother out of hers.”

“That you are. Jade, tell him about the choir. You may also clarify your witch powers while you’re at it, as I’d like to have a better idea of what training you’ll need. Are you trained for the East?”

I sipped at my soda, debating how much I wanted to tell them. “A week ago, I was absolutely determined to make certain you would never learn a damned thing about what I’m capable of. Now? I’m sipping soda in a hot tub and debating what I should tell you.”

Sandro’s mother laughed. “In your shoes, a week ago, I would have