Berries and Greed

I also knew that I wouldn’t be able to avoid the cult forever. Violet would most likely stay there, and eventually she’d grow too old and frail to make the journey into the city, even with Greid helping her down the steps from the compound. One day, I’d have to go back when there was no other option to see her.

But I knew I’d have Greid with me when that day did come. So while it still stirred up uncomfortable feelings within me, it didn’t scare me. I was brave. I’d be able to do it as long as Greid was right there holding my hand.

“You okay?” he whispered, tangling our fingers together under the table.

I squeezed his hand and smiled at him with a nod. He gazed at me for a second longer, then leaned in to kiss my cheek.

“You two are so gross.” Kiti gave my arm a teasing nudge on my other side.

“They are not gross, Kiti,” Una piped up immediately, gazing at us from the head of the table. “They’re precious. So in love.” Her eyes grew glassy. “My little baby.”

“Jesus, Mom,” Greid mumbled, slouching lower in his seat.

“You never told me how you two met,” Nuni said, looking at us from across the table as he shovelled mashed potato into his mouth.

I went stiff, heat spreading over my face. Greid gave my hand a comforting squeeze and took a breath—no doubt to tell some unbelievable, long-winded lie—but Kiti spoke before he could say anything.

“None of your fuckin’ business, Pooni.” She gave my arm a conspiratorial nudge. “By the way, everyone, Nuni’s new nickname is Pooni.”

He sucked in an affronted breath and almost choked on a bite of mashed potato. Ears twitching, he shot me a betrayed look, clearly remembering my threat from earlier. “What the fuck, Beryl? I thought we were bros.”

Kiti slung an arm over my shoulders. “You haven’t earned the right yet, dickface. Beryl’s my bro.”

Nuni shook his head. “Not cool, dude.”

Sorin, seated beside him, shoved the side of his face. “Quit whining, Pooni.”

Laki snorted, grabbing a dinner roll and launching it at Nuni’s face with unerring accuracy. “Yeah, shut up, Pooni.”

“Dude!” Nuni snatched up his napkin and wiped at his cheek furiously. “That had butter on it! If you make me break out, I’ll kick your ass.”

“Children, please.” Una pinched the bridge of her nose, eyes fluttering shut in exasperation. “Not in front of Beryl.”

“Why am I getting roasted for asking how Beryl and Gro—Greid met?” Nuni shot me a quick, wary look before glancing around the table expectantly. “It’s a valid question. I’m just asking.”

“You’re getting roasted because you’re an asshat.” Kiti held out a hand. “Can someone pass me the gravy?”

“Kiti,” Una said wearily. “Your brother is not an… ass hat. Nuni, why don’t you tell us how work’s going?” she added, clearly trying to put an end to the bickering.

The idea of talking about himself perked Nuni right back up. “Pretty good. Record turnover in the last quarter. We’ve got our ten-year anniversary coming up, so we’re planning on holding a big event for it.”

“Ten years!” Una reached over to squeeze his arm. “I’m so proud of you, darling.”

“Thanks, Ma.” His chest puffed up, but he gave a self-deprecating shrug that wasn’t at all convincing. “It was a team effort.”

“Yeah, Team Nuni, right?” Tuvin huffed, then shot Nuni a sly grin. “Sorry, Pooni.”

Nuni lunged for the dinner rolls. “I swear to god, asshole—”

“Who’s planning your anniversary event?” I blurted quickly, because Una was pinching her nose again.

Nuni sat back and shot me a suspicious look. “Why? You an event planner? Am I allowed to know that?”

“No, I’m not,” I said calmly, “but my friend is. She’s really good.”

“Who is it?” Sorin asked with interest.

“Corva nir Feris.”

Daga gasped, staring at me from across the table. “Seriously? She’s not just good, she’s the best.” She nudged Elern. “You remember when we looked at that manor house outside the city when we were planning our matehood?”

“Uh…” Elern winced as one of the babies grabbed his ear. “Kinda.”

“It was all done up for a wedding that weekend,” Daga told me. “It looked incredible. Super high-end. I asked the manager who the event planner was and he said it was her, but that weddings weren’t her usual gig. Whoever was getting mated had paid through the nose specifically for her.”

“Oh, well.” I shrugged. “She is amazing.”

Nuni was watching our exchange closely. “So she’s the best, huh?” He focused on me again. “Can you give me her details? Please,” he added hastily.

“Sure. She’s usually booked up pretty far in advance, though…”

“I’ll get her.” He sat back in his seat and sipped his drink.

Greid coughed beside me, leaning in to murmur, “You should probably warn her.”

I snorted, picking up my champagne flute to whisper behind it, “I’d pay money to watch him try and hit on her. It will not go well.”

“Kushka,” Una suddenly piped up. “Did you tell everyone about the news piece?”

Greid sat back and picked up his fork. “The what?”