Page 27 of Cryptic Curse

I wouldn’t say she’s told me a million times.This is maybe only the third time I’ve been in her presence.

But I nod.“Of course.Star.”

She’s waiting for me to tell her that I’ll help her prepare a feast.The problem is, the Bellamy parties are legendary, from what I hear, and although I adore good cooking, and I’ve read a lot on the subject, I haven’t had a lot of real-world practice cooking for other people.Especially not an entire family’s worth of big eaters.

This would be a chance to do that, which I’d love, but I may not live up to Star Bellamy’s idea of a world-renowned chef.

“I don’t want to put you on the spot, of course,” Star says.“Daniela, you’re allowed to say no.”

“Jesus, Mom.”Raven meets my gaze across the table.“Of course you can say no, Dani.”

“Actually,” I intervene, “I’d love to help.I’m just not sure I have the skills you think I do.”

“Nonsense,” Star says.“We all start somewhere.This can be your baptism by fire.”

I nod, and to my surprise, I’m actually feeling excited.

I’ve seen Star Bellamy’s kitchen.It’s beautiful and huge.

While I’m slightly terrified about being the sous chef on such a big dinner and occasion, I love the idea of spending more time with Raven’s family.They’re all so nice.

Especially Hawk.

9

HAWK

“Can I hitch a ride back with you?”Robin asks.

“How’d you get here?”I ask.

“Shane was driving into the city to pick up supplies, so I hitched a ride with him.You know how I hate driving downtown.”

True.Robin does hate that.She’s never strayed far from home.Only for college and vet school, and then she couldn’t hightail it back to Summer Creek fast enough to become the chief veterinarian on our staff.Shane is one of her technicians.

“Yeah, sure.Glad to have your company, sis.Give me just a sec.”

So much for my coffee date with Grace.I walk to the nurse’s station, where she’s tapping on a computer.

“Hey, Grace,” I say.

Her eyes light up.“Hawk, hi.You ready?I can take my break anytime.”

I swallow.“I’m sorry.My mom decided to have a big family dinner at home tonight, so I have to leave.”

Disappointment clouds her pretty features.“Oh.”

“Rain check?I’ll be back to see my dad tomorrow, probably.”

“Yeah, sure.”She smiles, but it doesn’t quite make it to her eyes.

“I’ll look forward to it.See you, Grace.”

“Bye, Hawk.”

Robin and I are the quintessential middle children.Even though she and Raven are twins, Raven was born about thirty seconds before she was, and Mom has always favored her.I’m the middle brother, between Falcon and Eagle, and Raven was Mom’s miniature growing up, while Robin preferred to hang out with us guys.

That didn’t win her any goodwill from Mom.