False Webs

  Chapter 2

  Joruzan entered the office with a jaunty step. He felt good. In fact, he felt even better than that. He’d met his life partner and kissed her. For a Ti that was a huge step in the right direction.

  Even better, she hadn’t shied away from him because he was Ba’Tuan.

  Thinking back to Valerie, a vision of her rose. Her pale green eyes, and raven coloured hair with lush curves and ivory skin.

  “You are happy? What happened?” Cedun waited by the window, his eyes narrowed.

  “I’ve found my partner. De’ Valerie.”

  Cedun staggered a little, then pushed away from the desk. “Then I congratulate you.” There was an air of something wrong about Cedun, and Joruzan stepped toward his friend.

  “But all is not well for you?”

  Cedun waved away his concern, but there was a distance opening between them, confusing Joruzan. “Cedun? Turaa?”

  “It is nothing. Come, let us discuss this proposal. Does it have merit? You inspected it from cover to cover while in the meeting.”

  There was nothing more he could do, but deep in his gut he knew there was a problem that Cedun was refusing to discuss with him. I will wait until he’s ready.

  “I do. Her business is small, but these are handmade articles that she sells. Each is a work of art in its own right, that she sources from the artisan. She’s offering us first rights on the stock.”

  “You feel this is right? That she can continue to stock our needs?” Cedun’s tones were low and Joruzan didn’t know quite what to make of his odd behaviour, then Joruzan shook his head. Who knew with the Ti? They all carried odd baggage from the Ba’Tuan upbringing.

  Joruzan squinted. “You won’t tell me what causes you this issue? You are not happy with Montgomery Industries?”

  “No. It’s not that. Just… Place the order in the morning, Joruzan. We’ll trial her wares.”

  Valerie spent the night, tossing and turning. Memories of that kiss kept rolling through her mind. Joruzan, a Ba’Tuan, had kissed her. Her mind had turned to mush, and even now, the memory alone made her knees weak and jellylike.

  “Hey, Valerie! I’ve got an interview later today for a full-time job, but I’ll be in to help with the stocktake this morning, if that’s okay?”

  Valerie dragged her distracted mind back to Gia. “Sure, that’s great news.” She shoved the spoon into the cold cereal and started when it clattered. Looking down, she realised the bowl was empty and Gia was giving her one of her ‘what’s on your mind’ looks.

  “We should go.” She shoved away from the table, grabbing the bowl and putting it in the sink. Gia rose and followed suit, then picked up her bag and folder, and together they headed out the door. Only as she climbed into the car did she realise it was barely seven a.m. and much earlier than they’d usually get on the road. She’d forgotten to even brush her teeth.

  Wisely, Gia stayed silent on whatever she thought.

  At the warehouse-turned-office, Gia and Valerie unlocked the doors and started laying out stock. They weren’t direct to the public, but sometimes the odd sale happened at the office door and Valerie never argued. Money was money, to her mind, remembering the times she and Gia had gone without over the years.

  By the time eight a.m. crawled around, she was in front of her computer, sipping on a strong coffee.

  When the door opened she started. Joruzan. Even his name sent tremors of excitement coursing. He was followed by the Turaa, Cedun, who had a totally shell-shocked look on his face.

  “De’ Valerie, we came to place an order.” Joruzan spoke softly and she smiled.

  “I’m so glad! I uh… That’s wonderful. Here, sit down and be comfortable.” Just as she was urging the Turaa to take a seat the door opened and Gia entered the office.

  “Valerie, I have…” She broke off and looked in her direction. “Uhhh, sorry.”

  Gia blinked owlishly at Valerie’s arms on the Turaa.

  “Cedun, this is my daughter, Gia.” She indicated in Gia’s direction and saw the faintest glint in Cedun’s eyes and understanding hit. He’s interested in my daughter?

  When her gaze collided with Joruzan’s there was more than a thread of amusement, and she blushed. And I’ve got a crush on Joruzan. Oh my God! I’m too old for this kind of nonsense.

  Gia tried to withdraw but Cedun and Joruzan wouldn’t allow that.

  “The Ba’Tuans wish to place an order.”

  “Really? That’s so exciting. Do you think… Uh…”

  Cedun smiled at Gia, and for a moment Valerie wondered if he was about to ask her out. Then the smile died away. “Cedun and Joruzan.”

  “Oh, great. Umm, Cedun, maybe we could get a photo? I like to make sure Valerie has all kinds of memories of these kinds of events.” Gia indicated to the walls, and Cedun smiled.

  “Of course.” Naturally Cedun took the middle position between the women and Joruzan took to the photo, then she settled in and participated in the order preparation.

  They hadn’t been at it long when Gia rose with a startled cry. “Ohmygosh! Is that the time? I’ve got an interview.” She spun, shooting a horrified look in Valerie’s direction.

  “Take my car.” Valerie passed her the keys, and Gia ran out the door.

  “That’s an amazing young woman you have there.” Cedun’s voice was full of interest, and she turned to him.

  “She is. She’s very special.”

  When Joruzan spoke though, he shocked her even more. “She’s almost as special as her mother.”