“What are you doing here?” Ivy said, her face alight as she went to greet her. The two women gave each other a long hug. My lips parted and I froze at the lingering kiss before they parted. Okay …

Ivy slipped me a glance, but she was smiling when she turned back to Skimmer, smiling, still smiling, with her hands on the woman’s elbows. “I can’t believe you’re here!” she said.

Skimmer glanced at me once before focusing on Ivy. She looked like she had enough confidence and smarts to break horses, teach aboriginal children, and dine out at a five-star restaurant all in one day. And she and Ivy had kissed? Not just a peck, but a real … kiss?

“I’m out here on business,” she said. “Long-term business,” she added, her pleasant voice thick with a pleased emotion. “A year, I’m guessing.”

“A year! Why didn’t you call me? I would have picked you up!”

The woman took a step back, and Ivy’s hold on her fell away. “I wanted to surprise you,” she said, her smile rising to encompass her blue eyes. “Besides, I wasn’t sure of your situation. It’s been so long,” she finished softly.

Her eyes fell on me, and I warmed in my new understanding. Aw, crap on toast. How long had I been living with Ivy? How could I have not known? Was I blind or just stupid?

“Damn,” Ivy swore, still obviously excited. “It’s good to see you. What are you out here for? Do you need a place to stay?”

My pulse quickened and I tried to keep my worry from showing. Two of them together in the church? Not good. Even more disturbing was that Skimmer seemed to relax at her offer, losing interest in me and focusing entirely on Ivy.

Erica stood beside me, grinning mischievously. “Skimmer came out to work for Piscary,” she said, clearly eager to tell what she thought was good news, but my face went cold. “It’s all arranged. She looks to him now.” Twirling her necklaces, the young vampire beamed. “Just like I always thought she should.”

Ivy took a breath and held it. Wonder crossed her, and she reached out to touch Skimmer’s shoulder as if not believing she was really there. “You look to Piscary?” she breathed, and I wondered what the significance was. “Who or what did he give for you?”

Skimmer shrugged, lifting one narrow shoulder and letting it fall. “Nothing yet. I’ve been trying the last six years to wiggle into his camarilla, and if I work this right, it will be permanent.” She dropped her head briefly, her eyes alight and eager when they rose. “I’m staying at Piscary’s place meantime,” she said, “but thanks for the offer to bunk with you.”

Piscary’s, I thought, my worry strengthening. That was where Kisten was living. This was getting better and better. Ivy, too, seemed to have to think about that. “You left your place with Natalie to run Piscary’s restaurant?” she asked, and Skimmer laughed. It was comfortable and pleasant, and the volumes that were left unsaid made me uneasy.