“I love her,” Halcyon said. “And the fact that she swept this building up before the LeDoux got their grubby hands on it is awesome.”

“I think it really pleased her. It’s a huge thumb in the LeDoux’s faces, but Dottie style.”

“Classy.”

“Exactly.”

“Preston and company have been keeping a lower profile ever since Little Miss Chastity turned the charity event into a street brawl.”

“I think they’re hoping people will forget and Preston can still become mayor.”

“I think that ship has sailed. More and more people are starting to speak up about their bad behavior. I think your situation, Dottie pulling her donations, and Adelaide posting that YouTube video have unraveled their carefully laid plans.”

“I’m still getting messaged about that video. But it’s a small price to pay to get the charges against Avery dropped.”

“How’s Avery doing?”

“Good. Relieved. I think she’s finally letting all of this go and focusing on her studies. She’s still not speaking to Harold, but I promised her I wouldn’t bring it up. It’s her decision. If she wants to talk, she knows I’m always available.”

Halcyon tapped her fingers on an old countertop and studied Marina for a moment. “Have you heard from Alexios?”

She already knew the answer, of course. But Marina knew Halcyon was as worried for their friend as she was.

“No,” Marina said. “I don’t know what to think, really. I mean, the world hasn’t ended, so that’s great, but I wish we knew what was happening. Is the war still going on? Is Zeus winning?”

“If he wins, do you think we’ll ever hear from Alexios again?”

“I don’t know. I hope so. I really liked him. But he gave up so much of his life trying to find the ring that I wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t want to come here again.”

“That’s true. I kinda miss him, though.”

“Me too.”

“So what’s the story with you and the hunky game warden?”

“He has a name, you know.”

“First name Hunky. Middle name Game. Last name Warden.”

Marina grinned. “You’re impossible.”

“No. You’re impossible. Are you going to go out with him or what?”

“I have gone out with him.”

“I’m not talking about hanging out like friends. I’m talking about taking that man for a ride.”

Marina closed her eyes and shook her head. “I’m not ready for a ride. My divorce isn’t even final. We’re taking things slowly. Friends first. Then if we both think things should move forward, they will.”

“Uh-huh.”

“What?”

Halcyon sighed. “That man is waiting on you to give him the go-ahead. He made up his mind a long time ago. Men like that don’t spend time with a woman unless they’re attracted.”

“She’s right.” Alexios’s voice sounded behind them.

Marina whirled around and practically sprinted across the room, then threw her arms around the thin man and whirled them both around in a circle, laughing and crying at the same time. Alexios was laughing too, and when she finally ran out of breath and released him, she saw him wipe the tears from his eyes. Halcyon came over and gave him a hug and kiss.