Goddess of Love (Goddess Summoning #5)(29)

"Too divine for words," Fabio agreed.

He and Donna Vivian bustled about, collecting the mounds of clothing that lay like resting butterflies all about the suite. When they left, Pea turned to Venus, tears making her honey brown eyes bright.

"I don't know how to thank you for all of this."

Venus touched her cheek gently. "Happiness and ecstasy are the gifts I give to thee."

On impulse, Pea hugged her. "You really are a wonderful goddess!"

Sniffing and wiping her eyes delicately, Venus said, "Of course I am, darling. Now let's finish by seeing about your hair, and then I do believe it's time for a lovely and leisurely meal."

"Do you think you could conjure some more ambrosia?"

Venus lifted her brows. "Only if I conjure some water, too."

"My friend would like Farah to color and trim her hair," Venus said. "I think some lovely dark honey lowlights to bring out the color of her eyes and a quick shaping without taking off too much length."

The extremely young and extraordinarily blond receptionist frowned. "I'm sorry, but Farah is booked until..." She checked her computer log book. "Until the end of next month. And then she only has one opening."

"No, I'm afraid that won't do," Venus said pleasantly.

The receptionist's frown deepened, but before she could respond the phone on her trim white workstation rang.

"Cypress Avenue Salon, how may I be of service to you?" She paused. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear about that Mrs. Rowland." The blonde blanched. "No, I had no idea Dobermans could make such a mess with feather pillows. Of course I'll tell Farah your cancellation is an emergency and will reschedule you for your regular time next month. Good-bye, Mrs. Rowland."

"Seems Farah has an opening," Venus said.

"Well, she does, but I have to call the first person on the list of our clients who are waiting for a Farah cancellation. I'm sorry, ma'am. There's just no way I can work you in without an appointment," she said firmly, and began clicking through her computer waiting list.

"Really?" Venus said breathily.

"Maybe we should go," Pea said softly.

Venus just smiled and shook her head slightly.

The cell phone in Pea's purse rang. "Hello?"

The receptionist said, "Hello, may I speak with Pea Chamberlain, please? This is Mindi at Cypress Avenue."

Pea smiled, and instead of talking into her phone, she caught the receptionist's eye. "Uh, Mindi, I'm Pea Chamberlain."

Mindi blinked. "Oh, well then. It appears you're next on our list of clients waiting to see Farah. I'm sorry, ma'am. I didn't recognize you as one of our regulars."

"She's had a recent makeover," Venus said.

"Well, she looks wonderful."

"She does indeed. Speaking of wonderful, while I'm waiting for Pea's trim and color, I'd very much enjoy a pedicure."

The blonde's frown returned. "I'm sorry, ma'am, Cheryl is completely - "

"Mindi, my three o'clock just called and cancelled her pedicure."

Mindi began to look a little shell-shocked. "Cheryl, this lady just requested a pedicure."

"Then I can fit her right in." Cheryl smiled.

"What a lovely coincidence," Venus said. "Oh, and I'd very much like a glass of that special champagne you keep chilled in the back room."

"Of course, ma'am."

"How did you know they have champagne?" Pea whispered as they were led back to the bowels of the salon.

"Darling, Love can always sense the presence of champagne."

Chapter Nine

"F arah is a genius!" Stopping at the red light on Utica Street, Pea turned her head this way and that so her new lowlights could catch the rays of the fading sun in the car's rearview mirror.

"She did a wonderful job, but you need to remember that you had amazing hair even before Farah worked her magic, just like you had an amazing body even before our visit to Saks."

A tap on the window of their car caused both women to jump in surprise. Pea looked up and gasped. "Oh. My. God! It's Griffin!"

"Open your window!" Venus hissed, her stomach fluttering involuntarily at the sight of the handsome fireman. He's for Pea!

Pea pressed the button to lower her window.

"Evening, ladies. Would you be interested in donating your change to the fire department's drive to help Jerry's kids?" Then his look went from Pea to Venus and his smile changed from polite to sexy. "Good to see you again, ma'am."

Venus tried to mutter a dismissive, "Oh, hello," but was mortified when her words came out sounding more purr-ish than perfunctory.

"Hi, Griffin," Pea said brightly. "Sure, I'll donate." Her hand shook only a little as she dug through her purse for change.

Griffin held the boot up and pulled his appreciative gaze from Venus long enough to smile at her.

"Have we met, ma'am?"

"Yeah, I'm your neighbor. Remember? You got my Scottie from the tree and then later you returned my penis to me," Pea blurted, blushing scarlet.

Venus sighed and rolled her eyes.

Griffin looked like someone had hit him over the head. "Pea?"