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us.”
    I squared my shoulders and turned around to face this new challenge head on. Behind me were literally the cutest kids I’d ever seen, but I wouldn’t admit it out loud in front of Dylan. The leader of the two was gangly still, in a body that seemed to be growing faster than he could keep up. He was all elbows and knees. His eyes though, they were the color of the Pacific Ocean and dominated a face with a pointy elfin chin and a little button nose. A mane of golden curls framed his features. He looked like I felt - awkward and shaggy.
    The one next to him reminded me of the Michelangelo cupids that graced the Sistine Chapel. His hair was a fiery red mop that topped chubby cheeks, big golden brown eyes and a Cupid’s bow mouth. His body was still small with that chub that hits kids before they truly reach puberty.
    My face must have softened when I looked at him because he growled, “Watch it lady. I could kill you with my spoon.” Tall and gawky elbowed him in the ribs and gestured towards the opposite bench.
    I couldn’t help but like him after that.
    As I ate (the most delicious food in my life by the way), I found that Gangly and The Cherub were in fact named Scott and Alton. Alton’s mother had been a Food Network fanatic during her pregnancy. Scott was the son of Mercury, while Alton was Cupid’s get. I tried not to grin at his scowl as he dared me to make fun of him.
    I still felt (and was) old enough to be their mother, but sitting with them and just sharing a meal allowed me to relax enough to enjoy the food.
    “So I guess you’re some big stuff, huh?” Alton leaned back and crossed his arms.
    “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I replied around a mouthful of shrimp and orzo.
    “I dunno, like, your mom is Diana. She's the big dog. I guess that makes you something big too.”
    I wiped my mouth and gave him a blank look. He was putting on the tough guy act, trying to impress me. I took a deep breath and leaned forward without breaking eye contact, propping my elbow on the table and my chin in the palm of my hand.
    “So…what? Does this mean that you’re small stuff ‘cause your dad is just Cupid? You really good with a bow and arrow? Or are love potions your specialty?” I counted down from ten, waiting for the explosion. I was betting he wouldn’t make it to five.
    “That’s total bullsh-!”
    “Whoah there mister!” I raised my voice. I could feel heads turning to stare at us, like they hadn’t been straining to hear the conversation already. “Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?”
    “-crap…” he finished, albeit more quietly. “Just because my dad can do that doesn’t mean that I can. I’ve got my own thing.”
    His lip was starting protrude a little and I reached over to give him a pat on his forearm.
    I leaned forward further and whispered, “How about I take you for who you are and you do the same for me? I won’t judge you by your parents and you won’t judge me by mine?”
    Understanding lightened his eyes and he nodded.
    “Ok then. So, what do we do after lunch?”
    Scott was about to answer when a thunder boom of a voice echoed through the courtyard. “There you are Grace! I was wondering where you had gotten to when I saw that Dylan was without you.”
    Great, I still hadn’t gotten used to the idea that this guy was my stepfather and now I’d have to deal with it in front of a bunch of kids. I guess that since I was the adult here, I’d have to set the example.
    I pasted a smile on my face and stood, turning to greet the man. “Zeus, it’s a pleasure to see you as always. You're well?”
    Small gasps and the buzzing sounds of conversations starting surrounded me.
    “Good, good!” he boomed. No wonder he was the god of thunder. I got it now. “I see that you've taken to your training?”
    “I am sir, thank you.”
    “Sir?” he laughed and clapped me on the back. “You can call me Dad!”
    All I could think to myself was – Someone kill