Maddie had been the one to ask him to participate, on my behalf. It was one of the things I'd asked her to do this morning.
When all the speaking was done, I had the staff more or less move everything back. We left the café cleared out and set up a table for each of the authors to do signings.
Even Maddie, who was fairly obscure, had some takers. Womanspeak had sort of a cult reputation, and I think she'd gained a few fans during the panel.
Passing by Gabriel as he spoke to a fan, I caught his eye and paused. A moment of awkwardness hung between us that even my ambrosia-induced mania could not overcome. We had too much unresolved business between us yet.
"Thank you," I said simply.
"Thank you for doing this."
"Well," he said after a moment.
"You know me. I haven't missed an Star Lit Fest yet. I'm not about to start now."
