“Hey, Biscuit. You look beautiful. What’s the special occasion?”
“Just going to the carnival that’s in town with some classmates. Remember the friends I met the night we were rained in?”
“Right. So I take it your first day went well then?”
“Actually, my first day was a washout,” I say and chuckle softly to myself. He scratches beside his nose, looking ready to give me a full dad lecture of sorts. “What?” I ask him.
“Nothing.”
“And what about your day, old man? How is the new job?”
His smile and the sudden light in his eyes are all I need for an answer. He’s beaming.
“It was great. I mean, I really think this was a good move, Biscuit. Yeah, I think we are going to do just fine here in Whisper.”
I’m starting to think so too. I mean it sure hasn’t been the snooze fest I was expecting. And now I have a date (not a date) with the hottest guy in school (not a guy, a god).
“So, how are you getting to this carnival then?” Dad asks.
Oh. Shit. We didn’t arrange for anyone to pick me up. Ugh. I wince but I can tell by the way Dad asked he was inviting himself. I didn’t plan on a chaperone for tonight.
“Do you think you could drive me?”
“Sure! I hope they have turkey legs. Carnivals always have the best turkey legs!”
Great. Chaperone it is then.
Ten minutes later we are loaded up in the car and on our way into town. Rye said the carnival would be held on Main Street and to prepare for a big showing from the locals. Crowds aren’t my jam, but if I get to spend the evening with Rye…
“This must be it,” Dad mumbles as he pulls onto the grass beside a storefront, behind a row of cars.
People flood the street, all heading toward the flashing lights and music.
“Okay, well. Thanks for the ride.”
Dad cuts off the engine and climbs out of the car behind me and I curse under my breath. So full-on chaperone. Perfect.
“Here,” he says and hands me a few crisp twenties.
“I know you don’t want to be seen with your dear ol’ dad. I’ll make a deal with you, Biscuit. You go have fun. Text me when you are ready to leave. K?”
“Thank you, Dad. You have no idea how awesome you are right now.”
It’s nice to see Dad out and about instead of locking himself up in his room for hours on end. He has really come alive since we arrived in Whisper.
I look around. Rye wasn’t kidding. The line of people flooding toward the carnival was nothing compared to the horde inside the place. They have taped off side streets and blocked any way for traffic to get through. Anyone that needed to would have to go around the city center to get to their destination, but I don’t think that will be a problem. It looks like the whole population of Whisper is present. The scent of buttery popcorn and roasted hotdogs permeate the air, the staples of carnie food.
And then it hits me. Exactly how it’s gone down since I got here. I mean, who finds out that they have to save the world from evil and then asks a guy on a date? Me apparently. Yup, I’m just that stupid. How could I have done that?
Okay, Sailor, this is no time to go into self-doubt mode. Chances are you will be dead soon, so date while you can.
I laugh to myself, gaining a strange look from a family stuffing their mouths with pink and blue cotton candy.
Looking around I start to worry that I won’t ever find Rye in the sea of bodies, but then I catch sight of him. I smile and start to wave on tiptoes when I notice six familiar forms around him. He brought the whole deity crew. My heart sinks a little.
It’s fine. It’s not like this was a date. Except I thought it was. Okay, change of plans. It’s just friends hanging out together. I can do that. They see me and file over.
“Hi,” Rye says, his eyes locked on me, unblinking.
I shift nervously under his gaze.
“Hey,” I manage back, my heart thrumming in my ears.
Aziza looks at us and rolls her eyes, putting one hand on her hip.
“I could be researching, or training, or hell, doing anything besides being here on Main Street with you idiots. What are we doing, Rye? Partying? We have no business wasting time at parties when the world is about to end.”
Ugh. She’s such a buzzkill.
“Damn, Az, maybe pull the stick out of your...Az.” Jinx chuckles and ducks as Aziza rakes a hand in his direction.
“Jinx,” Rye warns.
“What? She’s so uptight.”
I mean he’s not wrong.
“Somebody has to remain vigilant, especially since—” Rye starts but Aziza scoffs, interrupting him.
“Don’t defend me. I can hold my own. I don’t need anyone to defend me, ever.”
“Aziza, you’re right. Sorry,” Rye says evenly.
“You seem to be sorry about a lot of things,” Aziza quips as she storms off.
I watch her retreating form, picturing the scowl set on her brow. Is there something between them? It sure felt like Rye and Aziza had some tension there.
The others drift away, leaving Rye alone with me. I take a breath and lean into him.
God, why does he have to look so hot and turn my knees to Jello? It’s even hard to breathe naturally around him.
Get your shit together, Sailor. Start talking or something. You know, like a normal person.
“So, you brought the whole gang, huh?” I whisper only for him.
“Well, yeah, everyone likes to hang out on Main Street. Is that
