“You should probably get some new pants first,” I call back, grabbing my side, which hurts from laughing so hard.
What does he think the police will do? He made a deal with me. He willingly paid me. There was no official contract, so I didn’t break anything, technically speaking.
As I turn around, ready to continue my walk through the town, I freeze. Staring at me through the window of what appears to be a wellness store is Pinky.
Her eyes are wide, her hand covering her mouth. Beside her stands a woman I can instantly identify as a shadow demon. Her eyes are narrowed, and her arms are crossed over her chest.
Well shit, how am I going to explain this?
As quickly as I can float, I rush to the door. Right as I grab the door handle, I hear aclick. When I pull on it, it doesn’t budge.
My eyes fly up, meeting those of the shadow demon woman. Well double shit, she’slocked me out. Slowly, she recrosses her arms, raising a brow at me—a silent challenge.
I let go of the handle and look toward Pinky, who stands a few feet behind the shadow demon. Now, she wears a similar expression to the demon, with no emotion showing on her stoic face.
In her eyes though, I can see what she’s trying to hide—surprise. Is it because of what she just witnessed? Or maybe it’s my lack of legs, and how my chiseled chest is on display—in my humble opinion of myself.
“Pinky, it’s not what it looks like. Hewantedthat,” I try to explain through the glass, though I’m not sure if she can hear me entirely. “Let me explain.”
She shakes her head hesitantly. “You just…I don’t even…”
Before I can get another word out, she rushes off toward the back of the store. She goes through a doorway, disappearing from my view.
It’s almost like I can see my chance with her disappearing, too.
I look back at the shadow demon, who just shakes her head at me. Unlike Pinky, she remains there—almost like a secret invitation to plead my case.
That’s not what I do, though.
Instead, I ask, “What’s Pinky’s name?”
She stares at me, narrowing her eyes. We stay there, locked in this stare. Maybe she’ll be able to see that my intentions with Pinky are different. I don’t know why, but I don’t want to trick her.
I wanted togenuinelygrant her a wish, one that would make her smile. I still want to grant her a wish, but I’m hoping that wish might involve me.
Though I can’tactuallygrant those ones.
The demon lady blinks at me, letting out a deep sigh. “Raya.”
“Raya what? I need to know,” I push a little further, trying to be as nonchalant as possible.
“Why, what are you? Some kind of creep?” The woman rolls her eyes.
I shake my head. “No, no—I saw her the other day, and I just think she’s the most beautiful woman.”
The demon lady’s face softens, her eyebrows moving to a neutral position and eyes widening. She glances over her shoulder, toward where Pinky—I mean Raya, disappeared to.
When she turns back to me, she says, “You’ll have to prove it.”
“Prove it?” I repeat.
“Yes. If your intentions are good, then having to make the effort won’t bother you.” She shrugs at me.
I understand now. She’s the best friend, and she’s not going to let anything near her friend that could hurt her. However, she must also want to give Raya this opportunity, since she told me her name.
She turns and walks away, toward the back, not giving me another look.
Holding my head high, I turn and float away from the store. Things aren’t completely ruined. I learned Pinky’s name. If her best friend is giving me even theslightestbit of help, it’s a good sign.
