“Well, that might be what she’s telling you, but there are plenty of pretty boys in college. Or pretty girls.”
He pressed his palms against his ears. “La-la-la. I refuse to get involved in my daughter’s love life.”
I laughed and picked up the envelope, pocketing the key.
He dropped his hands. “She has a phone. Our number’s on speed dial. She’s gonna do great.”
“Yeah, she is,” I said. “If you need anything, if she needs anything, I know some good people in Eugene. I can call in a drive-by or wellness check.”
“I’ll keep it in mind. But with our girl, it’s more likely she’ll have her nose so deep in a book, she’ll forget part of college is meeting people—boys or girls—and having fun.”
“She’ll figure it out.”
He smiled. “Yeah. Edith and I are thinking about a road trip. Route 66. Maybe next year, or the year after. We’ve thought about it for years. Might be time to finally go. Have some fun of our own.”
“Eat the weird stuff, make faces in your selfies, and send a postcard, okay?”
He chuckled. “Will do.”
I turned and nearly ran into a unicorn wearing dark glasses.
“Oh. Delaney,” she exclaimed. “Imagine seeing you here. Isn’t this a surprise?”
“What are you doing?” I hissed.
She leaned forward and put one hoof by her ear. “What’s that? What are you whispering?”
“Take human form, Xtelle. Before someone sees you.”
“You need a form?” Walt asked from behind me.
I pivoted. Smiled. “No, I’m good.” I held up the envelope. “Thanks again.”
He waved and moved over to help a woman looking for the restrooms.
“He didn’t notice you,” I said.
“I am certain he must have.” Xtelle sounded offended and also like she was lying.
“No. He didn’t.”
I was walking toward the little coffee shop. Even though I hadn’t gotten a message from any new god that wanted to come vacation in Ordinary, I usually checked to see if one might be in the area and looking to contact me.
Xtelle trotted behind me, huffing and muttering, and—I noticed—not turning a single person’s gaze. She shoved up alongside me.
“He’s just stunned into silence by my magnificence.”
“Uh-huh.” I waited for the young, beanie-wearing couple coming our way to comment on my horned pink pony, but they just walked past me like Xtelle didn’t exist.
Or like she was invisible.
“Clever.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She lifted her nose, and her sunglasses slipped askew.
She looked ridiculous. I carefully locked down the smile that threatened to break out.
“Invisibility,” I said. “No one else can see you, but you can pester me.”
