Camila scoffed. “Are we talking about potential love interests here? Because I haven’t seen you so much as speak to a boy in that way since I met you.”
A splinter of sorrow pricked Esmeralda’s heart at the thought of being romantic with anyone ever again. She ignored the sadness. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for the show?”
Camila rolled her eyes. “Unfortunately, yes. Instead, I’m hiding from my ridiculous sister. She won’t shut up about trying out a new act.” She snapped her fingers. “I nearly forgot. Gabriel is searching for you. He had that wicked glint in his eyes, so you know he’s up to no good again.”
Esmeralda huffed. “He probably doesn’t even know what the wordgoodmeans. I better get a wiggle on it.” She started to walk deeper into Clown Alley. Leaving Gabriel alone for long was never a smart idea. He was too clever, always building newcontraptions. But just as many times as he created something wonderous, he also failed and saw disastrous results. “I need to find him before he accidentally sets my underthings on fire…for the third time.”
“I’ll walk with you,” Camila said. “I’d prefer to avoid Pilar at all costs. She wants to attempt to stand on my shoulders while juggling dumbbells.”
“Your sister couldn’t catch a cold if she tried. How does she expect to juggle?”
“Tell me about it. But she says we must have something new to perform for the Running.”
Esmeralda halted. “The Running?” She whirled toward her friend. “Does this mean…”
“We got our invitation thirty minutes ago,” Camila said. She blew out a shaky breath. “I’m not sure if I should be excited or terrified. I’ve heard the stories. I know how often people get hurt during the challenges just to impress the ringmaster. But Pilar has her mind set on it.”
Esmeralda’s jaw dropped. And so did her stomach.
If the Sánchez Sisters were in the running to be the next lead act in the Big Top, Esmeralda didn’t stand a chance. Pilar and Camila’s strongwoman act was mind-blowing. And Pilar was a hound for attention. So was Esmeralda, but at least she had a good reason. She didn’t just want to be the carnival’s next main act; she was desperate for it.
She had joined Carnival Fantástico ten months ago, which meant her time with the carnival and the safety it offered her were nearly up.
The rules to join the traveling circus were simple:
Earn your keep.
Always smile.
Never mix or mingle with officers of the law.
Do not let the ringmaster catch you stealing from guests.
You must stay for the entirety of one year.
Leave promptly, with no fuss, once your year is up.
