Can you make the crowd feel divine?
Prove your effervescence tonight in the center ring.
And perhaps your name will be the final one I sing.
*There are currently six acts in the Running. Only three will continue.
21st of March, 1918. D+P: Ages 15 and 14
Dovie. It is my birthday.
Yes. I’m aware. The cook had me run to the market for extra flour to make pie.
It’s weird. Who wants pie on their birthday?
Thanks for ruining the surprise. Just razzing you. The pie was my idea. Cake is disgusting. But pie, especially cherry pie, now that is something altogether delectable.
Cherry pie? I’ve always wanted to try cherries.
I know.
I thought you said once that you didn’t like cherries.
My tastes have changed.
Share it with me?
We aren’t supposed to be seen together. Your nanny is quite clever, she’ll catch us. Plus, I’m often so busy during the day.
She’s my governess, not my nanny. I’m now fifteen. I don’t need a babysitter.
I suggest we meet at night. Midnight to be exact. We can meet on the roof, where no one will find us.
We can make it a double celebration since your birthday is coming soon.
Please. I want to see you. Likereallysee you.
Well…I can’t say no to pie. Or the birthday boy.
Chapter 28
Ignacio
Twenty minutes before the Big Top show began, Ignacio was finally able to catch Jorge the tailor alone.
“I’m looking for a new costume,” Ignacio said. “Something that shows off my personality better than a weasel.”
The tailor tilted his head and squinted his eyes. “You’d be a magnificent albatross.”
Ignacio raised his brows. “A bird?”
“What about a schnauzer, then? It’s a breed of dog. Very regal. Rather smelly if left ungroomed.”
Ignacio chanced a sniff at his underarm when the tailor turned away to dig into his trunk of costumes. Not smelly. He could stand to have a haircut, though. But that wasn’t really important. Not when he’d seen this man holding a letter from his father. Ignacio had to know what it said or at least where the tailor had taken it.
“Do you have anything more unique?” Ignacio asked. “Perhaps something in the back?”
The tailor perked up. He grinned. “Trying to impress our Paloma Blanca, huh?”
