A snow fox named Nibbles.
Making little girls believe in magic.
She's not dancing at Behind Closed Doors. She's not doing anything remotely close to what I'd been torturing myself imagining for the past twenty minutes.
She's Princess Blanca.
“Well, that's fucking adorable.”
Her head snaps up, eyes wide with surprise.
Right. Princess. No swearing.
“Sorry, Princess Blanca. That'sfrickingadorable.”
She shrugs, deflecting like she always does. “It pays the bills. Three hundred and fifty for this one, which is why I really couldn't afford to miss it.”
“Three hundred—Holy sh—” I catch myself. “I mean, wow. You make more in an hour than I do in a week of skating lessons.”
“Yes, well, performing at these things and keeping the magic alive is harder than it looks.”
“I bet it is.”
This girl. Every time I think I’ve got a handle on who she is, she throws in something I’d never expect.
She applies her lipstick, and I watch her, wondering what it would feel like to kiss her.
Get it together, Hendricks!
I shake my head and clear my throat before adjusting myself in my seat.
“So, what time does this finish?”
“Finish?”
“Yeah, I’m taking you back to campus after.”
She hesitates, and I can see the internal debate playing out on her face. “No, it's fine. I'll just…”
She trails off, and I know she's going to say she'll take the bus.
Carrying all that tulle and glitter on public transportation… yeah, not happening.
“Like I said, I don’t have any plans,” I say, keeping my voice gentle. “I can hang out, maybe grab some food.” I point my thumb to the chicken joint behind me. “Then I’ll drive you back. I’m here. Let me help you.”
Her lips purse, and I can feel her softening. “I promise not to flirt with you… much.”
Another pause. She's weighing her options: take the bus with that giant costume, or sit in my truck for half an hour.
“Fine,” she finally says. “But only because it's convenient.”
“Of course.” I fight back a smile. She can't just accept help. She has to qualify it.
“And you have to wait in the car.”
“What? I don't get to see Princess Blanca in action?”
“Absolutely not.”
