“Uh-oh.”
Eldon grinned at Uriel. “Although the fact that Uriel was willing to wear a costume with you is very sweet.”
Tate snorted.
“So much edging,” Uriel grumbled. “So much. All of it.”
“I’m not sure that’s the threat you think it is.” Joe leaned back against Uriel.
It really was impressive how they fit together. Uriel put his chin on Joe’s head and wrapped his arms around Joe’s waist.
“We should all get to our stations,” Eldon said. “We’re ten minutes from go-time.”
Uriel glanced at his cousins, who’d all spread out. He and Joe were working one of the first drink stalls along the parade route. Large carafes of hot cocoa sat at the back of the booth. Custom thermal mugs were neatly stacked beside dispensers of fresh whipped cream and jars of tiny handmade marshmallows.
As dusk fell, the lights on all the houses went out. Uriel glanced toward the inn, where Oberon stood with the controller that would illuminate the route on the mayor’s command.
With a low cackle, Uriel poured a steaming cup of cocoa, added a couple spoons of marshmallows, then topped the concoction with a tower of whipped cream. He handed it over to Joe. “Enjoy the show, Joe.”
“I will. This is going to be amazing. Oberon explained to me how it all worked. I can’t believe how much coordination goes into it all. Question, though. What happens if someone can’t go all out? I mean, I know it’s in the deed or homeowners thing or whatever, but—”
“We take care of each other,” Uriel said. “That’s what the fundraiser portion of the parade is for. Worthy causes. Plus, the town has a trust fund set up by the founders to make sure the traditions are maintained.”
Uriel leaned closer and whispered into Joe’s ear. “The griffins are the wealth managers for magical beings. How do you think I’m able to keep the bookstore running?”
Joe’s eyes widened. Then he licked the whipped cream. “Are you stupid rich, Uriel? Because if you are, that’ll be the biggest edge of all. Come on. Show me the money.”
Uriel laughed. “That’s from a movie, isn’t it?”
“You’re learning. So, tell me….”
“I mean, I’m no Tatum William Bixby the third, but I’m close.”
“Oh my goddess,” Joe gasped.
He shoved the cocoa into Uriel’s hand and bent over. Then he whipped out a paper bag Uriel hadn’t even realized they had in the stall and began breathing into it.
“Really? Money is what does it for you? I’m surprised.”
Joe gasped. “N-not,” he sucked in a breath again. “M-money.”
“I’m lost.”
“Book budget,” Joe wheezed. “Unlimited. Book. Budget.”
Uriel laughed and pulled Joe into his arms. He leaned in and whispered in Joe’s ear, “Baby, I’ll buy you so many books, you’ll never run out of things to read.”
Joe shuddered in his arms, then looked up with a horrified glare. “You pushed me over the edge.”
Uriel pretended not to think it was the hottest thing Joe’d done to date.
Joe poked him in the chest. “Don’t be smug. Wet tights, Uriel.”
“It’s hot. You’re going to have to pretend you didn’t lose control while half the town walks past us. You’ll know what happened as you’re serving hot cocoa to the mayor.”
From around the corner, the mayor’s voice came over a loudspeaker, welcoming everyone to the town’s opening parade. Joe squirmed and contort. Uriel did his best not to laugh. “Don’t worry. The outer shirt covers the wet spot. It’s as good as an apron.”
“Not helping,” Joe whimpered as the crowd moved to the end of the street.
