Page 87 of Buckle Up, Buttercup

“Yeah,” I say with a laugh. “The cat is very much out of the bag.”

“Glad I don’t have to keep that secret anymore,” she mutters. Then she smiles up at me from Hadrian’s arms. “Hay and I tell each other a secret every day so we can keep getting to know each other. Do you want to do the same thing with us? Maybe it’ll take your mind off Uncle Jasper.”

I look between them with a soft smile. “Yeah, Petra, I’d love that. And maybe let’s don’t call him uncle anymore, that doesn’t really fit, does it?”

“Oh, I guess not.” She shakes her head.

“Hello!” Oz shouts as he and Lemon swan into the storeroom. “I heard most of the shenanigans since you did them in the middle of godsdamned Main Street, but go ahead and let Uncle Ozifer and Auntie Lemon in on the secrets too. We’re besties; you can’t leave us in the dark!”

He drops gracefully to the ground next to Hadrian, and Lemon follows him, tucking her legs to the side like a lady with manners. Wearing those damn hot pink sparkle boots she loves so much. Ginger follows them in and sits between Oz and Petra.

I groan as I stare at the four monsters in front of me. This is turning into a whole…thing.

“The secret’s out!” Petra says with a waggle of her dark purple brows. “Uncle Jasper threw a fit, Auntie Bluebell came here to hide, and, well, we’re kinda dealing with things. Oops!” She throws a hand over her mouth. “Not Auntie and Uncle. Just Jasper.”

Oz’s mouth drops open, and Lemon smacks her lips with a knowing nod.

“What she said.” I wave at the young gargoyle as she tucks herself against my mate.

Petra shrugs. “So are we gonna share some secrets or what? I can go first!”

We all chuckle at her childish exuberance, but if I’m honest, she’s pulling me out of my funk. “Go on, girl. Hit us with a big secret.”

She crosses her arms. “I think I have a crush on Iggy, that new kid who’s visiting.”

Lemon and Oz let out matching gasps.

Hadrian looks over at her, brows lifting high. “That didn’t take long.”

Petra shrugs, examining her dark nails. “You know how it is, brother. When you know you know.”

“And love abounds!” Oz says with a snap of the fingers on both hands. “Love that for you, little thang. Here’s my secret.” He looks around our gathered group with a devilish smile. “I’m finally working on my business plan so I can open an honest-to-gods salon on Main.” He chuckles. “And I do mean salon, not saloon. We’ve got enough of those, surely.”

Lemon rests her head on his shoulder. “Thank gods, Oz, because what I really need is a place to get my tips done. I don’t want to keep going home to New York.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell her I can easily change her hair with my black magic, but she shakes her head at me, smiling.

“Don’t even offer, sweetie. I know how long that to-do list is in your back pocket. I wouldn’t even ask you on my death bed. I felt bad enough sending you for lattes one time.”

Hadrian and I share a laugh because she’s right. I literally do not need anything else to do.

“So what about you, Lemon?” Petra reaches over, sliding her tail spade up Lemon’s arm and over to her heart.

My bestie smiles at us. “Are y’all ready?”

“We’re hanging on your every damn word,” Oz squeals, clapping his hands.

She shoots a superior look at our group. “I bought plain brown cowboy boots, y’all. I haven’t even shown them to⁠—”

“Godsssssss,” I moan as I sink against Petra and Hadrian. “That doesn’t fucking count.”

Lemon slaps my thigh. “Bluebell Delia! That’s a big deal for me!”

“And there goes a secret I didn’t need getting out.” I look at Petra. “Delia’s my middle name, and I absolutely hate it.” She scoffs at Lemon and Oz. “How did y’all even know that?”

“I think it’s beautiful,” Petra says with a huge smile that shows all of her teeth.

“Me too,” Lemon whispers. “Just like you, bestie.”