Page 226 of Nobody Told Me Thrift Shops Sell Stolen Dragon Heirlooms

“She respects fear.”

“She respects competence,” Avery said, then glanced at my one-shoed situation. “So maybe put that on.”

“I’m trying, but my son has formed a trauma bond.”

Max huffed as Gustav licked his own nose.

Avery folded her arms. “Max, release the youth.”

Max continued to sit beside the puppy.

“Maximus,” I said. “Heel.”

He stood immediately. The puppy squealed.

I clutched my chest. “Great. Now I’m the villain.”

Avery crouched beside Gustav and rubbed his chest. “He’ll survive. Mostly through emotional manipulation, which means he’ll fit in here.”

Max came to my side, slow and dignified, his green formal scarf tied at his neck. It matched the stone on my locket because Octavia had insisted that “a family look” did not have to mean matching sweaters and generational shame. I had put on a deep green dress she’d altered from a vintage silk piece I found in a consignment shop and couldn’t afford until Octavia said, “Pay me in gossip and stop insulting the garment.”

The locket rested warmly against my skin. Inside it, Max and I existed forever in miniature: him solemn, me laughing, both of us captured before I knew a dragon would walk into my life and ruin all my practical plans with cheekbones, soup, and emotional follow-through.

Avery handed me my other shoe.

“You look good,” she said.

I stopped fumbling.

Avery did not say things like that lightly. She said things like “acceptable,” or “less concerning than usual,” or “your mascara makes you look alive, which is generous of it.” Good meant something.

“Thank you,” I said.

“You earned tonight.”

My throat tightened instantly, which was unfair because I had applied very careful eyeliner and had no intention of letting sincerity destroy it before Rafe even saw me.

“Wow,” I said. “Straight for the exposed wiring.”

She rolled her eyes, but her mouth softened. “I’m serious.”

“I know. That’s why it’s rude.”

The car horn sounded outside, polite but expensive.

Rafe.

Max’s ears lifted.

“Yes,” I told him. “Your other favorite person has arrived.”

Avery looked toward the window. “I still can’t believe he drives himself now.”

“He parallel parks poorly but with great seriousness.”

Laughing, she reached over and straightened Max’s scarf. “Go get your job, Bradley.”

I swallowed. “Technically, I already got it.”