Page 42 of Minnie

The moment the clasp clicks shut, all the potions I’m on are no more. The effects of Formula M instantly dissipate, the calming waves coursing through me replaced by nerves. The potion-induced warmth of Summer Spritz goes away, and my skin goosebumps and I kick off my too-tall heels, which suddenly feel unbearable.

Delphine’s eyes widen as she looks at me. “Oh, wow, I didn’t expect that,” she says.

Which means that the hair-straightening potion and makeup potions I’ve been using since the day before I left for the academy have all stopped working. And the fact that I slept in Zoe’s too-comfortable bed, snoozed my alarm twice, and rushed through my shower without bothering to use conditioner definitely doesn’t help.

I rub my arms and grab my Unicorn Hot Chocolate and take a huge, delicious sip. The sugar, chocolate, and whip cream melt on my tongue, and I barely contain a moan. Take that, Formula M.

Except that without it, the panic starts to grow, and I turn to Amber. “What if it doesn’t work? It never works.”

“This time is different.” Amber gives my hands a squeeze. “Delphine’s powers are so unique, there are only a few people in the entire world who have them.”

I feel a wave of hope, but stamp it down. “And if it doesn’t work?” I press.

Amber grabs the arms of her rocking chair and slowly lowers herself into it. “Then we’ll find something else.”

Delphine quickly jumps in. “I’ve never come across magic I didn’t cancel out. I haven’t tried a lot, though. I avoid magical creatures, mostly. Usually, supes don’t take well to suddenly losing their powers.”

I groan. “So it’s not going to work.”

Delphine purses her lips. “It might…”

“Or it might not…” I add.

Delphine shrugs. “Yeah, I guess it could go either way.”

“That’s so reassuring,” I groan.

Amber gasps. For a split second, I think she’s reacting to me, but then she touches her belly, a small smile on her face. “That was some kick. See? Even the babies think it’ll work. And worse case scenario, you’ll just come on the cruise.”

I must be super transparent without Formula M, because Amber’s face falls.

“Did you only agree to go because of Formula M?” she asks.

This is my chance. I can admit that I don’t have the money. Come on, Minnie. Just say it. Tell Amber the truth. She’ll understand.

Chapter 22

Minnie

I take a deep breath. I need to tell Amber the truth now, while I’m wearing the magic dampener. Formula M won’t let me explain later. This is my only chance.

I open my mouth, but Amber beats me to it. “You know we can’t go if you don’t.” She pouts.

I square my shoulders. “Actually, I—”

“Please?” Amber begs. “It’ll be so much fun.”

Unlikely.

“You could relax by the pool.”

Also unlikely, since there’s no way I’m leaving Natty at the on-board childcare the way my mother always did with me.

“There’ll be tons of delicious food.”

Which Formula M won’t let me eat.

“And there are so many fun things to do. Excursions. Games. Shows.”