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I turned in time to see his scowl vanish behind a blank expression. “As long as she’s ready to go when we are.”
“I’ll go make sure.” This was probably when I was supposed to sayforget it, she can find her own ride,but I was already tired of this push and pull.
I headed downstairs, King following close on my heels. “Morning, Mrs. Ria.” I waved as I passed the kitchen and headed toward the staircase leading up to a different hallway.
“Is Elliot up?” It was sweet that after all these years, she still looked after him.
“He’ll be down soon.”
Ria stopped me and handed me a travel mug of coffee. “For your guest.”
“Thank you. I’m sure she saysthank youtoo.”
The instant I found the bottom step, King barked and darted past me. I let him run, and ascended at a more leisurely pace. The light spilled under the door of Fallyn’s room, so I probably wasn’t waking her. I should’ve texted first. That felt weirdthough, texting someone who was in the same house, to saycan I come up?
Why was she staying in a separate wing again? Right, because Elliot. I needed to change that.
I knocked and a moment later, she answered. King seemed to come out of nowhere, running up to her and jumping on her legs.
“Whoa. Hey.” Her laugh was almost enough to light up the hallway, and she reached down to pet him. She wore a baggy sweatshirt and mismatched, but just as loose, bottoms, and I couldn’t help but stare.
I handed Fallyn the coffee. “Mrs. Ria sends her regards.”
“Tell her thank you. Did you come all the way over here just for this?”
“And to see if you want a ride downtown this morning. We’re leaving in about half an hour. I know it’s short notice, but—”
“I can be ready.” She picked up King. “Anything to keep me from another awkward, conversationless Uber ride.”
“Great. See you downstairs?”
She nodded, tilted her head, then held out King. “Here. It’s dangerous to go alone. Take this.”
I couldn’t question her logic, I could only laugh. “Come on. Let’s go find Elliot,” I said to King.
He ran into the kitchen the instant I set him down. I spent the next bit of time getting ready, and by the time I finished, Elliot was waiting with Fallyn next to him.
I had to stop to look her over. Her costume today didn’t show off as much skin, but it looked just as good. She wore a blond wig with one red and one blue pigtail, a blue and red satin jacket, and black jeans. Her T-shirt saidDaddy’s Li’l Monster. The only thing missing from her Harley Quinn costume was the trademark baseball bat.
“Our costumes are in the car. You ready?” Elliot’s abrupt tone interrupted my staring.
I nodded, using the excuse to drag my gaze from Fallyn. “Let’s go.” There was a costume party—masquerade—tonight after the con, and AcesPlayed was hosting. Everyone in the company was supposed to be there, as long as nothing broke, and I was hoping for multiple reasons that we all got to attend.
In the car, Elliot cranked the music, cutting off any chance at conversation.
So much for Fallyn not having to deal with awkward silence.
“At least it’s not talk radio,” she said as we pulled out of the driveway.
I was really over this tension between them, and I didn’t care if they weren’t in the mood to talk to each other, I was going to make it happen. “Is that your costume for tonight as well, Fallyn?” I turned in my seat and raised my voice enough to carry over the stereo.
“I have something else planned for the party.” She patted the second bag she carried with her. “Are the two of you going as developers?” It sounded like a playful question, but the words were strained.
“Nope.” Elliot popped off his response, making it clear he wasn’t discussing this further.
“Mine’s a secret too,” I said. Every time we had these parties, I went as Link, from the Zelda games. I rocked a pair of tights like no one’s business, and no one expected the six-foot-six guy to be Link. But this year I was doing something different.
Apparently I needed another topic. We could stay on the party. “I’m looking forward to karaoke.”
