I didn’t know if I was ready for that—but there would be time to figure that out.
“I think dessert’s ready,” I said. I dropped my hat back in the box, then took Berron’s, too, so as not to ruin the surprise just by walking out.
Berron opened the door and held it for me. I marched out carrying the box, Berron behind me. “Listen up, people. I am about to grant you access to one of the most sought-after artifacts in the known world.” I dropped the box on a table with a thump, then beat it like a drumroll.
Everyone quieted.
“Behold,” I said. “The official West Side Sandwiches hats!” I whipped two hats out and raised them triumphantly.
“Oh, my!” Poppy said. She hopped out of her chair and hurried forward.
I grinned and handed her one, then tossed the rest like hot dogs at a ball game. Everyone gamely put them on, except Victorine and Jessica. Victorine examined hers like it was an antique medical device: interesting but slightly distasteful. Jessica muttered, “I’m not wearing this,” and returned to the kitchen.
“How do I look?” Mom said, preening and patting her exposed hair.
“Marvelous,” Victorine said.
“Don’t you want to put yours on?”
“Oh, but I must keep it in mint condition,” Victorine replied.
The hat suited Daniel fine. Made him look even more like a real New Yorker. Lily, of course, could easily rock a hat. James, too. Even Poppy looked pretty sporty. The Princess of Arrows, on the other hand… let’s just say that gold robes and black ball caps are an unusual combo. She didn’t seem to be fazed, however, and beamed at everyone like a benevolent sun goddess.
“Too bad they don’t make dog hats,” I said to Jester. Jester tilted his head to one side, then changed position as if he was considering making a jump for my hat. “Don’t even think about it,” I told him.
Jessica approached carrying plated cake slices, but I intercepted her. “You’re sure you followed the gluten-free procedures?” I said.
“Of course I did. I’m a vampire, not amonster,” she said. Then she marched past and gave the first slice to Lily, quietly explaining the measures she’d taken to prevent gluten cross-contact.
Pride burst like fireworks.
I took a seat and dug my fork into the deep end of the cake slice, making sure to get lots of frosting, and then hit something green and squishy. I fished out a green candy worm: the proverbial worm in the apple cake. I shook my head and chuckled.
For now, everyone was here—and everything was going to be fine.
18
Onthemorningofthe reverse Manhattanhenge, I woke in the dark before dawn. Mom’s early flight gave us just enough time to cruise west to east, facing the rising sun, for the best view of the solar event before turning around and heading out through the Lincoln Tunnel toward New Jersey and the Newark airport.
I wanted her gone, but I wanted her to stay. Relief seasoned with regret. When would we do this again?
Poppy and Berron were the only ones I could convince to come along. Everyone else wanted their beauty sleep. Even Jester didn’t bother to get out of his plush dog bed when I hauled myself up. He just lifted his head, blinked sleepily, and then followed me with only his eyes as I got ready.
Downstairs, Poppy—not an early morning person—drank from an oversized coffee mug.
Mom’s suitcase sat by the door, as if it was patiently waiting for the rest of us to get it together.
“Where’s Mom?” I said.
Poppy gestured toward the door. “Walking with Berron.”
“Walking? In the dark?” I went to the window and peered out. In a city that was never truly dark unless the power went out, the street lights cast pools of glowing gold on the pavement. “Why?”
Poppy shrugged and absentmindedly patted her hair, which was still sticking out in all directions. “Perhaps they found an interest in common.”
“What would that be?”
“You, obviously.”
