“I loved Madrid,” Shay concurs. “Mom and I traveled a lot before she got back together with my dad. She’s kind of a…a nomad, so we went all over and I saw a lot of stuff.”
Having heard about his travels a bunch of times, I zone out and gladly hover at the periphery of the conversation.
When I receive a text, I glance at my watch and smile.
Maxim: Are you having fun, kotik?
Me: Yes. I should have told you I arrived, huh?
Maxim: That you think I didn’t know that before I messaged tells me you’re the queen of wishful thinking
Me: Ha ha ha
Maxim: How’s your arm?
Me: Sore
Maxim: I’d kill that bastard if I could
Me: It’ll turn out all right. Eventually
Maxim: It’s the “eventually” I’m not looking forward to
Maxim: How I wish you recognized him
Me: It’s fine. It’s not like you can kill him lol. He’s important.
Maxim: Yes, I remember. Only an “Alaric” can rule the society.
Me: It’s more like an ascension. But yeah, pretty much.
I spent the rest of winter break memorizing the Book of Souls. If that sounds like some funky paranormal romance, then it’s not far off.
While I’m sure I have freakin’ PTSD from my initiation ceremony, and despite having learned a whole helluva lot from the book that makes me puke at the thought of crossing the Veronians, I still think they’re failed glee-club wannabes whose daddies made them join Model United Nations instead.
Maxim: Are you watching the game?
Me: Mostly just chilling out
Me: It’s been a stressful couple weeks
Maxim: I’m here if you need me.
Me: I know
Maxim: I should be home before the game ends
Me: Really?! I thought you had to stay in the city tonight!!!
Maxim: I managed to conclude my business faster than anticipated
Me: Fantastic! Tell me when you’re ten minutes away and I’ll cut out early
Maxim: I’m honored, pchelka
Me: As you should be. See you later
Maxim: Later, dorogoya
