Someone jumped on my back, and I nearlydropped all the packages I was holding. Dusty’s balsam and orange scent tickled my nose.
“Hey, Dusty.” I tipped my head back. “The parade was amazing.”
“It was fun.” He was abuzz with energy. “So many fans turned out, both to watch and participate. Tomorrow’s going to be fantastic. Also, we should go to the hotel soon. I have that reception tonight.”
“As soon as Hale buys his sister a creepy doll,” I agreed. “You and Saoirse?”
“You see it right? From the moment I met her, I knew she was special. I just need her to admit it to herself,” he replied.
“While you are an amazing guy, what if she doesn’t feel it?” I’d support her and Dusty, but I didn’t want him to be too hurt if she chose to grind up his heart with her heeled boot because he wasn’t her type.
He thought for a moment, his scent going a little salty with sadness. “I don’t want to push it if she’s not interested. But justlookat her. She’s this amazing creature who needs someone to worship her as much as you do Fiona. Also, would we keep running into each other if we weren’t meant to be?”
Saoirse could take care of herself, but I’d keep an eye on this.
Dusty jumped off my back and bowed. “Mi Cielo, did you enjoy the parade?”
“It was quite the spectacle,” she agreed.
“Oh, I got these for you. You like them, right?” He held out a tiny bouquet of dried lavender tied with a purple bow.
“I… I do like lavender–and purple. I can’t believe you remembered. Thank you.” She took the little bouquet.
Dusty shot me a grin that clearly saidsee.
My phone pinged with texts.
Dulce
Are those Everydolls with handmade outfits? I want the blue one. It sort of looks like me.
Anita
Yes, for me and the girls and Chantilly. Make Chantilly’s the silliest.
Um, okay. Chantilly was one of her alphas and a director. She was also the mastermind behind Monstruo Lane. There had been some kind of producer strike and people were hurting for work. Children’s educational shows were exempt from the strike. So, she got some people together, sweet-talked investors, and got it going quickly to prevent her crew and friends from starving.
Most of the actors were from telenovelas. That’s where the idea of them wearing monster costumes came from, since a few were worried about their image. Though most of them used their actual first names. Like Anita wore a blue monster costume and was a monster namedAnita.Yeah, it made no sense to me.
But, the show was a hit, and they filmed it during the summer months when there was usually a lull in production here in New York. Given the sketch format of the show, it was easy enough to work around everyone’s schedules.
I loved that show with my whole heart. Honestly, it was the highlight of my summer besides working at the hockey camp for kids that my team ran.
Beatriz
Those are creepy, but your niece and nephews would probably like them. Especially if you’re getting them for their cousins.
“Everything okay?” Dusty frowned.
“Anita and her pack are moving out, and they want Mamá to come with them. Not sure she will. Beatriz is a little upset.” And I just bought a house. “Right now, they all want dolls. I need…” I did the mental math. “Eight? I think? Maybe I should get nine?”
“Anita’s moving out?” Dusty nodded. “Makes sense. Big house in the suburbs?”
“Yep.”
He thought for a moment. “I’d like to fully move out. I mean I love them, but… you know.”
“Yeah, I know.”
