Page 59 of Space Daddy and a Boy Called Twink

“Yeah?” Roger asked, apparently just as surprised.

“Why do you think I read comic books? It’s nice, the idea of having an adventure, but that’s not life, you know? It’s really actually pretty boring, and most days, you have to hope enough coffee can get you outta bed.”

In their own ways, neither had really opened up to me like this, and despite the disappointment I felt coming from both of them, given what had been happening to me the past few weeks, now was a good time for a reality check, which I had to do without giving away what was weighing on my mind so heavily.

I glanced at my phone, wishing Daddy’s name would pop up so I could have some assurance he was okay.

“On the flip side,” I said, “an adventure isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. People you care about can wind up in a life-or-death situation, and you can’t be anywhere near them. Your own life might be in danger. There’s something nice about just chilling with friends and not having adrenaline rushing through your veins.”

Eric shrugged. “Eh, maybe you have a point.”

“Yeah, I’m being stupid,” Roger added.

“No, you’re—” I began.

“It’s okay. I got this stuff out of my system. I promise, no more talk about aliens. Even though I do believe there’s life out there, no way there’s an alien running around Harmony Springs.” He hopped up from his stool. “And on that note, back to myexcitinglife of temping.” His sarcasm was painful to hear. He took a breath, a dullness in his eyes and expression as he said in a monotone voice, “I’ll check in with you guys later.”

He was struggling, something he’d never let on, and we needed to sit down and have a chat, the kind friends have. Although, I wanted to just end his suffering quickly, take everything I’d said back, reveal Daddy’s secret just to cheer him back up. It felt like I was fighting the words down my throat. But I couldn’t betray Daddy like that.

“Maybe a latte before I head off?” Roger asked.

“Sure. I’ll cover it.”

While Eric continued reading, I grabbed a cup and started making Roger’s drink. After brewing the espresso, I checked my phone once again.

Come on. Call.

A muffled sound coming from outside caught my attention, steadily growing louder. As it drew near, I recognized the distinct yapping of one of those toy dogs. The café door opened, and the yapping echoed throughout the dining area, drawing the attention of our patrons.

“Surely, they know pets aren’t allowed in a freakin’ café,” Eric said without looking up from his comic.

I sighed since it was gonna be my responsibility to tell them.

As I turned my attention toward the door, I noticed the expressions on the patrons’ faces—wide-eyed, mouths agape. I’d expected annoyance or frustration.

My gaze went first to the yapping dog—a Chihuahua.

I’d only just made the connection before my mind registered the rest—an eight-, maybe nine-foot figure moving toward me. In a dress, Halloween mask, and bright-blonde, Dolly Parton-esque wig that fell to her shoulders, she looked just like she did in that first video Roger had shown me.

Sheila.

Only this time, in one of her gloved hands, she carried a purse with a Chihuahua.

Was it the same one Daddy told me about last night? It had to be!

She approached the counter, stopping behind Roger, who was scrolling on his phone, too consumed to notice the giant, barely disguised alien standing behind him, seemingly waiting like any other customer.

I started to speak when a buzzing sound came from nearby. On the counter, Daddy’s name popped up on my cell’s screen.Fuck, fuck, fuck.If he was calling, that meant he was checking in, still looking for Sheila. And I was fucked.

She released a low, rumbling sound, like she was annoyed, and Roger said, “Um…I’m in line, thank you.” He looked up at me, rolling his eyes before returning his attention to scrolling.

“Roger,” I whispered, though it didn’t seem loud enough for him to hear me, especially with her Chihuahua in a frantic fit, its head like a bobblehead doll as it barked at me, Eric, and Roger all at once. Meanwhile, my phone continued buzzing away like asiren, warning me of impending danger. As if my nerves weren’t already shot.

I crept over and took the phone, the mask covering Sheila’s face turning to follow me. I trembled as I answered, “Daddy?”

“Sheila’s not here, and she knows where theKaylogis and where you work. I just found she was tracking us, and the tracking device has a camera on it, so she’ll have seen you coming out of theKaylogearlier—”

“Funny you should mention it,” I interrupted. “She’s here, actually.”