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She glanced at the huge bag dangling from her shoulder again. She expected to need whatever was inside for her audition. We’d waited in this hellish line for hours. She’d waited in the same line forfifty-sevenof these things.
“And you have those cute dark circles around your eyes, too,” she said with a good-natured grin. “It’s perfect.”
“Perfect,” I echoed, shaking my head.
We moved forward again. The door to the building was finally almost within reach. A steady flow of air conditioning seeped out. We were still too far to enjoy it. Instead, it was a whisper, a teasing little brat, waving its tongue at us.
“It’s good you came,” Layana said. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I’m happy to support you. Plus, it was either this or sit at home.”
“Still no gigs?”
“It’s been nine days,not that I’m counting.”I snorted. I’d had no gigs since I was accused of kidnapping, almost like Delymo didn’t want kidnappers associated with their company or something. Crazy, I know.
“Woot!” A deep and enthusiastic voice hollered, right next to my ear.
The man belonging to the voice swung around and slammed into my hip.
“Oww.” I scowled at him and looked him over, finding he was wearing no shirt and no shoes. The chaps covering his legs left his butt bare—hairy, no-underpants bare. Ew.
“Wooo!” the man yelled again, swinging his hips. He didn’t seem to be directing his enthusiasm at us, at least.
Still, I circled around to the other side of Layana.
“What exactly is this show you’re auditioning for?” I asked her.
She pulled out a folded piece of paper from her pocket and tapped. “Untitled Variety Show.”
“Variety? That’s pretty non-descriptive. How did you know that you should wear the cat get-up?”
“I didn’t. But it’s my go-to.”
“Why? And how did I not know that?”
“All the experts agree. It’s essential toshowyour personality. If your outside looks like your inside, it helps you stand out, and you make a stronger impression.”
I gestured behind me with my thumb. “What impression do you think Chaps Guy is trying to make?”
“Stone-cold confidence,” he whispered into my ear.
I froze.
Layana laughed, then laced her arm in mine, pulling me away from him.
The top of her bag drooped open, and I noticed a flash of something silver and purple inside—something of mine.
“What’s that?” I asked, knowing full well exactly what it was.
“What’s what?” She snapped her bag shut and laughed, her voice rising an octave as she released my arm. “In my bag? Nothing. What are you talking about?”
“That’s my crafting hammer. Isn’t it? Why did you bring it?” It was possible she was borrowing it as a part of her act that somehow was supposed to show something about her personality. But I was fairly certain that was not the case.
She licked her lips. “So you know how you were almost arrested just for doing your job at Delymo? And how hard that sucked?”
“Of course,” I said, still not liking where this was going. With half my attention, I kept a watchful eye on Chaps Guy, even though he seemed to be on to harassing someone else.
“And how you haven’t had any luck since? Well, because I love you and I’m always looking out for my all-time bestie, to help you out I brought your hammer so you can show off your skills and apply for the show today, too. Surprise!”
