Page 16 of Ice Mechanic

She blushes.

I start to walk after Shaina when, once again, I realize I’m missing a pint-sized fairy by my side.

Tinkerbell is still standing in place, looking dumbfounded.

“Tink,” I gesture to her, “over here.”

She blinks a couple times and follows me to the table.

I pluck some napkins from the dispenser because I’m a messy eater and there are never enough napkins. Tinkerbell slides into the booth across from me. People are still staring so she lifts the side of her flannel and ducks behind it.

“They’ll stare even more if you act like that.”

Her tongue darts out to swipe across her lips. Slowly, she drops her flannel and sits straighter. “What did you call me back there?”

“Back where?” I check my phone.

Still no call back from my agent.

Let’s see. I called about six hours ago, so I’ll try him again in another hour. If I keep calling, someone’s gotta pick up, right?

“At the counter. What was it?” she demands.

“Oh. Tink? Short for Tinkerbell.”

“My name isn’t Tink.”

“What is it then?” I set the phone down.

“It’s April.”

April. The end of hockey season. The season of balmy blue skies, fresh blooms and grass that’s as green as her eyes.

“I’m Chance.” I lean back, studying her.

“I gathered,” she mumbles, eyes darting around.

I gesture to the onlookers. “You get used to it.”

“Used to what? Being on display?”

I chuckle.

“Here’s your order, Chance.” The clerk from earlier sets our bags and drinks before us. “I added a little dessert. On the house.”

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“I did.” She lifts both fists in a ‘cheer up’ gesture. “You got this.”

I smile and leave her a generous tip.

When I look up, I’m not surprised that April is already booking it for the car. A glance out the window shows her flannel shirt flapping like wings.

It’s cute seeing her like this. She was so confident when inspecting my car that, somehow, she grew to ten feet tall. Now, she looks every bit of her petite frame.

With a nod at all the folks snapping pictures, I crash through the front door of the diner.

“Hey, April, wait up!” I jog toward her.

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