Page 27 of Dungeons and Drama

“Sorry, guys, Dad wants to lock up, so I need to count this register. We’ll talk about it later.”

“No way,” Anthony replies. “You two were definitelyflirting tonight, and it was super uncomfortable to watch.” He cocks his head at me. “I’m going to give you some advice—don’t crush on a guy who is caught up on someone else. If you’re looking to flirt with somebody, I’m right here and I’m not hung up on any redheaded rogues.” He raises his eyebrows mischievously.

I shake my head. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Dad comes out of the stockroom and pauses when he sees the four of us huddled around the counter. “Riley is never going to finish if you all keep chatting. Time to head out, boys.” He gestures to the front entrance.

Lucas scowls, obviously wanting to argue but knowing he can’t. “We’ll talk more later,” he whispers as he leaves. The others trail behind him, looking both intrigued and disgruntled.

Chapter Nine

Mom drops me off at the store early Saturday with a hurried wave. She and her interior design partner are off to a country flea market to look for treasures. Nathan must have a key because he’s the only one inside when I walk in.

I sit down next to him at the front counter, where he’s painting tabletop game models. The store is quiet this morning, but I’ve been working here for two weeks now and know it’ll start to ramp up by noon. That’s why Dad has the high school students cover the morning hours—so he can sleep in.

I pull out my laptop. Hoshiko should be here soon, but until she comes, I’m going to work on my history paper.

“Thanks again for last night,” Nathan says.

“You’re welcome.”

“Do you think it went well? I’m not making that up, right?”

“She practically flipped the table over when you helped my character instead of hers. And she asked you to walk herout to her car.” I arch an eyebrow. “That has to be a good sign.”

“She kissed me on the cheek before she got into the car.” His eyes are glued to his painting, but I can hear the excitement in his voice.

“Well, it’s no awkward upper-arm kiss, but I guess it’s progress.”

He laughs, and I have to admit that the sound fills me with a thrill of success. Nathan doesn’t laugh much, or at least he doesn’t around me. I can tell he keeps a very tight circle of people around him and it’s hard to break in. But somehow, I might be.

He puts his paintbrush down and turns so he’s facing me.“So. You really thought I was a thief that first day, huh? Just walking around and stealing in front of the owner’s daughter?”

My eyes fly wide. He’s still thinking about that? “You have to admit it was a weird way to meet you. And I didn’t realize then that you knew I was Dad’s daughter. How did you even guess that—do we look similar or something?”

“I mean, a little around the eyes, but I’ve known about you for years. Since I first started coming around here.”

This knowledge sends a flutter through my stomach. “You have? How?”

“Don’t worry, I’m not infatuated with you or anything. Your dad sometimes shows us photos of you on his phone. And he likes to talk about your recitals and stuff.”

Hedoes? I scoot forward on my chair and give Nathan an incredulous look. “Are you serious? Dad never talks tomeabout my performances.”

“Oh yeah, I’ve heard a lot about your singing and acting skills over the last few years.” He rolls his eyes, but in a lighthearted teasing way to show he’s not actually annoyed. “Allthe regulars know about it. We could probably list off your past theater roles if we pushed ourselves. Why do you think the old guys like hearing you sing during D&D so much?”

I stare, not caring that my mouth has dropped open. I’m struggling to comprehend anything he’s saying. Dad talks about me? And shows people pictures? Suddenly, my throat is tight. I had no idea he cared enough to do that.

Nathan rubs the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable. “I can’t remember most of your roles, so don’t quiz me on them. But I think last year it was…” He squeezes his eyes shut for a second. “Uh…Edith or something? In that pirates musical?”

My hand goes to my mouth. “Yeah,” I whisper.“Pirates of Penzance.”

He looks pleased. “My aunt is named Edith, so that one was easier to remember than most. Anyway…” He bobs his head like he’s not sure what more to say. “I would have recognized you no matter what, though. You know how to stand out at school.” He waves at my oversized neon-green sweater.

I try to shake myself from thoughts of Dad. I need to process this new info, but I can tell Nathan is trying to cut the tension of this conversation. I sit up and point to his black T-shirt with Spider-Man throwing dice. “It’s better than that—Iknewyou owned a ton of Spider-Man shirts. What’s that even supposed to mean?”

“If you’re not cool enough to know, then I’m not telling you.”

I snort and gesture around us. “Oh yes, we’re both spending our Saturday in asupercool way.”

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