Page 67 of Two Who Live On

Though every year past twelve, that likelihood of inheriting a branch significantly dropped.

“By that logic, I could be gaining new branches I can’t control well into my thirties,” Tara thought.

“Unlikely. Not sure I’ve ever heard of a case past twenty-two.”

Tara rolled her eyes, annoyed I’d commented on her inner thoughts and annoyed she let them slip by.

“It’s more likely they’ll just change or evolve as you learn more about them.”

Or, in my case, less. Christ, I still needed to gain a handle on my evolving branch before I could soundly offer advice to Tara on the topic.

“I’ll let you rest up,” I said, taking my leave.

After checking on all my students, those injured, those unharmed, those advancing to the finals, and those who lost during the semi-finals, I left work. The day was long, and I wanted to get out of the bustling academy. Oddly, I didn’t want to go home. I didn’t exactly have anywhere else to go, though.

My phone buzzed. Milo. Perfectly timed—like he’d had clairvoyant insight into my feelings. Insufferable.

The last thing I wanted was a public outing, but it’d be nice to spend time with Milo, and he had worked hard on finding places not so infested with Enchanter Evergreen fans.

ChapterTwenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four

I sat at the bar, sipping a screwdriver, and grateful the three other patrons here were day drunk with mild mushy thoughts. This bar was pretty out of the way, with almost no one in the surrounding area. Almost peaceful to have so few minds nearby and a reminder I should consider something more country and spacious. Then again, eyeing the woodland animals mounted along the walls, not sure this was really my scene.

Milo texted he was running late because, of course, he was. I gulped the rest of my drink and ordered another. Minutes passed as the ice began to create condensation around the glass. I went to text Milo, get an ETA, when the door swung open.Finally.

Only it wasn’t Milo brazenly bursting into the quiet bar, but Chanelle. She immediately traipsed to the counter and ordered a shot of tequila, cranberry vodka, and a rum & coke. I huffed. Chanelledowned the tequila, sucked her teeth, and smiled at her reflection on the back wall. Her eyes met my mirrored reflection, and she pouted.

“Isn’t this a bit far out of your way?” she asked, knowing full well I avoided outings within my route home, so I certainly wouldn’t drive to a staff function thirty-five minutes out of my way on the North Side.

“I’m actually—”

My phone buzzed, and I paused because there might still be time to meet Milo somewhere else. If more staff were heading this way, I definitely didn’t want to be here.

Son of a bitch.

“Motherfucker.” The light from Chanelle’s phone illuminated the crease in her brow.

It all clicked. Chanelle rarely drank rum & coke’s since she hated the carbonation, but Milo absolutely loved them.

“You’re not here for a staff function, are you?” I asked.

“Who the hell from our academy would drive this far out of their way for some overpriced hovel like this dump?” Chanelle quirked an eyebrow, then made a face at the bartender. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m going to be the best tips you’ve had all month.”

She took a seat on the stool and sipped her cranberry vodka. We didn’t speak for a few minutes, each using the silence—excluding the oldies rock playing—to finish our drinks so we could leave. I scooted one stool closer, now only separated by a single empty seat, which we’d each anticipated sharing with different company.

“Did Milo invite youout?” I asked.

“Yup. Said he wanted to discuss the Spring Showcase Finale and see if he could help me wrangle some enchanters in the audience.”

“And you believed that bullshit?” I snorted.

“Okay, smart guy. What brought you all the way up here? He’s cute, but this is a hell of a drive for a date night. And this isn’t exactly the Ritz.”

“I thought maybe he wanted to track a case near here.”

“Demons, yes. Those have been disturbing.”

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