Page 10 of Two Who Live On

“You could always ask me very nicely.” Chanelle walked over wearing a powder blue silk dress. The vibrant pastel complimented her brown complexion. It perfectly fit her shapely frame, and suddenly, I felt even more awkward swimming in this wrinkled tux.

“Ask what?” I snuffed out my cigarette.

“To join me inside.” Chanelle looped her arm through mine and yanked me toward the side door entrance. “You’re far too shabby to be my date; however, since Kyle’s working, I guess you’ll do.”

Images of provocative nights she’d had with her husband at parties like this flashed in a haze of tantalizing titillation. Her perfume mixed with the memories of sweet sweat and musk, and I broke my arm loose to escape her reminiscing.

“How’d you even land a ticket to this event?”

“The perk of being the academy liaison is I get to kiss what little free time I have away as well as a few asses. Gotta make sure Gemini is ever so grateful for the new tech.”

Chanelle’s confidence radiated off whispered thoughts—her choices, her presence, and the reminder that she could captivate any room, even a room full of professional enchanters. Those intangible fragments filled my footing with courage as I trailed next to her.

She’d always walked through life confidently, but her pride had grown since the attack on the academy, taking on the teacher lead for Gemini Academy’s improved security measures. It meant more innovation from the staff and required a liaison with the guilds closely affiliated with our campus. Chanelle loved the position, the added responsibility—as if her days and nights weren’t already consumed by tutoring sessions, coaching, or whatever absurdity the academy threw our way.

“Doesn’t look like you’re too upset about all the ass-kissing you’re going to have to do tonight.”

“What can I say?” She pursed her lips. “I find a way to enjoy any position.”

“A position you gladly took,” I huffed, ignoring her innuendo. “And you were the one pushing for those expensive Cast-8-Watches.”

“Better me at the helm than some annoying asshat. Plus, the tech seemed like a win.”

And it was. That tech streamlined every aspect of our data for improving magical proficiency, with the added perk of registering every person entering the academy. Unfortunately, they couldn’t splurge for staff. Instead, we got upgrades to our badges for comings and goings.

I cracked my neck, quelling thoughts, but Chanelle’s had coiled around my magic so easily. It was annoying.

Chanelle was unabashedly proud of her open relationship and the many facets she explored with and without her husband. The pieces of themselves they’d learned over a decade of love lingered in each breath she took. I was already confused enough about myrelationship; I didn’t need to spend the night locked in memories of Chanelle’s very adventurous marriage. There were more than a few questions I had about her relationship, but after that colorful snippet, I didn’t want answers. Chanelle was as free with her words as her thoughts. It was quite liberating to observe yet irritating to endure. Perhaps that was what drew Milo toward her for friendship. Then again, he managed to make friends with anyone, anywhere, anytime. Still, for the boldly confident Enchanter Evergreen—he selected all his words rather carefully, unlike Chanelle, who spouted them right as they bubbled in her mind.

“I’ve always wondered how you two worked, but after what you keep on the surface, I think I get the idea.” I strolled beside her, getting closer to the line. “Don’t expect me to play wingman for your night out.”

“Please, Dorian. You’re far too dull. Now, your ex on-again, off-again were-you-ever-a-thing again—he’s a cutie. Even without his enchanter title or those fancy rankings, I think we’d each reel in quite the catch for the evening.”

I furrowed my brow.

“Kidding.” Chanelle ushered me into the line. “You’re here for him, right? Milo. Just guessing. Don’t need to be psychic to figure out the vibes there. He hasn’t mentioned you once since you were released from the hospital. And you haven’t mentioned him either, but then, you’re not one for divulging. I thought maybe there was something going on. Now there’s all this talk on who’s on Evergreen’s arm, who will, who should be, who could be. My guess is the grumpy little telepath wants to shoot his shot. I’m all for making dreams come true. Just ask anyone who’s ever been lucky enough to have me grant theirs.”

Chanelle smiled. Her bright white teeth filled her face as her dimples sank in deep. She had a pretty accurate assessmentconsidering how little she knew. Whatever friendship Milo and Chanelle had developed, he’d respected my desire for privacy, which said a lot considering how candid he could be and how often she pried secrets out of people. That was what this all came down to, what brought me here. A desire for something different. I just hadn’t figured that part out yet.

“It’ll cost you, though.”

“Seriously?” We moved closer ahead.

“With the Spring Showcase coming up, it’s going to get pretty cutthroat with everyone doing their damnedest to ensure their students qualify. I’ve got a million things on my to-do list, but I don’t want my homeroom coven to suffer as a result, so if you want into the event of the season, I want your assistance with one of my projects.”

“This isn’t the event of the season.” It was barely the event of the month. Yes, they’d pulled out all the stops to honor the esteemed Enchanter Evergreen, but they’d have more celebrations leading up to the actual Global Ranking’s Ceremony, which was months away. Maybe that was why he didn’t hype this. Maybe he knew there were plenty of others soon to come.

“Tick tock, agree to assist or face the lock.” Chanelle pointed to the attendant at the entry we stepped closer toward. “Then you’ll get no cock.”

“I hate you more than words can express.” I released a breathy sigh.

“I thought it was rather whimsical.” Chanelle continued rhyming crude words in her mind. “Everyone’s a critic.”

“What do you want?”

“I’m running the Wisp Prevention Program,” Chanelle said, prattling on about the volunteer program like I didn’t already understand every detail.

As far as favors went, this was something I’d gladly sacrifice a few evenings for, considering it’d allow me more time to help the students who’d signed up with their magics and hopefully improve their scores before the Spring Showcase rankings were issued.

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