Page 54 of Fated

“Well, I liked these shorts better. Wait—where isyourwallet?” Keo’s eyes widened.

“I left it at home becauseyousaid you had yours!” Fin smacked Keo on the back of the head.

Watching the exchange, I felt bad for the two boys and decided to say something when Fin glanced my way, noticing us in line.

He blinked, pushing his glasses up his freckled nose as his gaze shifted between me and Ash.

“Uh, hi,” he said awkwardly, staring a beat too long. Keo nudged him. “Oh, I mean, excuse my pea-brained brother and me. Keo forgot our money. We’ll just, uh, get out of your way.”

His face flushed with embarrassment as he started to move to the side … but then froze.

“I’ve never seen either of you before. You’re not from around here, are you?” A smile had formed on his lips, and he looked at his brother.

“Nope, we aren’t,” I replied with a shy smile.

Keo’s face lit up, his curly blonde hair bouncing as he leaned forward eagerly. “Are you guys fromabove?”

His excitement was so obvious, I couldn’t help but smile and nod.

But then Ash cleared his throat, clearly annoyed.

“Oh—I—I’m sorry. We’ve just never met anyone from above,” Fin said, quickly extending his hand. “Anyway, I’m Fin.”

Shaking his hand, I smiled.

Fin turned to Ash, extending his hand again, but Ash simply crossed his arms, glaring.

Jerk.

Fin awkwardly lowered his hand.

An idea came to me, one that would surely piss Ash off, but I didn’t mind in the slightest at the moment, given his less-than-pleasant attitude.

“I’m Areya, and this is Ash.” I leaned in and lowered my voice. “Don’t mind him—grumpy is his default setting.”

Both boys chuckled, but caught themselves when they saw Ash’s glare deepen.

“Since you forgot your money, let me buy your food for you. I’d be happy to.” I offered.

Ash’s head snapped toward me, eyes wide in disbelief, as if I had lost my mind.

“Oh, we couldn’t possibly …” Fin began, but my beaming smile cut him off.

“If you let me buy your food, you can eat with us. I’ll answer any questions you want to know about up there.” I gestured above.

Fin and Keo swapped looks.

“We can pay her back, Fin,” Keo argued, but Fin gave his brother a look to shut him up.

Keo blinked for a second, then realization dawned on his face.

“Ooooooooh, you think she’s pretty,” he announced for the whole world to hear.

Fin’s face turned crimson as he shot Keo a death glare. “I do not! I mean, of course, you are pretty, but … It’s not what I was … Oh, never mind.”

He floundered over his words, clearly flustered.

Quickly, I changed the subject. “I insist,” I said.

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