Page 45 of Glitz & Goals

The show starts soon after, which not only saves me from Noah’s observations but allows me to slip into a surreal vision of the world beneath the waves. Larisse was a professional dancer, so I’ve been to a lot of shows over the years, but I’ve never seen anything quite like this. The acrobats are incredible, but I find myself analyzing every costume, thinking of all the hours Vivian spent designing and constructing the costumes and props.

She’s the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. I just hope I can convince her that I’m just as intriguing.

* * *

As soon as the show ends, the audience goes nuts. People love it. I twist around in my seat until I find Dante, who I swear has dollar signs in his eyes. His marketing scheme worked: I’m positive that everyone here, no matter why they showed up, is going to sing the show’s praises and pack the seats for the foreseeable future.

I let myself get swept up in the movement of the crowd, which is making a collective run on the Mona Lisa’s main ballroom. I just go with the flow and keep my eyes peeled for Vivian.

Amidst the riot of color, wild costumes, and over-the-top oceanic decorations, everyone becomes a blur. It doesn’t take me long to find Viv in the crowd, though. I’m drawn to her as if by magic.

She’s standing next to two of the acrobats, one of whom is wearing a skintight morphsuit and a hat that looks like acresting wave. The other figure is the woman from the billboard, dressed in the mermaid costume that started it all.

“Vivian?” I ask.

She lights up when she sees me, and I’m gratified to note that she has one of my blue tulips pinned to her blouse. “Hey, Grady!”

The wave turns to me, and the guy in the costume lifts one eyebrow. “Viv,” he stage-whispers, “is this him?”

“Ooh!” The mermaid claps her hands. “It’s Elevator Guy!”

“It’s Grady,” Viv hisses. “My father’s coworker, remember?”

“Sure.” The wave holds out one hand to me, not like he wants me to shake it, but as if he’s expecting me to kiss his knuckles. I go for it, which makes him laugh with delight. “Oh, you’re fun! Nice to meet you, Grady, I’m Jaime.”

I frown but don’t make a big deal of it, even though I’m surprised. Viv has mentioned Jaime a few times, but I didn’t realize he was a guy. I nod to the mermaid instead. “Which must make you Mia, right?”

She giggles and holds out her hand in the same way. “Enchanté!” I kiss her knuckles, too.

Viktor and Noah come over, so I make myself scarce for the moment. I wander off to the refreshment table and pull out my phone to fire off a text.

Grady: You never told me Jaime was a guy.

VivaLaViv: I never said he wasn’t. Why, are you jealous?

Grady: Of course I am.

VivaLaViv: Would it make a difference if I told you he was gay? Although I think he and Mia have hooked up, so maybe he’s bi…

VivaLaViv: Either way, we’ve never slept together.

Grady: That’s not why I’m jealous.

VivaLaViv: Oh?

Grady: He gets to spend more time with you than I do.

VivaLaViv: By that logic, you should be jealous of Mia, too.

Grady: Bold of you to assume that I’m not.

I glance toward Viv to find that Viktor and Noah have moved on and that she’s now talking to Renee. I look around for an excuse to stop by again—I could take her a drink or something—but before I can make any moves, a hand lands on my shoulder.

It’s Jaime. Mia is at his side, taking tiny baby steps as she tries to get around in her mermaid tail.

“Hello, Grady,” Jaime says. “We’re here to give you the third degree.”

“And to make sure we approve of you,” Mia adds. Her elfin face pinches into what I assume is supposed to be a menacing scowl. It’s… not very effective.

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