Page 97 of Fanning the Flames

The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, no matter how twisted the tree appeared on the outside.

Speaking of Sadie… Joan checked her phone. The love of her life had sent a text.

Still on hold with the insurance company but canceled pending orders. Hope it’s going well over there. Love you

She grinned as her heart warmed, but then it faded. What was she supposed to do about this situation?

They rounded the corner and headed along the side of the building. Gus fell in step with her as Mark harassed Perry for blowing her off a rooftop. “A message from your girlfriend?” she said.

“Yeah. Sadie’s dealing with things for our no longer operational food truck.”

“You really care for her.”

Joan smiled again. “I really do. We’d still love to have you over for dinner.”

“It’s unfortunate you won’t be able to have a lasting relationship with her. Or with anyone. Not in this line of business.”

That was a rather shitty thing to say. “Why?”

“It’s impossible,” Gus said. “You’ll always worry about her safety. She’s already been put in harm’s way because of your connection to this world. If you continue down this path, it will only lead to heartache.”

“Mark and I are going to reopen our food truck,” Joan deflected.

Gus didn’t buy it from the way she smirked. “I’ve followed everything you and your brother have done for many years. It’s clear you always wanted more for yourself.” She waved up at the building. “I see it in those meetings, how you step up. You’re a natural leader. You would make a good Superhero.”

“But, I mean…” Joan’s pulse roared in her ears.

“But you would lose your girlfriend.”

“I don’t think I would. Sadie’s been involved. Really involved.”

They hit the sidewalk and headed left on Leyton Avenue. Gus shoved her hands in her jacket pockets and slouched. Becoming invisible. “Have you noticed most Superheroes can only maintain a passing fancy with each other? They turn to one another for comfort because that’s what they can handle.”

Like Flight and Aura. Like Catch and Lunk. Even—ugh, like Spark and Prowl. “This is different,” Joan said. “Sadie’s different. She’s known I have superpowers the whole time.”

“That doesn’t negate how difficult it is in the long run.” Gus cast her a quick glance. “Forgive my being so honest. She’s a nice girl, and she cares deeply for you. But I’ve been around long enough to know it never works.”

Joan’s heart pounded erratically. Now she knew how Darlene felt to be so let down.

No, fuck that. Gus was just some crabby old lady. What did she know about the strength of Joan’s connection with Sadie? What did she know about healthy relationships? She was in a secret one, hiding from the world, not talking to any Supers for decades. Sadie was gonna learn a few basic moves to protect herself. She was the best person Joan knew and could handle it.

Her hands curled into fists. Gus was wrong. Totally, totally wrong.

Then why did it feel so horrible?

CHAPTER17

Potential Sadie’s Café was perfect.

Sadie stood in the middle of the open space on the homey faux-hardwood flooring. Trying not to get her hopes up had lasted all of three seconds before she knew in her heart of hearts this was it. Every square inch of the walkthrough had only solidified that.

Nyah strolled along the white counter, being more shrewd with her assessment. Lorraine from the management company stood off to the side in a black pantsuit that made her pale skin look extra pasty.

Sadie tugged on the back of her lucky green blazer. Pairing it with dark-wash jeans and a white tee said business casual. That she was serious but fun.

“Is it okay if I take a few pictures for my investors?” she said. “They had a meeting today they couldn’t get out of.”

“Of course,” Lorraine said.

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