Page 24 of Meowy & Bright

“That sounds like an achievement to me. You’re creative even when you mess up.” I take a bite of my Danish as she smiles and sips her hot chocolate.

“That’s the nicest way anyone’s ever told me I’m not good at something. Thanks. I guess—”

“Well, hi, you two.” A woman in a T-shirt and pajama bottoms pulls a chair up to our small table.

“Laura?” Ariadne spews a little hot chocolate.

I take my napkin and wipe off her sweater and then the table. “So this is the imaginary friend you told me about?”

“Yeah. You’re here.” Ariadne seems just as surprised as I am.

“You thought I was imaginary?” Laura’s brown eyes swivel to Ariadne, then back to me. “I’m Laura. You’re Brendan.”

“Yes. Nice to meet you.”

“Is it?” she asks sharply.

I’m not following. “Come again?”

“Laura, we’re friends now, okay? Remember? Brendan is one of the good guys?”

She snorts. “I don’t think so.”

“Don’t be rude.” Ariadne squirms.

I don’t like anything that makes my angel feel uncomfortable. “Is there a problem, Laura?”

“You’ve been taunting my girl here for years with your Christmas decoration foolishness, and now you’re trying to win your little game by leading her on and making her think you actually like her? Shame on you.” Laura sneers.

Ariadne’s eyes widen. “Wait, what?”

“He’s not what he seems.” Laura shakes her head. “He’s no good. Come on, let’s go home and see what’s in your fridge.”

Ariadne’s confusion grows. “But we were going to the parade—”

“He’s just playing you, honey. That’s how bad he wants to win the Christmas decorations feud. He’s convinced you that he cares about you so you’ll let your foot off the gas.”

Ariadne pales and looks at me. “Is that true?”

“No, of course not.” I reach across the table for her, but she pulls her hand back. “Angel, please. I’m not tricking you. I swear.”

“That’s just what a trickster would say.” Laura takes Ariadne by the elbow and pulls her to her feet. “Come on.”

“She’s wrong.” I stand, too, but when I see the panic starting to well inside Ariadne, I force myself to relax my posture. “Everything’s okay, Ariadne.”

Her eyes dart around the bakery that’s busy ahead of the parade. She folds in on herself, crossing her arms over her stomach in a defensive move.

“You’re safe.”

“She is now.” Laura puts her arms around Ariadne’s shoulders and leads her away from me.

Laura shoots me a hard glare, and Ariadne moves quickly, her fight or flight taking over.

“Angel,” I call and follow them out into the parking lot. “None of that is true.”

She rubs her temples. “I can’t tell.” Her eyes are watering, and I reach for her, but she steps back. “I can’t tell. I thought it was real, but what if youaretricking me to make fun of me?”

“I’m not.” My heart pounds as I watch her get into Laura’s red car.

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