Page 28
Story: Petty AF
I knew without a shadow of a doubt that would never happen, but for the first time in weeks, words failed me. In his eyes, I saw a future I hadn’t dared to hope for—bright, beautiful, and filled with possibilities—and I wanted it all.
Deaton had loved me when I had been at my worst. When I had given up on myself, he had still fought for me. Every day, even when it was hard, he chose me.
Then and there, I made a silent promise to ensure he never regretted that decision.
Epilogue
~ Deaton ~
Four Weeks Later…
The Circle City boardwalk felt like stepping back in time, a place filled with old-school charm and a touch of whimsy.
The scent of cotton candy and buttered popcorn filled the night, carried on the warm breeze that blew across the bay. String lights drooped between the tall posts, their amber glow glittering over the surface of the water.
Pops, dings, and whistles spilled from the game booths, the sounds intermingled with shouts of triumph or groans ofdisappointment. Big band music played over the loudspeakers, the upbeat rhythm a soundtrack to the electric energy.
There were no neon lights or fancy arcades. No digital game passes or codes to scan. Just pure, wholesome fun, where people took their time, and the world seemed to slow down, if only for a little while.
Which made it the perfect venue to celebrate Otto’s acceptance into the Spellbound Expo.
After hours of games, rides, and laughter, we had found an empty picnic table near the Ferris wheel to relax and refuel. Pink-cheeked and glistening with perspiration, River nibbled at a basket of French fries as he scrolled through the photos we’d taken during the night.
Across the table, Otto clutched a blue teddy bear in one hand—a hard-won prize from the ring toss—while he balanced a chili cheese coney in the other.
“God, I needed this,” Otto groaned before biting into his hot dog.
“Same,” River said, bobbing his head in agreement.
Both wore matching grins, and they looked more relaxed than I had seen them in a while.
Joss Weller didn’t often change his mind. So, the fact that he had not only reversed River’s curse, but had done so with a smile, hadn’t gone unnoticed. News had spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the city, and within days, River had been inundated with calls from shadelings wanting to work with him.
At the same time, Otto had been busy preparing for the expo, burning the candle at both ends to make sure this opportunity went off without a hitch.
“Are you sure you can’t take a week off to come to Vegas?” Wiping his mouth with a paper napkin, Otto stared across the table, his eyes wide and beseeching.
River turned off his screen and placed his phone down on top of the table with a sigh. “I’m sorry. I’m booked solid for the next three months.”
“Yeah, I know. It was worth a shot, though.”
“Are you just looking for moral support, or do you need actual help?” I asked.
“Both, to be honest. There’s a lot that goes into hosting a table. Most people arrive with a whole team.”
“Why don’t you hire an assistant from MNSTR?” River suggested.
I nodded my agreement. “I can recommend someone.”
“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it. I didn’t really want to do that because it’s so expensive, but I don’t think I have another choice.”
He wasn’t wrong. Hiring an agent for an entire week wouldn’t come cheap. Tack on travel fees and the insurance required for traveling out of state, and the expenses started to add up fast.
“Let me ask around,” I told him. “I can’t promise anything, but I might be able to pull some strings.”
Otto sat up a little straighter, his eyes brightening at the prospect. “Thank you. That would be a huge help.”
We talked about inconsequential things after that as we finished our meal, occasionally rehashing some of our favorite parts of the evening. As the night wound to a close, Otto gathered the empty wrappers and cardboard trays to carry them to a nearby bin.
Deaton had loved me when I had been at my worst. When I had given up on myself, he had still fought for me. Every day, even when it was hard, he chose me.
Then and there, I made a silent promise to ensure he never regretted that decision.
Epilogue
~ Deaton ~
Four Weeks Later…
The Circle City boardwalk felt like stepping back in time, a place filled with old-school charm and a touch of whimsy.
The scent of cotton candy and buttered popcorn filled the night, carried on the warm breeze that blew across the bay. String lights drooped between the tall posts, their amber glow glittering over the surface of the water.
Pops, dings, and whistles spilled from the game booths, the sounds intermingled with shouts of triumph or groans ofdisappointment. Big band music played over the loudspeakers, the upbeat rhythm a soundtrack to the electric energy.
There were no neon lights or fancy arcades. No digital game passes or codes to scan. Just pure, wholesome fun, where people took their time, and the world seemed to slow down, if only for a little while.
Which made it the perfect venue to celebrate Otto’s acceptance into the Spellbound Expo.
After hours of games, rides, and laughter, we had found an empty picnic table near the Ferris wheel to relax and refuel. Pink-cheeked and glistening with perspiration, River nibbled at a basket of French fries as he scrolled through the photos we’d taken during the night.
Across the table, Otto clutched a blue teddy bear in one hand—a hard-won prize from the ring toss—while he balanced a chili cheese coney in the other.
“God, I needed this,” Otto groaned before biting into his hot dog.
“Same,” River said, bobbing his head in agreement.
Both wore matching grins, and they looked more relaxed than I had seen them in a while.
Joss Weller didn’t often change his mind. So, the fact that he had not only reversed River’s curse, but had done so with a smile, hadn’t gone unnoticed. News had spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the city, and within days, River had been inundated with calls from shadelings wanting to work with him.
At the same time, Otto had been busy preparing for the expo, burning the candle at both ends to make sure this opportunity went off without a hitch.
“Are you sure you can’t take a week off to come to Vegas?” Wiping his mouth with a paper napkin, Otto stared across the table, his eyes wide and beseeching.
River turned off his screen and placed his phone down on top of the table with a sigh. “I’m sorry. I’m booked solid for the next three months.”
“Yeah, I know. It was worth a shot, though.”
“Are you just looking for moral support, or do you need actual help?” I asked.
“Both, to be honest. There’s a lot that goes into hosting a table. Most people arrive with a whole team.”
“Why don’t you hire an assistant from MNSTR?” River suggested.
I nodded my agreement. “I can recommend someone.”
“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it. I didn’t really want to do that because it’s so expensive, but I don’t think I have another choice.”
He wasn’t wrong. Hiring an agent for an entire week wouldn’t come cheap. Tack on travel fees and the insurance required for traveling out of state, and the expenses started to add up fast.
“Let me ask around,” I told him. “I can’t promise anything, but I might be able to pull some strings.”
Otto sat up a little straighter, his eyes brightening at the prospect. “Thank you. That would be a huge help.”
We talked about inconsequential things after that as we finished our meal, occasionally rehashing some of our favorite parts of the evening. As the night wound to a close, Otto gathered the empty wrappers and cardboard trays to carry them to a nearby bin.