Page 76 of Demon Apathy: Sunderverse

“That’s interesting,” I said.

“I thought so too. I’m always amazed by how humans affect change around them.”

“Not always for the better.”

“True, but there is so much beauty to what you do.” His tone grew dreamy and distant. “If you think about all the varied things humans occupy their time with, and the talent and dedication it requires. It’s mind boggling. All you have to do is visit the museum, or go to the opera, or gaze at a well-tended garden.”

“You’re right. I guess we tend to focus on negative things a lot.”

“You really do.”

In less than half the time it would normally take, we were parking in front of Luna Park.

Drevan shut off the engine. “Please, stay put. Allow me.”

He got out of the car, went around the back, and opened the door for me. I took the hand he extended in my direction. A jolt of warmth passed between us, and as I stepped onto the sidewalk, I had to let go. His hand flexed as he glanced longingly in my direction. Why was he looking at me that way? What did it mean?

I shook myself and glanced from left to right, taken aback by what I saw—or more accurately, what Ididn’tsee: a crowd.

“It’s closed?” Of course, it was out of season, except the rides seemed to be operating just fine, all its colorful lights shining against the darkening sky.

“It isn’t closed for us.” He smiled.

Drevan guided me into the park. We passed a host of rides, the massive Cyclone roller coaster to our left. The Coney Clipper’s boat swung from side to side like a giant pendulum, and little teacups went around a six-foot teapot, a happy tune playing. It was a bit eerie to see all the rides functioning by themselves, but mostly, it was touching to realize Drevan had done this for me.

He stopped when we reached the boardwalk, and we had a clear view of the sandy beach and water. An array of beautiful colors painted the sky. Pink, lavender, purple, blue. It was breathtaking.

“It’s beautiful,” I said.

“Not bad for an omnipotent being.”

“Don’t you ever worry He might strike you dead? I’ve started to,” I admitted.

“That’s not how He operates. He’s a stickler for the rules.”

“I guess that’s a good thing.”

Drevan guided me further down the wide boardwalk to a picnic table I hadn’t noticed. It was covered in a red and white tablecloth and topped with all kinds of junk food. There were burgers, hot dogs, pizza, chips, brownies, cookies, and soft drinks. The display looked big enough for an army.

“Wow,” I whispered as my stomach tightened with nerves.

This looks suspiciously like a date,that logical voice of mine said inside my head.

“I know you love pizza,” he said. “But I didn’t know if you would be in the mood for it.”

He put a hand on the small of my back and guided me toward the table. We sat across from each other in front of paper plates, red plastic, and plastic utensils. I stared at the empty plate in front of me, frowning.

“What’s the matter?” he asked. “Is something not to your liking?”

“No, why wouldn’t it be? I’m just…”

“Just what?”

I’m just wondering why you would do all of this?

But didn’t want to hear the answer? Not when I suspected he might lie and say it was just dinner, which would hurt my feelings. Worse yet, what if he said something different? What if he…

“I’m just wondering why you would do all of this?” I blurted out, meeting his golden gaze, and telling my heart there was no need to beat so fast at the sight of his handsome face bathed in twilight.