Page 102 of Gunslinger Girl

“Stop it.” Pity pushed him away so she could collapse on the bed. “He was so busy rubbing elbows he barely acknowledged I was there. Selene made me shoot her, though.”

“Good… wait, what?”

“Give me a minute and I’ll tell you all about it. You were careful to make sure no one saw you come in, right?” Fiction or not, she was supposed to be with Sheridan. Rumors of Max in and out of her room at odd hours were the last thing she needed.

“I can be as sneaky as you, y’know.”

She felt her boots loosen and her socks disappear, and then Max’s hands were massaging her bare feet. It felt delicious, but she laughed. “You’re doing that at your own risk, y’know. I don’t know what’s filthier—my feet after standing around all day or your hands.”

“Well, if we’re both so filthy,” he said suggestively, “maybe we should hop in the bath and clean up.”

It was a welcome suggestion, but if Pity had to describe what went on after that, clean up would not have been the words she used.

“Don’t go.” She yawned, eyes blinking. “It’s early.”

“No, it’s not.” Max pulled on his shirt. “If I don’t stitch up those last backdrops this morning, Halcyon will pitch a fit.”

She slid out after him, shrugging on her robe. “Let him.”

Max embraced her, a gesture she felt she’d never tire of. It was like being wrapped in a favorite blanket.

“Not all of us are big, shiny stars of the Theatre.” He released her. “I’m only a worker bee, and I do what the queen—or king, in this case—says.”

He peeked out the door. Pity followed and grabbed his hand as he slipped into the hall.

“Fine,” she said, “but give me one more kiss before you go.”

As his lips touched hers, Pity thought she saw a flash of pink over his shoulder. But when she looked again, the hallway was empty.

CHAPTER 34

“Oh, hey, you look familiar.” Luster peered closer. “Can’t quite place your face, though.”

“Ha, ha.” Pity climbed onto the barstool beside her. Around them, the Gallery’s energy was sluggish, only a handful of the gambling tables occupied.

“You look tired.” Luster sipped at a mug of coffee. “Funny, since you seem to be going to bed plenty early.”

“Morning practices. That’s all.”

“Really? Then why didn’t Halcyon deliver this himself?” She brandished a folded square of orange paper.

Pity snatched it away.

Serendipity, it read, despite your respite from tomorrow evening’s performance, please join me in the morning. I’ve had the most brilliant idea for your act! Devotedly yours, Halcyon.

“Hmm, he must have forgotten.”

“Serendipity Jones, you are the worst liar I’ve ever seen!” Luster leaned in conspiratorially. “And every time I’ve caught a glimpse of you lately, there’s been a big, silly smile on your face.” She cocked her head. “You know what? Come to think of it, someone else has been walking around with a fresh glow…”

“Shh!” Pity’s cheeks blazed, fear coursing through her. She looked around, but no one was within earshot. “Keep your voice down! Okay, I admit it! Max and I… we…”

Luster laughed, a great whooping cry. “I knew it, I knew it, I knew it!”

“Be. Quiet,” Pity said through gritted teeth.

Luster settled, with a grin so wide it nearly split her face. “It’s about damn time. Tell me everything. Well, not everything, but tell me what finally happened. And what about Sher—”

She broke off.