Page 68 of Through the Storms

Riley’s head snapped around. “How the hell did you do that so fast?”

Chloe laughed. “Ten percent times two.”

“I don’t even know what the hell that means.” Riley scribbled two dollars and eighty cents on the tip line and pushed the tab across the bar.

“Come on. I’ll explain it on the walk.”

After dinner, the group had moved the party to a bar two blocks from the hotel. Oakley and Lana had disappeared an hour ago, while some from the group were still going strong. It was nearly eleven, and Chloe and Riley were ready to call it a night.

They stepped out into the cool clear night. The stars were likely bright, but with the surrounding lights of the city, the only thing visible in the sky was the bright moon.

Chloe pointed upward. “Looks like it’ll be full soon.”

“I think it’s supposed to be on Friday.” They began walking. “Tell me about your magic math.”

“I can’t believe the person that knows all about do-overs and takebacks doesn’t know the twenty percent trick.”

Riley snorted. “Enlighten me.”

The traffic was light at this time of night, so Wichita had a peaceful feeling about it, and something about the crisp air made Chloe feel alive. She took a deep breath before she spoke. “It’s simple. How much was your bill?”

“Fourteen twenty-three.”

“What’s ten percent?”

“How should I know?”

Chloe stopped walking and put her hand on her hip. Riley had taken a few steps before she realized.

“Why’d you stop?” Riley asked.

“Because we obviously have to be at a standstill for you to do math.”

“Not fair. I’ve been drinking. I shouldn’t have to do math.”

Chloe put her other hand on her hip. “Three beers in three hours shouldn’t exactly make you drunk.”

“Okay, fine.” Riley scowled. “Go ahead, teach me.”

“Ten percent. Just move the decimal one place to the left.”

“Oh, yeah, that’s right. One dollar and forty-two cents.”

“Now double it.”

“Well, fuck me.”

“Don’t tempt me.” Where had that come from? Chloe couldn’t blame the alcohol since she’d only had two drinks.

Riley’s eyes widened. “What?”

“Nothing. Finish the math.” The excitement and joyful feeling of the day must have spilled over.

Riley continued to stare at Chloe for a few beats before she looked up to the right. “Two dollars and eighty-four cents.”

“Ta-da.” Chloe threw her arms wide. “And now you have the secret of twenty percent.”

Riley shook her head. “I feel stupid. How did I not know that?”