Page 42 of Bargain with Fate
“Ever hear of a pageant mom?”
He winced. “I find that hard to picture—not to say you’re not a beautiful lady, of course.”
I bit back a smile. “I own a mirror, Lamont.”
“Is that why you don’t wear makeup? Is this some kind of late-stage teenage rebellion?”
“I don’t wear makeup because I’m too lazy to wipe it off later.” Strictly speaking, I had no experience with beauty pageants; my mother had had a different type of glory in her sights for me.
“I’d wager it was the Gorgon in your mama,” Lamont said. “Bet she was desperate for you not to feel like a hideous beast the way she did.”
“You’re probably right.” The lie rolled off my tongue without a pang of guilt. I’d been telling that story for so many years, I’d almost managed to convince myself it was true.
Almost.
As Lamont wandered off, a stoop-shouldered woman approached Vale. “Care for a spin, stranger?”
“My feet are on vacation.”
“Your loss.” She joined the crowd in search of a willing partner.
“Your feet are on vacation?” I repeated with a laugh.
“It was the first thought that came to mind.”
Dr. Adam passed by on my left, then backpedaled when his brain caught up to his feet. “Maya, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I wasn’t planning to be here. It’s only a pit stop. We’re not staying.” I motioned to my companion. “Dr. Adam, this is Vale.”
The healer took a long look at my companion. “You don’t live on the island.”
“No, I live in Savannah. I’m here in my official capacity.”
“He’s the Protector of the Region,” I added.
“I wouldn’t think Evermore is considered part of your domain, Protector.”
“It’s right off the coast of my headquarters in Savannah.” Vale turned toward the water. “I can see the city lights from here.”
“Yes, but you know the island is special. It doesn’t fall in the same category as Savannah or anywhere else that humans live.”
Vale looked at me in exasperation. “Does everyone on Evermore have an issue with authority figures? Is it part of the criteria for admittance?”
I smiled at Dr. Adam. “We’re an insubordinate bunch. That’s why we need more than one person to handle security.”
“Justine mentioned she has a list of applicants,” Dr. Adam said. “That might free up some of your time.”
“Yes, I’m waiting for more information from her.”
“I don’t think Maya wants free time,” Vale said. “I think she likes to hide behind her title.”
“I could say the same to you.”
Dr. Adam looked from Vale to me. “I didn’t realize you two were so well acquainted.”
“Everything I know about him has been against my will.”
Joan cut through the throng of square dancers and grabbed Dr. Adam by the hand. “Your turn to dance, Dr. Handsome.”
