Page 131 of Find My Way Down to You

Poppy crouches in front of me. “I know.”

“Was that a dream?”

“A memory. From Cary.”

When I don’t immediately respond, she continues. “He doesn’t dream often. But when he does, it’s always a memory.” She smiles gently. “Cary is far from perfect, but he is much more than just the ferrier of souls now. Thanks to you.”

I blink hard. “Me?”

She catches one of my tears. It sits fat as morning dew on her fingertip.

“He’s watched you ever since that night,” Poppy says. “Cary never goes back after collecting a soul. Never stays to see what mortals go through after. Until you.”

I inhale an achy breath. Reality falls like a stone in a fountain. The splash sends me reeling.

Cary is always in Santa Barbara when I need him. Even though there are souls all over the world waiting for him. He’s known things about me without me telling him. Like Shoreline Steps being the place I go to escape. My favorite bakery on State Street. Where I live.

Poppy sees the questions forming in my eyes. “He promised London he’d check on youthat night.” Her mouth curves higher, deeper. “But, August, he kept returning to you.”

She touches the back of my hand.

“You changed him. He feels something for you—for mortals—he’s never felt before…compassion.”

My laugh comes out deflated. “I can’t tell.”

Poppy grins. “Did I mention he’s not perfect? Or great with words? He’s used to being alone. That doesn’t mean hewantsto be that way.” Her eyes twinkle. “And I doubt you want the life you’ve been living either.”

I don’t. But nothing has felt in my control for so long, I’m not sure how to get it back.

When she stands, I look up at her. “What about Milos’s offer?”

This is my chance to talk to London. To apologize. To hear what he wanted to tell me.

“It’s your decision, August. I can’t tell you what to choose.”

It’s not the answer I was hoping for.

Poppy offers me a hand. “But I promise you, moving forward doesn’t mean we forget the past. It’s part of the path thatgot us where we are. It stays with us, always. What you decide to do with it is up to you.”

Behind me, the doors click, unlocking.

“I have to go,” she whispers. “There’s a gorgeous girl with green skin waiting for me.”

My eyes grow. “Leu?”

Poppy winks. “You and the ferrier aren’t the only ones who get to have fun around here.”

She steps into the mirror, disappears. All that’s left behind is a dusting of red petals on the carpet. Like the remnants of an unfinished dream on a pillow.

19

Milos claps asAminta leads me back into the throne room. He sits lazily on the throne. Not far away, Henri stands, shoulders stiff, while Cary refuses to make eye contact as he waits by the elevator.

I focus on Milos. His grin cuts like a razor. The floating hourglass has run out of sand.

I’ve run out of time.

Milos leans forward. “Beautiful August, are you ready to make a deal?”