Page 61 of Fairy Godmothers Aren't Cheap

“She’s living in the Netherlands.”

“Naturally, and riding her bike everywhere with that fit bod.”

“Taking insta pics by windmills and tulip farms.”

“Of course. And she never sweats.”

“She has a healthy, rosy glow to her cheeks.”

“Never an unsightly, blotchy red.” I winced, knowing my pale skin often went blotchy. “She probably uses filters to give her pics that glow.”

I threw the ball hard, and James had to reach as it swung out wide. I’d given up on impressing the world with my looks a long time ago. Around grade twelve, to be specific, when the boys’ fastball captain kept saying I didn’t look at all like my social media pics, with the flattering filters. The way he said it made me feel like a gigantic poser. And mad. He never, while I was around, ever said that to my teammate, who was popular, perky and used more filters than I ever had.

After that I’d pretty much thrown up my hands, the message clear that with my curvier build that I’d never make the cut—so why kill myself trying to reach an unattainable ideal thanks to genetics?

“I think she’s doing something with geothermal,” James continued. “She’s into the sciences.”

Sigh. A world saver. I was jealous and in awe of her already.

And yet, she still hadn’t made the James-cut? He couldn’t see himself with her in five years, or whatever his claim had been?

What hope did I have?

Then again, he seemed to think I was some sort of saint because of this park plan. And he didn’t seem to mind my nuttiness or pottery nerdiness.

“What about you?” I asked. “What are you into? What makes you passionate?” He was a museum security guard, but somehow that didn’t quite fit him. I doubted that was the start or end of his life’s passion.

“What do you mean?”

“Did you go to college?” He’d never mentioned it, even though we’d sorta hung out for over two years now.

“A few times.”

“A few?”

“I have a couple of certificates. Some random classes. I haven’t found what I’m passionate about yet.” He looked wistful and a tiny bit sad, too. “I’m a bit envious of you.”

I scoffed. “Don’t be. I’m a hot mess.”

“I don’t see you that way.” His warm gaze lingered on me, and it felt good. Whatever he saw, that was who I wished to be.

CHAPTER16

~ James ~

Shortly after the streetlights came on, Char’s phone rang. The grant agency.

We naturally began walking back to the apartment, Char replying to whomever was on the other end of the line with “uh huh, uh huh.” We got all the way inside the apartment, and up the stairs before Char dropped her phone and turned to me, squealing and dancing.

“We got it! We got it!”

I stared at her, stunned. The grant? How was that even possible? There’d barely been enough time for the agency to gather everyone to read the proposal and vote.

She grabbed my arms, her eyes bright with joy. “They’ve been wanting to build something in Everstone for years, and everyone was in the office for a retirement party when our application came in! They held an emergency meeting and voted yes!”

“Unreal,” I breathed, completely dumbstruck by the sheer vibrancy of the woman in front of me. Even though it sounded awful, I was grateful for the kid’s injury that had spurred her into action. She was the kind of woman who could turn on a dime, rally the troops and change the world, making it a better place. She had the drive of someone who’d been mistreated, and was vowing to ensure nobody else ever had that experience. She was incredible. She was beautiful. She was an inspiration.

I lifted her in the air. Twirling her, her happiness flooding the room and making me smile. Her arms were around my neck as I squeezed her tight. I resisted kissing her neck as it came close to my mouth, instead opting for her mouth.

---