Page 103 of Ice Princess

Since April and I don’t have a dedicated office assistant, we’ve had to keep meticulous notes about the parts we order and the hours spent on the job.

“I thought you’d be happy now that everything is going your way,” April says, leaning against the table and resting her chin in her hands.

“Iamhappy,” I mumble, ignoring the empty pang in my chest that says otherwise.

“Fine,” April waves a hand, “then I thought you’d besuperhappy.”

“What do I have to be ‘super happy’ about?”

“You’re kidding me, right?”

I shrug, looking cluelessly at her.

“Rebel, you had an incredibly successful community service day last weekend. The news practically called you the ‘NewFace of the Lady Luck Society’. Not to mention, the Scooby’s Nightmare client believes in you so much, he donated to the Society and putyouin charge.”

“I’m not in charge. The Ladies still expect me to report to them.”

“So? You did it! You’re helping the very people you wanted to help and the fancy ladies at the Society all play nice with you.”

“Except for Carol,” I point out.

“Well, yeah, but that’s a given. You and the Kinseys don’t mix.” April pauses. “I mean, except for you and Gunner. For some reason, you two look really good together.”

I stiffen. “That name is banned from this garage.”

“What? Gunner’s?”

“Put two bucks in the bad word jar.” I point to the empty pink mug.

April snorts.

I spin on my heels and plod to another car. “Was this the next in our lineup?”

April ignores the question and follows me closely. “Have you been sulking all week because of Gunner?”

“That’s four dollars now, missy. And I have not beensulking.”

“Is it because he left for the playoffs?”

“No. Of course not.”

April bursts into belly-deep laughter.

I glare at her. “What’s so funny?”

She guffaws harder. “Is this how I looked?”

“Have the car fumes been getting to your head? Do I need to drive you to the nearest hospital?”

“Give me a second.” April presses her lips together and struggles to regain a semblance of composure. “The first time Chance left for an away game, I missed him so much, but I neverthoughtyou…” She stops so she can smack her hand on the table a few times. “This is too good.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” I grumble, checking the tablet for the client’s complaints.

“Oh, Rebel, I’m sorry.” April rubs her eyes that had gotten glassy with tears. “I don’t mean to tease. I’m just shocked. I was sure you and Gunner wouldn’t actually fall for each other.”

“We haven’t. And we never will.”

“But… you’re acting like this because you miss him,” she declares, like an old-timey adventurer discovering a new island.

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