Page 29 of The Best Trick

“I’m sure there’s a weight limit, but it’s probably pretty high for a balloon of that size. I bet the four of us are well within tolerances. This man would have no reason to object. I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to accommodate us.”

Inwardly I winced. I was no gambler, but I definitely would’ve bet that Harley would not be thrilled to accommodate us.

“Is it really the wisest thing?” Thor said. “Floating up there like helpless fools?”

“Helpless foolish sitting ducks,” Odin added. “Talk about no escape routes. A seven-hundred-foot plummet isnota viable escape route. Ridiculous.”

“It's not ridiculous if Ice wants it,” Zeus said. “Nothing is ridiculous if it’s what Ice wants.”

“But Iwouldn'twant it,” I insisted.

“You're just saying that, Ice,” Zeus said. “We make enough compromises in this life. You shouldn’t have to settle on the small things, on a simple dream.” Just like that, he was on his feet, car keys in hand. “I'll go talk to this guy myself and suggest a special romantic package for four. I’m sure he’ll be cool about it, especially if we offer him double the price. Come or don’t. Up to you. I am doing this.” With that, he headed out the door.

“Noooo,” Thor whispered.

Odin ejected me from his lap as the door shut behind Zeus.

“Erp!” I said. “Why did I show him the brochure?”

“Should we just let him go?” Thor asked.

“Let him go? Do you love the idea of Zeus telling Harley he needs a new kind of balloon romance package?” Odin asked. “Does Harley strike you as a flexible guy? Do you think that conversation will go well?”

None of us thought that conversation would go well.

FOUR

Zeus parked the car on the dusty field that was Harley’s Balloon Emporium. He seemed really excited. “If you have to pee, you’d better do it now!”

I was starting to think that maybe going up in a hot air balloon was just as much of a dream of his as it was of mine.

“Their online scheduling tool might not be up to date,” Thor warned.

“I’m feeling lucky,” Zeus said, getting out. We all followed suit.

Harley came over, grinning. “Well, looky who’s here!”

“Hey,” Zeus said. “I don't have a reservation, but I was wondering if I could book a balloon for one of your romantic balloon rides today.”

Behind him, Odin was vigorously shaking his head.

Thor was shaking his head and waving in a baseballyou’re out!style.

I went with the ol’ finger drawn across the neck.

Harley gave us an arrogant smile. “As a matter of fact, I do have an opening for you. I’m not booked until four. Pay the fee, and I’ll take you and your lady up, no problem.” He gazed triumphantly over Zeus's shoulder at us. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather do than take this man and his lady up for a romantic balloon ride.”

“Wow…well, great,” Zeus said, surprised at Harley’s weird enthusiasm.

“Partner and payment, that’s all we’ll need,” Harley said. “Ride runs just over an hour. Could give you a noon, one, or two o’clock slot.”

“Well, it's all four of us,” Zeus said. “Obviously you’ll need to charge us double since we’re double.”

Harley looked confused. “Only one couple at a time,” he said. “These are romantic balloon ride packages for two. Romantic rides for couples. Says right on the sign.”

Zeus cleared his throat. “Here's the thing, we fourarea couple.”

Harley squinted at Zeus. “Four people can’t be a couple.”

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