Page 12 of Tied Up In Tinsel
I was more than just a clown. I’d started on the back of the bulls, riding the wild animals as my full-time job. It wasn’t until I decided to retire that I started the second gig.
She tilted her head, clearly weighing whether to believe me. “Do you wear the face paint?”
“Nope. Not today. This is my day-off face.”
Ruby’s eyes narrowed. “You don’tlooklike a clown.”
“Guess I’m just gonna have to prove it to you,” I said.
She crossed her arms. “Do a trick.”
Annie made a quiet noise of warning from behind her, but I was already pulling a balloon from my back pocket.
“You came with balloons in your pocket?” Annie asked, sounding half impressed, half incredulous.
“Never know when you’ll need one,” I said, blowing it up with practiced ease. My hands twisted it into a lopsided dog, which I held out to Ruby like it was a prize.
She stared at it. “It’s ugly.”
“Good thing you’re brutally honest. Keeps me humble.”
Her mouth twitched, like she was fighting the urge to smile, but she tucked the balloon under her arm anyway. I saw the flicker of amusement from her face and noticed the way she patted the top of the balloon dog’s head, indicating she didn’t really think it was ugly. I knew I’d find it in her room on display later.
“So… do you sleep in a bed or a tent?”
“A bed,” I said.
“Do you snore?”
“Sometimes.”
Ruby turned to Annie. “Where’s he gonna sleep? In the attic? In the garage?”
“Guest room,” Annie said firmly, but I caught the hint of a smile she tried to hide.
Ruby’s gaze flicked back to me. “Do you eat vegetables?”
“Only the ones shaped like french fries.”
That got me my first honest laugh from her, and I silently chalked it up as a win.
Annie leaned against the kitchen counter, watching us with that look again—half amusement, half something warmer.
I reached for one of my bags and swung it over my shoulder. “Mind showing me the guest room, kiddo?”
Ruby tapped her chin dramatically. “Do I get paid?”
“Nope.”
“Then no.”
I chuckled. “Tough negotiator.”
“Ruby,” Annie warned. “Be nice.”
“Iambeing nice,” Ruby said with exaggerated innocence. “I didn’t even tell him about the haunted closet yet.”
I froze mid-step and my jaw dropped in shock. I had to play into every one of her bits. That’s how you win them over.
