by Amy Hopkins
Boots rolled over. The movement took her off the edge of the growing pile, and before she could halt her momentum, she had tumbled onto the carpeted floor in a twisted, writhing lump. She gave an angry hiss but tolerated Penny’s giggling attempts to help her to right herself.
With Boots untangled and sulking in a neat coil in the corner, Penny quickly finished the job she had set out to do.
Penny grinned when the room was finally pristine. Her clothes were neatly organized, and her serpentine friend was finally coming out of her sulk. “Beautiful.” She flopped on the bed, then groaned loudly when she checked her watch. “Bah!” She shot to her feet, grabbed a bag, and waved a finger at Boots. “I’m late for Aussie Myth class. Are you coming?”
Boots just wriggled into a more comfortable position.
“Fine. Stay behind, lazybones.” Boots bared her fangs and gave an angry hiss, though Penny wasn’t sure if it was due to the insult, or her orders to stay behind. “Sorry, dear. I really do have to run, though.”
When Penny arrived at her class, hair a mess and face flushed from the short dash down a flight of stairs and to the other side of the Academy, Professor Steele was waiting patiently.
“Glad to see you came, Penny.” She looked around expectantly before a look of dismay crept over her face. “No Boots today?”
Penny shook her head. “She’s resting up. We had a big morning.”
“I’m glad you made it, then. I was worried that the lack of fellow students might have turned you off the class.” Steele opened a textbook and handed it to Penny. “Today, we’re going to focus on the Maori creation myth, beginning with Rangi and Papa—Father Sky and Mother Earth.”
Throughout the lesson, Steele occasionally stopped, staring out the window or at Penny with distracted eyes. A moment later, she would blink and return to her lecture on New Zealand and Polynesian mythology.
She wrapped up the lesson early, citing the low class number as the reason. “I structured the curriculum to allow for a bit of chatter amongst the class, you see. If there is something you’d like to cover in the extra time, we can?” She left the probing statement hanging.
Penny squirmed. She felt impelled to ask a question—any question. But her brain was still exhausted from the previous day’s ceaseless lectures. “I can’t think of anything in particular,” she admitted.
“Perhaps we could discuss Boots, then?” Steele asked. “There are some wonderful facilities that examine Mythological beings in a safe and—”
“No, thank you.” Penny shut the line of questioning down quickly. “Boots chose to follow me here. I’m not going to put her in a facility.” The word tasted sour in her mouth.
“Oh, it’s not like they lock their subjects in cages and poke them with sticks,” Steele chided. “It’s a wonderful setup, one that mimics their natural habitat and provides all kinds of mental stimulation. And besides, I wasn’t suggesting Boots needs to go to one. I was just lamenting the chance to really examine her. Information on the species hasn’t been easy to come by, you see.”
“The Academy files list at least a dozen new Serpents appearing in recent months,” Penny snapped. “I’m sure the information will become easier to get.” Just not from my friend, she added silently.
Steele still seemed dissatisfied. “It’s just a pity that none seem to display the intelligence your Boots does,” she pressed. “Though perhaps they will with time and teaching.”
Penny hefted her bag, ready to go. “Goodbye, Professor.”
Steele passed Penny a textbook. “Here. Do some reading on what we discussed in class today. Focus on the sections about the importance of genealogy and the link between traditions and myth.”
Penny clutched the fat book under one arm since her bag was already full. She headed for the door without looking back.
Chapter Ten
Penny arrived back in her dorm to the smell of warm madras and aromatic garlic. She cracked the door open and sniffed deeply.
“Penny!” Amelia beckoned her inside. “Thank god you’re back. We were robbed!” Amelia’s eyes were wide and glittered with mischief. “Someone came in and stole all our mess! Then they left a bunch of clothes in our closet, stuff I haven’t seen in forever.”
Penny laughed. “You’re such a knob. Why can I smell curry?”
Amelia nodded at the covered tray on the tiny side table, then pointed at Boots, who was loosely curled into a pile on the bed. She looked to be asleep, but Penny caught the serpent watching her from between two loops of her coil. “I caught her trying to snatch a tray from the dining hall. I have no idea how she thought she was going to get it up the stairs, but damned if she wasn’t trying.”
“For me?” Penny sat on the bed and wrapped her arms around the reluctant snake. “You’re wonderful, Boots.”
Boots relaxed a little, popping her head up and nodding as if to say “yes, I know.”
“I take it you missed dinner because of your cleaning spree?” Amelia asked.
Penny nodded. “I completely lost track of time and had to run to Aus-Myth. I’m bushed!” She lifted off the tray cover and inhaled again. “Mmm. Smells amazing.”
“Tastes good, too.” Amelia sprawled back on her bed. “You eat, I’ll talk.”
Penny reveled in the mild spice of the curry as she dipped shreds of garlic naan into the sauce while Amelia told her of Red’s excellent grade for the assignment they had helped with. He’d been outdone only by Trevor, who had handed his assessment in three days early.
“Wait up. Trevor said he’s spent every spare second on this case of his. He still managed to hand in an assignment three days early?” Penny asked between mouthfuls.
Amelia nodded wryly. “He makes it seem so easy. I can’t say I’m not jealous.”
Penny shrugged. “Maybe now that he has his own mission, it’ll give us normal people a chance to catch up. Hey, you haven’t seen him hanging around anyone in particular lately, have you?” She gave Amelia a brief explanation of Trevor’s secret accomplice.
“Not really,” Amelia told her. “But it’s Trevor. How do you know it’s even someone from the Academy? It’s probably one of his gamer friends.”
“That makes sense.” Penny almost wished it didn’t. Though she respected her friend’s privacy, she didn’t like getting involved in a case where one party wasn’t willing to come forward. She resolved to talk to Trevor about it again. “Never mind that. Tell me what on earth I should wear on my date tomorrow night.”
“I agreed to the black dress before I spoke to Cisco. He said to dress casual.” Penny tossed the sparkling black cocktail dress back at Amelia. “That? That’s not casual.”
“Cisco would wear a t-shirt and jeans to visit the queen,” Amelia pointed out. “Do you really trust his opinion on dress codes?”
“Well, no.” Penny prickled with indecision. “Boots? What do you think?”
Boots gave an excited shiver. She’d been watching the exchange between Penny and Amelia, swaying back and forth between them. It seemed she was getting right into the spirit of dressing Penny for her date. Now, she slipped to the floor and slithered to the open closet. Boots disappeared inside, burying herself in dresses and coats.
A moment later, a green pantsuit landed on the floor. Penny and Amelia looked at each other. “That’s perfect!” they cried in unison.
Penny snatched the pantsuit up, laughing at their agreement. “Boots, you’re the best!”
Boots chuckled in agreement. She emerged from the wardrobe, one grey satin flat hooked on her tail. She dropped it at Penny’s feet.
“Oh, you even picked shoes to match!” Penny kissed the serpent’s head. “Classy enough for dinner, but comfortable enough if he’s made other plans. Perfect!”
Penny wriggled into her outfit and slipped on the shoe Boots had provided. Amelia searched for the other while Penny dug through her makeup case. By the time the errant shoe was uncovered, Penny was almost ready to go.
“Wow. You look
hot!” Amelia presented Penny with the missing shoe. “Totes bangable.”
Penny choked. “What did you just say?” She tried to wave away tears of laughter before they ruined her mascara.
“You heard exactly what I said.” Amelia passed Penny a tissue. “And just so you know, Red and I are out for the night. All night.”
Gasping for breath, Penny fell back onto the bed.
“No! You’ll ruin your hair.” Amelia hauled Penny up and put on her most innocent face. “I promise I’ll behave. Mostly.”
Amelia patted Penny down and inspected her hair for any damage, fussing over her until Penny finally grabbed her hands.
“Stop!” Penny smoothed her outfit. “I swear, it feels like you’re more invested in this relationship than Cisco and I are.”
Amelia leaned in for a hug, careful not to crease Penny’s clothes. “I’m just so happy,” she murmured. “Red means everything to me, and so do you guys. I want you both to be as happy as we are.”
An unexpected sting prickled Penny’s eyes. “Stop,” she insisted. “You’re gonna make me cry.”
Amelia patted Penny’s shoulders and spun her toward the door. “Go on. He’ll be waiting for you.”
“I was supposed to meet him out front five minutes ago,” Penny pointed out as she was hustled out of their room. “He won’t show for at least another ten.”
“You never know. He might surprise you!”
Taking the advice on board, Penny hurried downstairs. Cisco had insisted she meet him on the front steps of the Academy. When the soft purr of a car crept closer, she saw why.
Cisco waved out of the window as he pulled the Maserati to a stop at the bottom of the steps. “You’re late,” he chided.
Penny waited for him to come around and open her door. He did so with a flourish, bowing as she stepped past him to sink back into the luxurious upholstery.
“Sorry. I thought you meant five o’clock Cisco time.” Penny grinned as he slid back into the driver’s seat. “This is the first time ever you haven’t been late.”
“Me? Late?” He winked. “Maybe you’ve turned over a new Cisco.”
“Maybe.” Penny ran a hand over the leather interior. “Mack loaned you his car?”
“Mack?” The corners of Cisco’s mouth turned up in a smirk. “This baby’s all mine.”
Penny lifted a skeptical eyebrow. “Uh-huh.”
Relaxing, Cisco started the engine again. “Fine. But Mack said I was allowed to say it’s mine. Just for tonight.”
The car pulled away from the Academy, and Penny couldn’t help a shiver of excitement. “Will you tell me where we’re going yet?” she asked. “I know you said to wear something casual, but I feel underdressed for the car, let alone what comes next!”
“You look amazing,” Cisco reassured her. “Don’t worry. You really don’t need to dress up where we’re going.” He hesitated, frowning. “Although… You’re not wearing heels, are you?”
Penny shook her head. “You know I hate them.”
“Good.” Cisco pressed a small screen on the dash and the dulcet tones of Elton John filled the car. “You don’t mind if we get a bit retro tonight?”
“Not at all.” Penny tried not to read too much into his song choice—You Are So Beautiful.
She let her eyes drift to the bright city lights as they cruised through Portland. Even the most familiar streets seemed to hold a special quality when viewed through the tinted windows, with the smooth music in the background and Cisco next to her.
She slid her gaze to him. He was focused on the road, his posture relaxed. The collar of his salmon-pink shirt was loose. His skin glistened with moisture, and his hair was still damp from the shower.
Penny looked away, a flush creeping up her face. Outside, the sun threw glittering orange sparkles across the surface of the Willamette river as they zipped along beside it.
“The river looks beautiful in the sunset,” Penny said, desperate to break the silence.
“Oh, you just wait.” Cisco didn’t elaborate on his cryptic remark, but it seemed she would find out soon enough. He slid the car into a parking spot by the river. “Almost there.”
“Almost?” Penny itched to ask questions, but he was clearly enjoying the surprise. “Okay, then. Where to?”
Cisco darted around to open her car door, then offered a hand to help her out.
Penny took it gladly, grateful she had worn sensible shoes. Getting out of the deep, comfortable seats of the Maserati may have been difficult otherwise, although she had no doubt someone like Amelia could have handled it with ease.
After a quick glance in either direction, Cisco tugged Penny’s hand and led her across the street.
There goes that theory, Penny thought as he led her away from the river.
The Mexican restaurant was crowded and noisy. Cheerful voices drowned each other out, greetings called out across tables as patrons arrived and servers recognized their guests.
“Cisco!” A tall man, thin and stately, spread his arms wide. “Your table awaits, as requested. I take it this is the young lady your mother tells me you’re so fond of?”
Cisco coughed. “Please, Dad. Not tonight?”
Mr. Madera smiled, and Penny was struck by his resemblance to his son. Both had grins that reached their eyes, sparkling in a way that was utterly contagious. Penny couldn’t help but be charmed when he took her hand and bowed low.
“Of course, Francisco. Your table awaits.” He stepped back and Cisco all but dragged Penny past the cacophony of the restaurant, toward a set of narrow stairs.
“This way.” He led her up past the second floor and opened the door to their destination.
The restaurant rooftop glowed with tiny lights strung overhead. Beyond, the city lights sparkled to life one by one as the sky faded from orange to purple, the change reflecting on the rippled surface of the river. Cisco drew his phone out and tapped the screen before slipping it away. Music drifted from a nearby speaker.
Penny eyed the single table draped with a red cloth, two candles flickering in the center beside a carafe of water and two glasses. Unable to find her voice, she allowed Cisco to tug her closer, then draw her seat out.
Once he was done, he sat across from her. Worry darkened his features. “Do you like it?” he asked nervously.
Penny giggled. “It’s incredible. Cisco, I never knew you were such a romantic!”
“It runs in the family.” Cisco winked, then poured her a glass of water.
Penny gulped it down, trying unsuccessfully to settle the butterflies in her stomach. “Do I get to meet your dad later?”
Cisco groaned. “I knew you’d ask that. You can, but only if you make me a promise.”
Penny nodded. “What?”
“Whatever lame, embarrassing story he comes up with about my childhood, you can’t tell anyone.” He leaned closer. “Swear it on your life.”
“I swear.” Penny grinned. “Maybe one day you can Skype my parents and learn all my childhood secrets.”
“I’d love that,” he replied, his easy grin reappearing.
The rooftop door scraped open and a head popped through. “You ready, Cisco?”
“Sure.” Cisco quickly nudged the glasses to one side to make room for the tray laden with small plates of food. He helped the waiter set them on the table, each one holding a different dish.
Penny eyed the small yellow balls topped with salsa. “These look safe,” she commented dryly.
“Don’t worry,” Cisco told her, grinning. “I told them you’re from the land of no spice. They went easy on the chili and jalapenos.”
“Hey, Australia has spice!” Penny protested. “I just don’t eat any of it.”
Cisco pushed the plate she’d chosen toward her. “It’s a polenta stack. Go on, you’ll love it. I promise.”
She did, indeed, love it. The warm polenta and cool, crisp tomato were simple but expertly combined.
Cisco leaned in and scooped a little on his
fork. “I just asked for a whole bunch of tasting plates. I hope that’s okay? I figured that way, if you don’t like something, there’s plenty of other things to choose from.”
Penny eyed the dozen small plates. “There’s no way we can eat all of this.”
Cisco laughed. “Wanna bet?”
“Okay, you probably could.” Penny sipped her water. She looked up when the door opened again.
“Almost forgot.” Cisco’s father brandished a bottle of wine and two glasses. He set them on the table and bowed low. “Can’t have our guests of honor getting thirsty, can we?”
“Forgot my ass,” Cisco mumbled.
Penny stifled a giggle at that. “Thank you, Mr. Madera.”
The man’s eyes opened wide. “How did you know my name?” he gasped, one hand to his chest in shock.
“Uh…” Penny looked at Cisco.
“Ignore him,” he told her. “He’s the king of dad jokes.”
“It is a crown I wear with pride.” Mr. Madera bowed again, then snatched up a plate from the tray and held it out to Penny. “Go on, eat. You do not want the fish to go cold.”
Penny took the plate he offered and set it before her. She took a tentative bite of the spiced fish, then closed her eyes in delight. “Oh, wow. This is what I’ve been missing all my life?”
“I told you I’d convert you,” Cisco announced proudly. He shooed his father away. “Off with you, old man. You’re cramping our style.”
“Fine, fine!” Madera backed away, then scooted back. “You know, I remember my own father trying to insert himself into my dates with your mother. ‘Franco,’ he would say, ‘this woman is—”
“Dad!” Cisco hissed. “Go already. Please?”
“Fine.” Mr. Madera spun on a heel and headed for the door. “Yell if you need anything!”
“Go!” Cisco threw his hands in the air when they were finally alone again. “I knew this was a terrible idea.”
“It wasn’t.” Penny leaned over to touch her fingers against his. “Your dad is hilarious, I love him already.”
