Fairest (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale #2)(6)

Mina bit her lip and looked down in embarrassment. “I’m okay now. The shock of almost being hit by the car stunned me for a bit. I’m fine…really,” she added lamely.

Nan’s eyebrow rose, firmly stating she didn’t quite believe her. “Whatever.” She opened the car door and stepped out onto the curb. “I guess we won’t need a ride after all.”

Brody answered, “It’s fine. I can give you a lift anywhere you want to go.” His wet hair had almost dried from the sun. Mina wanted to reach out and touch the semi-wet locks, but pulled back. She briefly wondered if he’d been as confused and conflicted as she was lately.

Mina pulled on the backdoor door handle, but it didn’t budge; it was still locked. She couldn’t believe it, child-proof locks.

Brody turned his head to stare at Mina who was latched onto the door handle waiting to leap out of the car as soon as he unlocked it. He didn’t. He watched and waited for what seemed like an eternity, before asking, “What are you doing this weekend?” Even though the question was obviously directed at Mina, it was Nan who answered from the sidewalk.

“We are going to see Dead Prince Society. I suppose you wouldn’t know who they are, would you?”

Brody’s eyes glanced at Mina before answering. “Yeah, I know them. The lead singer is my cousin.”

“WHAT! I can’t believe it! Valdemar is your cousin. That is about the coolest thing ever. Can you get us autographs?” Nan was in rock heaven.

He looked toward Nan’s dancing form, as she jumped around, waving her hands in anticipation. Brody’s mouth turned upwards before looking at Mina again in the backseat. “I’ll do you one better. Let me drive you there Saturday and I’ll get you backstage passes.”

Even more screaming erupted from Nan, causing a nearby flock of birds to fly off. Mina covered her ears in surprise. Brody winced in pain.

“YES, yes, holy mackerel, yes.” She began to sing out loud the chorus to their latest hit song, Beauty’s Dead.” She quickly became oblivious to Mina’s plight at being still locked in the car.

“What about you, Mina?” Brody asked, his voice growing softer.

Her fingers reluctantly let go of the door handle. She couldn’t bring herself to look him in the eyes.

“All right,” she whispered.

What was wrong with her? This is what she had been waiting for, a chance to reunite with Brody, to see if what they had was real, or if it was a product of the Story’s manipulation. As much as she longed for Brody, there was the remote possibility that without the Story’s interference, he may not feel the same way about her again. Was she ready to try again and risk losing him? YES!

Brody blinked in surprise. Apparently she had spoken aloud and with force.

“Okay then, it’s settled.” He reached for the automatic lock and pushed the button, releasing Mina from the backseat.

Before she stepped out, she asked him, “Would you have unlocked the door if I had said no?”

“Possibly. We won’t really know, now will we? Since you didn’t-- say no, that is.” His lips pressed together and he smiled crookedly. He touched his forehead and squeezed his eyes. With a slight shake of his head, he started the car and waited as Mina exited the backseat. She could tell that he was struggling with something inside himself, some memories. It only made Mina’s heart break for him a little bit more.

“Where should we meet you?” Nan smiled and leaned in the opened window.

Brody looked at Mina when he spoke, “How about I pick you up at--”

“Nan’s condo!” Mina interrupted, knowing exactly what Brody was going to suggest. She learned her lesson the first time; she wanted to keep him far away from her mother. Mina didn’t want any more arguments or “I told you so’s,” in case things didn’t go her way again.

Brody frowned, but entered Nan’s address in his phone anyway. “I’ll pick you up at six.”

The sound of a motorcycle revving made Mina’s head snap up. The timing was inconceivable. Jared was once again on his black motorcycle across the street. He revved the engine again, intentionally drawing attention to himself. Mina glared at him and he shook his head slowly, telling her no.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. There was no way he knew what she was thinking of doing? He couldn’t have overheard their conversation about going to the concert. Or could he?

Angry and frustrated, she put on her most flirtatious smile, which probably looked awkward and pained. But Mina did her best to impersonate Savannah. “Oh, I can’t wait. It will be so much fun.” Mina smiled and stuck her chin up in the air, in a challenge to Jared, daring him to stop her.

To show his displeasure he hit the gas and front brakes, causing a very long circular skid of rubber along the pavement as he did a one eighty and tore off down the road.

Nan wrinkled her nose at the smell of burning rubber. Brody waved before driving away.

“What was that?” Nan asked accusingly.

“What was what?” Mina said in her most innocent voice.

“Oh, you can’t fool me.” She switched to a high-pitched voice, “Oh, golly gee whiz, Brody. It will be so much fun. Can’t wait.” Nan wiggled her head back and forth making her blonde hair swish in an exact parody of Savannah. Mina was momentarily stunned by how close the similarity was.