“In your dreams.” George made a dismissive gesture. “Even if I had said cards, why would I wager them against you? What’s going to be your bet? Even that beat-up roller skate you call a car isn’t worth as much as a single one of those cards.”

He had a point, but I also knew exactly what would tempt him. “I have a ticket to the launch party in NYC.”

“Keep talking.” He was playing it cool, but the light in his eyes gave him away.

“Play me in the new tournament style they just announced. Best two out of three.” I liked this format because it was newer and therefore less likely that George would have already found a hack. “Bet me those cards.”

“I might think about it.” His smug smile had my fists clenching.

“You do that.” I finally gave in and slapped the booster packs down on the counter for him. “Now how many did you need?”

“Fifteen from the latest set.” He pulled out a gleaming credit card. “Why are you suddenly so interested in rares? They hardly fit your…style.”

“None of your business.” It was, however, Milo’s business, and he was undoubtedly going to have lots to say about me trying to goad George into a game. In fact, it might be better simply not to tell him yet. Wait to see if George actually took the bait.

At least that was how I attempted to rationalize things on the way to the hospital. I was a couple of minutes late, and Milo was already in costume, sitting in the waiting area with Kellan, laughing at a story Jasmine was telling while April sat on his other side. Watching him with my friends gave me a strange pang. I loved seeing him integrated into our little group, loved him getting better taste in friends, but I also knew how much more it was going to suck if things didn’t work out between us. It wouldn’t be only myself who was let down.

“Hey.” Milo noticed me hovering. “I was getting worried about you. You better change fast.”

His concern felt almost as good as a hug and I smiled at him. “Will do.”

When I emerged in my costume a few minutes later, Milo and Kellan were deep in conversation with April.

“Jasper! You know how Mom doesn’t want me doing any crowded big events? She was going to make me skip the revue at the college despite us having tickets. But Kellan has a work-around.”

“Tech rehearsal tomorrow night. Full run-through. Limited audience. I can get you guys in, get you seats away from anyone else.”

“I might have already said yes.” Milo gave me a crooked smile that melted me even more than his earlier concern. “Your sister is pretty persuasive.”