He’d attached a picture to the message and…uh. I had questions. Wow. That’s a toga, I typed. At least, like Jasper had promised, the guy’s junk and pecs were well covered. And he was indeed a good-looking guy—dark hair like me, Mediterranean complexion, and muscle. But that was most definitely a toga with all sorts of fancy gold accents. Wide gold belt with a seashell for a buckle. Tall gold sandals. This was going to be so embarrassing.

Jasper’s reply came quickly, and considering the conversation was thus far centered on my coming humiliation, it was sad how fast my pulse raced, even before I saw the message. It is. There’s also a scepter. And his friend the Octopus Oracle is on a lot of cards too.

My groan echoed off my narrow walls. A talking octopus? Now you’re just messing with me. Maybe I’d rather be one of the frog guys like you.

Remember you said that, he replied. And I smiled. God only knew why, but I smiled, maybe for the first time since losing Bruno’s cards. This was going to be so bad. Dorky costume. Public audience. But it was Jasper, and we were talking for the first time in almost eight years, and I was enjoying that far more than was smart. I needed to be careful, make sure that I didn’t lose anything else that I couldn’t afford to part with.

Chapter Five

Jasper

“It’s got to be here somewhere.” I pulled my coat tighter around myself as I dug through boxes. My parents’ detached garage was freezing, but I had no choice but to keep looking. Wednesday was only two days away, and thanks to a heavy class schedule, this Monday night visit was my only chance to grab the garb before then.

“What exactly is it you’re looking for?” My mom poked her head in the door. She’d put on a colorful knit hat and scarf for the trek to the garage, and I felt bad for making her come outside.

“A box of stuff Ronnie left before he and everyone else headed to London at winter break.”

“We’re holding stuff for Ronnie?” She gestured at the packed space that held remnants of five childhoods, various seasonal hobbies, holiday decor, and the usual assortment of bikes and yard-work tools.

“And Jaida,” I admitted. Jaida and Ronnie had both needed to stash stuff before the big London trip, and I’d figured three more boxes wouldn’t make that much difference. “But not much. Just cosplay stuff. And I need it for Wednesday.”

“Oh? Did you finally find your prince?” Smiling, she waggled her eyebrows at me.