Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free Read Online Free PDF Page B

objects, turning them over and pressing them together as if trying to fit puzzle pieces.
    I patted him on the back. “I’ll bring you some food.” I took the map printout from Mattie with a quick nod of thanks and left the room.
    I gently closed the door behind me and stood for a second, my hand resting on the doorknob.
    â€œYou okay?” Dawn asked behind me.
    I turned, and put on my best smile. “Do bears bare? Do bees be?”
    Dawn’s eyes narrowed. “Uh huh. Want to try that again?”
    â€œWeren’t you making second breakfasts?”
    â€œWeren’t you about to tell me what’s wrong?”
    â€œReally, I’m fine—” I said.
    â€œSure. Get your stubborn man butt over here.” Before I could protest, Dawn pulled me into a hug.
    I gave a resigned sigh, and returned the hug as much to humor her as anything. But as I stood there holding her, being held, tears leaked out.
    â€œI understand, you know,” Dawn said. “Well, kind of. It wasn’t easy, watching Dad fade away.” Her own voice took on the edge of tears. “But at least your father is healthy. And you have Vee to help read his memories. And potions, and all kinds of real magic I don’t even know about yet. I’m sure you’ll find a way to help him.”
    I kneaded my fingers into her shoulder in acknowledgment, then took a deep breath of her candy and coconut scent, exhaled slowly, and stepped back.
    â€œAbout our date today—” I began.
    â€œOh no,” Dawn said. “Don’t go trying to sneak your way out of our plans now, it was hard enough agreeing on a time to begin with.”
    â€œThat’s because you have twenty-seven jobs.”
    â€œI only have one job, sir,” Dawn said. “And I’m well on my way to being named café queen in charge of making all the granola, thank you very much. Who needs more than that?”
    â€œWell, you have the animal shelter, and reading Tarot, I consider those jobs. And—”
    â€œYeah, yeah.” Dawn put her hands on her hips in a dramatic manner. “And don’t forget that I keep the streets safe at night as Awesome Girl, too.”
    â€œHey!” I said. “You’re not supposed to tell me that! You’re supposed to protect me by keeping me ignorant of your identity. Well, until I’m kidnapped to use against you that is.”
    â€œDamn. You’re right. And you would look adorable in a short skirt and wet T-shirt, tied up and oh-so-helpless, waiting for rescue.” Dawn got a mischievous grin. “Hmmm. If you don’t have something better planned, I think I have an idea of what we could do later.” She waggled her eyebrows at me.
    â€œI’m not sure I have a skirt that would work,” I replied.
    â€œAre you sure? Don’t lie on my account, I’m totally fine if you do. I seem to remember you wearing eyeliner and dangling earrings in high school.”
    â€œThat was the eighties, and it was cool,” I said, crossing my arms.
    â€œUh huh,” Dawn replied. “Well, I have plenty of skirts for you.”
    â€œAnd a superhero costume for yourself?”
    â€œAre you kidding?” Dawn said, thrusting out her chest and lifting her chin. “I have three.”
    I laughed. “Of course you do. Okay. The date is still on. But I’m not sure how long this thing with Sal will take.”
    â€œThat’s fine. I have an appointment with Dewanda anyway.”
    Dawn’s hair appointments were never a quick thing. There were no places close to home that knew how to deal with her natural hair and passion for colors, and the process itself was time consuming.
    â€œI forgot,” I said. “And you have the gig tonight. Are you sure—”
    â€œIt’ll be fine,” she said, and I caught that momentary flash of sadness I’d seen all week whenever the topic of her gig came up. Then she punched