Even so, I would like to see my guy. My fingers tapped at the keyboard.
Two hours and then I teleport there and kidnap you.
I chuckled and set the phone on the table. Jack grabbed it, turned it off, and pocketed it.
“Hey! What was that about?”
“I’m off my shift, and my reservation on this room is about up. So when the clubbers head in here, I want to see you and Theiya on the dance floor.”
The light elf blinked. “In what universe do you think I’m dancing?”
Jack tsked. “Fine. You can stand there in judgement while Allis and I dance. Looking awkward is up to you, but right now, it’s time to celebrate. And after a bit, we’ll go to The Deliberate Squirrel, and you can buy ten more books, Thei. Fair?”
“Acceptable.”
I laughed. “I’ll drink to that.”
My eyes strayed to Jack’s pocket, holding my phone. I wasn’t worried about Cendric. He’d just contact me on my earvine. But Kiran’s text had just been weird. Even for drunk Kiran.
“Al, you coming?”
I looked up to see Theiya and Jack standing near the doorway.
“Sorry! Be right there.” I flashed them a smile and stood, brushing off my dress.
Tomorrow could handle its own trouble.
*waves* Thanks so much for reading! I’d love to hear what you thought of the story. Feel free to leave your thoughts in a review on Amazon and Goodreads. Book two, Wish You Weren’t Here, is on its way soon, with more to come! If you want more info and fun reads, sign up for my newsletter, like my Facebook page, and join The Marvelous Misfits: Readers of Janeen Ippolito, my exclusive reader group for chill times, behind the scenes info, story snippets from WIPs, and giveaways! Plus live videos from yours truly that might involve random dancing.
And if you’re in the mood for steampunk fantasy with adventure, romance, and snark, check out my Ironfire Legacy series, published by Uncommon Universes Press:
Lawless: The Ironfire Legacy Book 1
Priceless: An Ironfire Legacy Novella Book 1.5
Faithless: The Ironfire Legacy Book 2
Have a fantastic day!
About the Author
Janeen Ippolito writes steampunk fantasy and urban fantasy, and creates writing resources, including the reference book World Building From the Inside Out and the creative writing guide Irresistible World Building For Unforgettable Stories. She’s also an experienced teacher, editor, author coach, book marketer, and is the leader of Uncommon Universes Press, a small traditional science fiction and fantasy publishing house. Plus, she cohosts the podcast Indie Book Magic. In her spare time, Janeen enjoys sword-fighting, reading, pyrography, and eating brownie batter. Two of her goals are eating fried tarantulas and traveling to Antarctica.
Acknowledgements
Thanks to first, foremost, and always to my great Savior, who came for the weakest.
Another huge load of thanks to my husband Stephen. Your kindness and support are amazing.
Much appreciation to my faithful alpha readers Sarah Delena White, Hannah Keeler, and Bethany Jennings. You help me get drafts finished.
Huge shout out to beta readers: Sophia Heotzler, Brittany Gnizak, H.L. Burke, H.A. Titus, Rachel Harbour, Kate Allen, and Anne Jones. I really appreciate your time and thoughtful comments!
Vast quantities of gratitude to editor Sarah McConahy. Here’s a toast to another book! And it even references Terrible Towels.
Much thanks to Rachel A. Marks for a fantastic cover. The raven is all your fault, and I couldn’t be happier about it.
Additional appreciation to Sarah Delena White for the proofreading and ebook formatting, and Julia Busko for the print typesetting.
Special shout out to Sophia Heotzler, Julia Busko, and RJ Conte for help on character personalities.
All the acknowledgements to the city of Pittsburgh, one of the best cities in the world. I loved making it my playground for some urban fantasy fun!
Finally, especial gratitude to my marvelous misfit readers. Y’all are an amazing bunch, and it’s a joy to keep sending stories your way.
If Wishes Were Curses Page 24