“I turned and found Dionysus standing there, still in his black suit.Walk with me,” he said.Where to?” I asked suspiciously.Just to the campfire,” he said. “I was beginning to feel better, so Ithought I would talk with you a bit. You always manage to annoy me.”Uh, thanks.”

“Do you feel better?” I asked Sam as he opened the door to the Volkswagen for me.“Yes,” he said. He was still a terrible liar.“Good,” I said. I was still a fantastic one.”

“Thank you,” I said, turning around a little so I could talk to him. “You’re a good friend.”“I know,” he said, as he tightened his hold around me. I leaned back against his chest, resting against him. “Beckett, I–,” I started to say, but he stopped me.“Shh,” he said. “You don’t need to say anything. Just watch the fireworks.”

“Would you like me to drive so you can manage your social life?” I asked. It came out much snippier than I’d intended, but he was oblivious to mytone, still looking at his newest message.“No, no, I’m fine.”“We’d better not get in an accident because you’re busy sexting and driving,” I said. He burst out laughing”

“He turns back to the fountain so his eyes aren't on me anymore, but I think he's still watching. "I'd ask you, you know. If I was allowed. I'd ask you a thousand times until you'd tell me. But you won't let me ask.”

“I will deny I ever said this, of course, but the gods need heroes. They always have. Otherwise we would not keep you annoying little brats around."I feel so wanted. Thanks.”