Chapter 11
Eleven
-MILO-
I yawn and stretch my arms. I’ve had a restless night. I didn’t want to break Grayson’s heart because I’m not usually the bad guy, but this magic thing is way too much.
It’s weird. And it’s a mindfuck.
Grayson is snoozing, and I’m fighting off the urge to kiss him.
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He’s still sleeping when Summer shows up. There is no way she is going to pay his bail too. She’d like Grayson locked up forever just to keep him away from me. Even while I plead, she won’t budge.
I have no idea where my phone or credit card are. They disappeared with my clothes. So, I’ll hit Mum up for some cash to pay Grayson’s bail as soon as I leave. Plus, Mum has the spare key to my apartment.
The female cop at the front desk is giving me a creepy stare. I can’t understand why. If someone has no clothes it makes sense that the person who came to get them brought items from their own wardrobe.
And I like the pattern on the skirt I’m wearing. I’ve never seen Summer in it but the tartan design could be unisex. Though the lace top with the navy ribbon under the collar is a little fruity.
“You did this for an Instagram photo, didn’t you, Summer?”
She smirks. “You and Grayson went viral. Hashtag Coips.”
“Coips?”
“Clothing optional in public spaces. It’s a movement.” She beams. “I knew you were capable of a viral worthy stunt.”
The policewoman rolls her eyes. “Don’t let fame go to your head. No one wants to see you naked.”
I flex my bicep, keen to make her smile. She’s not as friendly as last night’s cop.
“Don’t push me, sunshine.” She glares and points to the exit.
We head out.
“Why didn’t you come and get me last night?” I ask Summer. “Didn’t they ring you?”
“Not ’til this morning. How did you end up naked?”
There’s no way to explain. I’m not sure I believe it myself, but I saw it all happen.
Grayson looked dejected when he knew I broke it off before it began. He had the haunting stare of a kid being left at an orphanage.
But seriously, how can I date someone who, at any moment, can produce a man-eating tiger just from a sneeze?
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-GRAYSON-
I’m still in the police cell and wrapped like a sweet-tempered nana.
“There’s been a complaint,” the policewoman says, eyeing me like I’ve committed an offense worse than public nudity.
Why is she grumpy? I wish the night duty cop was here.
“There’ll be a hearing,” she continues. “We’ll let you know the date. But I need to warn you anything you say from this point could be used against you.”
“What about Milo?”
“He is literally your partner in crime.”
A baby-boomer couple come into view. I don’t recognise either but it’s clear by their fangirl expressions, they know me.
She’s in a loose tie-dyed dress, and she’s not wearing a bra. At her age, perhaps she should. Her bald male companion has a peace sign on his t-shirt and white cotton pants. Both wear sandals.
“They’ve paid your bail.” The officer opens the prison door.
“Thank you,” I tell the elders. “But who are you?”
“We’re members of Coips,” says the woman. They enter the cell.
“What’s Coips?” I ask.
“Clothing optional in public spaces,” the officer replies. “It seems you’re a movement.” She wanders away, snickering.
“Yes,” says the man. “We’re champion naturists.”
“I didn’t know there was a competition,” I say.
“Fashion is for the faint-hearted,” the woman replies.
“Really?” I hope they don’t strip.
“I’m Burt. And this is Rose.”
She winks. I giggle. Yet after Milo dumped me, I find two elders praising me for advancing their cause, a welcome change.
But I still have to go to court. How will I afford a lawyer? Without my wand, I can’t conjure one up. And Penelope can’t be trusted to help me out.
“How did you know I was here?” I ask the elders.
“Your friend contacted us,” Rose replies.
“My friend?”
“Miles,” Burt responds.
“You mean Milo.”
“Yes, Milo,” Rose says.
Milo considered my wellbeing. It’s a slither of hope even if he did outsource my rescue.
I’m feeling numb. Love. Magic. Tigers. Dogmen. Milo. This is all too much.
I could cry while my heart shatters, or laugh at the absurdity of it all.
“Grayson,” Rose says. “Milo wanted us to tell you that his clothes were folded neatly on his bed with his phone on top.” She moves closer. “Is that a coded message? Does that mean he’s taking naked selfies?” Rose is drooling.
The thought of nudie Milo pics appeals to me. Rose’s deviate dribbling does not.