Page 121 of Secret Spark

Realization dawned across Joan’s face. “Perry! You still haven’t turned in all your shit to the Supers?”

“Per,” Mark said. “You promised.”

“I’m working on it,” Perry said.

Their deal with the Supers ended up being conditional upon the three of them turning in their Villain gear and computers and only using the warehouse to park the food truck. Mark and Joan had done their part months ago. It hadn’t been easy, but it was a necessary concession to wipe the slate clean.

“Damn it,” Mark said. “You could mess this whole agreement up.”

“I’m working on it,” Perry gritted between his teeth.

“Why don’t you work on profit and loss statements?” Joan said. She tossed a cleaning rag at him.

“I am.”

Mark and Joan shook their heads and hopped out the back. Sadie gave him a look that saidTry harderand stepped onto the curb. She’d learned Perry did things when he was good and ready.

Every time she saw the exterior of the truck, happiness welled in her chest. The bold colors, the sharp magenta-and-azure logo she’d designed, the Progress Pride flags and rainbows painted here and there. She was so proud of their hard work, and glad to support the woman she loved.

Zee ambled away from the small crowd at the line of food trucks. They shared a hello with Sadie. “I like the new hair,” she said.

“Thanks.” Zee ran a hand over their shaggy raven-black ’do.

The two of them never acknowledged Sadie knew Zee was Race, and that was why they randomly showed up to have short, awkward conversations with the former Villains. She liked Zee, and got the sense the Super liked her.

“Checking on us again?” Mark said.

“Just here for lunch,” Zee said. “I heard your sandwiches aren’t half bad.”

“They’re great,” Sadie said. “Our hot sandwiches are toasted and topped with cold toppings to give them a little extra crunch. A local bakery supplies us with the sourdough bread. You can have the option of vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free, too. We use a panini press for those so there’s no cross-contamination.”

“We’d be happy to sell you a sandwich,” Mark said. “At full price.”

Joan snorted, and even Zee looked slightly amused. “Of course,” they said. Their gaze settled on the sky-blue food truck. “Perry didn’t want to chat with me?”

“He’s watching the truck,” said Mark.

“Funny how he never seems to be available when I’m around.”

“So weird,” Joan said, making an exaggerated shrug.

Sadie gently pushed one of her arms down. “We have the necessary paperwork in order if you want to take a look.”

Zee’s smirk deepened. “Food truck permits are a bit low on my priority list.”

“We’ve done everything right thanks to Sadie,” Joan said, squeezing Sadie against her. “We really couldn’t have done this without her.”

They shared a smile that spoke of the gratitude and love and respect they had for each other. Because man oh man, her love for Joanie Maloney grew more every day.

“She knows all about branding and customer service,” Mark said. “And licenses and shit like that.”

Joan grinned at her. “It’s good practice. Sadie’s going to open a coffeehouse. She makesthe bestcoffee drinks.”

“Once Hot and Cold is stable,” Sadie amended.

Leaning slightly toward Zee, Joan said, “She’s doing it with her own money.”

“That’s good,” Zee said.